Amuse Your Mind at WonderWorks Museum Pigeon Forge

WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge is an amusement park for the mind that is a unique place to spend your vacation time in Tennessee. My friends and I toured the WonderWorks Museum after we attended the Hoot N Holler Dinner Show, which is located at the same complex. Not sure what to expect exactly, we entered the museum through an Inversion Tunnel that made one feel as if they were defying gravity and were amazed at what we found. Every display was interactive and with over 55,000 square feet of amusement to enjoy, you can spend hours at WonderWorks. We spent two full hours exploring and playing, and definitely could’ve spent even longer.

A few of my favorite activities at the Pigeon Forge WonderWorks were the Quake Café, which simulates an earthquake; Hurricane Hole, which blew hurricane force winds; 3-D Sound Lab, a pitch black atmosphere where sounds are in 3-D; Motorcycle 360, a ride in which you set atop a motorcycle and spin a full 360; and Bed of Nails, where you can test your pain endurance on a true bed of nails. Other favorites included the motion dance screens, wonderwall body imprints and the bubble lab. Take a stroll through the Far Out Visual Gallery to get a new perspective on the world, and also make time for the virtual air hockey game. It was a blast and fun for families to play together. My absolute favorite element of the museum, however, was the Wonder Coaster ride. My colleague and I got to create our very own virtual roller coaster, and then we got to ride the coaster we created in the 360 degree pitch and roll motion virtual ride!

There are a lot of things to do at WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge. When you visit, be sure to make time for this museum. You’ll be amazed at the activities and leave wondering…”How’d they do that?”

The Pigeon Forge Hoot N Holler Dinner Show is a Hoot for Guests

The Hoot N Holler Dinner Show in Pigeon Forge is a lively, energetic show that has plenty of audience participation and a hilarious cast that keeps show goers laughing from beginning to end. When my friends and I arrived at the show, we were immediately seated, front row, in one of the four-top tables. A delicious Italian salad and bread basket was already waiting for us, and as we began to dine the show began, with Scraps and his troupe of traveling singers and dancers taking the stage. Scraps, the would-be chef, is a hilarious emcee that put a smile on my face from the start. He interacts with the audience, and one of my friends was endlessly targeted as the subject of Scraps’ jokes, much to our amusement.

The three course dinner served during the Pigeon Forge Hoot N Holler Dinner Show was superb, and included baked ziti, stuffed Italian shells and chicken parmesan, all topped off with a Strawberry Shortcake dessert. Of course, you have to be careful eating during this show as laughter can happen at any moment due to the silly antics of Scraps and his traveling troupe. They sing, they dance, and they playfully interact with the audience creating one of the most laid-back yet uproarious show atmospheres I’ve had the pleasure of being at in a while.

This is, without a doubt, one of the funniest dinner shows in the Smokies. Whether they are recreating the telling of Paul Bunyan and his Blue Ox, or Scraps is juggling an assortment of items you’d never thought could be juggled, the Hoot N Holler Dinner Show cast keep the show interesting while the wait staff kept the drinks constantly refilled and the delicious food coming.

Tip: At the end of the show, a tip for your server is appreciated, as it is not included in the ticket price. Also, be sure to ask “What’s in the Box?” It’s a great way to instantly get Scraps in comedian mode. Moreover, because they are located at the WonderWorks complex, its easy to take a tour of the interactive museum directly after the show. Pictures with the cast are also available in the lobby after the show.

Fairfield Inn & Suites in Gatlinburg North Brightens Any Travelers Vacation

Location is key when staying at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Gatlinburg as they are situated between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, making accessing the entertainment you choose easier than ever. The Great Smoky Mountains and Dollywood are both just a few miles away. The accommodations at the all-interior corridor Fairfield Inn combine with their location to create the perfect place to stay on your Smoky Mountain vacation.

The Gatlinburg Fairfield Inn & Suites has recently been renovated and now features a very modern design known as the “Green Tea Package.” The design is highlighted by bright colors like oranges, reds and greens and aesthetically speaking, is very pleasing visually. Their lobby is open and spacious and provides an abundance of seating for guests, as well as a dual fireplace and two flat screen TVs. The breakfast area is also rather large, has comfortable seating and serves a deluxe continental breakfast. Other amenities at the hotel include a large fitness room, which is painted in an energetic green color & equipped with a flat screen TV, and is great for getting an early morning start on your exercise. A large outdoor pool with mushroom water feature, zero entry design with small water fountains, and winding slide made this area a main attraction while I visited. The landscaping and design of the recreation area were inviting and accommodating for families.

The room types available at Fairfield Inn Gatlinburg North include standard queen rooms, executive suites and Jacuzzi rooms. The standard queen room is decorated with bright greens and blues, with new case goods and a large flat screen TV adorning the wall. New mattresses have recently been installed in correlation with all of the renovations that have just recently been completed. A large bathroom featured a curved shower rod and generous-sized vanity area. The King Suite and Jacuzzi Suite are both very spacious, with the King Suite providing a small living area with flat screen TV as opposed to the large in-room Jacuzzi found in the Spa room.

Enjoy a Rustic Retreat at the Gatlinburg Bearskin Lodge

Bearskin Lodge on the River in Gatlinburg offers convenient access to all the entertainment Gatlinburg has to offer while also indulging guests in a bit of Smoky Mountain relaxation. The rustic retreat style of Bearskin Lodge welcomes guests in the lobby and the style continues throughout the property. The high rise lodge offers double queen units, which I found to be spacious and inviting from the moment I arrived.

My room had a unique mountain charm about it, and the in-room two person Jacuzzi and fireplace added a relaxing element I look for while on vacation. Moreover, the balcony overlooking the trickling creek flowing by was exactly the type of “rustic experience” Bearskin Lodge strives to create for guests, and I must admit, they achieve that goal and then some. The earthy tones my room was decorated in furthered the inviting atmosphere and the new mattress and bedding provided all the comfort one would need away from home. The bathroom featured a curved shower rod and vanity outside of the bath for extra space for guests. A small fridge was also in-room.

Amenities at the Gatlinburg Bearskin Lodge include wireless in the lobby, hi-speed internet in rooms, a large breakfast room, which serves standard continental breakfast items as well as waffles and biscuits and gravy, as well as a medium sized pool area that is currently undergoing renovations. The pool area will soon be completed and will feature a small pool, lazy river, two fire pits and landscaping. Further renovations at the Bearskin Lodge are scheduled for winter ’09.

The Bearskin Lodge is a perfect place to stay for anyone wanting to enjoy the allure of the Smoky Mountains yet still want to be pampered.

Quaint yet Cozy Accommodations Found at Gatlinburg's Smoky Pines Motel

The Smoky Pines Motel in Gatlinburg is a quaint property located in the Baskins Creek area, just off the parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. The motel specializes in providing hospitable accommodations reflecting the natural aspect of the Smoky Mountains that surround the area. Double/Double rooms and King rooms are the standard room types available, and each has a unique design.

The double/double unit I lodged in reminded me of a cabin in its style and provided more of a homey touch than regular, run-of-the-mill motel rooms. The two double beds, which had pillow top mattresses, were surrounded by rustic lodge décor in earthy tones like greens and browns, with pine ceilings complimenting the entire room and moderately used case goods found throughout. A flat screen TV is also in-room, as are some chairs for relaxing. The bathroom was rather small, but efficient.

The King room was, of course, more spacious than the double/double unit and it also came equipped with a seasonal fireplace. All room types come standard with microwave, mini-fridge and free wireless internet.  Please note, wireless internet is not available during the winter months.

Amenities at the Gatlinburg Smoky Pines Motel include an outdoor pool and sun deck.

Pigeon Forge Fairfield Inn Provides Comfortable Lodging at a Fair Price

The Fairfield Inn & Suites in Pigeon Forge is a great place to stay due to their location and hospitality. Their large lobby features 24 hour FREE coffee and a medium sized breakfast room where a continental breakfast is served. A small fitness center with three machines is available for guests, as is their outdoor pool which is accentuated by beautiful landscaping, plenty of patio seating and a nearby courtyard.

The lodging units at the Sevierville Fairfield Inn allow guests the option of staying in a double queen room or executive suite room, depending on your vacation needs. The double queen room I viewed had new case goods, including a comfortable chair & desk, and also features new down blankets and feather pillows for a relaxing night’s sleep. The décor is chic and minimalist with blues, greens and yellows accenting the room. The bathroom had a new granite vanities and a curved shower rod, creating extra space.

The executive suite at the Fairfield Inn has a separate living area, divided by a half wall, which is outfitted with a large TV, sofa sleeper and stereo system. A queen bed is located in the bedroom, along with a desk & chair, and additional TV.

The Pigeon Forge Fairfield Inn is an all interior corridor property and does have a guest laundry. In the winter of 2009, this property underwent extensive renovations and now features a very modern design known as the “Green Tea Package.” The design is highlighted by bright colors like oranges, reds and greens and includes new case goods for the rooms.

Take a Mountain Escape at Brother's Cove Resort

The Brother’s Cove Log Cabin Resort in Gatlinburg is secluded and provides the “real” cabin experience many Gatlinburg vacationers are looking for. Located off of Wears Valley Road, this sprawling property provides the gorgeous mountain views, top of the mountain setting and the luxurious amenities one expects while staying in a cabin in Tennessee. After winding through the roads leading to Brother’s Cove Resort, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found at the end of the road.

The property offers 1, 2, & 3 bedroom cabins in standard and luxury varieties. While I visited, I stayed in a 1 bedroom luxury unit, which had spectacular mountain views, made even better by the massive picture windows in my cabin. The cabin had an open layout and the fully equipped kitchen and living room flowed nicely together, creating an open space for enjoying family and friends. The living room had extremely comfortable couches, a rock fireplace and flat screen TV. The décor is, of course, rustic lodge themed and incorporates the natural elements of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. A large master bedroom was located on the main level with a Jacuzzi in-room and also had a small sitting area with TV. Downstairs is where the fun begins, as a pool table, large TV and couches are found there, as well as an extra large Jacuzzi on the expansive wrap-a-round porch.

The 300 acre Pigeon Forge Brother’s Cove Cabin Resort also offers a large pool, with covered pavilion and hammocks nearby. Brother’s Cove truly provides the mountain cabin experience, and is an excellent choice if you’d like to be away from the hustle and bustle of the Parkway. The views alone are worth checking in to Brother’s Cove Resort.