‘Where to Retire’ Recognizes Pigeon Forge as Top Retirement Destination
People of all ages love visiting Pigeon Forge, so why not make it a permanent home once you retire? The magazine, “Where to Retire,” named Pigeon Forge a top retirement destination. The city was profiled in their March/April 2020 issue in a feature titled “8 Cities for Hikers and Walkers.” We’ve got all the details on this recognition and why you should move to Pigeon Forge after retirement.
Top Retirement Destination
When you retire, there’s no better place to be than in Pigeon Forge, surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. One of the reasons it was mentioned in the Where to Retire magazine was because of all the scenic spots. Pigeon Forge was highlighted in the feature, “8 Cities for Hikers and Walkers.” The editor of Where to Retire stated, “”From hiking groups to solo treks, retirees find welcoming communities and personal fulfillment in these locales. As a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge provides loads to do outdoors, and it has a range of eateries and entertainment, too.” Not only are there plenty of beautiful sights to see in Pigeon Forge, but it makes staying active easy! Pigeon Forge is the best place to retire for those who are looking to escape from the busy city life and relocate to a place that has the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Why You Should Retire in Pigeon Forge
If you’re wondering, “Why should I retire in Pigeon Forge?” we can help you answer that question. If you love visiting Pigeon Forge every year, then you’ll love it even more once you can call it home. Here are several of the reasons you’ll love relocating to Pigeon Forge when you retire:
Right Next Door to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Escape from the hustle and bustle of your hometown and make the Great Smoky Mountains National Park your new next door neighbor! Just a short drive away from where you live, you’ll have countless hiking trails, scenic drives, picnics, and places to camp so you can enjoy a night underneath the stars! The best part is that you don’t have to try to fit all the adventure the park has to offer into a couple days — you’re close enough to visit every day!
Offers Relaxation
Once you retire, you deserve time just to relax and enjoy everything that life has to offer. The beauty of Pigeon Forge alone is enough to make you feel more at ease. There are plenty of ways for you to relax in this town as well, whether it’s taking in the gorgeous views with your morning cup of coffee, or getting a massage at a local spa!
Opportunities for Fun
Of course you’ll have plenty of opportunities for fun as well. You can spend your days visiting museums, sampling moonshine and listening to live music at The Island, seeing dinner shows — the options are endless! Many of the attractions in Pigeon Forge are fun for people of all ages. You can also enjoy the delicious restaurants in the area. When you live here, you’ll have no trouble finding time to try everything! Here are the top 4 things to do in Pigeon Forge for seniors:
1. Visit Patriot Park
If you’re looking for a quiet place to enjoy nature outside of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge! This is a riverside park that’s dedicated to veterans and is home to a variety of activities throughout the year. The park has a walking trail that allows you to get your exercise along a half-mile path lined with flags of all 50 states and memorials to the veterans of Pigeon Forge.
2. Spend Time at The Island
The Island is another fun option for seniors. Sit back and relax as you watch the Island Show Fountain put on an incredible show of water dance and light, listen to live bluegrass music outside of Ole Smoky Moonshine, or go for a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. This observation wheel provides spectacular views of the Smokies from as high as 200 feet above ground. The Island is also home to delicious restaurants, like Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, where you can dine on all your favorite Southern dishes served family-style.
3. See a Show
For some of the best live entertainment, go see a show in Pigeon Forge! Visit Country Tonite for a heartwarming performance that includes singing, dancing, comedy, gospel, American patriotism and more. You don’t even have to be a fan of country music to be a fan of this show! For a combination of both dinner and a show, head to Hatfield & McCoy. This popular dinner theater lets you enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast of fried chicken, mashed potatoes and more as you watch the two feuding families try to settle their differences mountain-style. Other popular shows in the area are Smoky Mountain Opry, Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show and Comedy Barn.
4. Visit The Old Mill
The Old Mill will become one of your favorite parts about living in Pigeon Forge. If you’ve visited the area before, you know this is one of the most popular areas in the Smoky Mountains. The Old Mill itself is a historic mill that was built in 1830 and is one of the oldest continually operating grist mills in the country. Not only is it a gorgeous sight to look at, but there are plenty of other places to explore in The Old Mill Square. You’ll love having breakfast at the Old Mill Restaurant, lunch at the Pottery House Cafe, dessert at the Old Mill Creamery and drinks at Old Forge Distillery. You can also do some shopping at Pigeon River Pottery, Sassafras and Old Mill Candy Kitchen. This will surely become one of your most visited spots when you retire in Pigeon Forge.
Learn more about Pigeon Forge, then start making plans for your retirement in this beautiful area!
