10 Things to do at The Island in Pigeon Forge

The horizon line of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee captivates for two reasons. First is the Great Smoky Mountains with their mystical mist. The Cherokee called the vapor “blue smoke” and considered the area to be a sacred place.

The second is the 200 feet of The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island at Pigeon Forge.

We stumbled on The Island purely by accident in our travels around Pigeon Forge. Fall was in full bloom and the sun was warm and inviting. So we turned into the huge FREE parking lot, complete with running shuttle trams, on a whim. That is one of the things that we enjoy most about road trips; the ability to stop wherever your spirit of adventure leads you.

Since it was such a nice day, we decided to forego the shuttle and get our steps in…10,000 a day is ideal you know! We didn’t do a lot of research to be honest, so we didn’t know what we were walking to. The only research was where to have lunch, and when Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen popped up on the search, we knew that was where we needed to be! What we discovered was a serendipitous adventure and a most enjoyable afternoon.

Here’s our favorite things about The Island, and of course it starts with food. LOL

#1 Of course our first recommendation is to have lunch or dinner hosted by the “First Lady of Southern Cookin” Ms. Paula Deen. Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen is what led us to The Island in the first place. Do yourself a flavor…or I mean a favor…and get the fried chicken! Thankfully, they will let you take your Ooey Gooey Butter Cake or seasonal cobbler to go, because they will stuff you full of deliciousness. Wash it all down with some sweet tea, and your taste buds will thank you…although not as much as your full belly will. Walk off your meal downstairs in the retail store complete with The Lady’s cookbooks and everything you need for your country kitchen.

#2 If pizza is more your thing, the eclectic style of Mellow Mushroom is always a treat. Mel O. Mushroom invites you to this craft beer and pizza delight. Our personal choice: The Kosmic Karma. Feta and mozzarella cheese on their mellow red sauce, with spinach, sun-dried roasted and roma tomatoes. All this, wrapped up with a pesto swirl. YUM!

#3 Did someone say craft beer? Then you need to head on over to Yee-Haw Brewing Company! Find your spot at the bar of this welcoming taproom, or cozy up on the comfy sofas outside, which is what we did, taking full advantage of the Indian Summer day and live blue grass music. It didn’t take long as I perused the 3 page menu for the tapster to ask me what I typically like. Being an amber or red girl, he offered up their Eighty draft. This balanced Shilly Scottish Ale was a perfect suggestion, and I’ll pass that one on to you. I couldn’t resist partaking in a flight to sample more Yee-Haw goodness and hospitality, and getting some merch to take home.

#4 Nestled right next door is the Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn. Remember that live blue grass music I mentioned? Yeah, that was right here on their dedicated stage that features live daily bluegrass music. But be sure to mosey on inside the 6,000 foot space, complete with a tasting area. From Apple Pie Moonshine to Moonshine Pickles, you’ll be happy walking out with your jar of Tennessee goodness.

#5 Be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth at Byrd’s Famous Cookies. The Cookie Bar lets you sample your favorite treat or maybe find a new one. You can fill a cookie box for just $5.95! What will it be….Scotch Oatmeal? Almond Shortbread? Triple Chocolate? Key Lime?

#6 Let’s not forget the very thing that led us here…The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel! This is the very centerpiece of the Island at Pigeon Forge and a can’t miss! Each glass gondola fits up to 8 passengers and provides a breathtaking view of Pigeon Forge that you can’t get anywhere else. It’s a hard choice whether to take in the views during the day or at night. So we recommend both, with a day/night combo pass.

#7 The Island takes bumper cars to a whole other level! Offering a state of the art round design with dual lever steering, this allows you to go any direction. (even in circles) Vertically challenged riders (aka on the shorter side) or the kiddos can drive because there aren’t any pedals to reach. Have a little friendly competition or maybe let out a little pent up aggression. You can just take a spin for a bit or bundle with some other amusements, like number 8 on our list, the Mirror Maze next door.

#8 Lose yourself for a little while in The Island Mirror Maze. Can you navigate the twists and turns and mirrored illusions of this psychedelic maze? You have 3,000 square feet to challenge your directional skill. Try it with kaleidoscope glasses for a whole different perspective! Or maybe try the laser challenge and get your Mission Impossible on!

#9 Up the adventure for thrill seekers with The Island Ropes Course. Fun to do and equally fun to watch! There is no time limit as you navigate your way through the 3-story course complete with rope bridges, balance beams, and two zip lines. Finish it off with a safe walk down the stairs, or take the Quick Jump to the bulls-eye below.

#10 No visit to The Island would be complete without enjoying the Show Fountain. These multi-tiered dancing fountains are choreographed to light, color, and fourteen musical pieces. The center fountain displays at 60 feet high. Another must see during the day as well as at night for a special treat. The shows run every 30 minutes, and there is limited seating around the beautifully landscaped fountain to relax and enjoy. The best five or ten minutes you’ll spend all day.

Remember to share your adventures at The Island at Pigeon Forge with us! Comment below about your Island memories, and be sure to tag us on Instagram and Facebook @norolesjustbiscuits

~D