A Tennessean’s Love/Hate Relationship with Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge
Downtown Gatlinburg
Dollywood entrance.
As a Tennessee native, exploring Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge remain among my favorite and my earliest childhood memories. My family spent hours strolling along the strip. My favorite place was Fannie Farkles arcade, playing arcade games and drooling over the delicious scent of sausage and peppers, footlong corn dogs, and Philly cheesesteaks cooking on the flattop grill. My family rode the tram up the side of the mountain at Hillbilly Golf to play putt putt, and we ate way too much peanut butter fudge at the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen. My sister and I swam under the wall at the Park Vista hotel pool over and over until we were too exhausted to do anything else but sleep. We toured the old Ripley’s Believe It or Not, marveling at all of the wonders of the world. And, we walked past the old haunted house at least once a day, never daring to actually go in, but instead waiting for the old skeleton to jump out from the window and frighten us. In my mind, I go back to that sweet, simple time in my childhood, and I long to give that same experience to my children. But, as with any place that is beautiful, quaint, and entertaining, Gatlinburg attracts people from all over the world, and it has grown and changed over time to accommodate the demand from bigger crowds and a varied clientele. I still love it, but part of me laments the change and the crowds. Is this nostalgia? Am I that old? Am I turning into a curmudgeon?
Since my children were born, we’ve been lucky enough to travel all over the world. Of all of the places we have visited as a family, my kids will both tell you that, while it might not be the most sophisticated of choices, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge top their lists of favorite places to travel. But, as a parent, my experience has changed. I no longer thrill at the lights of the Pigeon Forge strip or the line of cars as we drive into the mountains. I lament how expensive everything is and how much things have grown. I’m grateful for the better-quality restaurants, upscale rentals houses, and luxury hotels, but I’m frustrated that all of these people have found my sweet little mountain tourist town. I love The Island development – with its shopping, restaurants, and hotels, but I hate trying to park there. In short, I still enjoy visiting, but I’ve become less patient with the process and the crowds.
Downtown Gatlinburg
Piegon Forge Mill
And, while many things about the area have changed, one thing has not – Dolly Parton. Those of us who grew up in Tennessee understand and share a love for all things Dolly. When it comes to Dollywood, her beautiful hotels, her waterpark, and her remarkable philanthropic work in the Gatlinburg area, Dolly can do no wrong. Walking through the gates of Dollywood feels like coming home to me, and I can’t help but feel happy there. Her music permeates the park, and her effervescence is felt in every detail – from the flowers to the attractions. Her parks are immaculately clean, her employees are professional and friendly, and even the parking process is a breeze. Plus, that world-famous cinnamon bread alone is worth the price of admission. So, because she is a national treasure and one hell of a businesswoman, all Dolly-associated attractions get a huge stamp of approval from me.
So, later this year when I am traipsing around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with my family, I’ll do my best to keep my complaints to myself, be present, and soak in their absolute joy. I had an epiphany after our most recent trip there. Most of us have vacations we cherished as children that, when we return to those places as adults, we realize that our parents were responsible for making that magic happen. They spent the money, stood in the lines, and–instead of visiting some exotic locale–they brought the family to a childhood wonderland. So, while I may hate the traffic, the lines, the overpriced tourist attractions, and the crowds, I’ll keep taking my kids to Gatlinburg. It really is a place of unadulterated joy and delight for kids of all ages. I just wish everyone else would stay home so I could get a table at the Pancake House.