Top 5 Pigeon Forge Cultural Tours: Experience Tennessee!
So, are you thinking about coming to Pigeon Forge for a vacation? You’ll definitely find thrilling attractions and gorgeous views here, but there’s also so much culture waiting for you to explore too! It’s almost as if Pigeon Forge isn’t just about roller coasters and dinner shows; that really is just the beginning because you get the chance to connect with the heritage and traditions of this awesome place and the surrounding Smoky Mountains too.
1. The Old Mill Square: A Glimpse into History
The Old Mill Square isn’t just a place, that much is obvious, it really represents the heart of Pigeon Forge. First, you have The Old Mill itself. Did you know it still grinds grain like they used to back in 1830? Very interesting, isn’t it? You know, you get to witness the water-powered millstones turning and learn about the historical role that this mill played in the community here.
As I was saying, The Old Mill Restaurant has this amazing Southern comfort food and the pottery andGeneral Store there show real, local craftsmanship too, it could be argued. Frankly, it’s one of the places you really feel connected to the area’s roots. By the way, what’s more cultural than biscuits and gravy?
What to Expect: The smell of freshly ground flour, demonstrations of the milling process, plus, like your grandmother’s Southern recipes at the restaurant, yet.
Why Visit: You want to step back in time and taste something yummy. Seriously, this is a landmark that blends history, cuisine, plus shopping just a little, isn’t it?
2. Dollywood: Celebrating Appalachian Culture
OK, Dollywood isn’t only about the thrilling rides, that should be pointed out. Dolly Parton’s theme park gives you a chance to really take a deep plunge into Appalachian culture. Artisan Valley features craftspeople demonstrating glass blowing, blacksmithing, and candle making; anyway, it’s pretty nice to see how it was all done ‘back when.’
Shows, in a way, feature traditional music and storytelling, it could be argued, so you see and experience how important the Smokies and its people really were to Dolly herself. The park really focuses on those connections. Seriously, there’s no better way to enjoy local entertainment and get insight into Southern traditions.
What to Expect: Talented artisans at work, lively music performances, and fantastic food, very. Be prepared to want to buy something from one of the shops. I mean it.
Why Visit: Looking to spend a whole day somewhere where you can celebrate the spirit of the Appalachians? This should be one of the first places that pops into your head and that are easily available very. You should visit to find a whole host of attractions!
3. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community: An Artistic Trail
Hey, wanna drive along a scenic 8-mile loop? Then the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg (pretty close to Pigeon Forge) would be something I would suggest you see first. The talented artists and craftspeople along this route make some pretty stunning pottery and paintings; they even do wood carvings and jewelry! Still, this is the biggest group of independent artisans in the nation; you may not believe this.
For example, as you visit each shop you get to watch the craftspeople at work, so too it’s almost a special, hands-on type experience, is that right? Talk to the artists. Frankly, they love discussing their techniques, so, that could mean more about the traditions passed down from their family members.
What to Expect: Seeing one-of-a-kind handmade items, talks with really talented artists and getting some pretty nice local flair with the art. Anyway, that can all happen!
Why Visit: You would want a gift that nobody else will own? I mean seriously, you want to support local art and see that art being created! Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community might be right up your street very. So, that could mean it is special for the whole family.
4. Titanic Museum Attraction: Stories of the Past
Yes, yes, it may sound like a weird selection, because Pigeon Forge is in Tennessee; however, this isn’t about local culture that you see here. Nevertheless, the Titanic Museum gives you the chance to experience a global event from our not-so-distant past. Instead, you step into a recreation of the ship and see more than 400 artifacts straight from the Titanic; I could go on and tell you some crazy facts and statistics, if you like. It’s amazing to learn the stories of those who were on board. It is that right?
So, it’s about people connecting with history in this very personal and moving fashion, or maybe that sounds very deep. In some respects, this really is an interactive museum where you receive a boarding pass with the name of an actual passenger; arguably, that shows that they took it seriously; as a matter of fact, you find out whether your assigned person survived, right?
What to Expect: Walking the hallways of the ship, very gently touching an iceberg and hearing true stories. Of course, you’ll get chills, possibly. It really is just a solemn experience.
Why Visit: The cultural significance can easily be seen at Titanic Museum, might be? It teaches us all about human triumph and tragedy, actually. This spot is special and educational in lots of respects. As a matter of fact, it brings a really big historic moment to life. Now, you’ll experience that.
5. Dinner Shows: A Taste of Southern Hospitality
So, there’s more than just cultural walks and museums when you travel. Don’t overlook the lively dinner shows that Pigeon Forge provides if you are up to tasting real Southern Hospitality too. Each venue, more or less, really represents a celebration of local themes; as a matter of fact, many of these dinner shows will involve local music!
As I was saying, the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud includes comedic feuding and stunts, now, right? Also, the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show will bring tales of adventure to life! You see, the Dolly Parton Stampede highlights equestrian skills with music that wows!
So, there’s the down-home food that comes to your table family-style; apparently, it is something that will stick in your head because it is tasty, isn’t it? Anyway, this kind of dining provides insight into how communities celebrate together.
What to Expect: Side-splitting comedy, amazing horsemanship, and hearty meals and, really, just plain old Southern charm is usually expected and provided very.
Why Visit: Who does not enjoy dinner? Then adding a dash of live performance makes it worth your while, still. It’s a tasty recipe for a relaxing fun time that anyone can savor very.