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Pigeon Forge, Entertainment Capital of the Smokies

Program Number: 19553RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/23/2012 - 9/28/2012; 9/22/2013 - 9/27/2013; 10/27/2013 - 11/1/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Price starting at: $892.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Arts, Misc. Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 13; 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt    

Once a quiet mill town, Pigeon Forge has blossomed into the “entertainment capital” of the Great Smoky Mountains. Learn about the unique culture and history of Appalachia as you delight in mountain music, stories, nearby protected lands, and other signature elements. Trace the origin of the burgeoning theater, music, magic and comedy scenes with a local historian. Visit Oak Ridge to study its role as base for the Manhattan Project and the continuing importance of scientific development in the economy.




Highlights

• Go behind the scenes of Dollywood and learn the history of this unique theme park.
• Learn about the new Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show and other top billings, including the venue at the Smith Brothers’ Theater.
• Meet Terry Evanswood — Grand Illusionist and Magician — and get insight into professional illusion performances.



Activity Particulars

Walking less than one mile, some uneven, unpaved. Elevations of 5,050 feet.




Pigeon Forge

More than 10 million people each year visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and more than half of them pass through the nearby mountain-resort gateway of Pigeon Forge. Born of this high visitor volume is a flowering performing-arts scene featuring theater, music, magic and comedy, as well as a robust calendar of car and truck-shows.
Accommodations
Three-star hotel in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Meals and Lodgings
   Music Road Inn
  Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 5 nights
 Music Road Inn
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: Music Road Inn, nestled in the heart of The Great Smoky Mountains in action-packed Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is a premier resort presenting everything to make your stay a unique experience. Everything from oversized rooms with balconies to the fun filled water park, Music Road Inn is the only place to stay in the Smokies.
  Contact info: 314 Henderson Chapel Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 USA
phone: 866-429-8803
web: www.musicroadinn.com
  Room amenities: 140 Spacious Rooms & Suites, All Rooms have Private Balconies, Interior Corridors, Large Bathrooms with 2 Sinks & Dressing Area, Microwaves & Refrigerators in all Rooms, In-Room Coffee Makers, Spacious Bathrooms with Two Sinks & Dressing Area, Hair Dryer & Phone in Bathroom, Iron & Ironing Boards, Free Local Calls, Free High Speed Internet Access,
  Facility amenities: Poolside Cabana & Snack Bar, 24 Hour Game Room with Video Games, Exercise Room with State of the art Equipment, Convention Center for Meetings from 8 to 1500 People, Comfortable Grand Lobby with Massive Fireplace, Complimentary 24 Hour Coffee in the Grand Lobby, Indoor Pool & Hot Tub Open 24 hours On Site Water Park with Lazy River & 60 Foot Twisting Water Slide
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: $119 to $129 per night. Please call hotel for availability and rate
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $119 to $129 per night. Please call hotel for availability and rate
  Check out time: 11:30 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
3:00-5:00 PM Music Road Inn Lobby You will be staying at Music Road Inn that night.
  End of Program:
11:30 AM Following Morning Presentation You will be staying at Music Road Inn the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Health Form
  Parking availability:
No charge for parking
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
  Nearest city or town:  Pigeoon Forge
  Nearest highway: Interstate 40
  Nearest airport:  Knoxville
  From End of Program
  Location: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Pigeon Forge/Knoxville

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
A-Plus Taxi
phone: 865-970-0016
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$55 - $65 1-2 People
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 Minutes to 1 Hour 
 

Distance:

 

36 Miles
   

Prices vary due to gas pricing
 

Pigeon Forge/Knoxville

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Odyssey Airport Taxi
phone: 865-577-6767
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$55 - $65
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

45 Minutes to 1 Hour 
 

Distance:

 

38 Miles
   

Will try to group people together if possible to save money.
 

Knoxville/Pigeon Forge

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Rocky Top Tours
phone: 877-315-8687
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$50 - $70
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 Hour 
 

Distance:

 

38 Miles
   

Will send information prior to group people together to lower the cost of the shuttles.
 
Driving Directions
  From the East If you are coming from Richmond, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro and Winston-Salem, take I-85 to I-40 west. Take I-40 west to the Foothills Parkway exit 443. Turn left onto U.S. 321. Follow U.S. 321 until you reach Gatlinburg. Continue through Gatlinburg to light #3, and at the Parkway turn right and continue 5 miles to Pigeon Forge.
  From the North: If you're coming from Detroit, Indianapolis, Cincinnati or Lexington, take I-75 to Knoxville. Take I-40 east to exit 407. Turn right onto S.R. 66. Continue on through Sevierville to Pigeon Forge.
  From the Northeast If you are coming from Harrisburg and Roanoke, take I-81 south to I-40 West. Take I-40 to exit 407. Turn right onto S.R. 66. Continue on through Sevierville to Pigeon Forge.
  From the Northwest If you are coming from Mikwaukee and Peoria, take I-65 to I-40 east to the 407 exit. Turn right onto S.R. 66. Continue on through Sevierville to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
  From the Southeast If you are coming from Tampa, Montgomery, Birmingham, Macon, Atlanta and Chattanooga, the quickest route is to take I-75 to I-40 East, then proceeed through Knoxville to exit 407. Turn right onto S.R. 66. Continue on through Sevierville to Pigeon Forge.
  Southwest If you are coming from Tulsa, Little Rock and Memphis, take I-40 east to exit 407. Turn right onto S.R. 66. Continue on through Sevierville to Pigeon Forge.
  West If you are coming from Witchita, Kansas City, St. Louis and Nashville, take I-70 to I-64 (through St. Louis). Continue I-64 to I-57 to I-24 and the I-40 east (through Nashville). Stay on I-40 east to exit 407. Turn right onto S.R. 66. Continue on through Sevierville to Pigeon Forge.
Elevation Note: None

Equipment Requirements: None
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check in, program registration
(Sunday, September 23)
   
 Arrive To: CHECK-IN: Please arrive at the Music Road Inn between 3:00-5:00pm. Check into your room at the front desk and then register with Road Scholar staff in the Main lobby. At this time you'll be given a welcome packet containing your name tag, up-to-date itinerary and other useful information.
 Dinner: A delicious buffet dinner is served at the hotel this evening.
 Evening: ORIENTATION: After dinner we will have our Orientaion. This will provide you with information about the hotel, program itinerary, instructors, venues and on site staff.
   
Accommodations: Music Road Inn
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Lectures: History of Pigeon Forge, Evolution of Music in Pigeon Forge, Country Tonite
(Monday, September 24)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast is included at the hotel today including both hot and cold selections.
 Morning: PRESENTATIONS: Meet with local historian and discuss the transformation of Pigeon Forge. Learn why this small mountain town has become the entertainment capital of the Smokey Mountains. Learn what has drawn these entertainers with their many varieties of showmanship. Evolution of Music in Pigeon Forge Mountain/Bluegrass/Country Music is as timeless as the majestic Appalachians themselves. When our great country was young, shipload after shipload of immigrants came to her shores from points far and wide, and many of them found themselves trying to eke out a meager living in the hills and hollows of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and North Carolina. Back then times were hard, days were long and entertainment options were very few. One of the most common forms of entertainment in those days was music, and since there were no recordings - or even radio for that matter - families spent much of what little free time they had making their own music. They sang a bevy of songs that they brought with them from their native countries, and over time a new form of music took root that was influenced heavily by a mixture of Irish, Scotch and African rhythms. This "Mountain Music" has endured for hundreds of years, giving birth to what we now know as Bluegrass and Country music along the way. Singers and musicians from the middle Appalachian region have contributed enormously to the rise and perpetuation of Mountain Music, Bluegrass and Country, including many within a short drive of the official Birthplace Of Country Music: the twin cities of Bristol, VA-TN. This program will include demonstrations and performances of each music.
 Lunch: A deli lunch buffet is served at the hotel.
 Afternoon: Some free time this afternoon before departing for the Country Tonite Theater. PRESENTATION:This session will be produced by the staff of the Country Tonite Show. Lecture will include information on comedic entertainment by Chan Mullinax of the Country Tonite Theater. We then meet with Kevin Wilson, producer of the show followed by a behind the scenes look at the theater.
 Dinner: Dinner is included at Carino's Italian Restaurant where you will choose from a three or four item menu.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: This evening we enjoy a performance at the Country Tonite Show. In its sixteenth year in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Country Tonite continues to provide the best in quality entertainment with singing, dancing, comedy, gospel, American patriotism and more filling this two-hour show. From old country to new country, our theater has it all.
   
Accommodations: Music Road Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Oak Ridge & Museum of Science and Energy, Smith Family Dinner Show.
(Tuesday, September 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet is served at the hotel which includes both hot and cold selections.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Oak Ridge was established in the early 1940s as a base for the Manhattan Project—the massive U.S. government operation that developed the atomic bomb. Scientific development still plays a crucial role in the city's economy and culture in general. Oak Ridge's nicknames are the Atomic City, the Secret City, the Ridge and the City Behind the Fence. Oak Ridge Program will include visits to Jackson Square, the Emma Spray Gardens and the Graphite Reactor. In an effort to bring an end to the war, three cities were chosen to be part of the top-secret “Manhattan Project” which would produce the world’s first atomic weapons. Those cities were Los Alamos, New Mexico; Hanford, Washington; and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which was built specifically for the war effort. In 1942, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers bought 59,000 acres of rural farm land. A city and three manufacturing plants of unprecedented scope were constructed to develop a technology that ended the war. The land on which the town and plants were built met military requirements for isolation, electric power from the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Norris Dam, water, labor and accessibility to nearby highways and railroads.
 Lunch: Lunch is served at the Soup Kitchen Restaurant in Oak Ridge. Enjoy a delicious soup and sandwich lunch.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Museum of Science and Energy. Enjoy a scientific program on the Manhattan Project.
 Dinner: This evening we walk next store for dinner and show at the Smith Family Theater. Seven time winners of Best Show in the Smokies - The Smith Boys will entertain guests with a variety show filled with classic country, gospel, oldies rock-n-roll, bluegrass and clean family comedy. Impersonations of famous stars and a tribute to the Andy Griffith Show make this a must see show! A Southern style buffet dinner is served along with the most award winning show in the Smokies. Come see why The Smith Family Show is the locals' favorite!
 Evening: LECTURE: Following the performance we will meet with the actors for a discussion of their craft and how the show was developed.
   
Accommodations: Music Road Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Behind the Scenes at Dollywood, Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show
(Wednesday, September 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet is included at the hotel which includes both hot and cold selections.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Behind the Scenes of Dollywood. Join us for a trip to Dollywood where we will meet with different staff members and learn the history of this entertainment park. We will take a look at many different aspects including the entertainment, park attractions and history of the park.
 Lunch: Lunch is on your own at Dollywood
 Afternoon: Free time to explore the park and enjoy entertainment on your own.
 Dinner: DINNER/SHOW: FIELD TRIP/DINNER: Tonight we travel to the Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show for dinner and evening of entertainment. YO HO! Come see Pigeon Forge’s newest dinner show, The Great Smoky Mountain Lumberjack Feud! This ain’t no song and dance show! With competing ESPN Lumberjacks, log pulling Draft Horses, and high flying TimberDogs, it will have your family out of their seats and on their feet! Once you enter the arena, you become part of the show. You are greeted by your cousin Dawson or cousin McGraw, and taken to your seat where you will cheer your family to victory!
   
Accommodations: Music Road Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Lectures: Smith Brothers Musical Lecture, Terry Evanswood Illusionist, Performance: Grand Illusions of Magic, Titanic Museum
(Thursday, September 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet is included at the hotel
 Morning: PRESENTATIONS: Smith Family Representative Our lecture this morning will include the Smith Brothers who operate a long running Pigeon Forge Theater. You will learn about their careers, their theater and the music that they perform. Terry Evanswood – Grand Illusionist & Magician This morning we learn about the world of magic and illusion. Terry Evanswood is a professional magician who has appeared in live stage shows and on television throughout the United States as well as on international stages. He has performed professionally since the age of ten. Early in his career, Evanswood was awarded an entertainment scholarship to attend the Chavez College of Magic. In 1991, Evanswood became the youngest illusionist in history to perform at Hollywood's famed Magic Castle. Evanswood was presented with the Certificate of Excellence award, which was the first and only honor given by the American Museum of Magic. Evanswood is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians.
 Lunch: Lunch is served at the hotel which is a single entree lunch
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Travel to the Titantic Museum for exploration of this wonderful Pigeon Forge Attraction. This is an audio exploration.
 Dinner: Dinner is served at the Applewood Farmhouse where you will enjoy some good southern cooking.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: This evening we visit the Wonders of Magic Theater for a performance by Terry Evanswood. In his fourteenth season, Terry is the longest running headliner in town! Over one million guests have been amazed by the critically acclaimed magic and Illusions of the most awarded entertainer in Pigeon Forge! The International Magicians Society presented Terry with the “Merlin Award”, Magic’s equivalent to the Oscar! Presented for his continuous lifetime achievement, acknowledging his performances as well as the creation of the “Hall of Magic” museum now on public display here at WonderWorks Pigeon Forge! A 75-minute magical variety show for all ages! Comedy, magic, music, grand scale illusions, impersonations, classic sleight of hand and Houdini style escapes topped off with a heartfelt message of hope, love and a reminder of the real “Wonders” of the magical world we share!
   
Accommodations: Music Road Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Morning Lecture with Area Historian
(Friday, September 28)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast buffet is served at the hotel
 Morning: FINAL PRESENTATION: Morning lecture with area historian that will feature the history of this area in the Smokey Mountains. Following lecture you will check out and depart for home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Pigeon Forge


Author: Veta Wilson King


Description: Collection of photo's and postcards of the towns past history.



Smart Blonde: Dolly Parton


Author: Stephen Miller


Description: Paperback book about Dolly Parton



Smoky Mountain Memories: Stories from the Heart of the Parton Family


Author: Willadeene & Dolly Parton


Description: Book written by Dolly on their lives in the Smokies.



City Behind A Fence: Oak Ridge, Tennessee, 1942-1946


Author: Charles Johnson


Description: The story of Oak Ridge TN, from 1942 - 1946.





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