What-To-Do Issue 1 2025-2026 - Magazine - Page 74
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Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge, a
family-friendly destination 昀椀lled with unique
shopping, restaurants, amusements, and
live music. Located just off the Pigeon Forge
Parkway on the bank of the Little Pigeon
River, The Island offers free parking and
ample opportunities to explore, taste and play.
Eat
Shop
Prepare to be mesmerized by The Island’s Show
Fountains as water and light are perfectly choreographed
and in sync with 14 different pieces of music. Take a
seat in one of 200 rocking chairs and watch as the water
dances before your eyes and into the sky. Using more
than 89 vertical nozzles to create lively movement, this
state-of-the-art fountain creates graceful water sprays
that swirl to the music. This free, must-see attraction in
Pigeon Forge lasts for 30 minutes and begins at the top
of each hour from 10am to 11pm.
Amusing rides are also found at The Island. From the
top of The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, riders have an
amazing view of the Great Smoky Mountains! Have a seat
in an enclosed gondola that will take you 200 feet above
the ground in order to see the entire island at once. Other
rides and games include: bumper cars, a mirror maze, and
even the 7D Dark Ride Adventure where every sense will
be utilized in this epic game. With the purchase of a 2-day
all-inclusive pass, you can ride the rides as much as you
want in a 48-hour span. Get the upgrade to also play at
The Island Ropes Course with the free-fall Quick Jump.
Visitors love some of the interactive attractions such
as an escape room, Parrot Mountain, and the Alcatraz
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East Crime Museum. At the latter, you’ll learn about historic crimes and the science of crime-fighting. Many
artifacts from notorious acts are on display including
vehicles driven by Ted Bundy and O.J. Simpson.
When hunger and thirst strike, step into one of The
Island’s restaurants. At Margaritaville, a cool, island vibe
awaits patrons with bright tropical colors and complementary fare. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen features
Paula’s Southern cuisine served family style. Inside, the
dining area is tiered so everyone can see the fountains as
they dine. You can also visit the Timberwood Grill to sink
your teeth into a juicy bison burger or tender “fall-offthe-bone” baby back ribs. There are also establishments
Play
Stay
on The Island at Pigeon Forge that serve interesting
cocktails, craft beers, desserts, and snacks. You won’t go
hungry here!
For adults, a visit to a distillery or brewery should
definitely be on the agenda. Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the US and features the
Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn. Right next door is Yee-Haw’s
Pigeon Forge taproom. New brews are always being concocted, so be on the lookout for something different to
try each time you visit.
You can shop eclectic stores for creative and
unique gifts, toys, food items including jerkies and hot
sauces, clothing, and cool things for the home and
garden. Decadent fudge from The Fudgery is a great
gift for house and pet sitters back home, and The
Island Trading Post offers unique items that could be
great gifts or a personal memento of your vacation.
At Build-A-Bear, your child will delight in creating a
new (stuffed) best friend to take home. Stop by Parrot
Mountain’s satellite store to take home a memorable
photo of you and some beautiful birds from the tropics.
Families love The Island at Pigeon Forge for all that it
has to offer. Come discover it for yourself.
