"I liked when they flew through the air!" N, age 6
"The lady and horses jumping through the fire ring!" C, age 2
"My favorite part is when the people got married!" N, age 6
Pigeon Forge, located just outside of Gatlinburg with a gorgeous view of the majestic Smoky Mountains, is less than a 4 hour drive from our Spring Hill, TN home. Since moving here a few years ago, my husband and I have heard many people rave about the town's iconic Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
As you can tell from the above reactions from my girls, ages 6 and 2, the Dixie Stampede, along with Pigeon Forge's newest dinner attraction, Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures, did not disappoint. Both shows were mesmerizing, interactive and entertaining - great for families and kids of all ages.
In fact, It was the perfect way to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary and learn more about another part of the state we call home.
Dolly's Smoky Mountain Adventures
We started off our dinner show adventure with Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures, a show so new it's only been open a month! It's a story that is very personal to Dolly Parton, as it recounts the love song of her parents, Lee Parton and Avie Lee Owens. The show itself is filled with music (most songs written by Dolly herself), acrobatics, animals and spectacular special effects. I love history, so this show stood out to me with its emphasis on storytelling. I also enjoyed the fun banter between the two sides as the arena is split in 2 with one side cheering for the Partons and one cheering for the Owens in a friendly competition.
But the show is just one part of the experience. To get the full effect, arrive early to enjoy the preshow festivities, which include family photos, back porch games, such as checkers and corn hole, mountain makeovers and specialty drinks. There are also several Parton and Owens family photos and fun facts about the family and the area. The girls were delighted to become mountain princesses - complete with flower crown, face paint, necklace, bracelet and butterfly wand.
The other star of the show? Dinner. This four course meal is truly a feast, featuring fried chicken, pulled pork, corn on the cob, a potato wedge, biscuit, peach turnover and, my favorite, creamy vegetable soup.
Dixie Stampede
Night two brought us to the Dixie Stampede. This show has many elements, but it's no secret who the real stars are - the horses. You can see them before the show if you arrive early!
Upon entering the arena, I was blown away by the giant LED screen. It features 12.5 million LED lights to create a realistic and majestic experience. No detail is overlooked, down to moving trees in the landscape scenes.
As for the show itself, 32 horses, several buffalo, small piglets and even longhorns (brought back for the 30th anniversary!) make appearances in the Dixie Stampede, which is filled with barrel races and other competitions to decide who will reign - the North or the South. Like the Smoky Mountain Adventures show from the night before, the audience was split into each side. Our seats put us in Southern territory (and we won!). The girls enjoyed waving their gray Dixie Stampede flags to cheer each time the South won a competition.
Be sure to arrive early for the Dixie Stampede preshow. The atmosphere and decor of the Dixie Belle Saloon makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. You'll hear great music from the house band, Mountain Ruckus, and have the opportunity for Stampede Makeovers. My girls never pass up an opportunity for face painting and dress up. This makeover featured a crown, a necklace, face paint, a coloring book, a fan and a flag!
The Dixie Stampede is also famous for its 4-course meal, which includes a whole rotisserie chicken and ... no eating utensils! Yep, you have to eat the old fashioned way - with your hands! But that's not the only thing that stood out about this meal. My husband, who recently learned he had to eliminate gluten from his diet, was thrilled to learn that both the Dixie Stampede and Smoky Mountain Adventures offer gluten free dinner options! We are still learning how to navigate eating out while avoiding gluten, so it was great not to have to worry about that part! He found both meals to be delicious.
After having the creamy soup a second time, I had to make a quick stop at the gift shop to grab some soup mix (yes, you can buy it!). I can't wait to make it at home.
Both shows, while unique in their own ways, kept the attention of my girls, which is no small feat. In fact, my husband had to keep reminding my 2 year old there was food in front of her because she was so mesmerized by the show, she kept telling him, "Not now, Daddy. I'm watching the show!"
Click here to learn more about both dinner shows and how to get tickets.
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Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures and Dixie Stampede hosted Macaroni Kid Franklin/Spring Hill for a 2 day press trip. Accommodations and most meals and activities were complimentary. All opinions are that of the writer.
