Best Arts and Culture Places in Pigeon Forge

"The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a can’t-miss destination for souvenir hunters. This 8-mile loop located off of the East Parkway in Gatlinburg features numerous shops, studios, and galleries that carry locally made goods. In fact, the Arts & Crafts Community is considered the largest group of independent artisans in North America!"

"The early settlers made quilts, baskets, candles and pottery. It was a humble way of life and a matter of existence. But it soon turned out to be a wonderful way to make profit and soon the seeds of the sown."

"With more than 100 shops and galleries, this 8-mile-long loop in Sevier County is a living tribute to Tennessee’s art."

"A celebration of America’s favorite collectible can be found at The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee with over 20,000 sets of shakers in all sizes, shapes, and materials."

"For 25 years, the Knoxville Museum of Art has done its best to promote local art from the state, focusing on Southern Appalachian culture and artists from the region. With no admission cost, it’s among the free things to do in Knoxville that is a great way to occupy yourself this weekend. The Museum of Art is housed in a beautiful building made from state-mined marble, racking up a $6 million renovation bill."

"The museums in Knoxville give the very essence of its citizens and rich culture. If you are looking for something deeper and more meaningful, head to the museums in city. Explore the cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical side of Knoxville with these museums."

"Strong Alley, known also as Graffiti Alley for reasons you’ll realize in a bit, is a haven for street art in Knoxville. If you love strong, unique art like that, this should be added to your list of things to see!. Located near Market Square, Strong Alley is absolutely packed with murals, tags, and other kinds of artwork that provide an avant-garde urban charm to the area."

"The area between Market Street and Gay Street was one of the more unseemly parts of Knoxville; however, it’s become the most photographed location in the city in recent years. Graffiti artists partner with local businesses to paint exquisite murals. Many are only up for a limited time, allowing more artists to have their work seen and gain recognition."

"The artistic gem of downtown, Strong Alley is filled with murals ranging from bold and colorful to weird and unique. Travel through the alley, located between Market Square and Gay Street to discover dozens of designs and backdrops. It transforms from bright and happy in the daytime to dark and mysterious at night, with equally stunning pictures."

"If you happen to find yourself downtown on a Friday, then Pioneer House (only open on Fridays) is a must-see. Knoxville print artist Julie Belcher doesn't run the only Made in Tennessee art studio in Knoxville, but she may run the only one where you can purchase a 1950s Stetson hat and a poster of a fox strumming a banjo all in the same transaction. Her Appalachian-inspired print art colors the walls and bins of Pioneer House, alongside racks of rhinestone-studded western wear and cowboy boots."

"Whether you consider yourself a semi-professional photographer or you are just looking for ways to enhance your family’s photo album, it is always a good idea to learn about how you can take better pictures of the Smoky Mountains. Check our tips of how to take the best pictures during your Smoky Mountain vacation:"

"There are several amazing waterfalls throughout the Smoky Mountains National Park. For that reason, we are combining them all into one entry on this list. Remember though, waterfalls aren’t in the middle of a parking lot and will require some hiking to get to."

"Mingo Falls is not technically within the park but rather on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. However, it is still very close and worth the visit, as it is one of the tallest and most stunning waterfalls in the Southern Appalachians. To access the trail leading to the falls, drive south from the Oconalufteee Visitor Center on US-441 toward Cherokee and take the second left onto Big Cove Rd."

"At 120 feet tall, the waterfall is one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. The trail to the base of the falls is very steep, but well worth the effort."

"Baskins Creek Falls is located along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail, which is a beautiful area in the Smoky Mountains in the fall. You’ll see the fall colors and a waterfall along this 3-mile round trip trail. At the beginning of this hike, you’ll have some great views of the mountains covered in fall foliage."

"Relative to their popularity, this 40-foot, two-tiered waterfall just might be the most underrated falls in the Great Smoky Mountains. It's also a great place to kick back and enjoy a picnic."

"The Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre stages zany comedies that are reminiscent of the Carol Burnett Show and Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle is another wonderful destination for live entertainment in Gatlinburg. The Iris is currently hosting Impossibilities: An Evening of Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem."

"The Alcatraz East Crime Museum is another one of the best Pigeon Forge museums. This popular attraction is filled with interactive exhibits related to crime and crime fighting, including a safe cracking game, a simulated shooting range, and a CSI lab. Alcatraz East is also home to artifacts from some of the most famous moments in American crime history, like O.J."

"Alcatraz Museum I agreed to visit the Alcatraz East Museum as my son was really interested. He and I both love crime documentaries and are fascinated by some of the stories that are highlighted at the museum. One of their most famous artifacts is THE white bronco OJ Simpson drove during that famous chase many of us are familiar with."