The Ultimate Guide: Best Things to Do in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge

When it comes to the Smoky Mountains, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are the perfect pair — one offers laid-back Southern charm, and the other delivers non-stop fun and neon lights. Together, they make the kind of trip that blends small-town hospitality with roller coasters, local eats, and a few unexpected adventures you’ll still be talking about weeks later.

If you’re planning your next Tennessee getaway, this is your complete guide to all the best things to do in Sevierville and Pigeon Forge — from where to eat and stay to what to see, shop, and explore in every season.

If you’re staying longer, check out my Spend a Week in Gatlinburg and Sevierville: 7-Day Itinerary for an extended version of this trip.

Top Things to Do in Sevierville

Apple Barn & Cider Mill

My family has been coming to The Apple Barn since I was a kid, and it’s still one of my favorite spots in Sevierville. Between the cider mill, ice cream shop, bakery, candy store, and restaurant, it’s basically a Southern food village. Lunch at Applewood Farmhouse Grill always starts with their famous apple fritters and apple butter — and honestly, I’d be fine if the meal stopped there. You can browse the shops afterward for homemade sauces, jams, and dressings or grab a pie to take home (I always do).

The Pines

The Pines is a historic 1940s theater turned modern entertainment venue where you can bowl, play shuffleboard, darts, and retro arcade games, or even try snookball. Dolly Parton herself once performed here, and now her legacy lives on through a colorful mural and a vibrant atmosphere that mixes history with fun. With food, cocktails, and late-night vibes, it’s my favorite spot to wind down after a busy day of sightseeing.

Shine Girl Distillery

Founded by Danielle Parton — yes, Dolly’s niece — Shine Girl gives moonshine a modern twist with smooth, creative flavors like rosé, coconut, and red velvet. Even if you’re not a drinker (I’m not), the bottles make great souvenirs, and the tasting room experience is one of the most charming in town.

Smoky Mountain Knife Works

This place is wild. Billed as the “world’s largest knife store,” Smoky Mountain Knife Works is part museum, part shop, and part Smoky Mountain curiosity cabinet. You’ll find everything from collectible blades to fossils, decor, and even a taxidermy bear or two. Whether you’re shopping or just wandering, it’s a must-visit for the sheer novelty alone.

Wilderness at the Smokies

If you’re traveling with family, Wilderness at the Smokies is a destination all on its own. The resort features both indoor and outdoor waterparks (including Tennessee’s largest indoor one), along with an arcade, laser tag, mini golf, and more. It’s perfect for year-round fun — and guests even get access to Soaky Mountain Waterpark across the street.

Tanger Outlets Sevierville

Tanger Outlets (also called Tanger Five Oaks) is a massive open-air shopping destination with over 100 designer and brand-name stores. From Nike and Kate Spade to Columbia and Coach, you’ll find everything here — plus The Chop House, which is my favorite spot for a post-shopping steak dinner.

Top Things to Do in Pigeon Forge

Dollywood

Dollywood is the heart of Pigeon Forge — part theme park, part love letter to Southern culture. I’ve been going since I was 10 years old, and it never loses its magic. Even if you’re not a roller coaster fan (I’m not), there’s so much to love: the river rampage, train ride, bumper cars, and that famous cinnamon bread that’s basically a personality trait at this point.

For full park details, ride tips, and food recs, see my Perfect Dollywood Day Guide.

The Island

This is Pigeon Forge’s lively entertainment district packed with restaurants, boutique shops, and nightly fountain shows. Don’t miss the Key Lime Pie on a stick from the Key West-inspired pie shop or the Byrd’s Cookies shop next door. It’s a great mix of family-friendly fun and casual date-night energy — with plenty of spots to relax, people-watch, and snack your way through the afternoon.

RiverStone Resort & Spa

When you need a break from all the activity, RiverStone Resort & Spa in Pigeon Forge offers a calm retreat with condos, a lazy river, and one of the best spas in the Smokies. The Spa at RiverStone is my go-to for massages, facials, and complete reset days — especially after long park days at Dollywood.

If you’re planning a wellness break, check out my Best Spas in the Smokies roundup (coming soon).

WonderWorks

For those rainy or super-hot days, WonderWorks is a fun, air-conditioned escape filled with over 100 hands-on exhibits. You can try the ropes course, a 4D motion ride, or hurricane-force wind simulator. It’s busy (especially on Saturdays), but it’s the kind of family attraction you’ll remember — part museum, part amusement park, all fun.

Wild Side ATV Tours

If you love adventure, Wild Side ATV Tours offers guided off-road rides through the Smokies that combine gorgeous mountain views with just enough mud and thrill to make you grin the whole way. Whether you’re with family or friends, it’s a great way to explore the backroads and get a dose of adrenaline.

Pink Jeep Tours

Pink Jeep Tours gives you a comfortable (and very photogenic) way to see the Smoky Mountains up close. The guides are knowledgeable, the vehicles are built for the terrain, and you’ll see overlooks, scenic mountain drives, and maybe even wildlife — all while letting someone else handle the steep curves.

Helicopter Tours

For a completely different perspective, helicopter tours over Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are unforgettable. You’ll see the Smoky Mountains, rivers, and rolling hills from above, and most flights are surprisingly affordable for such a bucket-list experience. Great for couples, families, or anyone who loves a “wow” moment.

Where to Eat

Breakfast

• Buffalo Breakfast Co – Southern comfort with a modern twist (and the best hash brown casserole ever).
  See my full Buffalo Breakfast Co review for more details.
• Applewood Farmhouse Grill – Free apple fritters and apple butter with every meal. Enough said.
• Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin – A Smoky Mountain classic that feels like a warm hug.

Lunch

• Graze Burgers – Farm-to-table burgers with local beef and creative toppings.
• Local Goat – Scratch-made everything, from breads to dressings, and one of my personal favorites in the Smokies.
• Five Oaks Farm Kitchen – Southern staples and hearty plates in a cozy farmhouse setting.

For more lunch and dinner ideas, check out my Best Restaurants in Sevierville list.

Dinner

• The Appalachian – Upscale yet relaxed, featuring wood-fired steaks, trout, and seasonal Appalachian flavors. Read my full Appalachian Restaurant review.
• Seasons 101 – Fresh, seasonal American dishes in the historic Central Hotel downtown.
• The Chop House – A polished steakhouse perfect after shopping at Tanger Outlets.
• Mellow Mushroom – Fun, funky pizza spot with local craft beers.
• Junction 35 Spirits & Kitchen – Great food, drinks, and a distillery in one stop.

Desserts & Sweet Stops

• Cruze Farm Ice Cream (Sevierville)
  This is a favorite stop of mine. Cruze Farm Ice Cream in Sevierville is the kind of place that makes you instantly nostalgic for summer days and old-fashioned ice cream parlors. This local gem serves up rich, creamy soft-serve made fresh from their family dairy farm’s Jersey cows, and you can truly taste the difference. The menu changes daily with rotating flavors like Sweet Cream, Brown Butter, and seasonal specials, plus indulgent “churns” packed with mix-ins. Inside, you’ll find a retro vibe with friendly “milkmaids” in red-and-white dresses, and outside, a few spots to sit back and savor every bite. My favorite flavor ever is the Brown Butter. If you’re just wanting a small snack, get a kids cup; if you’re feeling frisky, top it with fudge. My other favorites are cake batter, cheesecake, and Fruity Pebbles. My husband loves s’mores, cookie butter, brownie batter, and cookies and cream.
• Byrd’s Cookies / Key Lime Pie on a Stick – Find them at The Island for a sweet treat after dinner.
• Chocolate Monkey – Their Heath Bar caramel apple is legendary.

Where to Stay

• RiverStone Resort & Spa – Spacious condos, lazy river, and an incredible spa near Dollywood.
• Wilderness at the Smokies – Best for families who want a “stay-and-play” experience.
• The Central Hotel – Downtown Sevierville charm with walkable restaurants like Seasons 101.
• Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort – Ideal for park visitors who love Southern hospitality.
• Cabins & Airbnbs – For a cozy, private mountain retreat with your own porch view. This cabin stay is a favorite of mine.
  

Shopping & Local Finds

• Tanger Outlets – The ultimate shopping stop in Sevierville.
• The Old Mill Square – Craft shops and pottery with real Smoky Mountain history.
• Apple Barn Village – Souvenirs, sweets, and cider all in one place.
• Mountain Mile – Newer shopping and dining area near The Island.
• Buc-ee’s – And of course, no Sevierville trip is complete without a stop at Buc-ee’s. Their candied pecans, peach chipotle salsa, and milk chocolate salted caramels are my must-haves. See my Buc-ee’s Must-Haves list for the full snack lineup.

Outdoor Adventures

If you love being outdoors, Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are basically an adventure playground:

• Soaky Mountain Waterpark – Massive waterpark with thrill slides and cocktail bars for the adults.
• Dollywood’s Splash Country – Family water fun with Tennessee’s only water coaster.
• Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster – Fast, scenic, and open year-round.
• Helicopter Tours – Breathtaking Smoky Mountain views from above.
• Pink Jeep Tours – Guided off-road scenic drives through mountain terrain.
• Wild Side ATV Tours – Mud, trails, and serious fun for adventure seekers.
• Horseback Riding at Five Oaks Riding Stables – Gentle rides with mountain views.
• Ziplining at Foxfire Mountain or Legacy Mountain – The best way to feel like you’re flying over the Smokies.
• Hiking – Endless trails nearby. Start with my Easy Hikes in the Smokies and Waterfall Hikes in the Smokies guides for beginner-friendly options.

External link: Great Smoky Mountains National Park official site (for trail maps and park updates).

Rainy Day or Winter Ideas

When the weather doesn’t cooperate:

• WonderWorks – Maze meets fun and it is indoors.
• Titanic Museum – History buffs will love this one.
• Alcatraz East Crime Museum – True-crime exhibits and famous cases.
• Wilderness Indoor Waterpark – Splash year-round.
• The Pines – Bowling, arcade, and snacks under one roof.

Seasonal Events

• Winterfest Lights (Nov–Feb) – Millions of twinkling lights.
• Dollywood Harvest Festival (Fall) – Pumpkins and Southern comfort food.
• Spring Rod Run (April) – Classic cars and mountain views.
• Christmas at The Island – Holiday shows and shopping magic.

Final Thoughts

Between Sevierville’s cozy charm and Pigeon Forge’s big attractions, this corner of East Tennessee has something for every traveler. Whether you’re here for the food, the coasters, or the shopping, these two towns deliver the perfect Smoky Mountain getaway.

For even more local favorites, check out my Comprehensive Guide to Downtown Gatlinburg to complete your Smokies trio — and start planning your next adventure now.