smoky mountains spring bearcamp

Top 5 Things To Do In Pigeon Forge During Winter

Winterfest is a two-part season here in the Smokies. The first is tied up in the holidays with Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. The second is in the months that come after. This is described as the "quiet season" of the Smokies where special events are toned down. We see more snow and colder temperatures provide limits to outside travel and the Ma and Pa stores also close until tourism picks back up come Spring Break.

However, post-holiday Winterfest is actually the BEST time to visit the Smokies if you're into a romantic getaway, a vacation with genuine solitude, peace and quiet and attractions that have much shorter lines wanting to get in. While the aforementioned amusements are closed for the season, a majority of the rest continue to be open year-round. In addition, there is an atmosphere of stillness for much of the season, the stark colors of the mountains combined with snow-covered peaks provide a sense of dignity and crisp air perfect for celebrating Valentine's Day, anniversaries and other romantic interludes.

 

In this article, we'd like to quickly recommend some things to enjoy a Smoky Mountain post-holiday Winterfest vacation with. Let's look:

1.The Island.

So much to talk about here; it's hard to know where to begin except for the very obvious – the great Smoky Mountain Wheel that lights up the night sky in Pigeon Forge. This incredible wheel is more than just a fancy ferris wheel, it provides an awe-inspiring look at the city and the surrounding mountains from a climate-controlled car.
Other excellent attractions here include:

  • The Island Show Fountain
  • The Island Ropes Course
  • Alcatraz East
  • Island Mirror Maze
  • 7D Dark Ride Adventure
  • The Escape Game
  • Old Time Photo
  • Thunderdome
  • Twist N' Shout
  • And more you can see CLICK HERE

2.Lumberjack Adventure

You may remember this as the Lumberjack Feud here in Pigeon Forge. The same entertainment company that owns Dixie Stampede purchased Lumberjack Feud and it is now Lumberjack Adventure while still featuring what you came to see: an awesome lumberjack sports show with an awesome dinner!

Lumberjack Adventure is located next door to The Island in Pigeon Forge and it's well worth a visit. See more.

3.Ripley's Entertainment

You know of Ripley's in Gatlinburg. The entertainment giant in the Smokies has most, if not all, their attractions open year-round and they can be great fun for young families, and old. Their attractions include:

  • Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
  • Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum
  • Ripley's Haunted Adventure
  • Ripley's Moving Theater 5D
  • Ripley's Guinness World of Records Museum
  • Ripley's Mirror Maze
  • Ripley's Mini Golf
  • See more information on these activities CLICK HERE

WonderWorks

The imagination center of the Smokies! This wonderful interactive "edutainment" museum offers thrilling, mind-bending exhibits showing off physics, science, technology, history, math and much more through the following attractions:

  • Tesla Coil
  • Earthquake Cafe
  • Hurricane Hole!
  • Bed of Nails
  • Bubble Lab
  • Mindball
  • Virtual Sports
  • Rock Climbing
  • Mercury Capsule
  • And more you can see CLICK HERE

Breakfast!

Yessir, especially on a cold, wintery day with maybe some snow out (so long as it’s not enough to obscure the roads), nothing beats having a hot breakfast at a pancake restaurant with bacon, eggs, waffles, grits, sausage and more waiting to start your day. Here are some of our favorites for breakfast providers in the area:

 

Pancake Pantry

628 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738

pancakepantry.com

(865) 436-4724

 

Reagan's House of Pancakes

2820 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

reaganshouseofpancakes.com

(865) 428-0652

 

Reagan's Broken Egg Pancake House

3516 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 453-4600

 

Sawyer's Farmhouse Breakfast

2831 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

sawyersbreakfast.com

(865) 366-1090

 

Red Rooster Pancake House

3215 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

dininginthesmokies.com

(865) 428-3322

 

Flapjacks Pancake Cabin

(Multiple Locations)

flapjackspancakes.com

(865) 908-6115

 

Smoky Mountain Pancake House

4160 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

(865) 453-1947

⚡ New Rentals Discount

Check out some of our most recently added listings below and use promo code NEW2024 to save 5% on all new bookings for a limited time!

🌟 FREE Night Mountain Escape

Create lasting memories with our most popular offer – a FREE night in paradise when you extend your stay!

  • Book 6 nights, get your 7th night completely FREE
  • Valid for ALL our cabins including premium cabins
  • Perfect for family reunions and extended vacations
  • Available year-round (excluding holiday periods)
  • Use Promo Code: STAY6GET7TH
  • Best value: Save up to $500+ on weekly stays

💫 Midweek Mountain Getaway - 30% OFF

Escape the crowds and save big with our exclusive weekday discount – Our deepest savings of the year!

  • Save 30% on stays Sunday through Thursday
  • Valid: November 1, 2024 – May 22, 2025
  • Minimum 2-night stay required
  • No promo code needed
  • Select properties participating
  • Not valid during peak season or holidays
  • New reservations only

⚡ Last-Minute Getaway Deal

Score the absolute lowest rates on Last-Minute mountain escapes!

  • Book before December 19th, 2024.
  • Save up to an Additional 25% on remaining inventory.
  • Available for flexible travel dates
  • Call for help with best available rates
  • Subject to cabin availability
  • Cannot be combined with certain other offers including VIP and Buy 6 & get 7th Free.

🎖️ VIP Discount - 5% OFF

Special savings for those who serve – our way of saying thank you!

  • Use Promo Code: VIP
  • Available for:
    • Active Military & Veterans
    • First Responders (Police, Fire, EMT)
    • AAA & AARP Members
  • Valid on most properties
  • Can be used year-round
  • Holiday blackout dates apply

Deposit Protection

Deposit protection enables you to receive either a refund or reschedule less the deposit protection amount and applicable tax. In order to receive a refund, you must cancel the reservation at least 30 days prior to arrival (for 1-3 bedroom cabins) and 60 days prior to arrival (for 4 bedroom and larger).

With Deposit Protection, once inside this window, you may still reschedule your reservation within 12 months and receive full credit for the amount paid minus the deposit protection amount if you reschedule at least 15 days prior to arrival for 1-3 bedroom properties or 30 days prior to arrival for 4+ bedroom properties. Once the 12 month time frame has expired all monies paid will be forfeited.

Without Deposit Protection, no refunds or reschedules will be allowed.

Deposit Protection

Deposit protection enables you to receive either a refund or reschedule less the deposit protection amount and applicable tax. In order to receive a refund, you must cancel the reservation at least 30 days prior to arrival (for 1-3 bedroom cabins) and 60 days prior to arrival (for 4 bedroom and larger).

With Deposit Protection, once inside this window, you may still reschedule your reservation within 12 months and receive full credit for the amount paid minus the deposit protection amount if you reschedule at least 15 days prior to arrival for 1-3 bedroom properties or 30 days prior to arrival for 4+ bedroom properties. Once the 12 month time frame has expired all monies paid will be forfeited.

Without Deposit Protection, no refunds or reschedules will be allowed.

Skip to content