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While many people may think that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN are basically the same, each town actually has very different things to offer. Although they are in close proximity to each other, and they both have some similar activities, they are also both very unique. So, which is better? We’ve put together a few differences between the two to help you decide which is better – Pigeon Forge vs Gatlinburg!
Pigeon Forge by the Numbers
- County: Sevier County
- City Population: 6132 people (2014 estimate)
- Elevation: 1001 ft.
- Area: 12.208 square miles
- Population Density: 464 people per square mile
- Total Sales Tax Rate: 9.75%
Pigeon Forge Shopping
When you’re shopping in Pigeon Forge, you’ll notice things are a little different between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The Pigeon Forge area shopping is known for:
- Shopping malls (Red Roof Mall, outlets in Pigeon Forge)
- Designer brands, labels
- Discounts on designer brands and high end merchandise
Pigeon Forge Restaurants
The food in Pigeon Forge is very similar to Gatlinburg. Many people would recognize Pigeon Forge as having more of the true southern comfort type of foods. When you think of comfort foods – fried chicken, mashed potatoes and more – you can definitely find it in Pigeon Forge. As you drive along the Parkway, you’ll find everything from pancake houses to Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant (amazing Southern cooking), Kinkaku Japanese Steakhouse (sizzling hibachi entrees), Bullfish Grill (steak and seafood), and Johnny Carino’s (a great Italian chain restaurant).
Pigeon Forge Attractions and Entertainment
Having fun in Pigeon Forge is easy! Pigeon Forge is known for having dinner theaters, large attractions and a few outdoor activities that are super fun! Here’s a few favorite things to do in Pigeon Forge:
- Dinner theaters (Dixie Stampede, Hatfield and McCoy and more!)
- Large attractions (Titanic Museum, Wonderworks and more!)
- Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country
- The Island in Pigeon Forge
- Go kart tracks and miniature golf
- Ziplining
- Horseback riding
- The Track
- The Lumberjack Feud
- The Comedy Barn
Gatlinburg by the Numbers
- County: Sevier County
- City Population: 4158 people (2014 estimate)
- Elevation: 1293 ft.
- Area: 10.35 square miles
- Population Density: 402 people per square mile
- Total Sales Tax Rate: 9.75%
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Gatlinburg Shopping
Shopping in Gatlinburg is a lot of fun, but it’s quite a bit different than shopping in Pigeon Forge! Here’s what makes Gatlinburg shopping different:
- Arts and crafts shops
- Quaint, unique to the area, specialty shops
- Outdoor-themed shops for hiking equipment and more
Gatlinburg Restaurants
Restaurants in Gatlinburg are very similar to Pigeon Forge, with a few exceptions. There’s a few more steakhouses in Gatlinburg, and if you’re looking for more of a fine dining dinner, you’ll find it in Gatlinburg. There’s also quite a few local restaurants and many snack shops and candy shops along the Gatlinburg Parkway. The Greenbrier Restaurant is local to Gatlinburg and is extremely popular and the Peddler Steakhouse is a great choice when you’re looking for a nice, steak dinner. The Pancake Pantry(breakfast any time of day), The Hard Rock Cafe (burgers and smokehouse specialties), Smoky Mountain Trout House (the freshest local trout), Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., and Geno’s Pizza (a local favorite with fresh made dough).
Gatlinburg Attractions and Entertainment
Gatlinburg has lots of great attractions for kids, adults and families. Of course, Gatlinburg is known for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which can’t be beat! Here’s some of the most popular things to do in Gatlinburg:
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Moonshine distillery tours
- Gatlinburg Space Needle
- Ober Gatlinburg & the Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway
- Fannie Farkles
- Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre
- Rafting in the Smokies
THE VERDICT
Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have amazing options for eating, shopping, and entertaining, but which is better?
