Walking Guide: The Island In Pigeon Forge

Mountain latitude and island attitude combine for a unique experience at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Just steps from the Margaritaville Island Hotel Pigeon Forge associate hotel sits the premier entertainment destination in the Great Smoky Mountains — ripe with more than 80 shops, restaurants, and attractions. No matter what you love to do, simply walk out of your room and explore.

For Family-Friendly & Thrilling Attractions

For the young and young-at-heart, head towards the Little Pigeon River. There, you’ll find the towering 200-foot tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, The Island’s centerpiece and one of the tallest attractions in the southeast. Each of the 42 all-glass gondolas are air-conditioned, making for a comfortable trip year-round.

Surrounding the Wheel, find family-friendly activities like the Spinning Parrots Coaster, Funny Cars, and Island Mirror Maze. Explore The Islands Ropes Course, a three-story adventure experience featuring thirty different obstacles, two zip lines, and one simulated free fall. If staying on the ground is more your speed, channel your inner spy and try to find your way out of one of the highly themed rooms at The Escape Game.

For Shoppers & Laidback Travelers

Relax on a rocking chair and take in The Island Show Fountain. Built by the same company who created the world famous Bellagio fountain in Las Vegas, this water show is worth a watch — or two! This free state-of-the-art show features 90 water shoots choreographed to music. There are plenty of opportunities to catch the show throughout the day and into the evening, with a show running at the top of each hour and on the half hour.

With more than 60 retail shops, it’s easy to sneak in some retail therapy between all of your other fun. Pick up a souvenir from The Island Trading Post or some unique jewelry, clothing or decor from Earthbound Trading Co. There’s also plenty of fun snacks you can take back home from beef jerky to salt water taffy to honey.

For Foodie Paradise & Nightlife Drinks

Foodies are in for a treat, with options ranging from breakfast to dinner and everywhere in between. Start the day with a hearty, Southern-style breakfast at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. Meals are served up family style with staples like biscuits and gravy, creamy hashbrown casserole, and pancakes. For lunch, grab some pizza from Mellow Mushroom or a burger from Timberwood Grill. If you’re looking for a snack, check out Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s, or The Island Creamery. Dick’s Last Resort is a popular spot for dinner with energetic servers full of sarcasm and laughs.

The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. Listen to live music and sip on eclectic drinks from Dude’s Daiquiris. If you close your eyes, you can almost feel the ocean breeze and the sounds of steel drums. The Island in Pigeon Forge truly brings a piece of the beach nestled in the mountains.