Tennessee: Pigeon Forge, Family Reunion Spots - Togethering in the Smoky Mountains. 
Families often find themselves time zones apart from family and friends, add to that balancing hectic school and work schedules and getting together anywhere takes planning. Togethering, another way to say reunion, is becoming more popular each year and Pigeon Forge, in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, takes some of the extra effort out of the planning part. They have a Reunion Consultant who takes care of the details and makes the idea of togethering in the mountains easy and fun.
In addition to being a family friendly, beautiful place on the planet, Pigeon Forge literally has something for everyone from nine months to 109 years. It can be a do nothing, rock on the porch experience or a high energy hiking, rafting biking adventure. Add nightly entertainment and terrific shopping to the list and you will need more vacation days.
It's a "sweet" place. Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee vacation ideas span the gamut of interests from hiking and whitewater rafting to first class musical venues and magic shows. Dollywood® grabs the attention of those wanting a theme park adventure and Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts visitors to miles of wilderness trails. The bottom line, there are choices, lots of choices. Some of them described as “sweet” in teenage lingo and great by those who think sweet describes candy. Deciding what to see, where to go, and what to do is part of the experience so we have assembled a few ideas just for fun.
Prepare to be entertained together. Pigeon Forge is at the heart of American country music with a unique mountain style and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede is a must. Lively and energetic the show provides choreographed horsemanship, boisterous entertainment and a sumptuous feast. Louise Mandrell has her own theater and her own lively, patriotic review. In classic Mandrell style she orchestrates a variety of singing and dancing sequences and everyone feels part of the show. Punchy and energizing Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show causes pulse rates to increase. It is a musical revue and a country feast all in one. The music covers the gamut from country to bluegrass and gospel music and is a perfect memory-making evening for all ages.
Bonus points: And even better for a family reunion, Hoot’n Holler provides, lively music, and family friendly entertainment during an energetic diner show. For reunion groups the seating is ideal and the actors make sure family members are engaged in the show.
Race the cousins. If racing is in the family bloodline, the chances to race are abundant. From bumper cars and go-carts slick tracks to gyro or trampoline rides and sprint courses there are ways to challenge and be challenged all for fun. Wild Wheels has CAN-AM racing and the bonus option of a bungee jump. Sweet!
Putting it all together. Pigeon Forge has the right attitude about families.
They have Funnel Cakes; Krispy Kreme and Krystal Burgers as well as all night coffee stops and mountain flavored BBQ. “Sweet!” They know that no two families are the same and that reunions need to be fun and effortless. They have vacation consultants and reunion coordinators to make the perfect family get together happen in Pigeon Forge the “first time” or “the same time” next year.
Request a proposal. The tourism staff in Pigeon Forge has assembled plenty of useful information on when, where and how to created the perfect reunion in their own back yard. They have a form at their website that makes it easy to start the process. The “Request for Proposal” form allows them to narrow the options making it much easier to plan your meeting, reunion, or retreat specifications. Go to Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism (PFDOT) toll-free 1-800-286-7557 or
www.pigeonforgereunion.com
Staff notes: Listed below are a few places that we know work very well for families. For more options just request a proposal from PFDOT. There is a link at the website.
Alpine Mountain Village. Just off the main drag, these luxurious log cabins offer a serene refuge from the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge tucked away in the wooded beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
Reunion advantage: With more than 60 cabins (ranging in size from 1-6 bedrooms), Alpine Mountain Village can accommodate any size group, and the amenities make the stay soothing and yet energizing. The vacation cabins are arranged to maximize privacy yet provide a community atmosphere. The balconies jut among the treetops making it easy to enjoy an early morning cup of coffee or count stars in the night sky. Many of the cabins feature game rooms, hot tubs, unique interior designs and stacked stone fireplaces.
Bonus points: Alpine Mountain Village boasts a beautiful onsite wedding chapel and has an onsite wedding coordinator, and some of the units are pet friendly.
Location on the planet. 220 Sugar Hollow Road. Toll-free 1-800-918-5954 or
www.alpinemountainvillage.com Eagles Ridge Resort. Nestled in the foothills close to the action on the Parkway, the property has individual cabins ranging from one to nine bedrooms, most with gas fireplaces and outdoor hot tubs. A log style clubhouse with a huge deck is available for reunion gatherings.
Reunion advantage: Cabins are nested in varying numbers to accommodate small or large groups in one area. Some of the cabins have pool tables.
Bonus points: Video arcade for all ages. But more important than entertainment for the kids, they offer a solution for tired, stressed, tense, adults. No need to go anywhere, just pick up the phone, and a relaxing, soothing therapeutic massage is on the way. ((865) 924-1111 or www.beneficialtolife.com)
Location on the planet. 2740 Florence Drive, 1-888-453-9992, (865) 286-1319. Ask for Judy Ann Dial or take a look at
www.eaglesridge.com Big Bear Lodge and Resort. This resort property is tucked into a mountain setting near the Parkway just off Wears Valley Road. They have 2-bedroom to 6-bedroom log-style cabins each with a private hot tub, gas fireplace, and grill.
Reunion advantage: Cabins are close together and there is an outdoor pool nearby. Managed by ResortQuest International, a sister property Golf View Resort is located just off Dollywood Lane on the opposite side of the Parkway. It is the closest resort in all of Pigeon Forge to Dollywood.
Location on the planet. 2645 Valley Heights Drive, Toll-free 1-866-4-bigbear (424-2327), (865) 908-1342, ask for Audia Erman or take a look at
www.bigbear.com/places-to-stay/resort-lodges Middlecreek Valley Chalets. Located on a mountainside near area attractions, the 44-acre property was built exclusively for reunions and meetings making space perfect for any size gathering.
Reunion advantage: Chalets sizes range from one-bedroom to 17-bedrooms. Onsite there is an all -season swimming pool, playground, hammocks and gazebos, gas grills, walking trails, open-pit BBQ area, sand volleyball court and horseshoes. Many of the units are equipped with a hot tub, fireplace, foosball or ping pong tables, Jacuzzis, and ample gathering space. Pet friendly units are available.
Bonus points: They have someone on-call 24/7. Each Chalet has an individual address and direct phone number in the event of an emergency.
Location on the planet: 2525 Goldrush Road, Toll-free 1-866-242-5389, (865) 428-8238. Contact person is Jennifer Dyer or take a look
www.mvchalets.com Microtel Suites at Music Road. The 71-unit all-suites property provides the extras that make your stay a bit more convenient and comfortable, but at the price of a regular hotel room. Each Standard Suite has either two queen beds or one queen bed and a queen sleeper sofa, and all have a kitchenette with refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker with coffee, bar sink and cabinets. Other items in our suites include a dinette table and chairs, desk, and a large padded window seat-the Microtel trademark.
Reunion advantage: They realize that balancing the cost with the services and amenities you desire can be challenging. So, they make an extra effort to tailor customer care and service to insure that needs are met at the right price. Just request a proposal from the website or call the property directly.
Bonus points: Complimentary continental breakfast bar each morning, which can include Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Otis Spunkmeyer muffins, bagels, toast, hot and cold cereals, fruit salad, fruit juices, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. In addition, they have designated suites that we will allow small pets in for a one-time-per-stay fee, depending on the size and breed of the pet.
Location on the planet. 2045 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, 37868-1366. Toll-free 1-800-234-1412, (865) 453-1116 or go to
www.pigeonforgemicrotel.com
