With so many stores, Pigeon Forge is a shopper's heaven - at least for me! I love to hit up the outlet malls to see what goodies they have on sale. There are so many name brand stores, it just makes sense to come to Pigeon Forge to shop. I also love to hit up the smaller, unique stores in town. You can find one of a kind arts and crafts - handmade by local craftsman or original paintings for local artists. I also have to pop in to one of the local candy shops. No trip is complete without some turtles and a caramel apple. Not sure where to begin? Follow PigeonForge.com suggested shopping itineraries as your guide. Read through ideas such as girls shopping getaway, the romantic shopping getaway, or the shopping adventure into "The Glades" of Gatlinburg.

Winterfest in Pigeon Forge--reported by Jessica | "There's just SO much about Winterfest!" That was Trista's response when I asked her about Winterfest.  Over five million lights shimmer in the crisp night air as Winterfest takes place in the Smoky Mountains. Join us for Smoky Mountain Winterfest anytime from November through February and share in the special events and seasonal fun that makes Winterfest one of the top 100 Events in North America.

Why are fall colors are so remarkable in the Smokies? --reported by Trista | One reason is the park’s amazing diversity of trees. This time of year is always perfect for hiking, especially along the lower elevation trails, the view is truly breathtaking.  Bears, chipmunks, squirrels, and other wildlife are busily gathering acorns, walnuts, and other natural foods and streams and waterfalls are sparkling. Of all the beautiful seasons in the Smokies, the fall foliage and perfect temperatures of fall time has to be the very best to me. Fall colors and displays are part of the autumn celebration throughout the Smoky Mountain region is known as Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival.

Best Picnic Destination--reported by Trista | Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Smokies. This 11 mile loop is a peaceful driving tour and is also used for bicycling (rentals available) and hiking. Throughout the Cove you will see historic buildings, including rustic log homes of original residents of the Cove, several churches, an old mill and cemeteries. The loop follows many of the grades and turns of the old wagon roads, fording many scenic streams along the way. It is almost certain that you will see lots of wildlife including deer and wild turkey year-round, bears and cubs and lots of groundhogs in the summer. What are you waiting for…pack a picnic, and be sure to grab your camera.

Anniversary Trip--reported by Debbie & Gene Pollock of Valdosta, GA | My husband and I just returned from our "annual" December trip to the Smokies. We always go the week of our anniversary and look forward to this every year. We just celebrated 37 years. We were really thrilled this year because it snowed for 4 of the 7 days we were there!  BEAUTIFUL... This was a very special trip this year, as I had just completed chemo treatments for my second time with breast cancer.  I think I looked more forward to this than ever. We hope to make it for Christmas one year if we can get our family to go along. This is our favorite vacation spot, and we have gone every year since 1974 except in 1977 when our son was born. We can't wait until we can go back next year! 

Ultimate Valentine Weekend--reported by Tommy Gros | It was a surprise for her. We were supposed to go out to dinner that night,--she thought locally in the New Orleans area-- except I pulled into the airport parking lot, and we flew into Knoxville just with the clothes on our back, and a short drive to the Peddler resturant before they closed.We were like teenagers sneaking off without notice. Cobbly Nob knew my plans and had wine and chocolates with roses on the table made for a most romantic evening and 3 days of bliss.We often remember the memories we made that Valentine night.

Summer is a wonderful time of year to hike to Gregory Bald in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is my favorite hike in the Smokies, particularly in mid-June to early-July when the flame azaleas are in bloom. View Scenes from my latest adventure to Gregory Bald. Though quite a strenuous hike, it is well worth your effort to view the most spectacular mountain splendor in the world. For many folks, this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime hikes. I am so fortunate to live in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.

"Ethereal!" That is the word my mom used to describe the synchronous firefly showing. Although relatively unknown until 1994, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to the rare Synchronous fireflies. These spectacular little creatures emit their flash synchronously or at the same time. It is truly a sight to behold. Learn more about the Synchronous Fireflies in Elkmont and plan your trip to the Smokies.

The Pigeon Forge Midnight 8K has a unique midnight start time and a fast and flat course, making it easy and fun for all runners. The race is fun for spectators to watch. It is a rare and unique nighttime event. It is a special time of the night when Pigeon Forge visitors come out of their hotels and rental homes to line the streets and applaud the runners who participate. Whether one is just watching the race or actually running and achieving a personal milestone...this race is a guaranteed good time for all who attend. My favorite part of the race? I get to fire the starting pistol!

--Every year we make it a point to visit the aquarium and we love it! My daughters love the new penguin exhibit, and I love to see the huge sea turtles. The staff is always very informative and takes the extra time to answer questions. The first year we went, we arrived later in the evening; and because the place was less crowded, we got a special dive show with a staff member that was able to answer a lot of questions and tell us a lot more information. Young and old love going to Ripley’s Aquarium. Did you know? More people have been injured world-wide by falling coconuts than by sharks!

--reported by Bonnie Wolke | The very first time I came to the Smokies was 1975, and we took a picture of my 1-year-old son Nate and me sitting in front of the sign heading into the Smokies from Gatlinburg.  35 years later when he was visiting from Colorado, I surprised him by taking him to the "modern" sign at the same location and recreating our 1975 pose.  He had never seen the picture of him as a baby in front of the sign.  I framed both photos in a double frame and gave them to him for his 36th birthday on Jan. 5, 2010.  He loves it! We were just back to the Smokies this past Christmas and New Years for the big ball drop and fireworks, and a girlfriend and I are attending Wilderness Wildlife Week next week for about the fifth time!  We never get enough of Pigeon Forge.

Springfest runs March thru June. It kicks off during springtime in the beautiful city of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. It is a celebration packed full of nearly three months of home-spun fun. Springfest is also host to the very popular Dolly Parade. The one and only Dolly Parton rides atop a spectacular float as the Grand Marshal of her annual namesake parade.

Everybody Loves a Dolly Parade--reported by Trista | Every year for the last 26 years, Dolly has been holding her annual Dolly Parade here in Pigeon Forge. This event kicks off Springfest in the Smokies and usually draws about 50,000 Dolly lovers and spectators from all over the country. It's fun, it’s free, and you get to see Dolly herself. I have gone to this parade every year, and I love to see what fun float and outfit that she will come up with next. Dolly's 2012 parade will be the 27th anniversary of this event. Date and Time: May 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m.

--reported by Dennis Myers | My family is native to East Tennessee. Specifically, we live in the valley below the Smoky Mountains in the community known by locals as “Blaine.” But my ancestry actually goes back to a time when my family became one of the first settlers in the Pittman Center region of Great Smoky Mountains, which is just north of Hwy 321. A few times a year, my family piles into the car and enjoys this short scenic drive to visit my grandfather’s old home place, which is sits next to the beautiful Emerts Cove Covered Bridge. This area is directly across the road from the Greenbriar entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This covered bridge is a rare sight because it is one of only two covered bridges in Sevier County. (The other one is Harrisburg Covered Bridge.) I am so proud this bridge remains intact, because it is a big part of my family history. We also enjoy dining and shopping in Pigeon Forge on our drive back home.

Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community…
Whether you are looking for a unique gift to take back home or just want to stand back and watch the unique work of the many artisans, then the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community is a great place to spend some of your free time. Just the drive of this 8 mile loop is a delight all in itself. Get the opportunity to meet these artisans and crafters who, inspired by the beauty of the Smokies, made their homes here. Watch them whittle, paint, sew, cast, weave and carve to create original collectibles.

The chair lift is a wonderful, relaxing, and smooth ride. For those of you scared of heights, you are really never that far off the ground but it is exhilarating and the view from the top is breathtaking! It is fun watching other people pass by you on the lift and seeing some of their expressions. There is a fella that tells you near the end of the ride to smile; you are going to get your picture taken, and you purchase your photo at the gift shop at the top of the lift and it makes a great souvenir and a great memory.

This charming 5-mile-long scenic drive takes you through the historic Roaring Fork area of the Smokies. Once inhabited by the Ogle family, this area is a favorite for visitors.  Highlights include well-preserved grist mills and log cabins, cool rushing streams, wildflower viewing and areas of old-growth forest. The Historic Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is also home to the trailhead for Rainbow Falls, a popular trail among visitors to the Smoky Mountains that features a magnificent waterfall. The Rainbow Falls Trail continues for approximately 4 miles beyond the falls to the summit of Mt. Le Conte.To access Roaring Fork, turn off the main parkway in Gatlinburg, TN at traffic light #8 and follow Historic Nature Trail Road to the Cherokee Orchard entrance to the national park. Just beyond the Rainbow Falls trailhead you have the option of taking the one-way Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (closed in winter). This narrow, paved road winds for six miles beside rich forests, waterfalls, and streams. Buses, trailers, and motor homes are not permitted on the motor nature trail.

--reported by Carolyn Deline of Ontario, Canada | My husband and I visit Pigeon Forge every fall, and sometimes add a spring trip as well. We love to take scenic drives in the National Park, especially Roaring Fork...we do this drive every time we come to Pigeon Forge. We love it best in the fall when all the leaves are changing color. I love that there is a variety of things to see along this drive..we've seen wild turkeys and deer...all the waterfalls and hikes are great stops along the way as well. I love to stop at the Ogle homeplace historic site, it always amazes me how all those people lived in those small cabins in the heart of the mountains. My favorite stop along this drive is Thousand Drips Falls...we always climb up the rocks and get a picture taken. It is so beautiful, and I never tire of the scenery, or the fresh smell. If you've never done this drive in the park, I would highly recommend it as it gives you an overall sense of Great Smoky Mountain National Park, without taking up your whole day...unless of course, you want it too. :)

Get your engines started!--reported by Jessica | Pigeon Forge is a popular host to many rod runs and car shows each year.Thousands of classic car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts make the annual pilgrimage to Pigeon Forge and Sevierville yearly.Whether it's rare autos, classic trucks and hot rods or Gold Wings, visit our calendar of Pigeon Forge Car Shows, and come out and join me out on the sidewalk. I'll be in my lawn chair.

Smoky Mountain adventure--reported by Trista | There is nothing like a great camping trip in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! There are 10 campgrounds within the park that are considered "frontcountry camping" which have restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets.  There are also 7 area for group camping within the park  which require reservations.  Lastly, there is "backcountry camping."  This is only for the avid backpackers and those who are prepared to carry in all necessities! For backcountry camping, you will  need to obtain a backcountry permit available at visitor centers and ranger stations. 

--reported by Trista | You are SURE to find the kind of knife that you want at the Smoky Mountain Knife Works! O.K. ladies, I know what you are thinking, this may sound like a store for the guys, but I was surprised to see that the lower level was full of great kitchen gadgets, gifts, jewelry and tons of unique items. There was something for the entire family, what a great stop! Not to mention the delicious fudge that I bought on my way out the door…