If you love to explore the great outdoors, then you will love Cades Cove! It is one of the best places to enjoy all that the smokies has to offer with a rich, cultural history as well as some of the greatest places to see wildlife, go for a hike and explore history. Below, we highlight six favorite reasons why people love to explore nearby Cades Cove when visiting the Smoky Mountains.

Cades Cove Loop Road

An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles Cades Cove, offering motorists the opportunity to sightsee at a leisurely pace, with many places to pull over and take in the beaut. Cades Cove even offers special times when vehicles are not allowed, which provides the most incredible opportunity to ride bikes around the loop and truly see and hear the beauty and peace of this special place. It’s a wonderful way to spend a day in the Smokies for the whole family!

The Abundant Wildlife

Cades Cove is filled with wildlife that are frequently spotted roaming the open valleys and hidden trails. White-tailed deer, bear, turkey, and more share this beautiful landscape. Just remember that, while beautiful & peaceful, these are wild animals, so be sure to remain a safe distance away. If you suddenly see cars stopping and people getting out, then get your camera ready as something special has likely been spotted!

Primitive Churches

For the history buff inside you, Cades Cove offers so much to see. Scattered along the loop road are three churches, a working grist mill, barns, log houses, and many other faithfully preserved and restored 18th and 19th century structures. The three primitive churches were built by hand and offer a glimpse into the faith and architecture of the early settlers in the Smoky Mountains.

Historic Cabins

To truly get a sense of what life was like in the 1800’s, be sure to explore one of the historic cabins throughout Cades Cove! Imagine what life would have been like to live in one of these “homes” without water, electricity, heat, and other modern amenities. It is an incredible chance to get a glimpse into the early history of Smoky Mountain life.

Unique Barns

Another unique, historical site offered in Cades Cove are the cantilever barns. These 19th century barns are rare and feature an overhang for an upper loft. The lofts were used for storage of hay or other materials and the lower crib areas were where livestock was kept.This design allowed animals, which were normally outside, to stand underneath the overhang in order to get out of the sun or rain. The farm animals resting under the eaves in Cades Cove would have included pigs, hogs, chickens, goats and, in wintertime, cattle.

Beautiful Hikes

And finally, what would a visit to Cades Cove be without taking in a gorgeous hike? Cades Cove offers a variety of trails, but the most popular is a five-mile roundtrip trail to Abrams Falls. This moderately difficult hike features a winding path through thick forest, rhododendrons, and hemlock opening up to a gorgeous waterfall offering the opportunity to take a dip after enjoying one of the most beautiful hikes in the Smokies!

Plan Your Visit to Cades Cove

Ready to plan your visit to Cades Cove? Be sure to check out our article on why spring is one of the best times to visit the Smoky Mountains! We offer a variety of rooms that offer the perfect place to relax before and after you spend a day in Cades Cove.

Many visitors know that spring is one of the best times of the year to visit the Smokies. The weather is fantastic, the crowds are lighter, the mountains begin to bloom, and there are so many fun and unique events to enjoy! Below, we highlight five popular spring events to enjoy in Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountains.

Dollywood

If you love a theme park coupled with southern charm, delicious food, and fun for the whole family, Dollywood is the place for you! Dollywood opens for the season on March 13th from 10 am to 7 pm. The opening will coincide with the beloved Festival of Nations taking place March 14th – April 20th. The festival displays the most captivating entertainment from around the world during a celebration of music, dance, and art. This year, first time performers Namaste India will delight park visitors with a theatrical show featuring 400 costumes, and the beautiful sounds and dances of Bollywood. If you can’t make it in time to enjoy the Festival of Nations, you still have an opportunity to take part in the first ever Flower and Food festival, which takes place May 8th – June 14th. This new fun-filled festival will feature brilliant light displays, flower arrangements, mosaics, and food fit for the season!

For more information visit: https://www.dollywood.com/

Car Shows

Spring is the kickoff for the car show season in Pigeon Forge with the biggest being The Spring Rod Run, which takes place April 15 – April 17. This three-day event is a must for any classic car enthusiast. Watch automobile experts compete for a top prize of $10,000 and shop the huge car swap meet featuring 100’s of show cars. The Rod Run will be returning to its popular location at The Le Conte Center in Pigeon Forge.

For more info, please visit: https://www.rodrun-pigeonforge.com/

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is a 70 year old annual event in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park featuring professionally-guided walks, exhibits, and other learning opportunities to explore the region’s rich natural and cultural resources. This special event takes place April 22-25th. Don’t miss your opportunity for a fun, outdoors, family event in the gorgeous Smoky Mountains.

For more info visit: http://www.wildflowerpilgrimage.org/

Spring Parade

Enjoy the rich, cultural heritage of the music of the Smokies by visiting the Music in the Mountains Spring Parade. The spring parade is set for May 1st, at 6 pm on the Pigeon Forge parkway. In keeping with the Music in the Mountains parade theme, free bluegrass entertainment will be featured throughout the city on Friday and Saturday—with a few memory-making surprise performances that are sure to draw a crowd.

For more information visit: https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/music-in-the-mountains-spring-parade

Wilderness Wildlife Week

If you enjoy the great outdoors, there is no better celebration than Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge. Starting the week of May 5th, enjoy educational programs and guided hikes into the Great Smoky Mountains. Wilderness Wildlife Week is free to enjoy and offers a variety of programs for all ages and interests. It will be held at the Leconte Center in Pigeon Forge.

For more information please visit: https://www.mypigeonforge.com/event/wilderness-wildlife-week

Plan your Visit to Pigeon Forge This Spring

There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Pigeon Forge during spring. View our hotel rooms and book your springtime visit to enjoy one of the best seasons of the year in the Smoky Mountains!

The month of February is the perfect time to visit the Smokies. The magical and enchanting mountains are the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. If your Valentine’s escape includes the entire family, the Smoky Mountains offer a variety of wonderful family-oriented activities as well. Here are just a few of the fun things to do in February!

Party Gras at The Ramsey Hotel

This unforgettable weekend will take place February 21st and 22nd and includes a 3-day, 2-night stay at The Ramsey Hotel.

Starting Friday, February 21st, enjoy hors d’oeuvres with a creole flair at The Ramsey Cascades Restaurant and Lounge including Mardi-Gras inspired beverages, beads, masks and plenty of Mardi-Gras themed fun!

On Saturday and Sunday morning enjoy our Cajun-inspired buffet from 7 am to 10 am. Saturday night starting at 6 pm enjoy a delicious creole-inspired dinner and then kickoff the fun with a Parti-Gras parade through The Ramsey Hotel. The night continues on with casino night games, a silent auction benefitting Friends of Tennessee’s Babies with Special Needs, a souvenir drink glass, and themed photo. Cap off the night by dancing the night away with our 6 piece Dixieland band!

Click here for all of the exciting details of Parti-Gras!

Anakeesta Enchanted Winter Celebration

Be immersed in the joys of winter at the Anakeesta Enchanted Winter Celebration. From food and spirits, to a walk-in snow globe to over 1000 light displays, Anakeesta is the very best place to go to take in the winter sights and sounds. Enjoy shopping, cozy up and relax by the fire and take a selfie at the many beautiful displays.

For more information visit: https://www.anakeesta.com/enchanted-winter/

Sweetheart Month at Titanic

There’s no better time than February to declare your romantic intentions to the person who you love the most. Titanic Pigeon Forge offers you the chance to propose, get married, renew your vows or take amazing photos. The Grand Staircase in the world’s only exact recreation that is the perfect backdrop for a romantic photo. Sweetheart month pays tribute to lovers everywhere, especially honoring the 12 honeymoon couples who traveled on the Titanic. Let cupid be your guide and explore the Titanic.

For More Information Visit: https://titanicpigeonforge.com/titanic-pigeon-forge-events#sweetheart

Concerts at the Island

Enjoy live music with the weekend concert series at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Every Friday and Saturday you can dance the night away to local music fun for the whole family. The Island in Pigeon Forge offers families affordable fun night and day. Showcased by The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-high observation wheel, and a multi-million dollar show fountain, The Island provides the area’s newest shopping, dining, and entertainment options in the East Tennessee area.

For more info visit: https://islandinpigeonforge.com/events/?tribe-bar-date=2020-02

Concerts at The Gatlinburg Convention Center

The Convention Center in Gatlinburg has played host to many talented artists throughout the years. This February enjoy the sounds of Jonathan Cain, of Journey on February 28th or Ronnie Milsap on February 29th.

For more information visit: Click here for Ronnie Milsap tickets

Click here for Jonathan Cain tickets

Come Enjoy February in the Smokies

The Smokies are magical during this time of year and offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, or cozy-up inside with any of our great events. For the best combination of lodging, delicious food, and fantastic entertainment, join us for our inaugural Parti-Gras at The Ramsey Hotel! This special package is just $389 plus tax for two guests. Tickets are limited so act now before it’s too late! Call us at 865-428-2700 to book or click here for more details and reserve online.

December is a magical time in the Smoky Mountains as the towns come alive with lights, sounds, tastes, and smells unlike any other part of the year. Below, we highlight five favorite things to enjoy throughout December for people of all ages!

Pigeon Forge Christmas Shows

For fun and entertainment for the entire family, Pigeon Forge offers numerous shows filled with music, dancing, animals, and even pirates!

Country Tonite Christmas Show: This wonderful show is filled with a talented cast performing a variety of Christmas classics that people of all ages will love. You’ll also find a few special guest performers during the Christmas production including Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, and the ballerina in the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Toys will also come alive in the magical song “Where are you Christmas”.

Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry: With the largest nativity scene, sugar-plum fairies, dancing elves, reindeer and Santa, your family is sure to be filled with the Christmas spirit after this show!

Comedy Barn Christmas Show: The Comedy Barn Christmas Show is one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular shows during the holidays. Filled with fun, jokes, and laughter everyone is sure to enjoy this hilarious, good time!

Hatfield and McCoy’s Christmas Disaster Dinner Show: Enjoy a southern, homestyle, holiday feast as you watch these two fuedin’ families try to get squash their issues for the holidays. With pranks, stunts, and more, it’s the most fun you can have this holiday season.

Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Pirate Voyage: This pirate’s spin on the classic “A Christmas Story” provides stunts, hijinks, and a cast of characters taking Captain Scrooge on a journey through time and space to try to find the meaning of Christmas.

Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood

Christmas at Dollywood combines parades, Christmas Shows, interactive characters, magical light displays, delicious food, and rides for the entire family. Available through January 4th, this fun time for the entire family is sure to delight people of all ages.

For more information visit:
https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Festivals/Smoky-Mountain-Christmas

Anakeesta Enchanted Winter

Be immersed in the joys of the holidays at the Anakeesta Enchanted Winter in Gatlinburg. From holiday food and spirits, to a walk-in snow globe to over 1000 light displays, Anakeesta is the very best place to go to get in the holiday spirit. You’ll be able to do your holiday shopping, cozy up and relax by the fire, and take a selfie at the many beautiful displays.

For more information visit: https://www.anakeesta.com/enchanted-winter/

Winterfest Lights

What’s a holiday celebration without a tour of the beautiful light displays? During the holidays the Smokies literally light-up, revealing a beautiful display of twinkling lights to its visitors. This is a fun, free activity to enjoy as you can simply hop in your vehicle and drive the Pigeon Forge Parkway and downtown Gatlinburg to enjoy the displays. Don’t feel like driving? Hop on a Pigeon Forge Trolley right outside our front doors and then sit back and enjoy the sights!

For more information about the Winterfest Lights please visit: https://pigeonforgewinterfest.com/

Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

On December 6th, Gatlinburg celebrates its 44th Christmas Parade, a celebration that combines traditions, floats, light displays, marching bands and many more.

For more information please visit: https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/fantasy-of-lights-christmas-parade/

Stay in the Heart of it All

Whether you’re looking for traditional holiday magic or something a bit off the beaten path, the Smokies have so much to offer. No matter what brings you to the area, make sure you book your stay in the heart of it all: The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center.

November is fantastic month to visit Pigeon Forge as it offers lower crowds in the first half of the month along with the kickoff of the holiday season with Winterfest, Christmas shows, shopping, and more! Below, we highlight 5 fun things to do in November throughout Pigeon Forge that people of all ages will love.

Winterfest

Pigeon Forge turns into a winter wonderland from November 22 – February 17 as the town lights up for Winterfest. Beautiful Christmas light displays are the main attraction during Winterfest. The town sparkles as millions of lights make up elaborate displays, including the 12 Days of Christmas in lights along the Pigeon Forge Parkway. In addition to the winter lights, there are a variety of events, parades, and trolley tours to enjoy all season long!

To learn more about Winterfest, visit https://pigeonforgewinterfest.com/

See a Christmas Show

Numerous theaters throughout Pigeon Forge offer incredible Christmas shows beginning November 1st! If you want fun & laughter, the Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Disaster Dinner Show is sure to put a smile on your face. The annual Christmas Show at Country Tonite features performances inspired by holiday classics. Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede showcases performers on horseback, twinkling lights, Christmas music favorites and a festive four-course meal.

For more information about these Christmas shows and others in Pigeon Forge, and to get special discounts, visit: https://www.pigeonforgetnguide.com/things-to-do/christmas-shows/

Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood

Dollywood’s annual Smoky Mountain Christmas takes place November 9 – January 4. Visitors enjoy a variety of festive activities throughout the park. Glacier Ridge is the park’s winter wonderland filled with sparkling displays and Dollywood’s unique 50-foot video motion Christmas tree. You can also enjoy award-winning Christmas musical productions filled with holiday music and Christmas cheer. There’s also the Parade of Many Colors, an exciting holiday tradition with vibrant floats and interactive characters.

For more information on Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood, visit https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Festivals/Smoky-Mountain-Christmas

Fireworks Celebration at the Titanic Museum

The Titanic Museum’s Thanksgiving Fireworks Celebration is a free, outdoor family event that happens on November 28. This year’s event features a musical tribute with singer, actor Caitlin Mesiano. The event kicks off at 7:00 pm and ends with a spectacular fireworks display.

To learn more about the Fireworks Celebration at the Titanic Museum, visit: https://titanicpigeonforge.com/titanic-pigeon-forge-events

Black Friday Shopping

Pigeon Forge is a great place to do your holiday shopping as there are many stores that offer unique gifts. From outlet malls to specialty artisan shops, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your Christmas list. The Ramsey Hotel is centrally located in Pigeon Forge offering easy access to numerous stores as well as a great place to rest and take a break from your Black Friday shopping spree!

Stay Near the Fun

Whatever event might bring you to enjoy Pigeon Forge in November, be sure to book your stay in the heart of it all at The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center.

There are many interesting stores in Pigeon Forge that carry a wide variety of unique gifts, many of which can only be found here in the Smokies. Below, we highlight some of the best places to find something unique for everyone on your shopping list.

Smoky Mountain Cat House

The name of this shop isn’t a play on words, the Smoky Mountain Cat House is indeed the place to find everything cat-related, whether it be for your pet cat or for that crazy cat lover on your shopping list. From cat inspired jewelry and sleepwear to cat toys and accessories, the store offers dozens of unique gifts. The Cat House has been a Pigeon Forge landmark for 30 years and is known as a destination for cat lovers from around the world. In fact, it is the #1 rated gift and specialty shop in Pigeon Forge on TripAdvisor.

To see what the Smoky Mountain Cat House has to offer, visit http://www.smokymountaincathouse.com/

Uncle Lem’s

Uncle Lem’s is your go-to shop for gifts for outdoor adventurers. The store was inspired by and named after Lem Ownby, who lived in the remote wilderness of the Smoky Mountains, growing food and tending bees. People frequently visited Lem to buy his honey and hear his stories. While Uncle Lem’s sells a wide variety of outdoor gear, one of the unique gifts the store has to offer is delicious honey, keeping true to Lem’s heritage.

To learn more about Lem’s, visit https://www.unclelems.com/

The Old Mill

The Old Mill is a landmark in Pigeon Forge as well as a great shopping destination with four specialty shops on site. The Old Mill General Store sells “Smoky Mountain goodness” such as freshly ground yellow cornmeal, homemade jams and regionally inspired gifts. The Old Mill Farmhouse Kitchen offers signature ingredients such as soup mixes and bread mixes to help you recreate dishes from The Old Mill Restaurant. It also sells unique and decorative kitchen items. Pigeon River Pottery has potters on site who create one-of-a-kind pieces such as dinnerware and bakeware in a wide range of unique glazes. And, last but not least, Sassafras is where you’ll find unique jewelry, apparel, and accessories.

For more information about the shops at The Old Mill, visit https://old-mill.com/

Misty Mountain Soap Co.

For the beauty enthusiast on your shopping list, check out the Misty Mountain Soap Co. The store offers a wide variety of healthy skin care products, such as handmade soaps, body butters and sugar scrubs. All products are crafted with natural ingredients right on site in the store’s workshop. Visitors love the fresh, aromatic products and the friendly associates who work at the store.

To shop for gifts online, visit https://www.mistymountainsoap.com/

MoonPie General Store and the Original Book Warehouse

This store is famous for its MoonPies, which are graham cracker cookies dipped in marshmallow and covered in chocolate. But MoonPies are just a fraction of what you’ll find at MoonPie General Store and the Original Book Warehouse. The store has a really wide variety of gifts from MoonPie branded merchandise to silly items such as like bacon body wash. It’s a great place to explore as you search for the perfect unique gift.

To learn more about Moon Pie General Store and the Original Book Warehouse, visit https://www.moonpieinthesmokies.com/

Lodging in Pigeon Forge

The Ramsey Hotel is located in the heart of Pigeon Forge near many fantastic places to shop. To plan your next exciting trip to the Smokies, visit our rooms page to choose the perfect room, or give us a call at (865) 428-2700 and we will gladly help you plan an incredible visit!

October is a fun-filled month in the Smokies with fantastic events and activities to enjoy around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Below, we highlight are 6 fun things to consider when planning your trip to Pigeon Forge in October.

1. Visit The Island

The Island in Pigeon Forge is one of the top 10 amusements parks in the US according to TripAdvisor. When autumn hits the Smokies, The Island switches things up with some fall flair so that visitors have something new to enjoy for the season. Visitors will see custom fall decorations around the park and have a chance to try some yummy seasonal desserts and moonshine flavors while enjoying all of the attractions and shops at The Island.

To learn more about Fall at The Island, visit https://islandinpigeonforge.com/fall-pigeon-forge/

2. The Legend of Hallow Mountain at Anakeesta

If you’re looking for scary thrills, Anakeesta in Gatlinburg has a Halloween event that will get your heart pounding. The Legend of Hallow Mountain at Anakeesta is a story about tormented souls rising from their graves, desperately searching for a way off Hallow Mountain. Anakeesta brings this story to life in pulse-pounding scare zones. Not a fan of fear? There are also family-friendly crafts, games, movies and sweet treats. Each weekend from September 13th through November 2nd, guests visiting Anakeesta can experience Hallow Mountain at no additional charge.

To buy tickets and learn more about the Legend of Hallow Mountain at Anakeesta, visit https://www.anakeesta.com/event/hallowmountain/2019-09-14/

3. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

Get all your holiday shopping done at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. This year marks the 44th anniversary of the event that celebrates arts and crafts in the Smokies. More than 180 craftspeople from all over the United States will gather to showcase their skills and offer their unique art for sale. Many of the artisans will sell holiday-themed items and unique gifts. The fair runs from October 10 through 27. Tickets are $7 for adults. Children 12 and under get in for free.

For more information about the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, visit https://craftsmenfair.com/october-fair/

4. Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg’s 10th annual Oktoberfest runs from September 27 through November 3. The event celebrates traditions of the original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Food takes center stage at Oktoberfest where visitors can try traditional Bavarian cuisine, such as schnitzel, bratwurst and strudel. The Outdoor Bier Garten features authentic German beer from a variety of breweries. Along with the food and drinks, guests can enjoy outdoor games and watch the Smoky Mountain Oompah Band perform traditional Bavarian folk dances, dressed in authentic lederhosen.

To learn more about Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg and to buy tickets, visit https://obergatlinburg.com/oktoberfest/

5. Fall Colors

Visitors flock to the Smoky Mountains every fall to see the beautiful fall colors as the trees make their autumn transformation. It is important to plan your visit at just the right time so you can see the colors at their peak, when they’re the brightest. Currently, the prediction is that the fall colors will start to appear around mid-October in the higher elevations and then slowly spread down to Pigeon Forge through mid-November.

To get the latest Gatlinburg Fall Colors Forecast and Foliage Report, visit https://www.gatlinburgtnguide.com/fall-colors-forecast/

6. Wears Valley Fall Fest

The Wears Valley Fall Fest is a three-day event that happens October 18 – 20. It features a variety of sights, sounds and tastes for the whole family. Guests can browse and purchase crafts from artisans who showcase a diverse offering of traditional and contemporary pieces. There is entertainment throughout the weekend on stage with Southern gospel, folk and country performances. Also, the event features delicious festival foods, including fall goodies like gourmet caramel and candy apples. Don’t forget to bring the little ones – there are great activities for kids, such as games, crafts and an obstacle course.

For more information about the Wears Valley Fall Fest, visit https://www.wearsvalleyfallfest.com/

Book Your Fall Getaway

Whatever event might bring you to the Smokies in October, be sure to book your stay in the middle of it all at The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center.

Pigeon Forge is a family friendly town with lots of things for kids to do near The Ramsey Hotel! When planning your visit, be sure to consider these 5 kid friendly attractions that are sure to please kids of all ages.

Dollywood

A visit to Dollywood is amongst one of the top things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids since it has a wide variety of activities for children. If your little ones are younger, visit the Country Fair section of the park. It features carnival style rides, such as The Amazing Flying Elephants, classic games, and delicious carnival snacks. Older kids will enjoy braving the many roller coasters and other adventurous rides throughout the park.

For details on Dollywood, visit https://www.dollywood.com/

Putt Putt

Pigeon Forge takes putt putt to the next level at Crave Golf Club, ranked one of the top 13 mini-golf courses in the country. It features a 19-hole indoor course and a 19-hole rooftop course! As the name suggests, the courses are candy-coated wonderlands with multiple challenges in store. If adventure is more your style, head over to Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf where a mining train takes you to the first holes. You’ll encounter waterfalls, a pirate ship, a volcano, and more.

For details on Crave, visit https://www.cravegolf.com/

For details on Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf, visit https://losttreasuregolf.com/miniature-golf-courses/pigeon-forge-mini-golf-course/

Go Karts

If you’re looking for Pigeon Forge kids activities for kiddos on the go, go carts are sure to be a crowd pleaser. The Track has four race tracks and was voted the best go-kart track in town. The park also features bumper cars, kids country rides and more. SpeedZone Fun Park also features four different go-kart tracks, including a kids track for younger kids and the Tennessee twister, a wooden track with lots of twists and turns.

For details on The Track, visit https://funatthetrack.com/pages/pigeon-forge-location

For details on SpeedZone Fun Park, visit: https://www.speedzonefunpark.com/

Dinner Shows

Combine food and entertainment at one of Pigeon Forge’s kid friendly dinner shows. At Pirates Voyage you’ll enjoy a four-course feast while you watch Blackbeard the pirate and his crew battle their foes high above full-sized pirate ships in an indoor hideaway lagoon. If you’re looking for something funny, visit the Comedy Barn, an award-winning family comedy variety show. There are many kinds of acts, including magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists and comedians.

For details on Pirates Voyage, visit https://piratesvoyage.com/pigeon-forge/
For details on the Comedy Barn, visit https://comedybarn.com/

The Island

TripAdvisor ranked The Island as the 6th Best Amusement Park in the United States. The Island has a variety of fun activities for kids of all ages. Enjoy classic rides like the Flying Horse Carousel and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. Or, get active at Battleground: Tactical Laser Tag and Island Bumper Cars. There’s no admission fee to the park – just pay for what you want to do once you arrive.

For details on activities for kids at The Island, visit https://islandinpigeonforge.com/play/

Stay Near the Fun

Be sure to book your stay at The Ramsey Hotel for your visit to Pigeon Forge. We are a family-friendly hotel and perfect for your kids as we offer fun amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, nightly movies by the pool, free popcorn and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet!

Fall is just around the corner with cooler weather and beautiful autumn foliage, making it a great time to visit Pigeon Forge, TN. When you’re in town there are a variety of fun things to see and do! Below, we highlight some of the most popular events in Pigeon Forge throughout September.

Car Shows

Car enthusiasts are in for a treat with two great car shows. Take a trip down memory lane with Shades of the Past. The show happens September 6 & 7 and features rods, customs and classic cars made through 1972. It’s one of biggest annual car shows and rod runs in the Smoky Mountains. The event will be hosted at Dollywood’s Splash Country. Tickets are only $10 a day and kids under 12 get in free!

For details on Shades of the Past, visit http://www.shadesofthepast.com/

The LeConte Center will be hosting this year’s Pigeon Forge Rod Run September 12-14. Check out thousands of hot rods and muscle cars aiming to win prizes like a $10,000 cash giveaway. Don’t miss the huge swap meet and door prizes for attendees. Admission is $12 per day.

For details on the Pigeon Forge Rod Run, visit https://www.rodrun-pigeonforge.com/

National Quartet Convention

Gospel music’s largest annual event is the National Quartet Convention. Enjoy one week of the finest in Southern gospel music at the LeConte Center September 22 – 28. Each day you’ll have the chance to hear various artists perform at NQC Artists Showcases and enjoy spectacular evening concerts. You will not want to miss featured events such as the Booth Brothers 30th Anniversary Celebration & Reunion and the McKameys Tribute & Farewell.

For a full schedule of events and to order tickets, visit https://natqc.com/schedule-at-a-glance-2019/

Dollywood Harvest Festival and Great Pumpkin LumiNights

The beginning of fall means the Dollywood Harvest Festival is right around the corner. From September 27 – November 2, Dollywood will be decked out with harvest decorations like pumpkins, cornstalks and scarecrows. Enjoy specially prepared autumn treats like pumpkin-flavored goodies and apple stack cakes, and attend any of the 350 Southern gospel music shows at the park. Once the sun sets, the park will be lit up with thousands of jack-o’-lanterns as part of the Great Pumpkin LumiNights. Enjoy the whimsical scenes, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and artistic sculptures.

For more information on the Dollywood Harvest Festival, visit https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Festivals/Harvest-Festival

Old Mill Heritage Day

Celebrate tradition at the 16th Annual Old Mill Heritage Day at Old Mill Square. The event takes place on September 28. Visitors get a free guided tour of the 188-year-old Historic Old Mill, and get to experience what a “day in the life” was like for the people of Pigeon Forge. There will be live demonstrations by crafts people, including making lye soap, apple butter and wheel thrown pottery.

For more information on the Old Mill, visit https://old-mill.com/category/events/

Stay Close to the Fun

The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center is perfectly located in the middle of all of these fun things to do and more! Visit our Pigeon Forge hotel specials page to receive an exclusive discount for booking directly with us and enjoy a trip to the Pigeon Forge this fall!

Pigeon Forge hosts numerous car shows throughout the year, but two of the biggest arrive in September! These car shows typically happen on consecutive weekends, so it’s possible to experience both of them during a single visit to Pigeon Forge. Below, we highlight details about each show including dates, locations, and more.

Shades of the Past

The first car show to roll into Pigeon Forge in September is the classic Shades of the Past. 2019 is the 37th year for this extremely popular car show. It takes place September 6th-7th at Dollywood’s Splash Country. Shades of the Past features hot rods, classics, and customs manufactured through 1972, so if you are a fan of beautiful, classic cars then this is a show you do not want to miss! Visit their website below to view information for participants, spectators, vendors, parking, and more.

Shades of the Past
September 6-7, 2019
Dollywood’s Splash Country
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Official Website: https://www.shadesofthepast.com/

Fall Rod Run

The massive Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run thunders into town the following weekend as it takes place September 12-14, 2019. This popular show features hot rods of just about every make, model, and year. The event is hosted at The LeConte Center, located about half of a mile away from The Ramsey Hotel & Convention Center. Spectator parking for the show is free, but admission is $12 per day. This is a fantastic show that features some of the most impressive cars in the country as well as numerous vendors offering a variety of products. If you love hot rods, this is a bucket list event!

Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run
September 12-14, 2019
LeConte Center
2986 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Official Website: https://www.rodrun-pigeonforge.com/

Book Your Pigeon Forge Car Show Hotel Room

These major car shows attract thousands of fans each year, so we highly recommend reserving your room as soon as possible. The Ramsey Hotel and Convention Center is conveniently located close to both of these popular car shows, making it easy to attend either one of them. Click here to see our location, amenities, and more!