12 Things To Do In Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg When It Rains
There is SO much to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Tennessee, making it a popular vacation destination for families.
Many of those activities involve being outdoors, so experiencing ideal weather is something most travelers hope for. But we can’t always change our vacation days or get a refund on our pricy accommodations just because Mother Nature isn’t cooperating.
I say pull on your rainboots, grab an umbrella, and make the most of your vacation with these 12 things to do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg when it rains!
1. Go To Dollywood
Rain or shine, Dollywood is an awesome place to visit! With thrilling rides, high-quality shows, mouthwatering food, tons of unique shops, and plenty of Dolly Parton music and memorabilia, there really is something for everyone at Dollywood.
Don’t let a little rain dampen your day at Dollywood!
Rainy days are actually a perfect time to visit this theme park. Crowds tend to be lower, which means shorter wait times for rides and restaurants. That also means you get a better value for your money as you experience even more of what makes Dollywood so great in less time!
Traveling Tanya Tip: Keep in mind, Dollywood has been known to flood when the area experiences significant rain, so check the Facebook page to ensure the park is still open.
2. Wander Around the Dollywood Resorts
Just outside the theme park are two amazing resorts: Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort and Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa.
It does cost a pretty penny to stay at either of these resorts, so if you want to splurge on your accommodations, go for it! But even if you aren’t staying at one of the resorts, you can wander through these gorgeous resorts for free.
HeartSong has the feel of a massive luxury log cabin nestled in the woods, with plenty of cozy common areas where you can curl up with a good book or hot beverage. Or sit on the covered patio in a rocking chair while you take in the beauty of nature and the peaceful rain.
DreamMore has a completely different feel and boasts a luxury spa. You will find some Dolly memorabilia sprinkled throughout both resorts, but don’t miss the display case with the wooden box under the main staircase at DreamMore. Inside the box is a never-heard-before song from Dolly Parton that won’t be released until her 100th birthday in 2046!
Both resorts offer upscale shops, full-service restaurants, and places to grab a quick bite. You can even pick up Dollywood’s infamous cinnamon bread at either of the resorts!
3. Take in a Show or Dinner Theater
Sit back and relax with one of the many themed shows operating daily in the Pigeon Forge area. Some include dinner and they all boast high-caliber performances with singing, dancing, comedy, or stunts for the whole family to enjoy.
Some of the most popular dinner shows include Hatfield & McCoy’s Dinner Feud, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, and Pirate’s Voyage. The Biblical Times Dinner Theater is a newer option in Pigeon Forge that is also getting high praise.
If you are looking for a great show without the meal, consider Country Tonite, Comedy Barn Theater, or Array Variety Show.
4. Visit the Apple Barn
Grab your umbrella and stroll in and out of the various buildings that make up The Apple Barn campus in Pigeon Forge.
Shop in the Christmas Store & Candle Shop as well as the General Store. Sample wine and cider at the Winery and Cider Mill. Satisfy your sweet tooth in the Candy Shop or The Creamery.
There are also two full-service restaurants to choose from: the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant and the Applewood Grill. Be sure to try some apple fritters and apple butter!
5. Stroll the Gatlinburg Strip
There are tons of shops, eateries, museums, and more on the strip in Gatlinburg. Given the popularity of Gatlinburg, crowds tend to be large and parking can be a challenge.
When it rains, all the indoor attractions (and some of the outdoor ones) remain open…and the hassle of navigating congested sidewalks and the challenge of finding a parking spot tend to wash away as the rain comes down.
Pick up some Gatlinburg souvenirs in the many gift shops. Pop in the Donut Friar for a sweet treat. Watch taffy and other sweets being made at one of the candy shops. This is just the tip of the iceberg! Keep reading for more fun to be had on and off the main strip in Gatlinburg.
6. Go Wine Tasting
For those over 21, plan to visit the wineries sprinkled throughout both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Many of the wineries offer free tastings. You can even pick up a Rocky Mountain Wine Trail passport and collect stamps as you visit some of the popular wine establishments.
In Gatlinburg, don’t miss the Old Mountain Wine Company at the end of the strip. I also recommend popping in one of the Gatlinburg Winery locations to sample some Cotton Candy wine. It isn’t for everyone, but it is worth a try!
Some of the great options in Pigeon Forge include Mountain Valley Winery, Mill Bridge Hard Cider Co., and Currahee Winery.
7. Sample Some Moonshine
Another great option, if you are 21 or older, is moonshine tasting! While wine tasting is popular in many travel destinations, Tennessee is pretty unique in offering plenty of places to sample high-alcohol content moonshine.
You can find places to try moonshine (and other spirits) in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Some offer free tastings and others charge a nominal fee, but gratuities are always appreciated. I’ve found that many of the staff pouring the moonshine also dish up some witty banter, making it an extra special experience!
With moonshine in a wide range of flavors, from peanut butter to mint chocolate chip to apple pie, you are sure to find something that appeals to your palate.
8. Grab a Good Meal & Dessert
In both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge you will find plenty of restaurants with great food and memorable ambiance. In Gatlinburg, check out Ole Red (Blake Shelton’s restaurant) or Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar if you are in the mood for a hearty meal, cocktails, and live music.
On my recent trips to Pigeon Forge, I’ve enjoyed dining at Azul Cantina for upscale Mexican cuisine and JT Hannah’s Kitchen for American cuisine.
You will also find plenty of places to indulge your sweet tooth in this neck of the woods! Cookie Dough Bliss in Gatlinburg dishes up both ice cream and cookie dough that is sinfully delicious.
New on the Gatlinburg strip is Sugar Baby, which boasts outrageous themed milkshakes and almost-too-cute-to-eat cotton candy characters.
In Pigeon Forge, you won’t want to miss Buzzed Bull Creamery. Whether you get the alcohol-infused or the non-alcoholic version, they dish up some of the best ice cream around.
9. Check Out an Over-The-Top Museum
Museums are a great way to spend your time when the weather is less than desirable. And the museums in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a far cry from the stuffy museums that some family members might find boring.
These museums are thoroughly entertaining and engaging both on the inside and outside!
Just a few noteworthy museums in this area include Ripley’s Believe It or Not, WonderWorks, Titanic Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Hollywood Wax Museum, Alcatraz East Crime Museum, and Beyond The Lens.
10. Explore The Old Mill area
At the South end of Pigeon Forge is The Old Mill area, which should be on your travel itinerary, rain or shine.
This quaint area features a handful of restaurants and sweet shops dishing up mouthwatering food and lots of Southern hospitality. You will also want to shop at the Old General Store, pottery store, and other unique shops, all with a bit of Appalachian charm.
There is even a distillery at The Old Mill, so you can sample more adult beverages…and forget all about your weather woes!
11. Enjoy Indoor Activity Attractions
For the kids or the kids-at-heart, a little rain signals the perfect time for indoor fun and games. Pigeon Forge has numerous arcades and fun centers with indoor games galore. Just a few of the epic options include LazerPort Fun Center, Rockin Raceway, and Big Top Arcade.
MagiQuest is an especially enchanting option, complete with a mirror maze, black-light mini golf, an interactive treasure hunt, and more.
While it rains outside, you can even enjoy an indoor snow adventure at Pigeon Forge Snow! Touted as America’s first indoor snow park, guests can go tubing on real snow…without needing all the usual winter weather gear.
12. Hang Out in Your Cabin or Hotel
If you are staying at a hotel or in a cabin, there are likely plenty of amenities to keep your whole crew entertained on a rainy day without even leaving the premises. (Keep this in mind when you are planning your trip and selecting your accommodations!)
Many of the cabins in the Smoky Mountains boast beautiful mountain views along with rocking chairs and hot tubs. Plenty of cabins also include indoor entertainment such as pool tables, video game machines, darts, jukeboxes, and more. Some even include private movie theaters!
With plenty of hotels to choose from in the area, consider booking one with an indoor pool, hot tub, restaurant, or game room. Even many of the budget-friendly options include some pretty awesome amenities!
Rain or shine…a trip to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge is sure to generate plenty of fabulous vacation memories!
Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya
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