Springtime in the Smokies-Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge

Day 1

Day 1: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
The Smoky Mountains are calling, grab your luggage and board a luxury Burlington Trailways motorcoach from the available departure location of your choice. You will be greeted by one of our friendly tour hosts and drivers who will help you get settled in and ready for a day of travel. We will make rest & refresh breaks as needed along the way along with a stop for lunch. Tonight, we overnight at the Drury Plaza Indianapolis Carmel, a Trailway Travel favorite hotel franchise. Arrive in time to get checked in and partake in this evening’s Kickback Reception that offers a selection of both hot and cold foods along with beverages, some of the adult varieties include some beers, wines, and cocktails along with soft drinks. If you wish to have a bit more for dinner, there are restaurant options available within walking distance of the hotel.

Day 2

Day 2: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Enjoy a hot breakfast buffet at the hotel this morning before checking out and departing for the day. We will make a stop for lunch that offers you a few places to choose from and then be on our way to the Country Cascades Resort Hotel in Pigeon Forge, TN. Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, this resort offers a perfect blend of fun and relaxation featuring a variety of comfortable accommodations, including rooms with stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Feeling a little adventurous? Bring your swimwear and try out the waterpark features!
Once you’ve freshened up from today’s drive it’s time for dinner and a show. Experience the excitement of the Dolly Parton Stampede Dinner Show. This spectacular event combines a thrilling live performance with a delicious four-course feast. You are treated to incredible horse riding stunts, musical productions, and dazzling special effects, promising an unforgettable evening of entertainment.

Day 3

Day 3: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Fuel up on breakfast this morning, with scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, KELSO+BROS® coffee and more then we’re headed for the mountains today with a guided tour of Smoky Mountain National Park. We will have our own step-on guide providing an enriching way to explore the park’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife. They will provide insights into the park’s history, geology, and ecosystems and help us to spot wildlife such as black bears, elk, and diverse bird species.
Our tour will begin at the Sugarland Visitor Center, a key starting point for many park adventures. Here, you can explore informative exhibits on the park’s flora, fauna, and cultural history. The visitor center also features a short film about the park and provides maps, guides, and souvenirs. Rangers are available to answer questions and offer recommendations on the best trails and sights to see.
As we move our way down from the mountains, the rest of the day will be spent visiting the following with some free time to do some of your own exploration in Gatlinburg.
Bush’s Beans Visitor Center: Whether you are a fan of beans or not, Bush’s Beans Visitor Center in Chestnut Hill, Tennessee, offers a delightful experience for food lovers and history buffs alike. Here you will get a fascinating glimpse into the legacy of Bush’s Beans. Explore interactive exhibits, watch a short film about the company’s history, and even meet Duke, the iconic spokes-dog. The

on-site General Store and Café serve delicious bean-inspired dishes, making it a perfect stop for a unique and tasty adventure.
Ober Aerial Tram: You are off for a breathtaking experience as you ascend 2.1 miles from downtown Gatlinburg up to the mountain’s peak. You’ll get stunning panoramic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, showcasing lush forests, rolling hills, and vibrant different shades of green with the new leaves that have emerged. We are sure you will agree that this scenic ride is a perfect way to appreciate the natural beauty of the area while enjoying a unique perspective of Gatlinburg.
Ole Smoky Moonshine: Ole Smoky Moonshine was the first legal moonshine distillery in the state, opening its doors in 2010. Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, this distillery pays homage to the region’s rich history of moonshining, which dates back to the early settlers who brought their distilling traditions with them. Johnny Baker’s hillbilly accent is as authentic as the moonshine his family has been making for generations and he will tell you about taking his grandpappy’s old recipe and starting out with just 3 products, Original, White Lightnin’, and Moonshine Cherries (which are delish!). He also shares that moonshining was born out of economic necessity – whether they sold corn for fifty to seventy-five cents a bushel or turned into liquid and sold it for twenty dollars. With large families and many mouths to feed this was generally the route taken. Enjoy a few samples and take home your favorites! Also, outside you will find some great entertainment where you can take a seat, enjoy some music along with many laughs.
Downtown Gatlinburg: You will find a mix of boutiques, specialty shops, unique local crafts, restaurants and more as you stroll the picturesque streets. If you are looking for a special gift, handmade items, Appalachian souvenirs or delicious treats you will be certain to be able to find it here.
Most likely all of this exploration and walking through downtown Gatlinburg has certainly worked you up an appetite. This evening, we have dinner at the Hatfield & McCoy’s Dinner Feud where you will enjoy an all-you-can-eat fried chicken dinner with all the fixin’s! Then sit back and take in some fun and “hokey” entertainment with the Hatfields & McCoys. It’s the appropriate way to end our day up in the mountains and sippin’ moonshine!

Day 4

Day 4: Friday, May 16, 2025
Another great breakfast is waiting for you this morning where you can fill up before we head out to take a guided “Dolly Parton Hometown Tour” today. Dolly grew up in a log cabin in Locust Ridge, located southeast of Sevierville. Here, she shared the two-room home with her parents and 11 siblings. While the original cabin is fenced off and closed to visitors, you will have an opportunity later to visit a replica of this home. We will also explore key landmarks from Dolly’s early years, including the Dolly Parton Statue, which honors her contributions to music and philanthropy along with a personal glimpse into Dolly’s roots and the community that shaped her remarkable journey to stardom.
What better way to end your Dolly Parton tour than at Dollywood? Spring is a great time in Dollywood. Blooming to life in spectacular color, Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival celebrates the beautiful blossoms and fresh flavors of the season with larger-than-life Mosaicultures, unique foods, and new stage shows! Capture picture-perfect moments under the signature Umbrella Sky and hear inspiring sounds of springtime as live music fills the air. Take in the live stage shows, the Dolly museum, real train rides, the American Eagle habitat, and for the very brave, ride the Wild Eagle Coaster. You’ll want to be sure to watch Dollywood’s many master craftsmen and artisans at work proudly continuing the centuries-old traditions of hand-making their arts & crafts with daily demonstrations. Lunch is included with a special “Tasting Pass” today with plates that have international flair like the Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet and Southern-inspired favorites including the Honey & Peach Bar-B-Q Sandwich. Satisfy your sweet tooth with The Grove Cookie Dough and zesty Lemon Cannoli, plus enjoy bright, refreshing sips like the Dragonfly Lemonade. Taste your way around the exclusive mouthwatering flavors of Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival with a Tasting Pass! Tip – the warm cinnamon bread that comes from the bakery is a much-coveted commodity! You’ll want to grab something for dinner here as well before we depart.

We end the day with the Array Show at the Smoky Mountain Entertainment Theater. Array is the newest exciting variety show to hit the Smoky Mountains! It features the area’s most talented musicians, singers, and dancers performing hit songs from all genres of music spanning several decades. Hilarious comedy will have you laughing ‘til your sides hurt, and unbelievable specialty and variety acts will keep you entertained throughout the entire performance.

Day 5

Day 5: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Start your morning off right with a great breakfast at the hotel this morning before we depart for another full day. Begin by arriving at the Red Skelton Tribute Theater for the Patty Waszak Show, the longest running morning show in Pigeon Forge featuring a wide variety of music and a whole lot of comedy. It is possible that you may have seen Patty in Branson, MO in the past with the shows she would have there. You’ll find that she is a dynamic vocalist, phenomenal musician, and a hilarious comedienne!
It’s then off to the Island for some free time, shopping and lunch, on our own, this afternoon. The Island in Pigeon Forge boasts 23 acres of entertainment in an inviting setting. With over 80 shops, restaurants, and attractions there’s something for everyone. Take time to check out the Island Show Fountains that are programmed to music and lights year-round. Plus, take a spin on “The Wheel”! Towering at 200-feet tall, The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel sits at the foothills of the most visited National Park in the US – The Great Smoky Mountains. It stands as one of the tallest attractions in the area. Making its maiden turn on June 21, 2013, the Wheel provides you with an unparalleled view of the world-famous Smoky Mountains in comfortable, all glass gondolas that seat up to 8 guests.
Enjoy a fascinating guided tour this afternoon at The Titanic Museum this afternoon. Here they open the door to the past with a one-of-a-kind way of letting “passengers” experience what it was like to walk the hallways, parlors, cabins and the Grand Staircase of the Titanic while being surrounded by more than 400 artifacts directly from the actual ship and its passengers. Receive a passport showing the name of one of the many passengers, or crew members, that were aboard that fateful trip and at the end go to the Memorial Room and check the wall to see if your person perished or survived. You’ll find their name amongst the 2,208 names listed on this wall. Get to touch a real iceberg, walk the Grand Staircase and the third-class hallways, reach your hand into 28-degree water and try to stand on the sloping decks to learn what it was like on the RMS Titanic by experiencing it all first-hand. There is always something new to see at the museum with artifacts rotating between the 3 different Titanic Museum locations plus some items that are on display for the very first time in the world. After our guided tour we will be escorted to the 3rd floor “Secret Dining Room” to enjoy a 1st Class Captains Meal just as they did on the ship!
After dinner we depart for the Country Tonite Theater and enjoy a fantastic show to conclude our evening. In this fast-paced production you will enjoy a variety of dynamic singing and dancing, side-splitting comedy, powerful gospel and American patriotism. From the strong talent of the youth performers to the experienced veterans of the Country Tonite stage and song, the love of God, family, and country resonates throughout the show.

Day 6

Day 6: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Have another hearty breakfast at the hotel this morning of scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, KELSO+BROS® coffee and more before checking out and beginning our journey back home. Along our way today we will be making a fun “MYSTERY Stop” along the way. The anticipation of trying to figure out where you are headed is half the fun!
This evening, we overnight once more at the Drury Plaza Inn in Carmel, Indiana and take in the Kickback Reception before we return home tomorrow.

Day 7

Day 7: Monday, May 19, 2025
Begin the day with a Drury Inn hot breakfast before we check out and make our way back home today. We will take our usual rest and refresh breaks as needed as well as time for lunch. On the way be sure to reminisce and share your favorite parts of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with your new-found Trailways Travelers friends and family!