Affordable Family Fun and Entertainment Await at The Island in Pigeon Forge
Driving down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, visitors’ eyes are immediately drawn to a 200-foot observation wheel that towers over one of the newest developments in east Tennessee: The Island in Pigeon Forge. After opening in the summer of 2013, The Island continues to offer guests an ideal destination for family vacations, day trips or even a night out.
Shopping at The Island in Pigeon Forge
When developing the property, it was important for The Island’s leasing team to target specialty retail shops and dining establishments to create the 23-acre entertainment destination we see today. The Island is home to stores such as Emery’s 5 & 10, which is the oldest five-and-dime location in the South, Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery and Parrot Mountain; each offer guests a one-of-a-kind shopping experience they can’t get anywhere else.
Find a variety of items as you shop more than 60 of the retail and specialty shops at The Island. As you walk around the ornate fountain, browse gifts, souvenirs, adult apparel, jewelry, framed artwork, housewares, sweets and more.
The Island of Pigeon Forge Restaurants
In addition to shopping, guests can experience a multitude of eateries, including Mellow Mushroom, Margaritaville and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
Mellow Mushroom serves some of the best pizza in the Smokies. Have a drink on the patio at Dude’s Daiquiri Bar as you wait for your hand tossed pizza to bake. Mellow Mushroom is great for the whole family.
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere and that place is Margaritaville. Influenced by the vibes of Jimmy Buffett, Margaritaville Pigeon Forge brings the island life to the Smoky Mountains. The relaxing, laid back restaurant features a concert stage, multiple bars and an oversized fire pit outside.
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, a family-style restaurant serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner in a full-service, nearly 300-seat dining area that provides the perfect view to enjoy a meal while visiting Pigeon Forge with family and friends.
Additional dining includes sweet treats from The Fudgery, Island Yogurt, The Island Creamery and Cinnabon. Get a taste of the mountains at Timberwood Grill, or send your taste buds to Europe by dining at Poynor’s Pommes Frites.
The Island has plenty of places to imbibe after a day of shopping and exciting attractions. Enjoy a pint at Tennessee favorite Yee-Haw Brewing Company. If fruity cocktails are more your style, Changes in Latitude Bar serves handcrafted cocktails and light bites with a view of the Little Pigeon River.
Hotels and Lodging at The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
With more than 70 shops, restaurants and entertainment establishments, exploring The Island can take some time.
Having the Margaritaville Island Hotel on-site allows guests to conveniently turn their day visits into full vacations. The hotel offers the attitude and lifestyle of singer Jimmy Buffett, with the comfort and hospitality of a Southern home. Each room boasts unique views of The Island, including the river, Market Street and even the Island Show Fountain.
Additional Attractions at The Island Pigeon Forge
Affordable family fun abounds at The Island. The Island showcases an array of exhilarating rides and attractions.
Truly the largest attraction, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel gives rides a sky-high view of Pigeon Forge. Standing at 200-feet tall, the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is one of the tallest attractions in the southeast. Riders board a comfortable glass gondola and glide to the top to capture breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.
In addition to its Great Smoky Mountain Observation Wheel, The Island is home to a Bellagio-style show fountain, a number of rides for children and even a ropes course.
Click here to read more about ropes course at The Island.
Live music, roaming magicians and a living statue performer are just a few of the surprise guests may see during their visits. The Island also hosts a number of events throughout the year.
Free parking, no admission and a wide range of activities to choose from make this destination a unique stop during anyone’s Pigeon Forge vacation. The Island in Pigeon Forge has already become one of the most visited vacation spots in east Tennessee.
