Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country - and with good reason. The forest ridges run along the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, providing a home to myriads of animals and plants. As a wildflower preserve, the park has over 1,500 flowering plants that can be found all year, more than any other national park in North America. An array of activities may be had: camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, bicycling, horseback riding, and auto touring.

The Smoky Mountain Opry is a renowned musical variety show featuring the bright talents of comedians, dancers, singers, and musicians. There are high-flying musicians, awesome special effects, pyrotechnics, and laser lights, all wrapped in a package of musical delight. All genres are covered, from country to disco to Motown.

It is impossible to fully experience the majesty of the Smoky Mountains on foot. Fly Scenic takes to the air to give breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park via helicopter tours. In operation since 1972, Fly Scenic is well-seasoned and possesses an all-encompassing knowledge of the area. Any budget, time, and sightseeing desire is obliged, making Fly Scenic the ultimate attraction and best way to see the park. The helicopters can hold three to four passengers and has a per seat weight limit of 300 pounds. They are handicap-friendly.

If you're a lover of horses, excellent food, and a fun, interactive dinner show, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede is the place for you. Some of the best trick riders you'll ever see show their stuff while you dine on classic Southern fare like vegetable soup, barbecued chicken, and basted pork loin, but don't expect silverware! Everything is perfect for eating your with your hands and truly "finger-lickin' good." The show itself divides the diners for a rehashing of the Civil War, which is determined by horse races, pig races, and audience members. Dixie Stampede is perfect for people of all ages! Tickets can be purchased before or at the time of any show. Make sure to arrive early for a souvenir photo and to enjoy the country band at the Dixie Belle Saloon.

Featuring locally made wines from fresh apples, grapes, and other fruits, Apple Barn Winery is a great place to sample unique wines. Their prices are very reasonable, and they are more than happy to let you sample all of their wines. Make sure to pick up some wine glasses while you're visiting.

The effervescent Parrot Mountain and Gardens is located just outside Pigeon Forge and is a must for families, friends, locals, and visitors. The four acres harbor hundreds of tropical birds and thousands of trees, plants, and flowers. Guests are given the opportunity to interact directly with the beautifully plumed birds, petting and feeding them in the designated area. There is even a nursery where guests are welcome to hold the baby birds. Overlooking the Great Smoky Mountains is the deck, where lunch from the deli may be enjoyed while the birds serenade. A secret garden is lush with birds flying freely and pathways that display all of the gorgeous flowers.

Only two miles from Dollywood and minutes from Gatlinburg is the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine. You can mine for your own gems here, and also have them cut, polished, and mounted into jewelry. Afterwards, step into the free Rock and Fossil Museum.

Among the collection of distinctive Grand Majestic entertainment is the Soul of Motown. Emanating the vibrant energy of a live concert, Soul of Motown takes a trip down memory lane for all music lovers. Reviewers and guests alike rave about the show’s harmony, exquisite vocal talent, chart-topping hits, and great dancing moves. The Motown tribute emulates worldwide favorites, such as the Temptations, the Commodores, Smokey Robinson, the Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Aretha Franklin, and many more.