Spring Break 2019 was spent in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg. Spring Break 2018 was spent in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg. Spring Break 2017….are you starting to see a pattern here? We enjoy going year after year. There are so many things to do. You can spend as much money as you want or as little as you want and have a great time either way.
What we like to Do:
Oh goodness. Where to start? There is so much to do.
1. Mini Golf. We always end up playing mini golf at one of the many places to choose from. One of our favorites is Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf, where you ride the mining train to the first hole. There are two 18 hole courses to choose from. Crave Golf Club is one of the newer attractions in Pigeon Forge. There is an indoor and an outdoor course that put a new twist on how you play. They also offer mini bowling, which we’ve played the last two years. If you are craving (pun intended) something sweet, grab a milkshake or a treat from the candy store.
2. Parrot Mountain. Parrot Mountain is a sanctuary for birds that have been abused or just need a new home. We went for the first time in 2018, and it was a request to go again this year. I cannot say enough good things about it. It is such a neat experience. There are so many birds…parrots, toucans, peacocks. In one area, you can feed, hold, or pet several of the birds. We have not eaten there, but there is a snack bar area if you get hungry. If you are really liking these birds, there is a baby bird nursery where you can pet the babies and make one yours if you’d like.
3. Anakeesta. Anakeesta is a theme park located in the heart of Gatlinburg that offers several things to do. Start by riding the enclosed gondola [one of us was a little apprehensive, so we did this the first time up] or the open-air chair to Firefly Village where you can grab a bite to eat or do some shopping. Take a humbling stroll along the Memorial Forest Walk area and read about the devastating 2016 fires and the resiliency of the people of Sevier County. Sit in one of the many rocking chairs and take in the beauty of the mountains. If you have little ones [or big ones…the boys may have checked it out], they will love to play in the Treehouse Village Playground. Then, it’s on to the Tree Canopy Walk which is a series of sky bridges amongst the trees. This was especially cool in the evening. If you are feeling really adventurous, try the mountain coaster or zipline adventure. One of the great things about visiting Anakeesta is the admission price is good all day long, so if you want to go back for dinner or to watch the sunset you can definitely take advantage of the opportunity!
4. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Now, it has been a couple years since we went to the aquarium, but I’m sure we will make it back soon. I hear they have a new glass bottom boat adventure that we need to check out. I think my favorite part is the Penguin Playhouse. The penguins are just so cute and always look like they’re having fun.
5. Escape rooms. While there are several of these to choose from too, we opted for Kryptology Escape Rooms in Pigeon Forge. We did Da Vinci’s Challenge, and although we didn’t escape (bummer!) we had a blast. I felt like it was family friendly, and the staff was great!
6. The Island in Pigeon Forge. We always end up here, if for no other reason than to take in the sights and sounds. This is one place you can go that won’t cost you a dime, yet you will leave still having had a great time. The dancing fountains are so pretty to watch. There are so many stores to wander in and out of. The Beef Jerky Outlet, Sweet! candy store, and the Parrot Mountain store (because you know…we didn’t get enough of the birds when we went to Parrot Mountain) are some of the stores we always seem to go in. If you are wanting to spend some money, there are plenty of activities like The Island Ropes Course, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or the Island Mirror Maze to name a few.
7. Chimneys Picnic Area. Back to Gatlinburg for this one. This is one of our favorite areas, and also won’t cost you anything. It’s so serene, but full of rocks to climb on. Just be careful…they are slippery when wet!
Cades Cove, gem mining at the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine, racing at Nascar Speed Park, and taking the challenge at Magiquest are a few more of our favorite things to do.
Stay tuned for our favorite places to eat, shop, and hike.