Pigeon Forge Tennesse

Dollywood Announces Extended Operating Hours During Dollywood Nights

Dollywood opens at 10 a.m. each day during Dollywood Nights (except Saturday when the park opens at 9 a.m.) Most rides will operate during the extended hours. Aside from the evening hours during the park’s wintertime Smoky Mountain Christmas festival, Dollywood Nights offers a rare occasion to enjoy the park’s rides, including the award-winning coasters Thunderhead and Mystery Mine—in the dark.

“Last year’s response to Dollywood Nights was great, so it’s back by popular demand this season,” said Craig Ross, Dollywood Vice President and General Manager. “Dollywood Nights and those last few evenings before the start of school really offer families quality time together to enjoy the final, lazy dog days—and nights—of summer at Dollywood.”

A special $25 (plus tax; no discounts apply) admission ticket will be offered exclusively for Aug. 8-14 which provides entry into Dollywood at 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. Dollywood season passes and valid park admission tickets entitle ticketholders to the extended hours as well.

Dollywood’s 2011 season continues with three of the South’s largest festivals: Barbeque & Bluegrass (Aug. 19-Sept. 5); National Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration (Sept. 28-Oct. 29) and Smoky Mountain Christmas (Nov. 5-Dec. 30), the latter two presented by Humana.

Placing it among the world’s best theme parks, Dollywood is the 2010 winner of the prestigious Applause Award. A 150-acre family adventure park in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Dollywood operates nine months a year (March 26-Dec. 30) and offers five of the South’s largest festivals; more than 40 rides and attractions; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. Dollywood is the most award-winning theme park in the world for its live entertainment which showcases country, bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll, gospel and mountain music. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD or visit dollywood.com. Operating days and hours vary.

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Media: Contact Dollywood Public Relations Manager Pete Owens at 865-428-9486, 865-755-7972 or by email at powens@dollywood.com for B-roll, photography and more information. Check the Dollywood Press Room at http://www.dollywood.com/dollywood-q10214-c1-Press_Room.aspx for updates and new images.

2011 Best Restaurants in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee (In Our Opinion ...

With many tasty and unique Pigeon Forge Restaurants, choosing the best one or two  for your family can be an overwhelming task. Traversing the parkway in Pigeon Forge you will be enticed by all types of advertising trying to draw you in. There are certainly plenty of chain restaurants to choose from but there are also many unique local spots that you must try.

The following is a list of what we think are, the best restaurants in Pigeon Forge Tennessee , in no particular order. Don’t forget to print this list and bring it with you the next time you visit Pigeon Forge and remember to share this with your friends and family.

1.      The Old Mill Restaurant – The Old Mill, a national historic treasure established in 1830 located in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee, is one of Pigeon Forge’s most popular attractions and most photographed locations. Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, this authentic working mill is over 170 years old.  The Old Mill Restaurant is noted for its southern cooking. Specialties include signature corn chowder, pot roast and gravy, homemade chicken and dumplings, southern fried chicken, and pecan pie. Biscuits made from scratch, homemade banana nut muffins, and stone ground grits are just a few items featuring products ground at the mill next door. The Corn Fritters are AMAZING! Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

2.         Smoky Mountain Brewery & Restaurant – The Smoky Mountain Brewery, where Fun is always Brewing , offers hand crafted beers and good times. Located in Walden’s Landing this unique restaurant features wood roasted steaks & entrees, amazing pizza & calzones, fresh baked breads, sandwiches & burgers, large selection of appetizers. With over 20 TVs, there is no better place in Pigeon Forge to watch your favorite sports team. Check out all of the SEC action on Saturdays and head back over on Sunday for the NFL Sunday Ticket (all 15 games in one day) and don’t forget that Happy Hour is featured all day on their Handcrafted Micro brewed Beers. Plus, there’s live entertainment Monday through Saturday night and karaoke on Sunday night.