If you’re looking for a road trip, or a getaway weekend during the holidays; I can’t say enough about the Pigeon Forge area. As you all know, I’m a huge fan of Disney. One of the top reason I love visiting Disney World is the friendly and kind atmosphere. You always see smiling faces, and the customer service is like no other. Wellllll that was until I went to Pigeon Forge. I can’t get over how friendly everyone was. The welcomes were genuine, and the vibe was pure kindness. Everyone was so willing to help show us around and offer helpful suggestions about the area. I was truly amazing with the hospitality!
I’m going to quickly break my travel guide down. Most of the below is what we actually did, and a couple of things are suggestions. We couldn’t do it all while we were there, but I’ve added these “suggestion” items to the list for next time. Here we go!
Stay:
Margaritaville Island Hotel– It was by far the most welcome atmosphere I’ve received entering a hotel. The service was excellent, and everyone seemed happy to be there.
photo credit The Island Hotel
photo credit The Island Hotel
photo credit The Island Hotel
photo credit The Island Hotel
We stayed in the Presidential King Deluxe. The living room area gave us space to hang out during the morning while getting ready, and the bathroom was huge. The last few places I have been, the hotel rooms were so tiny. It was a treat to walk in, and see a room with so much space. Megan and I both had our own closet! The fireplace was a nice bonus. We cranked it up every night while winding down, and getting ready for bed. I would recommend a River View. MK’s room had one, and it was beautiful. It was a nice little spot to have your coffee in the morning when we weren’t rushing out.
I was also impressed with the Penthouse Suite pricing. If you are looking to take a big family vacation, or bachelorette weekend, I think this would be a great option. I’ve attached the link here for you to view.
The hotel is located on “The Island.” The best way I can describe this property is part theme park, part mall, part eatery. Don’t head to this hotel for peace and quiet. This the place for you to get out walk about, eat, hang with friends and family, listen to good music, enjoy the mountain, and maybe do a little shopping. They play music until around 10 ish, and there is always something going on. In the center were the dancing fountains, which really set the up beat vibe as you walk around.
But… if you do need to relax my suggestion is to go to the St. Somewhere Spa at the Island Hotel. Megan and I ended our trip with a Friday afternoon spent at the spa. I sorta consider myself a spa professional because I love to check them out when staying at hotels and I have to say this was a great spa experience. The service was wonderful and my massage and facial were top notch. I felt really relaxed and most importantly not rushed. Both of my therapists listened to my needs. My massage was very zen and peaceful. I went with the 90 min signature massage and express facial. The facial was the perfect addition to my 90 min massage.
I loved post massage they offered me a glass of wine, and a 10-15 min break between my services. The facility was clean, and had little extras like hand scrub at the sinks as well as light snacks in the relaxation room. Side note: I have to also say the spa slippers, and robes, were the most comfortable I’ve ever worn. I actually flipped the sandals over to see what brand they were to get them for people as christmas gifts haha!
Eat:
We ate at all the below places, and I would return to each one!
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen– The restaurant is beautiful, and large! Don’t let that scare you. There service is super quick, as everything is family style. Request a table by the window so you can look at the lights, and enjoy the view of the fountain. I almost thought I was in Vegas for a second, ha! I typically don’t like family style because the food is prepared in bulk, and usually not good. However, I have to say, everything I put in my mouth during dinner was delicious. The catfish might have been my favorite.
Bull Fish Grill– If you’re wanting a little nicer dining option, this is a great option. It’s a white table cloth, steak house vibe. I had the salmon, and it was very good.
Dolly’s Celebration! Dinner Show– For full transparency, I’ve never done a dinner show before. I have to say it was really fun! The food was great (souther style friend chicken, gravy, biscuit, ham, mashed potatoes etc.) and the acts were both entertaining and funny. I saw a few things I’ve never seen, even at a Cirque show. I also loved that they did a live nativity/ told the birth of Jesus, and the real reason for the season. I’m dying to take my nephew back to the Celebration! Christmas Show. It gave me all the holiday feels.
Brick and Spoon– This casual brunch spot has a new orleans twist with crawfish omelettes, and biegnets. It’s really laid back, and a good pick for a quick on the go breakfast.
What to do
Shopping:
The Island
Tanger Outlets
Mountain Drives:
Great Smokey Mountains National Park (visit Gatlinburg welcome center for directions in the area. They were super helpful!)
Cade’s Cove Loop– So beautiful, but warning, this 11 mile drive can take between 2 and 3 hours to complete. It’s one way, with no passing, so once you begin you are in it to win it.
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – We drove this all the way to the top, and it was beautiful. We were literally in the clouds at the top. I definitely recommend driving this trail. You can pull off at a bunch of places, and take pics, or hop on a trail for a bit.
Newfound Gap Road– You can see where FDR dedicated the national park in 1940.
Activities:
Christmas At Dolly Parton’s Stampede
Coaster & Shop At Goats On The Roof
Ole Smoky Moonshine At The Island
My overal opinion of Pigeon Forge, and the Margartiaville Island Hotel was 1. a little surprised at how nice everything was, and 2. how much fun we had. I can honestly say this trip changed my mind about East Tn. I am obviously partial to West TN because I was born and raised here, but after my 5 day experience in Pigeon Forge I can 100% say I will be back. I would absolutely recommend both the hotel, and area, to anyone looking for a trip full of fun activities in The Great Smokey Mountains!
xx
CTS
***Big thanks to Chrissy and the entire Marlin Hospitality Group Team for being the most amazing host. You truly made our experience stress free, and full of fun. And also thank you to Margaritaville Island Hotel for our wonderful stay. I can’t wait to come back!
1 Comment
Angel
November 12, 2018 at 9:39 pmWhat brand are those pajamas? I don’t see them in your shop area.