Tennessee
Magic, Music & Nature: The Great Smokies With Your Grandchild
Program No. 21737RJ
Learn about showbiz from local musicians, create a musical instrument and live life as a passenger on the Titanic as you discover the wonders of the Great Smokies with your grandchild.
Participant Reviews
Based on 14 Reviews
SHOWING
What an awesome trip for our grand children! Every aspect was thoroughly enjoyed by all of us.
The music segment was terrific with Tommy Cox demonstrating his skills with the banjo and helping the children to make their own "canjo." Then, seeing him perform in Dollywood the next day was a treat!
Magic! What can one say about magic? Jason Hudy was fabulous with the kids in the morning session. They were engaged and eager to learn to perform their own magic tricks. That afternoon, during the formal magic show, my grandson was called to the stage and was a great foil for Jason's magic! He will remember that experience for the rest of his life!
It was great to experience the majestic sights of the Great Smoky Mountains. The children enjoyed climbing on the great wall of rocks before hiking to the Kuwohi outlook. Great views! The Native American arts and crafts were amazing to learn about as well as learning about their ancient culture and their return to the mountainous area.
A great trip that was enjoyed by all!
Lucy
— Review left September 8, 2025
I attended this trip with another grandchild and this years program was even better, if that’s possible. Fantastic places that kids & adults both enjoy
— Review left August 30, 2025
My experience with Road Scholar was wonderful! It was above and beyond what I expected. I would encourage others to participate in the program!
— Review left July 26, 2025
A wonderful experience - fulfilling its title- The music of Appalachia, the magical world of entertainment, and the beauty of the Smoky Mts and knowledge of the Cherokee nation there. A fun five days in one place!
— Review left July 21, 2025
This program fulfilled a dream of mine to travel with my granddaughter within the safe confines of an organized program that was also age-appropriate in content. This trip checked all the boxes. We had a wonderful and very memorable time, as well as meeting new friends with whom we intend to keep in touch. The leadership, fun activities, and educational components, as well as the beautiful setting, were all outstanding. Highly recommend.
— Review left July 12, 2025
The program was very good and kept the children engaged and curious. The tour guide, Linda Black, took very good care of the group. She was amazing when a storm came and many of us were at Dollywood, she was not going to leave anyone, even though they said they were going to get alternate transportation. She talked them thru how to get to the bus; we waited patiently. The children in the bus were so much fun, they created a game while we waited. The bus driver was also amazing, he was kind and patient, he understood the need to get everyone safely out of the park.
The only disappointing thing was that at the Cherokee art museum, the children did not have a craft as anticipated. Something simple would have been good, i.e.: paper weaving, bead threading or even painting a picture with typical designs. We had 'blank' time between activities. (I did discuss this with Linda)
I will always talk up Road Scholar programs as the goal of learning is evident. The speakers/demonstrations are well chosen. THANK YOU.
— Review left July 1, 2025
Great trip! Well organized. I will be taking other grandchildren to enjoy this program
— Review left August 22, 2024
My granddaughter and I loved our visit to Pigeon Forge and Smoky Mountains. The programs were well organized and very informative. My granddaughter loved making a musical instrument and learning to play. She loved learning how to do a few magic tricks. We both made new friends. Loved Dollywood and Titantic, the magic show, & Gouchos performance. Very well Done. Would highly recommend.
— Review left August 4, 2024
This was my first grandparent trip with my precious granddaughter, age nine. I was hoping for a wonderful time, and Road Scholar did not disappoint. Our guide Kathy, is truly an historian, full of information as well as sharing folklore and stories relevant to our time in the Great Smoky Mountains. Every day my granddaughter learned something new to remember from her educational and fun trip. Kathy provided us with an informational packet covering early history through the 21st century of Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains, giving us a wonderful point of reference. My granddaughter had so much fun with her new found friends, her excitement building every day with different activities. The kids were a busy bunch with lots of laughing and good natured silliness. Kathy was patient and kind and stayed right on point as any professional would do. Kathy's husband Mike, a talented performer in his own right, taught a class on the history of music. Mike was funny, knowledgeable and approachable with the kids, and like Kathy, made learning fun. Mike taught the kids how to make a "canjo," an interesting one string instrument that may even spark a child to want to learn how to make music one day after this memorable trip. To me, learning is the whole idea of Road Scholar. As a parent, I loved to expose my kids to lots of new adventures cultivating an interest in the world around them. As a grandparent, I have found the perfect vehicle to combine learning with fun and grow closer to my granddaughter. This musical, fun, informative program is full of activity and definitely worth looking in to.
— Review left July 8, 2024
My grandchild was worried about meeting other children in a strange setting. By the third day, she declared that she wanted to stay for two weeks and cried when she had to say goodbye to some of her new friends!
— Review left July 2, 2023
My husband and I chose this program for us and our 4 grandchildren to introduce them to the East Tennessee area where my husband grew up and we spent much of our young adult life. Music, Magic, and Nature did not disappoint! Full of information, fun activities, great shows, amazing scenery, and meaningful interactions with other kids their ages and their grandparents, this program was awesome and exceeded our expectations !
— Review left July 8, 2022
We had a wonderful time on this adventure with our 8-year-old granddaughter, Megan. She made new friends on the first evening and spent one-on-one time with a number of them throughout the trip. She picked this program because of the magic, Titanic, and pizza buffet - all of which she enjoyed. She also loved making and learning how to play the canjo. Dollywood and the Gazillion Bubble Show were definite hits too. Our leader, Kathy, was well-informed and kept us laughing and learning. The three of us had a wonderful trip!
— Review left June 28, 2022
This program was absolutely wonderful. It was fun and educational. Kathy, our leader, led us through the week very successfully. I highly recommended this program Music, Magic and Nature.
— Review left June 28, 2022
This was our first grandparents trip and we couldn't have been more pleased. Every day was filled with fun and informative experiences. Too many to list. I wouldn't have changed anything. Our leader, Kathy, was amazing. Always enthusiastic, inclusive and a smile on her face at all times. Our accommodations were perfect. Many swimming pools and the kids used them all! We are looking forward to our next grandparents trip.
— Review left June 25, 2022