What to Expect When Visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge

For one thing, if you’re looking for The Island in Pigeon Forge, you might be surprised when you arrive and it turns out not to be an island at all. The correct name for it is The Island at Pigeon Forge. But if it’s not an island then what is it? It’s like the Disney Springs of Disney World or the City Walk of Universal Studios. Only in a more cozy type of setting.

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What is The Island at Pigeon Forge?

The Island at Pigeon Forge is an entertainment district offering places to eat, stay, shop, and play. And no, it’s not really an island.

Is the Island at Pigeon Forge Free?

The Island at Pigeon Forge offers free parking and free admission. There’s even a free shuttle (check their website for availability) to take you from the parking lot to the attractions.

When is The Island at Pigeon Forge Open?

The Island at Pigeon Forge is open every day, 365 days a year. However, some attractions may be closed during your visit so be sure to check their website or call ahead before you visit.

Is the Island at Pigeon Forge Pet Friendly?

The Island at Pigeon Forge is pet friendly so if you’re a dog mom or dad, you can bring your baby along. Just remember to bring your leash.

How Much Time Do I Need to Visit The Island at Pigeon Forge?

It’s possible to spend as little as an hour to as much as half a day experiencing all that The Island at Pigeon Forge has to offer. It all depends on what you want to do.

Shop

There are over 40 shops at The Island at Pigeon Forge including a couple of toy stores, some souvenir shops, and some boutiques. If you like to shop at small businesses you’ll enjoy the shops at The Island at Pigeon Forge. 

A couple of honorable mentions include: 

• Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine does tastings and offers a wide selection of moonshine options
• Pepper Palace offers tastings of hot sauce ranging from mild to burn your face off. They even have a Ghost Pepper hot sauce challenge. If you ever thought about what it would be like to participate in the show Hot Ones, you’ll want to stop here. 
• Paula Deen Retail store where you can buy everything from kitchenware to the mix for her famous biscuits, to her cookbooks.

Play

There are a number of attractions at The Island at Pigeon Forge. If you enjoy games, there is a large arcade. Have grade school children? There are a few amusement rides for them. Unfortunately, there are only one or two rides for toddlers and for thrill seekers. For the family, you’ll find a ropes course, a carousel, and like every tourist location, there is a giant ferris wheel.

At the entrance to The Island at Pigeon Forge, you’ll find the Alcatraz Crime Museum which features some famous artifacts including OJ Simpson’s Bronco. If you’re a fan of Epcot’s Soaring Around the World in Disney World, you’ll love The Island’s newest attraction, Sky Fly: Soar America.   

Eat

Probably the most popular place to eat at The Island at Pigeon Forge, and my personal favorite, is Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. Paula Deen’s is a family-style, all-you-can-eat restaurant. You pick between a number of entrees and a number of sides for your group, and they are continuously sent to your table until you’ve had enough. To read our review of Paula Deen’s, CLICK HERE. 

Another popular restaurant at The Island in Pigeon Forge is Dick’s Last Resort. Dick’s is a lot of fun if you like gentle teasing and funny-looking hats. The food and drinks are pretty good too. Looking for Pizza? Try Mellow Mushroom. How about a margarita with your meal? There’s a Margaritaville for that. 

Accommodations

The Island at Pigeon Forge is home to the Margaritaville Island Hotel and the Margaritaville Island Inn. The location of these hotels is perfect! They are steps away from The Island’s restaurants, shops, and entertainment. You won’t even have to get into your car.

Looking for a luxurious stay in a prime location, the Margaritaville Island Hotel may be the place for you. There’s a rooftop pool and bar, and balconies facing the main fountain where you can watch the nightly fountain shows.

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Final Thoughts

The Island at Pigeon Forge is a must-visit attraction for your family, no matter what time of year you visit. Our family usually spends a few hours there every time we visit Pigeon Forge. It’s a great place to have lunch or dinner, a good place for some outdoor fun, and a beautiful place to just relax and take pictures.

Be sure to schedule some time in your itinerary for a visit during your trip. For more information visit The Island at Pigeon Forge’s website.

Check out what it’s like to visit The Island at Pigeon Forge during Christmas.