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Pigeon Forge Offers Smoky Mountains Family Reunion Bear Hugs. Welcome Bear sculptures populate Pigeon Forge.Welcome defines the atmosphere on and off the iconic parkway. In addition to setting the standard for being family-friendly to all ages, Pigeon Forge literally has something for everyone. It can be a 'do nothing, rocking chair on the porch experience' or a high energy time loaded with activities which include man-made thrills and adventures in nature. 

Here's the scoop. Pigeon Forge has the right attitude about serving families on vacation and it seems to me they have perfected the family reunion aspect in the process. 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. Affordable sleeping options, activity choices flexible meeting spaces, and a family friendly atmosphere make Pigeon Forge an ideal family reunion destination. In addition Forge has a family reunion planning staff dedicated to assist in making things happen. No one will be bored.Alpine Slide in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
 
Beisdes encouraging bear hugs, what exactly will a family reunion in Pigeon Forge provide? 
1. Abundant ways to be entertained. 
2. Copious sleeping options.
3. Serene Smoky Mountains scenery.
4. Plentiful yummy food choices
5. Hospitality practiced daily. 

The combination all depends on your family. From cozy cabins, family suites, and camping options to luxurious log homes, the choices are many. Add nightly entertainment, terrific shopping, yummy eats, interesting museums, Dollywood, an Alpine slide and an awesome Ferris wheel. It is definitely a place to vacation separately together. The bottom line, there are choices, lots of choices. Pigeon Forge Family Reunion fun

For foodies they have authentic funnel cakes, apple fritters, sweet potato pancakes, hushpuppies and the best fried catfish east of the Mississippi. Mel’s Diner is one of our family’s favorite spots because the milkshakes are the very best. The fact is the Forge has all of the components for a terrific reunion base, just add family.
 
At every family reunion someone cautions ‘Act your age!’ but there is really no need to do that on vacation in Pigeon Forge. Where else can grandma skydive without jumping out of a plane? Race a car with grandpa or laser zap the family tree? Flyaway has an indoor simulator that provides the chance to take a dare without the extra thrill and in plain view of those acting their age. Led by the family matriarch cousins against cousins and siblings united can participate in fictitious family feuds easily staged and settled with a game of laser tag at Ultrazone.The Wheel at the Island, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pigeon Forge has a variety of American country music venues along with an Appalachian Mountains style of entertainment which is guaranteed to cause foot stomping. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede provides not just music but also a lively and energetic the show with choreographed horsemanship, boisterous entertainment and a sumptuous feast. There are more than a dozen theaters and about 20 different stage shows spread through town. They range from compact to almost gigantic, and the entertainment in every one of them is suitable for everyone in the family. The music covers the gamut, from country to bluegrass and Broadway to gospel and is a perfect memory-making evening for all ages. You even can find magic shows and a murder-mystery theater. Bonus Points: There are several dinner shows, and they fill two requirements for reunion groups — a meal and entertainment all in one place. Of course, theaters offer group rates, which reunion planners love.

Imagine finding a comedy show that offers laughs for the whole family. The Comedy Barn has a family variety show with music, jokes, skits as well as nationally known magicians, jugglers, ventriloquists and zany barnyard animal acts. Pigeon Forge also has a high tech theater experience presented at the Country Tonite Theatre. Bonus Points: On the Parkway not far from shopping and mini golf, The Movie Rider has motion seating with surround sound. The result is an action-filled, high-tech film ride series that is experienced not just seen. Not for little ones, the film adventure series is ideal for tweens and teens and a perfect rainy day experience.Eagle Ridge Cabins Valley View
 
Dollywood® grabs the attention of those wanting a theme park adventure and Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts visitors to miles of wilderness trails.

A destination family reunion bonus. Pigeon Forge has an assortment of public trolleys that make going anywhere is in the area easy. While the schedules seem random, the service is reliable and friendly. Drivers seem to know instinctively the answers to questions before they are asked.

Request a proposal. The tourism staff in Pigeon Forge has assembled plenty of useful information on when, where and how to create the perfect reunion. There is a form on the website that makes it easy to start the process by narrowing the options to make it much easier to plan.
 
Make it happen. Go to Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism (PFDOT) toll-free 1-800-286-7557 or www.pigeonforgereunion.com 

Content and images by Nancy Nelson-Duac Curator of the Good Stuff for the Family Travel Files. Copyright 2017.