Tag: pigeon forge

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

On By reneemarie31In TravelLeave a comment

A few days ago, I posted about my visit to Parrot Mountain in Pigeon Forge. I wanted to share a few other pictures from my trip. We have been there several times over the years. My parents rent the cabin, and my siblings and I spend a week with them in the Smoky Mountains.

The cabins available for rent are really fun to stay in. The one we got this time had three levels, each with a balcony overlooking the mountains. I love to sit on the rocking chair, reading a book, and just listening to the sounds of the birds chirping.

Our cabin also had an indoor swimming pool, a hot tub, games such as air hockey and pool, a movie theater, and more. The cabin was in a neighborhood, so we also had access to the community pool.

There are lots of things to do in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area. Parents could spend a lot of money entertaining their children in the array of arcades, amusement parks, shops, etc.

Rides at the Island, a shopping and entertainment center.
Walking around Gatlinburg

Of course, the best thing to do in the area is to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a huge park full of hiking and driving trails. On this particular visit, we did the Cades Cove Loop Road and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Both of these are driving tours with many places to stop and hike or explore the buildings left behind from the communities that lived there.

We saw wild turkeys, deer, and a momma black bear with her cubs.

Momma bear and cubs

The park is gorgeous. I definitely recommend a visit. There is so much to see and do.

Parrot Mountain

On By reneemarie31In TravelLeave a comment

My absolute favorite thing that I did on my recent trip to Pigeon Forge was my visit to Parrot Mountain. No one else in my extended family seemed particularly interested in going, so I borrowed my sister’s car and drove myself and my daughter up the mountain to see the parrots! I love any kind of animal encounter experience. These gardens are full of tropical birds to see, hold, and feed. It was heaven!

As you walk the paths, you come across so many different birds. Some just sitting on their perches, others in large cages.

They were all so beautiful and full of personality.

The place is clearly run by Christians with many spots throughout the gardens having Scripture quotes or religious statues. A reminder that we are among God’s creations.

Eventually, we came across an entrance to a “Secret Garden.” This led to a small enclosed aviary.

Next, we came across the first truly interactive portion of the gardens. There is a designated area with lots of parrots sitting on their perches. You can buy seeds from what looks like a candy dispenser for 25 cents per handful. Then you can walk around and hold your hand out flat and allow the parrots to eat seeds directly from your hand!

This was exciting enough until I came across one parrot who wanted to leave her perch and come onto my arm! I was so excited to hold her, even if she did try to eat the buttons on my shirt and take a little nibble at my purse!

She (or he) was so pretty and pink! I believe the name was Valentine!

We continued on to visit more birds.

Next, we went into another little aviary where you could feed the lorikeets. We had purchased tickets to get small cups of nectar for this experience. As soon as you walk in with the nectar, the birds are all over you. I loved it!

The gardens are so beautiful, as are the gorgeous birds.

The end of our visit was in the baby nursery. You walk inside and there are baby birds everywhere, hanging out in their little boxes. Many like to be held.

If you can’t already tell, I had a great time at Parrot Mountain. I highly recommend visiting if you are ever in Pigeon Forge. I would go back again and again to see the beautiful birds.