BWW Reviews: Dogwoods and Azaleas Spell Springtime in Pigeon Forge

How does the thought of spring grab you? Millions of tulips blooming, cream petals on dogwood trees, azaleas bursting in hot pink, beautiful greenery everywhere and best of all, no more snow! Is it just me, or has this been the most miserable winter on record? It's time to spill the secret to springtime bliss: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Located in Sevier County, Pigeon Forge is a tourist stop on the way to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the U.S. (more than 9 million people a year). Its country cousin, Gatlinburg, is located five miles away. The two towns are great to visit April to October, but for me, Pigeon Forge is a better match, and especially so in the Spring. My favorite time of year to visit is right around Earth Day (April 22) because it is most likely the peak bloom time for dogwoods and azaleas. Gatlinburg is compact and easy to walk through, but it's tough to find a place to park a car; lodging tends to be Mom and Pop motels on uneven surfaces. There are places to purchase liquor in Gatlinburg, and this is the exception, because Sevier is a dry county. Pigeon Forge, on the other hand, is more spread out, there is ample parking, a public trolley services 100 stops, several outlet shopping malls, national brand hotels, and most of all, live entertainment.

Pigeon Forge has dozens of dinner shows and theatres with live entertainment, at prices that are very affordable. The genre tends to be country and gospel, but there are also some comedy and family shows scheduled throughout the tourist season. The area is busiest during the summer months when school is out, because it is first and foremost a family destination. You will find several buffets in this area, ensuring everyone in your family will find something they like to eat; brands include Ryan's Buffet, Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, Captain Jim's Seafood Buffet, Huck Finns Catfish, Golden Corral and Wood Grill Buffet.

If you are looking for southern cuisine at its finest, "Paula Deen's Family Kitchen" is scheduled to open in late summer 2014, in a new entertainment complex called "The Island." The famous belle took a severe beating last year after someone tried to sue her, and it came out in the course of trial she had said the "N" word at some point in her life. She was summarily crucified. The event caused quite a debate among civil rights activists, with people standing fervently on both sides of the issue. Some debaters said white folks are absolutely forbidden from saying the word. Other debaters took the position that the "N" word is heard hundreds of times a day in black communities, and is said with absolute impunity; therefore everyone must be allowed to say the word with absolute impunity as the simple rule of equality for all people. In addition to Deen at The Island, new construction is underway for Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville restaurant and Margaritaville Island Hotel.

The crown jewel of Pigeon Forge is Dollywood, a theme park saluting the spirit of Appalachia. The park is undergoing a $300 million expansion this year. There are thrill rides like log flumes and roller coasters, but to me, the best part of the experience is the live entertainment and cultural events. In the spring, Dollywood hosts The Festival of Nations, an awesome five weeks of international cultural demonstrations by performers from around the world. There is also a season featuring world-renowned bluegrass musicians and an award-winning barbeque, nightly firework displays in the summer, fall harvest celebrations, and Smoky Mountain Christmas - a five-time award winner of America's Best Christmas Event which features holiday performances and four million holiday lights. Of course, there are also appearances by Dolly Parton and her family members.

On my last visit to the park, Dolly Parton was there, and I got to see her live and pick her brain. She founded a massive children's reading program called Imagination Library, and was on site to celebrate its astonishing success. I wanted to know if Dolly had suggestions for fostering creativity in children, referring to the passage in her autobiography when she said she got in trouble for taking the colored chalk outside the classroom so she could draw colorful pictures. As one of the most creative people on the planet, Dolly has a lot of knowledge on this matter. She said "When I was growing up in the hills of East Tennessee, I knew my dreams would come true. I know there are children in your community with their own dreams. They dream of becoming a doctor or an inventor or a minister. Who knows, maybe there is a little girl whose dream is to be a writer and singer. The seeds of these dreams are often found in books and the seeds you help plant in your community can grow across the world." She went on to say how reading sparks the imagination in children, and we should always make literature available to those inquiring minds. She also warned, "Don't steal colored chalk, like I did!"

I worship the ground Dolly Parton walks on, so I was thrilled that Trish McGee arranged for me to see her live. After Dolly answered my query, I was ecstatic with her response. I told my hubby "I'd like to just run up to her and kiss her giant boobs." Just then, I heard a man behind me say to his wife, "Oh, I'd like to do that too."

Repeatedly voted the "Best Show in the Smokies," Country Tonite Pigeon Forge shows continue to remain popular after 18 seasons. Some of the shows are giant production pieces, and others are celebrity-based, such as the upcoming Loretta Lynn concert on April 26. You can also see big-name talent like Aaron Tippin, Joe Diffie, Sammy Kershaw, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Chesnutt, Steve Wariner, Darryl Worley and Ronnie Milsap.

Pigeon Forge is home to several outlet stores that provide an array of options for even the pickiest of shoppers. I love spending hours at these places, and get all excited when I find a bargain. One of my favorite discoveries was a tiny pink sweater with pearls and embroidery I found at 90% off. Although I had no clue to whom I would give it, it was too adorable to pass up. When one of my friends announced she was expecting a little girl, I pulled out the charming sweater so I could get it sent off in the mail. As I was folding it, I noticed it wouldn't lay right. I almost just shoved it into the mailing box anyway, but something told me to inspect it more closely. Upon examination I realized it had four arm holes. Now, what kind of baby has four arms? Certainly not a human baby! In my excitement over the bargain, I failed to realize it was a pet sweater. Thank god I didn't mail it to my friend - she would probably have hated me for years.

2014 is the perfect year for Chicagoans to visit Pigeon Forge, because Frontier Airlines is starting a new non-stop to Knoxville from Midway at $138 round trip. For those who enjoy road trips, two-thirds of the nation's population east of the Mississippi River lives within a day's drive of Pigeon Forge; it's perfectly situated.

Pigeon Forge is perfect in many ways, and I rank it highly, up there with Disney World and Waikiki. You can't go wrong with this family vacation destination, and for a feast to the eyes, visit when the dogwoods and azaleas are in full bloom.

Special thanks to Tom Adkinson from Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism for the invaluable assistance provided to me; consumer information for the entire city is online at MyPigeonForge.com, and a toll-free inquiry number is 1-800-251-9100.

Friend Anton Anderssen at http://facebook.com/teddybears .