East Tennessee

PIGEON FORGE

Considering the history of Pigeon Forge, it is highly appropriate that one of the first businesses in this East Tennessee town was a furnace and iron forge. In fact, the name Pigeon Forge is a combination of the iron works and the Little Pigeon River that meanders through the town. This river soon became a natural stopping point for huge flocks of passenger pigeons. Pigeon Forge remained a sleepy rural community for several decades. In 1907, population records show Pigeon Forge with a mere 154 permanent residents. Today, records indicate that more than 5,784(July 2005) people presently reside in this beautiful town. A little more than a quarter of a century ago Pigeon Forge was a small, peaceful community where cornfields were interrupted only by the occasional business venture and two traffic lights along Highway 441. That once two-lane, transportation route is now six lanes wide and currently known as the Parkway. A major turning came in 1986, when Dolly Parton applied her name, energy and talents to Dollywood, the well-known theme park that has sent Pigeon Forge?s business community into an upward spiral every year since its opening. Just as Pigeon Forge, proudly stands on its legendary history, it also looks forward to the unfolding of its future as a lively, constantly growing community where the Smoky Mountains entice residents to the natural beauty of the area.

EDUCATION

The residents of Pigeon Forge are served by three highly acclaimed schools; Pigeon Forge Primary School, Pigeon Forge Middle School and Pigeon Forge High School. This system of schools provides first-rate instruction for students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. All three schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. One of the most recent arrivals of all Sevier County’s institutions of learning, Pigeon Forge High, resides at 414 Tiger Drive, mere blocks from the Parkway that serves as the nerve center of the city of Pigeon Forge. Established in 1999, PFHS is literally a school on the move. From very humble beginnings, PFHS has grown both academically and athletically. The PFHS administration, guidance department, and faculty have left no stone unturned in developing a quality academic curriculum and extra-curricular program. Expectations are very high. Students who meet these expectations will be challenges of tomorrow since Pigeon Forge High School is, indeed, “Forging tomorrow’s leaders today.”(Perry Schrandt, Principal)

AREA ATTRACTIONS

Families love Pigeon Forge because there are so many activities they can do together. With more than 40 Pigeon Forge attractions lining the Parkway, there’s something for visitors of all ages. From miniature golf, go-carts and bumper boats to waterslides, laser games and an indoor skydiving simulator, attractions in Pigeon Forge will keep the family fun going for days. Some of the attractions in Pigeon Forge include the Dollywood theme park, the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame, the award-winning Country Tonite Theatre, the Miracle Theater, other performing arts venues, and such seasonal events as Winterfest. These attractions and the natural beauty of the area draw approximately 11 million people a year.

CAR AND TRUCK SHOWS

Pigeon Forge has become the southeast mecca for car and truck enthusiasts. The calendar of car and truck show events runs from April through September and has included the following:

Spring Grand Rod Run
Chevy/GMC Truck Nationals
Hooter’s GMC/Chevy Truckin’ Nationals
Annual Smoky Mountain Classic Chevy Roundup
Great Smoky Mountain Truck Show
Silver Dollar Open Rod Run
Pontiac Car Club Show
Camaro, Chevelle, Nova Nationals
Cobra Mustang Club
Shades of the Past Rod Run Show
Fall Grand Rod Run
Smoky Mountain Model-A Car Rally

SHOPPING IN THE SMOKIES

Pigeon Forge is like an outlet mall, which means you can’t leave without at least one shopping bag. Discounts are offered at more than 200 Pigeon Forge shopping stores on everything under the sun, including designer clothes, athletic wear, luggage, home furnishings, crystal, china, tools, toys and more. And if you’re looking for unique gift ideas, you’ll love our selection of pottery, handmade quilts and other arts and crafts at dozens of specialty Pigeon Forge, Tennessee shopping stores. Pigeon Forge is also home to Bell Tower Square, the South’s largest year-round Christmas village. Come see why Pigeon Forge shopping has been voted one of the top shopping destinations in the Southeast.

ENTERTAINMENT

Just when you thought you had seen it all, Pigeon Forge keeps you on the edge of your seat with exciting entertainment. Pigeon Forge is home to dozens of theaters, including five dinner theaters that feature all styles of music including Broadway, rock-n-roll, country, bluegrass, gospel and more. Hilarious comedy and amazing feats of magic complete the entertainment line up. The variety of entertainment means you can see something new each time you visit.

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