Time Away in Tennessee

Our visit to Pigeon Forge was a great way to relax and unwind. Although there is so much to do there that you could need a vacation after your vacation.

We enjoyed a lot of time at the pool at our resort and visiting Christmas shops and bookstores. We went go-carting at one of the many area tracks and amusement areas.

The kids had never been to a drive-up restaurant where it is delivered to your car on a tray, so we stopped at the A & W Rootboor American Drive-In.

The best part of our trip was the Show "Country Tonite", which is rated the Best Live Country Music Show in American. The talent there was amazing. I wondered why they weren't in Nashville. We had second row seats and the cost was only for five of us. It was filled with comedy, music, and dancing. It was wonderful and fun for the whole family.

Quick Tips:

Find your way around on some of the back roads as the main drag is very busy.

There is a public park and parking area where you can park and catch the trolley to Dollywood and you won't have to pay parking at the amusement park.

Gatlinburg is very close so if you want to see both, you really don't have to stay in both places. Pick one to stay in and see them both.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is not possible unless you want to go somewhere very close as it is a long way from one end of the strip to the other.

Driving is the best way, but traffic can be very congested.

The trolley system seems to work well too.

Best Things Nearby:
Dollywood is close by as well as shopping, theaters, restaurants and all the fun and excitement of Pigeon Forge. The Old Mill and Restaurant is very close, but don't go there unless you're hungry.

Best Things About the Resort:
One of the perks was to flick a switch to have heat blow in the bathroom so you can dry out your towels and bathing suits quickly. Another feature was the whirlpool tub. The pool had a covered picnic area for a little shade. There was an adult swim time from 10-12pm which made it nice for adults to have a little bit of no splash time. The activities were great and they had a large selection of movies to rent. Indoor, outdoor, child, and whirlpool were all available.

Resort Experience:
This is a nice facility. The living room was large with one of the couches turning into a bed. The TV, VCR, and CD player were enjoyed by our children. The dining area and kitchen were small but very nice. Everything was tastefully decorated.

The one bedroom did not have a TV but the master bedroom and bath were large with a ceiling fan and whirlpool bath. A full length mirror was on the back of the door.

There were picnic areas with swings and grills. A small putting practice green and playground. The outdoor pool and child's pool was great. The indoor pool and whirlpool were excellent and near the activity center.

The movies were in the check-in area, which closed at 8pm, as was the only key to the exercise room which is the only inconvenience we experienced.

• Unit Type: 2 Bedroom
• Activities: Excellent
• Amenities: Excellent
• Unit Satisfaction: Excellent
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Excellent

The kids had never eaten at a drive-in restaurant, so we pulled in and ordered. The waitress brought out hot-dogs, fries, chicken sandwiches, and, of course, root beer in a frosty mug. She attached the tray to your car window and we had a fun time. When finished eating, you push the tray pick-up button and you're off to your next stop. The staff was friendly and quick. They also had picnic tables if you didn't want to eat in your car.

Our 12-year-old was free and teenagers are a cheaper price. For five it cost $83 for second row seats.

There was comedy (a man dressed and singing "I Feel Like A Woman" by Shania Twain). The dancers were fantastic and the singing was beyond compare. They had a list of songs from past hits like "Crazy" to new songs and artists. Many sounded just like them. I had to wonder why some of these artists were not in Nashville. Elvis even made an appearance although I didn't get his scarf. This show has been voted "Best Live Country Show in America" year after year by the CMAA.

It is a star-studded, high-energy, non-stop performance. You can call them at 1-800-792-4308 or visit this website.

They also have a theatre in Branson as they had a performer that was recently playing there. It's ranked as the "Most Award Winning Show in the Smokies" and I can see why. They have shows at 3 and 8pm with something for everyone.

They had a place for you to bungee jump, although we did not try it. The bumper boats are in an area near the smaller go-cart track, so you can find something for all ages.

There is an indoor video arcade but the main thing is the Big Woody Go Carts. This is a great track. Go-carts are available in one seat or two but there is a height restriction for driving on this track. It's a large facility with a lot to offer. Discount tickets are available. The kids had a great time here.