When it comes to the best things to do in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge, this stretch of the Smoky Mountains is the ultimate mix of mountain charm, comfort food, and big entertainment. Whether you’re planning a family getaway, a weekend with friends, or a cozy couples trip, this area packs in more character per mile than almost anywhere else in East Tennessee. From hearty Southern eats to lively dinner shows and local favorites you’ll want to revisit again and again, these are my top five can’t-miss experiences.
The Island is one of those places that captures everything fun about visiting the Smokies in one spot — shopping, food, rides, and pure people-watching gold. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon without even realizing it, especially because there’s so much to see and do.
You’ll find over 40 specialty shops here, ranging from local boutiques to quirky souvenir stores and sweets galore. If you love browsing, there’s something for everyone: The Beef Jerky Experience, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Sweet! Candy Kitchen, Earthbound Trading Co., Parrot Mountain Store, and Southern Charm Boutique are just a few favorites. There’s even The Island Trading Post for Smoky Mountain gear and The Sneaky Squirrel for funny gifts and home finds.
One of the highlights is The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a 200-foot-tall observation wheel that gives you panoramic views of Pigeon Forge and the mountains beyond — especially stunning at sunset. The music-synchronized fountain show in the middle of the square is another must-see. It runs every half hour, and it’s surprisingly peaceful, especially if you grab a rocking chair or swing by Margaritaville Island Hotel’s patio to watch it with a drink in hand.
If you’re hungry (and let’s be honest, when aren’t we on vacation?), The Island delivers big on food too. In addition to local favorites like Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and Mellow Mushroom (yes, this location has its own exclusive pizza), you can grab an ice cream from The Fudgery, a warm cinnamon roll from Cinnabon, or a fresh batch of donuts from Pigeon Forge Creamery.
And don’t skip The Key Lime Pie Shop, where you can get their famous Key Lime Pie dipped in chocolate and served on a stick — a direct tie to their original Key West shop. Byrd’s Cookies bought it from the original owner, so you can also snag Key Lime cookies exclusive to this location.
The Island also has a few attractions that make it great for families or anyone looking for some fun: The Escape Game Pigeon Forge, Alcatraz East Crime Museum, SkyFly: Soar America (an immersive flying ride experience), and Arcade City are all just steps apart. Even if you don’t go on any rides, walking through the square at night — with the lights, fountains, and live music from local performers — is an experience all its own.
If you want to make the most of your time in the area, pair The Island with Dollywood for the ultimate Smoky Mountain day trip. You can also check out my Comprehensive Guide to Downtown Gatlinburg or Spend a Week in Gatlinburg and Sevierville: 7-Day Itinerary for ideas on how to fit it all together.
My family has been coming to The Apple Barn since I was a kid. Every fall we’d stop by to grab a pie to take home, and I’ve kept that tradition alive ever since. Think of The Apple Barn as a mini Dollywood — full of Southern charm, little shops, and home-cooked food but without the crowds.
We started with lunch at Applewood Farmhouse Grill, which is the quintessential Southern dining stop. It kicks off with complimentary apple fritters and apple butter — and trust me, that’s a strong start to any meal. We ordered the fried chicken, chicken pot pie, chicken and dumplings, mac and cheese, potato soup, mashed potatoes, and chicken wings with hot honey. The sampler trio made it easy to try a bit of everything.
Now, I’m going to say something slightly blasphemous as a Southern girl: I love a big Southern breakfast, but Southern dinner isn’t always my jam. Still, the meal here was solid comfort food, and the whole experience is nostalgic and welcoming.
After you eat, you can wander through their adorable shops — an ice cream parlor, a candy store, the cider and pie shop, the hard cider barn, and the main Apple Barn store. They sell everything from sauces and dressings to the freshest apple cider you’ll ever taste. I took home a gallon because it’s that good. And yes, I got both a slice of pie and a whole pie to take home — no regrets.
You could plan an entire trip around food alone and never run out of great places to eat in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. From upscale Southern fare to local farm-to-table favorites, this area has it all.
At The Appalachian on Bruce Street, you’ll find elevated Southern Appalachian cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is upscale but never pretentious — think cozy mountain elegance. I ordered the filet mignon with crispy potato cakes, which was juicy and perfectly cooked. We started with the smoked watermelon salad (pickled rind, pecans, goat cheese, ramp vinaigrette — such a creative combo) and ended with a chocolate pot de crème topped with berries and whipped cream. It’s rich, decadent, and worth every bite. Brad had the rainbow trout with pecans, kale, apples, and sweet corn, and declared it one of his favorite meals of the trip.
Then there’s The Chop House, a dependable favorite with two convenient locations — one at the Tanger Outlets in Sevierville and another in Kodak by Bass Pro Shops and Buc-ee’s. It’s the perfect combo for a full evening: grab a few Buc-ee’s snacks, enjoy a Chop House dinner, and finish with a Heath Bar caramel apple from Chocolate Monkey before exploring Bass Pro. I always order the Sweet Corn Tamale Cakes (avocado, pico de gallo, chipotle ranch — it’s a must), plus a veggie plate with a sweet potato and cinnamon butter, mac and cheese, and a fresh house salad with their homemade dressing. And you can never go wrong with the Filet of Beef Medallions.
If you’re craving a burger, Graze Burgers in downtown Sevierville is the perfect spot. It’s farm-to-table, using all-natural grass-fed beef and local produce. Their menu runs from the classic to the creative — like The Southern Jam (pimento cheese, bacon jam, and bourbon onions) or The Tennessee (smoked gouda, BBQ sauce, and a crispy onion ring). I ordered the Bourbon Bleu burger — loaded with bleu cheese fondue, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and bacon — with a 50/50 side of fries and onion rings. Their “Six Mac” mac and cheese and Balsamic Belly Brussels are also excellent if you want to split a few sides.
For a refined yet approachable bistro vibe, Season 101 in downtown Sevierville is a hidden gem. The menu changes seasonally, but my Black Angus Filet Mignon with portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, and rosemary red wine demi was melt-in-your-mouth perfect. It’s tucked inside the historic Central Hotel, so the atmosphere feels stylish and local all at once.
And of course, for pizza lovers, you can’t go wrong with Mellow Mushroom. Both the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge locations have their own specialty pies that you can’t find anywhere else, and the quirky, colorful interiors make every visit memorable. Grab a slice while you’re strolling The Island, or stop in before heading out on a scenic drive.
If breakfast is more your speed, Buffalo Breakfast Co. is the place to be. This cozy, southern-modern restaurant serves unique dishes like the Deep South Waffle (filled with andouille sausage, corn, cheddar, onions, and topped with eggs and chipotle hollandaise). We also tried the Stuffed French Toast with coconut cream and berry compote — I loved it. The Cheese Blintz needed a stronger cream cheese flavor for my taste, but the hash brown casserole and crispy bacon made up for it. Next time, I’m getting the Goat Cheese & Peach Biscuits with strawberry jalapeño jam.
If you’re planning your own Smoky Mountain food crawl, my Where to Eat in Gatlinburg post pair perfectly with these local favorites.
It’s impossible to talk about the best things to do in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge without including Dollywood. This park is part nostalgia, part entertainment, and 100% Dolly. Whether you’re here for the rides, the food, or the seasonal festivals, there’s something magical about it. And yes, you absolutely need to get the cinnamon bread — it’s practically a rite of passage.
If you’re planning to visit, read my Perfect Dollywood Day Guide for tips on timing, parking, and how to fit in all the highlights without the crowds. You can easily pair Dollywood with a meal at The Appalachian or Local Goat to round out the perfect day in the Smokies.
When the sun sets, the energy in Pigeon Forge shifts to pure entertainment — and the dinner shows are a huge part of the fun.
Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show is one of the best. It’s set in a covered, climate-controlled grandstand, where the Dawson and McGraw lumberjack families compete in log-rolling, axe-throwing, and sawing contests. The buffet features Paula Deen-style comfort food — pulled pork, mac and cheese, baked beans, rolls, dessert, and unlimited drinks. Arrive about an hour early to eat before the show starts, and be ready to cheer loudly — the audience participation makes it even more fun.
Another local favorite is the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. It’s one of the area’s most popular dinner shows for good reason — full of music, dancing, comedy, and acrobatics. The highlight? The on-stage swimming pool where performers (and sometimes dogs) make a splash mid-show. Dinner includes fried chicken, pulled pork, mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw, and dessert. It’s big, loud, and totally entertaining.
If you’d rather skip the show but still want an unforgettable dinner, head to Local Goat. This Sevierville favorite focuses on locally sourced, scratch-made food — from hand-cut meats to freshly baked bread. Try the deep-fried deviled eggs (they sound wild but are insanely good), grab a massive burger or a perfectly cooked steak, and end with one of their shareable desserts. It’s a lively, community-driven restaurant that’s always buzzing, so make a reservation if you can.
Between the food, shows, and mountain charm, it’s easy to see why this area draws visitors year after year. These five picks barely scratch the surface, but they’re the perfect starting point if you want to experience the heart of the Smokies. Whether you’re sipping apple cider, laughing through a dinner show, or taking in the views from The Island, these are truly the best things to do in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.
Let’s talk about when to actually book that Dubai trip you’ve been pinning for two years. I get asked this constantly, so here’s the honest breakdown: October through April is your window. Anything outside that and you’re basically touring in a sauna!
October and November give you warm days and cooler nights, which is basically the sweet spot for wandering around without melting. December through February is peak season: gorgeous weather. March and April are the quiet insider pick, right before summer heat shows up and ruins everyone’s plans.
Saving this for later? That’s what it’s here for. Full breakdown linked in bio.
If you’re chasing energy, beaches, nightlife, and nonstop luxury, Dubai takes the crown. If you’re craving culture, iconic architecture, and meaningful landmarks at a slower pace, Abu Dhabi shines.🤍
My advice? Base yourself in Dubai and do Abu Dhabi as a day trip! The perfect balance of excitement and culture in the UAE.
Want the full breakdown? Check out my Dubai and Abu Dhabi guide for tips, itineraries, and must-sees!
I do not like seafood. 🐟 So when I booked a tasting menu at a restaurant built around aquarium walls at Atlantis The Palm, I was nervous.
Ossiano sits underwater fish gliding past the whole meal, moody lighting, the kind of room that makes you lower your voice without meaning to. It’s not cheap, and it’s not trying to be. You’re paying for the entire experience.
Here’s the honest part: they have a vegetarian tasting menu, and I assumed it would be an afterthought. It ended up in my top five meals of all time. Course after course, the same care and precision as the seafood-forward menu everyone comes for. They even swapped in a steak for the main and it still felt cohesive with everything around it.
By course four you’re full. They bring out three more breads anyway. I ate all of it. No regrets.
Small detail that stuck with me my dress was black, so they swapped my napkin from white to black without me asking. That’s the kind of thing that tells you everything about a place.
Full breakdown of the menu, the vegetarian option, and what to expect linked in bio.
Dubai is all skyline until you drive an hour into the dunes and it goes completely silent. Bab Al Shams was that shift for us: slower, quieter, more intentional than anything we did in the city.
If you want nightlife or walkable everything, this isn’t your stop. But if you want a night that feels like a reset, it delivers, polished service, food I’m still thinking about, and a setting that never tries too hard.
Full review (and whether it’s worth adding to your Dubai itinerary) is linked in bio. 🏜️
I flew @emirates economy to Dubai fully expecting to just survive the flight. We booked seats by the exit row — @bradplummer1 got the legroom (he’s 6’7”), I got a normal seat right next to him, and it saved us money over booking two extra-legroom seats. Smart trick if you’re traveling with someone who needs the extra space and you don’t.
The food alone earned this post. Warm chicken, a Waldorf salad that actually tasted fresh, real butter on the roll, and a breakfast spread that put most airport brunches to shame. Add in the twinkling-star cabin lighting once dinner wrapped, and it felt less like a flight and more like the trip had already started.
Not everything was perfect — the wifi didn’t work for me at all, so if you’re planning to get work done in the air, download what you need beforehand. But that was the only miss in an otherwise excellent long haul.
If you’ve got Emirates lounge access in Dubai, use it. Showers, buffets, quiet corners to nap it makes the layover feel like a reset instead of a slog.
Full review seats, food, lounge, and the wifi situation is on the blog. Link in bio. ✈️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
