Gateway to the Smokies Essay example -- Observation Essays, Descriptive

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is the "Gateway to the Smoky Mountains." It is located approximately 120 miles southwest of the ETSU campus. Pigeon Forge is a highly recognized tourist town with many activities. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee contains many forms of entertainment, such as Dollywood, lodging, and restaurants for the average student tourists. The entertainment industry is the main reason why Pigeon Forge is such a well-known tourist town. Dollywood is usually the main attraction. Dollywood is an Appalachian theme park that draws in thousands of tourists each year. It is located at the next-to-last traffic light in Pigeon Forge and to the left. The admission prices vary between adult and children. Price for an adult admission is $34.25 and for a children’s it is $24.30 (http://www.dollywood.com). If you would like to visit Dollywood more frequently, then you can purchase a Season Pass for $61.85 for an adult or children’s for $46.40 (http://www.dollywood.com). When you are at Dollywood you can also watch craft workers build random novelties and purchase them. One such craft shop sells glass bottles that you can see formed and blown by a glass worker. Also there are live shows throughout the week such as "Let the Good Times Roll" (http://www.dollywood.com). This is a musical show about the 50’s. I did not get to see it but I have heard it is really good. Dollywood also houses David Tallent, who performs in a magic and comedy show. He was invited to Hollywood’s Magic Castle by the Academy of Magical Arts, which was a great honor for the magician. There are also dozens of rides such as water, family, thrill, and children rides. Some of the rides are the "Thunder Road," and "Smoky Mountain Rampage" (http://www.dollywood.com). "T... ...esides the possible bad food. Pigeon Forge has a common problem each year, the massive amounts of traffic. It is nearly impossible to get anywhere during the tourist season. The city has been working on the roads though. Hopefully this will resolve the traffic problem. Also it is kind of difficult to find a parking place if you just want to get out of your car and walk through Pigeon Forge. Pigeon Forge is an easy city to get to. You drive toward Knoxville and take Exit 407 off of I-40. From then on you just follow the signs to the Smoky Mountains. Considering the distance it might be easier and less costly to drive back to ETSU for the night. The average college student would most likely end up spending more money on lodging than in gas. Overall, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a great tourist town for people that are local to East Tennessee, such as ETSU students.