Pigeon Forge favorite stops
We recently took a trip to the Great Smokey Mountains! We take about a trip every year and this was the longest trip I’ve taken. Not only that, but it was Eliza’s first mountains trip outside the womb! 😂 Every trip we have a list of things we do, and one of my favorites is this! The Moonpie store is just my all time favorite shop! You walk in and there’s the whole theme of Moon-pies and retro general store on one side and the other has a bookstore vibe. As awesome as that is it has a huge basement, full of books, crafts and different knickknacks! Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to see the basement this time but i did get to see the top and got some great finds! We also left with some great mountain taffy!! #smokymountains #travelwithme2024 #tennessee #mountains #travelrecommendations #travel #traveling #smokey mountains #fall #fallvibes🍂
Okay, so I HAVE to talk more about my absolute favorite find from our Pigeon Forge trip: that incredible Dolly Parton rubber duck! Seriously, I spotted it and instantly knew it was coming home with me. This isn't just any rubber duck; it's styled perfectly to resemble Dolly herself, complete with a blue dress, a tiny microphone, and even the iconic 'PECKIN' 9 TO 5' text. It's such a fun, quirky souvenir that perfectly captures the spirit of the Smokies and the Queen of Country. You can often find unique items like this in the various general stores and souvenir shops scattered around Pigeon Forge, especially those that lean into local charm and celebrity tributes. It’s a fantastic little piece of memorabilia for any Dolly fan or anyone looking for a unique keepsake. Speaking of Dolly, I also saw a fantastic array of other Dolly Parton merchandise. Think vibrant pink and green t-shirts featuring her image, cookbooks filled with Southern recipes, cozy mugs perfect for morning coffee, and even several books about her life and legacy. If you're looking to bring a piece of Dollywood magic home without necessarily visiting the park itself, these shops are treasure troves. They make amazing gifts, too! Beyond the immediate Dolly-mania, our Pigeon Forge explorations unearthed so many other delightful and unexpected items. I was particularly charmed by the gourmet food section in some of the general stores. Imagine shelves brimming with Appalachian honey, unique fruit jellies, and artisan Maple Craft syrup, some with those wonderfully rustic wax seals. And who could resist the lure of retro candy like Creme Savers? Finding those brought back such a wave of nostalgia! I also stumbled upon quaint displays of Coca-Cola puzzles and vintage-style glass bottle packs, which would be perfect for a game night or as a decorative touch. For the home cooks, there were fascinating finds like burlap bags of beer bread mix and scone mix – unique local flavors ready to be whipped up in your kitchen. And if you're a bookworm like me, keep an eye out for the 'LOCAL FICTION' sections. I saw some intriguing mystery novels, including titles like 'A Smoky Mountain Mystery,' which would be perfect for cozying up with after a day of exploring. These aren't just tourist traps; they're places where you can genuinely connect with the local culture and craftsmanship. Every stop felt like an adventure, and discovering these little gems made the trip even more special. It's truly about finding those unexpected treasures that tell a story, and Pigeon Forge has them in spades.
Are these the moon pies back in the 60s