The Island in Pigeon Forge

By: Owen Claiborne & Jackie Kenney
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Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge for a family-friendly destination that is filled with unique shopping, restaurants, amusements, and live music. Located just off the Pigeon Forge Parkway on the bank of the Little Pigeon River, this offers free parking and ample opportunities to explore, taste and play.

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 or the Alcatraz 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-off-the-bone” baby back ribs. There are also establishments 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.

Eclectic stores are also found on The Island. You can shop 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 & Garden’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. For more information visit islandinpigeonforge.com.