Society, as we know it, is gradually making us more independent in many ways. People focus more on academics, work, and making ends meet. This has left people socially detached and drawn a wedge in the average family life. Parents work long hours (or several jobs) to put food on the table, and students are statistically getting more homework and assignments than ever before. Disconnection within the family is only growing. Perhaps it’s time to consider activities you can do together to help strengthen the existing relationship.
One of the best things you can do is to go on vacation together. Spending time with each other, exploring new cultures, and making memories to last a lifetime is one of the best ways to strengthen bonds within a family growing apart.
This article aims to help rekindle your family down south in Pigeon Forge, TN. The Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the country’s most beautiful parts, and thousands visit every year. It’s time for you and your family to give it a chance, and we are here to help you plan your itinerary.
Visit the Lumberjack Feud
If you are in a new place with its own sub-culture, please embrace it and enjoy it. When exploring various things to do in Pigeon Forge, try to dive right in and do what locals do. The Lumberjack Feud is a theme park that captures the essence of what it’s like to be a woodcutter. Moreover, they organize competitions, and if you think you have what it takes to compete, you can try your hand as well.
Other than being a source of entertainment even when you are just a spectator, it’s one of the fun activities you can enjoy as a family. Challenge your siblings and parents and have fun trying to beat each other at friendly matches. However, please note that it can be physically draining if you plan on participating in the activities. Swinging an axe or manning a saw is harder than you may realize; if you have any illnesses or injuries, you may want to observe passively.
Hike with a Guide
One of the best ways to truly embrace the majesty of the Smoky Mountains (or any mountain range, for that matter) is to get up close and personal with it. Climbing up to a safe height in the mountains, walking past the flora, and generally being so close to nature is something few people get to experience. Hiking with your family members is a great way to strengthen the bond between each other and work out your differences (if any).
However, please ensure that you follow all safety protocols. You need to have as much water as you can carry, fully charged cell phones, a stick, and a few pocket knives. People can get lost in the wilderness without proper precautions, and we wouldn’t want the same to happen to you and your family.
Take a Drive
Another great adventure to add to the list is driving around the mountain’s winding roads. If you have a car with you, then that’s great! However, if you don’t have the means to commute, you can consider renting a 4×4 for a couple of hours and driving around to explore the sheer beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. Pack whatever snacks and drinks you want, and get ready for a mini-road trip!
Driving through the mountains is one of the most therapeutic experiences in one’s life. There is something so special about driving through the dense trees that open into a mountain pass. There is so much to see, especially If you are used to city life.
Moreover, it’s extremely exciting to see wildlife doing their own thing in the distance. You might see quite a few wild animals, especially while driving. Remember to give them their space. This is their land more than it is yours.
Explore the Caves
Just a short drive from Pigeon Forge, you can explore some of the many caves in the area. The great state of Tennessee is known to have the most caves in the country. Therefore, while visiting the Smoky Mountains, you may want to take the time out and explore the underground. We often don’t realize how big and deep some caves can be. The above-ground beauty of the mountains gets a run for its money when compared to hauntingly beautiful caves.
It would be wise to hire a guide when exploring the caves. The loose rocks could leave you with twisted ankles, and you don’t want that happening on your vacation. Moreover, they will take you to the best caves to truly appreciate what Tennessee offers.
One of the best things about the caves is that they are well-lit. Hence, you can find your way around easily. You can also take as many pictures as you want and don’t have to worry about them coming out dark!
Stay in and Enjoy Your Time Together
You don’t have to have a jam-packed itinerary when vacationing. Sometimes it’s nice to keep a day to yourself for rest and recovery. There are a bunch of affordable cabins or hotel rooms that you can consider staying in to just enjoy your time with each other and relax.
Moreover, if you have cooking facilities where you are staying, consider making a home-cooked meal for the family rather than ordering takeout or room service. Not only will this help you save a bit of money, but after a while on vacation, you may begin to miss home-cooked food.
We advise that you take a break somewhere in the middle of your vacation; don’t leave it till the end because you will return home and rest anyway.
Conclusion
We don’t realize how quickly life can change. The pandemic reminded us that the world can stand still within a few months and remain that way for years. Take the time to keep your loved ones close. Now that places are open to tourism again, consider planning your vacation and spending time with the family.
Especially if you have teenage kids, this is the time to strengthen your bond because they are becoming increasingly independent. This itinerary is a basic one to help you make the most of your time in the mountains and make unforgettable memories with your family that you can cherish for years to come.
