My son and his family had a lot of fun on the warm indoor course at Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay.
How do you spend six days right after Christmas in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge with your family, including four grandchildren ages 13-16?
Obviously, there is no shortage of activities and I’ve shared our experiences at the Dig’N Zone, a new attraction that was way different; Array, a great variety show at Mountain of EntertainmentTheater; and Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud.
But here are a few other highlights, including some things we had not done before.
1. Cinnamon Bread Factory in Sevierville.
This is not your ordinary cinnamon bread. The homemade dough is made fresh every morning and has plenty of butter, cinnamon and sugar. You also have a choice of other toppings, including the All American that comes with cinnamon apple filling, streusel topping and vanilla icing.
If you don’t want cinnamon bread, you can opt for cinnamon rolls, apple fritters or donuts. You can also check the Facebook page for lunch offerings.
2. Sky Pirates of Mermaid Bay.
This is a new miniature golf course with two 18-hole courses — one inside, one outside on the rooftop. The course is interesting with a lot of photo opportunities. It has a snack shop and toy store along with face painting.
However, what helps set this course apart is there is a mermaid to interact with golfers as well as a pirate.
What is also worth noting is you can purchase a 24-hour pass for $39.99 or 48-hour pass for $49.99. That gets you unlimited access to three miniature golf courses and Top Jump Trampoline.
3. Lost Mine Mountain Coaster and Mini Golf.
This is another new attraction — it was even open on Christmas day — that is billed as the longest alpine coaster ride in the Great Smoky Mountains area. It even includes tunnels. We decided to enjoy the coaster at night.
“The coaster ride was really cool and it was a long ride. I think doing it at night made it even more fun,” my 12-year-old grandson Colby said.
My 16-year-old grandson Cooper thought the “twists and turns added to the thrill” and also liked looking at the Christmas lights while he was riding.
“Riding at night gives that extra edge to cause butterflies in your stomach going down the hills and around the curves. I really loved the mining tunnel and riding in the cart. An A+ for adding the mining tunnel.”
4. Hollywood Wax Museum.
It’s impossible to miss the Hollywood Wax Museum Entertainment Center in Pigeon Forge because there is a 102-foot high Great Ape on the building that towers above the parkway. Like most attractions in Pigeon Forge, parking is free. My two 16-year-old grandchildren spent about an hour here — and let me know there were very few sports personalities — and even found their way through the mirror maze in their 90-minute stay.
5. Dollywood roller coasters.
Yes, the post Christmas crowds were massive — the parking lot filled up before 2 p.m. on the day we visited and no one else was allowed in the park (the park did stay open an extra hour to compensate for the long lines). The park has seven roller coasters that I wanted no part of but my grandchildren, son and son-in-law rode them all. I am not sure if they had a favorite but I know watching them on the Mystery Mine scared me. It reaches a speed of 43 miles per hour and height of 85 feet. There is a 90-degree drop and a turnover loop. The Lightning Rod, a wooden roller coaster, goes 73 miles per hour. The Wild Eagle has great views according to my grandchildren but it is almost like being on a swing going 60 miles per hour.
6. Titanic.
I often think maybe my family will say enough is enough on this attraction but two grandchildren, my daughter-in-law and son-in-law all spent about two hours (reservations are required). My youngest grandson always likes putting his hand into the 28-degree water and my son-in-law is a true history buff. And a great way to end your visit is with a goodie from the Titanic Ice Cream.
7. Hidden Mountain Resort.
Once again we stayed at the “original Log Cabin Resort” in the Smokies that has been open since 1981. There are cabins of all sizes and ours had PLENTY of room for 10 along with an entertainment room, outdoor hot tub, pool table, gaming console and huge kitchen. Again, let me emphasize there is someone available to help 24/7 if you require assistance — which we didn’t. The location is great, prices reasonable considering the amenities and family time is easy to enjoy here. We have already booked another week for Christmas this year.
