Pigeon Forge Encourages Visitors

Yes, this is the Cruise Diva encouraging readers to consider a vacation in a land-locked state. Mel and I plan to visit Tennessee in the near future in a show of support to our fellow Americans who are recovering from serious wildfires in the area. Pigeon Forge officials have shared with us that the city's many attractions, theaters, restaurants, and lodging properties are once again operating as usual and Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner encouraged visitation to the area.

"Many of our city's 6,000 residents, as well as those of our friends and family in Gatlinburg, are dependent on the tourism industry for jobs to care for themselves and their families," said Leon Downey, Pigeon Forge executive director of tourism. "As our communities move forward, our industry has an obligation to our residents and employees to encourage visitation to the area and sustain our businesses."

Pigeon Forge is located next door to Great Smoky Mountains National Park where wildfires ignited Monday night, Nov. 28. Pigeon Forge businesses were not damaged during the fires, and businesses are operating as usual. The city's Winterfest festival continues, including several Christmas shows at various theaters. Dollywood theme park reopened on Friday, Dec. 2. Restaurants and lodging properties are operating on normal schedules.

Dolly Parton announced a new effort by The Dollywood Company and The Dollywood Foundation to establish a fund to assist the families affected by the Smoky Mountain wildfires. The new My People Fund will provide $1000 each month for six months to Sevier County families who lost their homes.

While it won't be a cruise, our next vacation will take us to a part of the country we've only passed through before. We look forward to exploring it more closely and hope you will consider doing so as well.