The Island in Pigeon Forge

One of the places we learned about online prior to visiting Pigeon Forge was The Island.  We watched YouTube Videos and saw it mentioned on a few different websites and it looked really cool so we decided to go while we were there.  It's FREE to park and FREE to enter.  It's a gorgeous layout and everyone you pass by is extremely friendly.  There are connected shops every where you look.  There are a few rides for kids as well as their center-piece - the HUGE Ferris Wheel. 



Instead of old Ferris Wheel carts the compartments are called Gondolas.  I always think of Gondolas being the boats in Italy that the rowers sing while they float you around...maybe they are spelled different or something.  Either way...pretty cool! 

Here's a better photo of the Wheel.  At night it lights up.  There are surrounding restaurants, shops, games, and other attractions within The Island.  This is a new destination, however, they are currently working on Phase 2 which includes more restaurants, shops, tasting rooms, bars, hotels, and more.  More on that in a future post.

Dale and I did pay to ride the Wheel and it was neat.  There were amazing views.  The climate in the Gondola's was 'just right'.  The Wheel zips around at a steady yet medium speed.  Not overly fast and not slow.  I think we were on there for about 10 minutes - maybe a little less.  We went fully around several times.

As you can see this was great for picture taking.  On the right side was one of the Pigeon Forge area mountains full of trees.  When we were there it was the perfect temperature - during the day - the coolest was about 76 degrees and it got into the upper 80s most days.  My ideal temperature that is for sure!

Another major attraction at The Island was their programmed Water Show.  Their fountains light up at night but spray all day regardless of time.  They have water shows set to music every half hour.  I believe they have 16 different shows with more on the way.  They were really impressive.

I took LOTS of additional photos of The Island in Pigeon Forge.  I really LOVED this place.  In a few years I wouldn't mind going back just to see what The Island has added to their layout.  I think this is going to be the new "place to go" in that area.