Best Time to Travel
July to September are peak tourist months, with families on vacation enjoying the hot, sunny days, and the popular attractions often having long lines. Events such as the Patriot Festival on the 4th July also bring extra visitors, eager to take in the live music and fireworks, and feast on the street food. The months of December to March often bring snow which covers the mountains and makes the town especially charming – not to mention a haven for skiers.
Not to Miss
Dollywood is one of the main attractions in the area – not only does it have a pulse-pounding selection of thrill rides, but it also boasts its very own water park, perfect for countering the hot Tennessee climate. In town you'll find events such as Winterfest in November, which is a great way to kick off the holiday season, with the turning on of the town's Christmas lights and other themed fun. Or you could enjoy the Harvest Festival from September to October, with pumpkin patches, fall displays, and raucous family events.
Getting around
An hour away by car is McGhee Tyson Airport, which is just outside of Knoxville. This small airport has flights arriving from major airports across the US, and there are car rental desks, taxis, and private shuttles available to get you to Pigeon Forge. The town is easy to reach by car, with well signposted and maintained mountain roads, and the city of Nashville about 3 and a half hours away. Once you're in town, there's no need to drive around, with a trolley service running up and down Main Street regularly, as well as shuttles to attractions such as Dollywood.
Cuisine
Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to sample hearty Southern cuisine, with a wide choice of restaurants serving soul food, American classics, steaks, and barbeque. Local dishes to try include fried catfish, biscuits and gravy, and crunchy, lip-smacking fried chicken. Southerners also have a well-developed sweet tooth, and come dessert time you'll often find decadent displays of freshly baked cobbler, and generous servings of ice cream.
Customs and etiquette
Good service in restaurants deserves a decent tip, and waiting staff in the area live off of their customers’ generosity. A tip of 15-20% on top of your bill is expected, with extra always appreciated for those who have gone out of their way to be welcoming. Pigeon Forge is a very friendly small town with old fashioned values, and you'll find that the locals are always willing to chat to visitors. In general, most places are laid back – this certainly isn’t a place to have airs and graces. Fast Facts
• Population: 5900
• Spoken languages: English
• Electrical: The USA runs on 120V, 60 Hz current
• Phone Calling Code: +1 865911
