• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Fun Things to Do in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg

July 10, 2019 | Uncategorized

Disclosure: This post may contain sponsored content, however, all opinions are my own.

Recently we went on a trip to Pigeon Forge. There was so much to do that we didn’t even have time to do it all. This posts highlights some of our favorite things, and things we want to go back and do again!

pigeon forge

1.) Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: On our first full day in Tennessee, we drove into Gatlinburg to visit the Ripley’s Aquarium.

There is a large parking garage next door (minimal hourly charge) and then you walk right up to the window to get tickets. We arrived right at opening, and Emma Kate loved seeing all the fish!

The highlights were the penguins, the moving sidewalk going through the tunnel where the sharks were, the indoor playground, and touching an Octopus. The aquarium had tons of exhibits, and even a food court so you could stop and take a break.

It was the perfect choice for a hot or rainy day in the mountains! However, a word of advice. We noticed the line got REALLY long about an hour after opening, so make sure you arrive right when they open for the smallest crowds.

2.) Dollywood’s Splash Country: I love a good waterpark. I’m not a huge roller coaster person, but I just love water slides. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize it may still be chilly in mid-June, so our day was rainy and cool.

However, that didn’t stop us and Emma Kate loved the lazy river, slides, and wave pool. We definitely would love to come back on a warmer day. There were so many options for the little kids which was nice!

There was so much we missed. We left in the early afternoon after lightning forced the slides to shut down (of course not their fault!) The park was super clean and had beautiful theming and landscaping. Two thumbs up!

3.) Titanic Pigeon Forge: I am a huge history nerd, so I was really excited about visiting the Titanic museum. However, I will say, four was too young. I tried explaining the Titanic to her and what happened, but she got bored and wanted to run from room to room.

I definitely want to come back with just adults, I could have stayed much longer there were so many things to look at. She did enjoy touching the 28-degree water (SO COLD) and seeing if she could stand on the sloped deck as it was just before the Titanic sank.

If you love history, this is definitely not to be missed! Keep in mind on a rainy day like when we visited lines may be long just to get inside.

titanic

4.) St. Somewhere Spa: I had the privilege of having an express facial at the hotel’s spa, and it was glorious! They offer many services such as pedicures, facials, massages, and more.

I had the opportunity to relax in the chill room before and after my facial (which was so nice, my skin was so glow-y after!) and I was never rushed out.

It’s so convenient to take a quick trip over right from the hotel and relax a bit on your vacation. Highly recommended!

To see more photos and videos from all of these experiences, be sure to visit my Instagram profile and click on highlights labeled “Pigeon Forge” and “Pigeon Forge 2”

Like this:

Like Loading…

Sign up for my newsletter

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 11-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Free Travel Planning with Best Day Ever Vacations (Yes, It’s Completely FREE!)
  • Mom Must-Haves for a Basketball Tournament: The Ultimate Survival Guide
  • Why Spring Is the Sweet Spot for Family Vacation on Alabama’s Beaches
  • You’ll Get It When You Get Here: A Spring Break on Alabama’s Beaches That Actually Feels Like a Break
  • A Word for 2026

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
#ad #BraunPartner Less time shaving. More time liv #ad #BraunPartner Less time shaving. More time living thanks to @BraunBeautyUS Smart IPL. ✨ 

I didn’t realize how much mental space hair removal was taking up until it just… wasn’t anymore. Between games, trips, and everything in between, having something I can do at home in minutes has been a total game changer. The app-guided treatments keep me consistent without having to think about it, and I’m already noticing smoother skin that actually lasts. And yes — the full-body, 10-minute-at-home situation still feels a little unreal. 

If you’ve been on the fence, Prime Day (June 14–27) is definitely the moment to check it out with $120 off. #BraunSmartIPL
Reasons our family loved Henderson Beach Resort: # Reasons our family loved Henderson Beach Resort: #HendersonPartner

💦 Multiple pools + lazy river

🍽️ Great dining options right on property

🌅 Gorgeous Gulf views and sunsets

🏖️ Beach chair rentals available right on the beach

👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly while still feeling like a luxury getaway

✨ The kind of place that makes you immediately start planning your next trip

Current offer:Book a minimum 2-night stay and receive a $100 resort credit for your stay! (check with the resort for current availability and details).

Would you choose the beach or the lazy river?

#DestinFlorida #HendersonBeachResort #DestinFWB #FloridaVacation @thehendersonfl
We didn’t set out looking for a “perfect” trip… we We didn’t set out looking for a “perfect” trip… we just needed a break from the noise.
What we found in Florida was something better than that. #ad

Our first stop in Auburndale was all about slowing down in the best way. We stayed in a cozy tiny home at Camp Margaritaville (you can also stay in an RV!). We enjoyed coffee on the porch, our daughter loved the pool and waterslide (there is even a splash zone for the littles!), and at night we slowed things down with s’mores instead of screens. It felt like nature + comfort + family time all finally in the same place. They have so many other amenities like mini golf, golf cart rentals, pickleball, a playground, cornhole, and more. Nearby, we explored the Florida Children’s Museum and had incredible food and drinks at Smith’s American Tavern and Black & Brew Coffee. 

Then, we headed over to Fort Myers to experience a completely different side of the state. Shelling walks at sunrise, beach volleyball, pool cabanas, and the kind of Gulf sunsets that make everyone go quiet for a minute. Direct beach access at the Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers made it effortless to go from “let’s check it out” to toes in the sand in minutes. There were several restaurants on property, so we never even got in our car. That plus live music, fire pits, the spa, and lawn games made it easy to want to stay put and relax.

What stood out most wasn’t just the scenery… it was how easy it was to actually be together here. No rushing or overplanning. That’s the true Floridays feeling for me. Laid-back, a little unexpected, and exactly what we didn’t know we needed. 🌴☀️

@VISITFLORIDA @visitfortmyers, @visitcentralfl 
#VISITFLORIDA #LoveFL #MyFortMyers #MargaritavilleResorts FamilyTravel FloridaTravel TravelWithKids
When the Smoky Mountain heat gets unbearable, we h When the Smoky Mountain heat gets unbearable, we head to Pigeon Forge Snow. ❄️ #sponsored 

One of our favorite family activities in Pigeon Forge because you can snow tube year-round, rain or shine, without worrying about the weather outside. 

My daughter could do the tubing hill over and over, and the indoor snow play area makes it even more fun. Honestly such a good break from the summer heat. Plus, it’s super close to nearby attractions like Dollywood and several mountain coasters. 

Click the 🔗 in my bio to save on your next visit to the Smokies!

 #pigeonforgesnow @pigeonforgesnow
Here is my favorite in park Disneyland character e Here is my favorite in park Disneyland character experience: The Plaza Inn character breakfast. Here are a few things to know:

✨ Meet Minnie before you even enter the restaurant and get photos with her + a photopass photographer. 
✨ Food is all you can eat. Minnie waffles, bacon, eggs, pastries, fruit, and more!
✨ Multiple characters visit your table throughout the meal.
✨ Reservations are a must and can book up quickly!

This was such a fun way to start a park day and meet several characters without spending part of the day waiting in character lines.

👉🏻When you book your vacation with @bestdayevervacay, they handle all your dining reservations for you so you don’t have to worry about it! It’s such a great perk and one you don’t have to pay extra for! Check out the 🔗 in my bio to learn more. (Affiliate)

#Disneyland70 #DisneylandTips #CharacterBreakfast #bdevambassador #Disneylandandsea
Some days it really is the small things that add u Some days it really is the small things that add up. #mochipartner

Getting in a walk or run when I can. Actually drinking my water. Sticking to a skincare routine instead of overthinking it. Paying attention to my hair and scalp instead of just throwing it up and moving on. Nothing extreme, just consistency in the basics.

I’ve also been using Mochi Health for personalized skincare and hair support, and it’s made it way easier to stay on track without guessing what my skin or hair needs.

If you want to try it, there’s $40 off your first month through the link in my bio. @joinmochi #joinmochi mochihealth
We stopped in the Smoky Mountains for one of the m We stopped in the Smoky Mountains for one of the most unexpected food experiences… where Tennessee whiskey doesn’t just stay in the glass, it shows up on the plate. #Corktoforkpartner 

Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro took part in Cork to Fork on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, and every bite felt like a love letter to local flavor. From bourbon-glazed pork belly to a warm cinnamon-bourbon bread pudding that honestly didn’t stand a chance at our table… this was one of those meals you remember.

Mountain views, chef-driven dishes, and whiskey worked right into the menu in the best way. 😋 

If this is what “one stop” on Cork to Fork looks like… I’m curious what the rest tastes like! Head to the website ( 🔗 in bio) to learn more about the trail and download your free digital passport! @tnwhiskeytrail 

#TennesseeWhiskeyTrail #SmokyMountainEats #corktofork #SouthernFoodie  @appalachianbistro

Copyright © 2026 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

Loading Comments...

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d