Pigeon Forge

We spent our last full day in the Smokies exploring the town of Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge is a lot like Gatlinburg in that there are lots of activities to do, but things are more spread out so you have to drive to each attraction instead of parking and walking. We had driven down the "strip" the day before, so we kind of knew what activities that we had to choose from. Olivia was really taken by the WonderWorks building because it was upside down. We decided to visit. Wonderworks is a cross between a children's museum, a science center, and a Ripley's believe it or not. There were all kind of really neat things to do in there for all ages. Some of the things that the kids liked the best were the sections where you could make really big bubbles, the piano you could walk on, and exhibits that videoed you and then changed your image (making you really tall, really short, or switching your head with someone elses body).

After visiting Wonderworks, we went back to the cabin for a nap. That evening, we attended Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. This is one of those dinner shows where you sit in an arena and watch a show involving horses as you eat. We arrived in time for the pre-show which consisted of a bluegrass band playing all of the bluegrass favorites (Dixieland Delight, Rocky Top, Dueling Banjos, etc...) Owen really liked the music and clapped along with the music (see video). Once the pre-show was over, we went into the arena for the main event- which was really cute. The arena was divided into two teams- the North and the South. We were on the South team (of course). There were all kinds of events- like barrel racing, chicken chasing, pig racing, and a lumberjack relay- that had the two teams compete against each other. Audience members were pulled from each side to compete. In the end, there was a tie. I think that the competition was rigged because everyone knows that the South can't be beat. The show was really entertaining, and the kids actually paid attention to it the whole time. It also didn't hurt that they kept bringing us food throughout the show. Once the show was over, the audience members got to walk down to the arena to meet the horses and riders. Both of our kids got to pet a horse named "Joker". Olivia said that this was her favorite part.