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Massive Book Warehouse near Greenville, SC is Heaven for Book Lovers

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

The Book Warehouse Outlet in Easley, SC is enormous and has all kinds of books, puzzles, games, magnets, cards that are all brand new and all 70% off. We have all the details on how to take advantage of their public sales. 

I stumbled upon the first Book Warehouse Outlet sale completely by accident as I was in the area one Saturday in December and saw a sign for a book sale. Being an avid book lover, I took my chances, followed the signs, and arrived in heaven. 

There were cookbooks, fiction books, nonfiction books, books about math, books about space, journals, puzzles, games, crayons, notebooks with colored pencils, board books, and awesome gifts. All of them were brand new and all of them were 70% off. What had I stumbled into? 

About the Book Warehouse Outlet

The world of book publishing is very complicated. I have some experience in part of the process and I feel like I still don’t know much. From what I gathered speaking with the wonderful people who run the Book Warehouse Outlet, the pallets and pallets of books and other goodies are essentially extras or overprinted items. They are all in perfect condition. 

The warehouse is about 300,000 square feet total, although the public doesn’t get to roam around all of it. What they do get to see and walk through is plenty. I’ve been a few times and still have not gone through all the stuff they have.  They have more than 1,000,000 books in there.

The warehouse isn’t open to the public daily, only during their public sales, which are not on a regular schedule yet. Your best bet is to follow The Book Warehouse on Facebook or stay tuned to our calendar since we’ll have the sales posted.

Navigating the Warehouse 

If you love books, games, puzzles, etc., then you probably won’t want to leave this place. The hours pass by quickly as you roam around the boxes and aisles seeing what they’ve got. Every sale is different since the warehouse is constantly getting in new products so you never know what you’ll find. 

They have:

  • Kids books
  • Adult fiction
  • Adult nonfiction
  • Board books
  • Bibles
  • Journals
  • Puzzles
  • Magnets
  • Thank-you cards
  • Comics
  • Cookbooks
  • Homeschool workbooks

Some of the goodies are labeled by genre and as each sale comes and goes, the team at the warehouse has done different things to make everything easier to find. But it still doesn’t look like a regular bookstore and, honestly, I love that. It’s like a big treasure hunt!

The pallets are all pretty much either the same book or game or puzzles or at least similar items. Things are not thrown all over the place – everything is neat and organized and I found it a lot of fun to just browse through everything to see what I could find. 

Also, the prices on the books, games, puzzles, etc. aren’t marked up and then 70% off is taken. They are the prices you’d find in any bookstore – except way cheaper! 

Tips on Shopping the Book Warehouse Sale 

I cannot overstate how huge this place is and how much stuff they have for sale. It’s maybe just a tad smaller than Costco and can be overwhelming. After I went the first time, I told my kids we are taking lunch the next time and spending a lot of time there. It’s that big. Here are a few tips on how to make the most of your time: 

Bring a foldable wagon or cart: They don’t have shopping carts there (it would really clog the aisles) so you can bring your own shopping bag or cart. I saw people with those foldable beach wagons and thought it was brilliant. They also had boxes that you could label with your name and leave on the side of an aisle so you could just drop stuff in there and go back to shopping. 

If you can’t find the price, ask: The staff here are awesome and incredibly helpful. If you can’t find the listed price, just ask. 

Bathrooms are limited: There are only a couple bathrooms so make a bathroom run beforehand if you need to. There are some gas stations nearby. 

Bring a lunch: You’re going to be there awhile. Bring some food, eat when you’re hungry, then get back at shopping.

New stuff is added: The warehouse gets new shipments in daily so what you saw at the last sale may not be available at the next one. And they will put out new stuff for the upcoming sales – it’s like finding treasure!

Sundays typically have fewer crowds: The warehouse sales have exploded in popularity and it can get crowded and lines can be long. For an experience with less people, typically Sunday mornings and afternoons have fewer crowds.

The Next Book Warehouse Sale

The next Book Warehouse Outlet public sale will be February 24 (8 am – 8 pm ) and February 25 (8 am – 6 pm).

Book Warehouse Outlet
1859 Dacusville Highway, Easley
The Book Warehouse Outlet Facebook page

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Feed & Seed: Cafe, Local Market, and Meeting the Needs of the Community in Greenville, SC

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

Feed & Seed is a unique nonprofit in Greenville, SC that seeks to reduce food waste while producing excellent products for consumers and giving access to food to families who live in a food desert in Greenville. 

Feed & Seed, located in Judson Mill right off the edge of downtown Greenville, is home to a fairly unique operation that only opened last year. And they are in that exact location for a very good reason: because it’s a food desert. 

Feed & Seed wears many hats and I’ll tell you why a visit to them is a delicious idea. 

About Feed & Seed 

Feed & Seed is a nonprofit located in the middle of a food desert in Greenville. The USDA defines a food desert as, “A tract in which at least 100 households are located more than one-half mile from the nearest supermarket and have no vehicle access; or at least 500 people, or 33 percent of the population, live more than 20 miles from the nearest supermarket, regardless of vehicle availability.”

There are more than 6,500 of them in the United States, including 21 in 14 different counties in South Carolina, according to the USDA. However, Feed & Seed is not a food bank but they certainly have in mind people in low-income areas who are struggling with food insecurity. The nonprofit went through miles of bureaucratic red tape to allow the use of SNAP (food stamps) to be used to buy their products. 

They house a cafe where they sell local produce, meat, dairy, and their own housemade take-and-bake meals, as well as a cafe where you can order breakfast or lunch. I’ve had their Italian sub and wow, I’ve been dreaming of that deliciousness ever since. 

They also work with local farmers to buy their produce and fruit, which is awesome because farmers often can only sell their goods on-site or during the farmers’ market season, which is only about a third of the year or even less sometimes. That’s a small window to stay in business.

Feed & Seed also hosts community events and has space for meetings, parties, or other gatherings. 

Meeting the Needs of the Community 

Feed & Seed saw the need for fresh produce and local food and was founded to fill the gap between the people who need that and the people who provide it. That’s the reason for the location they chose and the idea took off from there. 

The nonprofit partners with several local farms and others in the area who grow and produce that nourishing healthy food that everyone needs but may not have access to. They do that by buying produce directly from farmers, processing it themselves, and selling it right at their store. 

Feed & Seed also has a program for Oconee County and Pickens County called FoodShareSC where boxes of fresh produce are sold for $20 cash or $5 EBT. Pickup locations are in Easley, Clemson, and Seneca. These boxes are filled with 10-12 varieties of fresh fruits and vegetables. Anyone can order a FoodShareSC box. In Greenville, Foodshare Greenville is run by Mill Village Farms.

Reducing Food Waste

You know how you have this grand idea of buying three heads of kale that you plan to cook the following week for your family and then, two weeks later remember it’s there and it really doesn’t look all that great? Or maybe you bought a bunch of peaches, put them in your refrigerator and found them a month later all moldy? OK, please tell me I’m not alone here. Americans waste an enormous amount of food. It’s truly awful and after I toured Feed & Seed, I was determined to make smarter choices in menu planning and remembering what I’ve bought and how to use it. 

Feed & Seed steps in to help make sure that food waste doesn’t happen by buying produce, veggies, and fruit directly from farms and immediately making use of it so it doesn’t go bad. 

Food banks are a necessary part of the community in Greenville but even they have limitations. With food banks, they often cannot keep enough fresh produce because they don’t have the necessary refrigeration and storage. At Feed & Seed, they have massive refrigerators plus have come up with ways to reduce food waste by freeze-drying and dehydrating fresh fruits and vegetables, which give them long-lasting staying power and significantly reduce food waste. 

They also offer rental refrigeration to farmers who need a place to store extra goods. This is a huge service to smaller farms especially. 

The Cafe & Store

Feed & Seed sells a huge variety of local goods from honey to jams to dairy to meat to produce to coffee. I could have spent a ton of money there! 

I really like that the nonprofit has such a laser focus on local food. Honestly, it makes me feel good to buy something I know was grown or produced right here in the Upstate because it goes right back into our local community. 

The one thing I didn’t try was their take-and-bake meals and soups. They looked so good and I saw some of the chefs preparing lasagna while I was there on a tour and it looked amazing. I did have an Italian sub and cookie and both were delicious. It’s obvious the chefs take pride in their dishes. You can even order online to save time.

For many families with single parents, making healthy meals is a huge challenge. It’s these families, especially that Feed & Seed had in mind when they started to offer their ready-made meals that people can purchase and take home and heat up in the oven or microwave. They are nutrient-dense and provide a healthy alternative to fast food. SNAP benefits can be used to pay for these. 

Feed & Seed also sells local produce bags for $15, which you can buy anytime you’re over there. If you love a good CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), Feed & Seed has a similar option with their Crop Box, which is a weekly box full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and produce that you can pick up once a week from March-May. It’s $30 or $45 per week depending on how big of a box you choose. This is a fantastic way to support local farmers. 

Volunteer Opportunities

As you may imagine, this operation requires a lot of effort and Feed & Seed needs a lot of volunteers to make their vision a reality. 

Volunteers are needed to assist in packing boxes for their FoodShareSC program to feed families in need. You can see current volunteer opportunities on their website or sign up for their email newsletter to get all the information right to your inbox.

Volunteers must be 14 years old to give of their time at Feed & Seed and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult age 18+. 

Besides the box packing, volunteers are needed on local farms that Feed & Seed works with, to help with tax preparation, and to assist with events. 

Visiting Feed & Seed: Review 

Obviously, Feed & Seed has a lot on their plate (no pun intended) and have chosen to tackle some pretty massive issues in the community. They truly hit the ground running when they opened and have only expanded as they have continued to seek to bring fresh food to everyone. Plus, they’ve got a really great thing going at their cafe and market, which I highly recommend you visit. 

They are open Monday – Friday 8 am – 5:30 pm. They serve breakfast those days from 8-11 am and then lunch is served 11 am – 2 pm. 


Feed & Seed
701 Easley Bridge Road, Suite 6010, Greenville
864.412.4720

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10 tips: How to Travel Cheap for Spring Break

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

Are you wondering how to travel cheaply this spring break? Travel is fun but it often isn’t cheap. So how do you go about planning an inexpensive trip when you really want to get away but you have a limited budget? And, where can you go for cheap spring break trips? That’s what you’ll hopefully learn here!

We love to travel with our kids and experience new places, different food, and just cool things to see that don’t exist where we live (even though Greenville, SC is awesome). But traveling, especially with a family, gets expensive fast. Spring break is the perfect time for a family-friendly adventure. So, we asked our readers for their best tips on planning a Spring Break trip on the cheap, plus added in some of our own tips based on experience.

No matter where you live, you can use these tips for an awesome spring break on a budget and keep costs down on your next travel adventure with your family. We hope they save you a lot of money and bring some fun adventures to your family!

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Walk Half A Mile Deep Inside a Mountain at Linville Caverns

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez | No Comments

Does cave exploring sound like a fun adventure? Linville Caverns in North Carolina is one of only a small number of deep caves where the public can explore within a few hours’ drive of Greenville. Kidding Around contributor Kristina explored it with her kids and tells us all about the unique experience. 

“So you’re standing half a mile straight down from the top of the mountain and about 700 feet inside,” said our tour guide at Linville Caverns. Is it bad my first thoughts were of Lord of the Rings when Frodo and Gandalf and their comrades venture inside the mountain where dwarfs used to live? While nowhere near as cavernous as that particular movie portrayed the inside of a mountain, Linville Caverns is fascinating, interesting, and a tad creepy. So definitely take your family. 

About Linville Caverns

The caverns were discovered in the early 1900s when a fisherman noted fish were coming from inside a mountain. He followed the water and found huge a huge, three-story limestone cavern. The caverns were opened to public in 1937 and have remained a favored destination in Western North Carolina ever since. 

Linville Caverns

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Fly Over National Parks and Incredible Scenery at SkyFly in Pigeon Forge, TN

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

SkyFly is a newer attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN that has already won awards for its unique and amazing experience. We’ve got all the details on how to see it. 

I really had no idea what SkyFly: Soar America was going to be like when we walked into the building, which is right near the big Great Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel on the Island at Pigeon Forge. 

The decor looked like what I’d expect the workshop of some old scientist who was studying time travel may look like with gadgets and goggles. I was intrigued for sure and definitely wanted to try out whatever the ride entailed. 

Skyfly America

About SkyFly: Soar America 

SkyFly: Soar America won the “Best New Attraction” award in 2021 by USA Today Readers’ Choice. They only opened in July 2021 so the award was quite the accomplishment. SkyFly was manufactured and designed by Dynamic Attractions, which also designed and made the super popular Disney Soarin’ attractions all over the world. 

Once you purchase your tickets, you enter into a room where you’ll learn about explorer Peter Wilder and his daughter Hannah as they try to get ready their steampunk airship for takeoff. We were the only ones in line for about ten minutes and watched the video of the two characters for a bit to try to imagine what in the world was about to happen. A few other guests joined the line and soon we were taken into the Tram room. 

Our guide instructed us where to stand and off we went. Actually, we didn’t go anywhere but the screens on the top of the tram certainly looked like we were moving as we virtually sped through the countryside and came to a stop where the airship supposedly resides. 

We exited and got in line to enter the next room, which held the massive, 50-foot spherical screen. I didn’t know that yet though. While waiting, we got some safety instructions from Mr. Wilder and his daughter, which were quite the characters. They seemed a little unprepared for this journey, which was all part of the fun. 

Then we were off and entered the ride. And that’s where it got exciting. 

Soaring Over America 

Once we got situated into our seats, buckles buckled and checked, and bags underneath our seats, it was time to get flying. 

As soon as the show started, our seats moved straight up and our feet were dangling in the air, ready to fly. The screen looks like we are going through some big tube and then we’re off high in the sky above Chimney Rock (I was so excited to see such a familiar spot) soaring like the peregrine falcons. It was such a cool sensation. 

Next, we took flight along the Blue Ridge Parkway, over the geyser in Yellowstone, glaciers in Alaska, and above the massive Grand Canyon. 

Skyfly Soar America

SkyFly: Soar America

We flew over Niagara Falls and even got sprayed with real water and felt the wind. Then it was on to the Grand Tetons, over the beauty of Hawaii, through the Sequoia National Forest, and of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We flew low over the flat waters of the Everglades and up high to get a glimpse of the presidents carved into Mt. Rushmore. 

It was so cool and you really do feel like you’re flying. The seats move around as you fly so the experience is totally immersive. 

The movie is six minutes long but I could have done it at least a couple more times, which you can actually do for a greatly reduced price once you’re done with the first ride. 

How in the world did this movie get made? That’s what I kept thinking. SkyFly says that they used drones and helicopters to film it and that there is nothing else like it in the world. 

Experiencing SkyFly for Yourself 

SkyFly: Soar America is located on the Island at Pigeon Forge and is open Sunday – Thursday from 10 am – 9 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am – 10 pm.

Our total time at SkyFly was around 30 minutes but if you have to wait in line, it could be longer. SkyFly says to allow 30-60 minutes once you enter the queue. 

Guests must be 40″ to ride and guests between 40” and 55” must be accompanied by an adult. Guests taller than 76″ are not permitted on the ride. If you have a child shorter than 40”, you can watch the movie in an alternative viewing room while your partner rides the ride and then you can switch out. They do tell you that if you have a fear of heights, you may not like the ride and you can watch the movie in an alternative viewing room. I’m not a big fan of heights or flying but had no issues with the ride. I thought it was awesome. 

Also, if you’re a pregnant mom, SkyFly does not allow you to ride. SkyFly is fully ADA-accessible and can accommodate. If you have other questions, there is a great SkyFly FAQ section on their website.

Tickets to SkyFLy can be purchased online or in person. During peak hours and seasons, which is pretty much all year except January and early February, they advise you to purchase tickets ahead of time. Adult tickets are $22.99 and kids ages 11 and under are $17.99. 

SkyFly: Soar America
131 The Island Drive, Suite 1000, Pigeon Forge, TN 

 

Easy Pizza Recipes for the Whole Family

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

Looking for easy pizza recipe shortcuts for dinner with the kids? We can help you out with these kid-friendly pizza recipes.

I love pizza, as in I could eat it every day for the rest of my life and be totally happy with that. I’m also from New Jersey so I know what good pizza is. It’s the only thing I’m an expert and snob about so let me have it. That said, sometimes you need a good pizza fast to either satisfy those cravings or make something quick with your kids, who are also pizza lovers and will immediately come to eat dinner if there’s pizza on the table. 

I grew up learning all kinds of pizza concoctions (again, #Jersey) so I’m going to share a couple with you here. They are easy and fun and can be customized to your own tastes. I demonstrated making most of these on Access Carolina if you want to see all the action.

Make Your Own Pizzas

Easy Pizza English Muffins

This was a favorite of mine when I was little, partly because I could do it myself by the time I was in first grade. 

Ingredients: 

  • English muffins
  • Red sauce 
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Pepperoni 

Directions: 

  1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees (alternatively, you can use a toaster oven)
  2. Take out sheet pan and halve the English muffins, nooks & crannies side up. 
  3. Top with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
  4. Bake until the cheese is bubbly or they look done to you. 
English muffin pizzas

Easy Pizza Pitas 

I like to be a little more creative with these but again, do as you wish with the toppings and sauce. 

Ingredients: 

Pitas

  • Either red sauce or pesto sauce
  • Mozzarella cheese or another cheese that you like, maybe brie or ricotta
  • Any toppings – I like olives, artichoke hearts, and arugula

Directions: 

  1. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. 
  2. Take out sheet pan and put the pitas on it.
  3. Top with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
  4. Bake until the cheese is bubbly or they look done to you. 

Easy Pizza Dough

This is the easiest pizza dough to make but I don’t really measure ingredients so bear with me. 

Ingredients:

  • Packet of active yeast
  • 1.3 cups warm water
  • Tsp of sugar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil 
  • 3.5 cups flour  
  • 3 tsp salt 

Directions:

  1. Put the yeast in a big bowl along with the water and sugar. Let sit for a few minutes until you see the yeast rise to the top and look bubbly. 
  2. Add in the salt and olive oil and stir it up. 
  3. Add in the flour a cup at a time until it’s all used up. If the dough is sticky, then add a little more flour. If it’s not sticking together, then add a little more water. 
  4. Knead the dough until it’s nice and not sticky and then put the bowl and cover for a few hours while it rises. 
  5. Once risen, you can roll it out and either use a sheet pan or pizza stone (I prefer the pizza stone – make sure you preheat it in the oven) to cook it, then add sauce and toppings. I can make two pizzas with this recipe. 
pizza making

Demonstrating pizza hacks with Access Carolina

Pizza Crescent Rolls

This final recipe is really an ultimate pizza shortcut to make something that tastes like pizza but looks a little different. It’s super easy.

Ingredients:

  • Pillsbury (or generic) crescent roll dough
  • Pizza sauce
  • Cheese 
  • Pepperoni or another topping

Directions:

  1. Heat oven to whatever Pillsbury says.
  2. Lay out the crescent rolls flat on a sheet pan.
  3. Put a little sauce, cheese, and toppings in each crescent roll.
  4. Roll up the crescent rolls and bake for however long Pillsbury says.
Making pizza

Short Cuts for Making Your Own Pizza

Don’t want to make your own dough? No problem. Trader Joe’s and Publix both sell premade pizza dough.

Aldi also sells pizza that you only need to take home and bake, which is a great option if you want something easy but also something individualized since you can buy it and then add your own toppings when you go to cook it. 

If you’re not sure what toppings to put on, almost anything (except pineapple – don’t do it) goes. I personally love arugula, kalamata olives, ricotta cheese + mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, onions, prosciutto, ham, mushrooms, and sausage. 

I hardly ever make my own pizza sauce, although I really should try. America’s Test Kitchen has an amazing homemade pizza sauce recipe. You’ll have to get their cookbook to see it (you can borrow it from the Greenville Library). My mom also made the best white sauce, which was similar to an alfredo sauce. My go-to is pesto sauce, which I usually get from Trader Joe’s or Aldi. Don’t feel bad taking this shortcut for some tasty and easy sauces. 

OK, now you know the pizza shortcuts so go make it happen! 

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Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail in Pigeon Forge, TN Lights Up Winterfest

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

The new Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail in Pigeon Forge, TN, less than three hours from Greenville, SC, is part of the three-month-long Winterfest that happens every year in East Tennessee. The Riverwalk debuted in the 2022-23 season and is set to be installed every year!

For those not familiar with Winterfest in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, it is a months-long festival in the area that has more than six million lights to delight visitors. The festival starts in November and runs through February and encompasses not only free holiday lights around town but also holiday-themed shows, attractions, and other entertainment for the whole family.

The newest installment of Winterfest is the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail, a free walk-through light display that has several access points along the river in Pigeon Forge. I visited towards the tail end of Winterfest in late January 2023 and it was perfection because the Christmas crowds had come and gone and the town was in one of its rare down times. It was awesome. And it’s back for the 2023-2024 season!

Winterfest will run November 9, 2023 – February 18, 2024.

Riverwalk at Winterfest in Pigeon Forge

The New Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail

The trail runs from Pigeon Forge Municipal Parking Lot, which is at 2936 Teaster Lane between the LeConte Center and The Island in Pigeon Forge along the Riverwalk Greenway to Patriot Park, which is about a mile-and-a-half one way. There are more than 40 light displays along the paved path, including light tunnels (my favorite). It’s really neat and such a lovely display of lights.

We parked at the Island of Pigeon Forge to start at the beginning and before long, my kids and I were surrounded by blue and white sparkling lights that made a tunnel. Then we saw a huge display that looked like a fountain of lights with snowmen, stars, and snow mounds followed by blue and white stars hung high along the path and then a giant 52-foot long caterpillar – it was quite sparkly.

There are butterflies, shooting stars, deer, bears, squirrels, and all kinds of imaginative and fun characters along the way. My kids, ages 12 and 8, and I really enjoyed it.

Accessing the Walking Trail

So there are several access points along the route if you only want to do a part of it. A handy map can be found here that is very helpful.

Winterfest Riverwalk Pigeon Forge Caterpillar

Access points include where we started at the Island at Pigeon Forge, the LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, Patriot Park, the city’s Municipal Parking Lot, and the Old Mill. The entire path is paved so it is handicap and stroller-accessible. It’s also pet-friendly as long as pets are kept on a leash.

Visiting the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail

There is no charge to visit the Winterfest Wonders of Light Walking Trail in Pigeon Forge, which is awesome. Thank you to the City of Pigeon Forge!

You can walk the trail from November 9, 2023 – February 18, 2024.

After you walk the trail, you can visit the Island at Pigeon Forge, where you can ride the Great Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel, fly over the country at SkyFly America, enjoy shopping and dining, and watch the water light show. There are free trolleys available from the parking lot to the Island.

Island at Pigeon Forge at Night

For other things to do during Winterfest, we have a big story on it. Just note that once Christmas is over, most of the shows take a short break through January. There are plenty of other things to do in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area. For places to stay, see our reviews on several awesome spots in the area for families.

Find More to Do in Pigeon Forge, TN

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Amenities and Family Fun Abound at the Inn on the River in Pigeon Forge, TN

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez |

The Inn on the River in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee has lots of great amenities for families as they enjoy time together and exploring the fun town of Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

A complimentary stay was given to us so we could review the hotel. All opinions are those of the author.

If you’re looking for a central place to stay when you visit the Smoky Mountains that has a lot of great amenities that help your dollar stretch pretty far, then look no further than the Inn on the River in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The hotel is centrally located amidst all the great attractions in Pigeon Forge, has several family-friendly amenities, and has staff that truly go the extra mile to make you feel at home.

The Inn on the River

The Inn on the River is exactly like it says, right on the Little Pigeon River. We had a riverfront view from our room, complete with chairs outside so we could sit and watch the calming river run by. We even saw a Blue Heron fishing for dinner on our first night there. Plus, we could see the Great Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel and were within walking distance to several attractions and restaurants.

In fact, our first night there, we walked across the street to try out Magiquest and then walked over to Five Guys for burgers and fries for dinner. It was really nice not to have to drive since we had just come from Greenville. There are several restaurants that you can walk to as well as shows and other entertainment. The Inn lists lots of those places on their website. Pigeon Forge is only a three-hour drive but I’m not a big fan of sitting in the car for long so this was perfect for us.

We explored several attractions during our visit and nothing was more than a six-minute drive. It was truly an ideal location. The 128 rooms have all been recently renovated and were clean and comfortable. Each room also has a customized Alexa device, which my kids endlessly used to request Dolly Parton songs and ask what cats sounded like, a coffee maker, a mini-fridge, and a microwave.

So Many Amenities at Inn on the River

The Pools

Let’s start with what kids care about: the pool. The Inn on the River has both an indoor heated pool with jacuzzi and an outdoor pool. We traveled there in January so we didn’t use the outdoor pool but I did need to tear my kids away from the indoor pool because they loved it. The water is heated and there are pool toys and goggles available. The room is so nice and warm, too, which felt amazing after being outside in the chilly air most of the days we were in Pigeon Forge. The hot tub is so relaxing as well. Each night we spent at the Inn included a pre-bedtime swim, which was just a great way to wind down the busy days.

Free Breakfast

The Inn on the River also provides free breakfast each morning and has an assortment of both hot and cold offerings like eggs, sausage, biscuits, fruit, waffles, and oatmeal. There is a beautiful sunroom that you can choose to eat your breakfast in that overlooks the river. It’s really nice and calming and we loved eating out there. Fill up on that breakfast so you can tackle all your fun plans while in the Smokies.

Free Hot Drinks and Popcorn

Additionally, the Inn offers free hot chocolate, coffee, and tea all day long. I cannot even count how many times we had hot chocolate during our visit. It was a lot. They also offer free popcorn from 7 am – 10 pm every night. My kids were in heaven.

One thing that we didn’t make use of that I completely forgot about was the outdoor fire pit. It’s right on the river but I forgot because the kids wanted to use the pool at night. Next time!

Gifts for Kids

When we checked in, the hotel staff let each of my kids pick a little gift, which included a small toy. So cute and personable. Check-in was fast and the staff was very kind and helpful, letting us know when breakfast was, how late the pool was open, and also that they had free books and games available for guests to make use of while they enjoyed their stay. The lobby is very inviting as well, with comfortable couches to relax on in front of the fireplace.

Honest Mom Review of the Inn on the River

There are tons of choices of places to stay in Pigeon Forge and it’s hard to know which one is right for your family. I was impressed with the Inn on the River because firstly, their staff was very kind, helpful, and welcoming. Everyone from the front desk clerk and manager to the employees cleaning the tables and replenishing food during breakfast to those sweeping the floors of the hallways was so nice.

Secondly, the location was perfect. I didn’t need to travel much at all once we arrived to the hotel and it was easy to get around Pigeon Forge both by car and foot. And lastly, I don’t think it gets much better for kids on vacation to have a pool all year round. I’m a lot more lenient with my kids when it comes to their bedtimes when we are traveling and was happy to have them enjoy swimming for a couple later-than-usual nights. The hot chocolate was awesome, too, and a free breakfast is so helpful when traveling to save on meal costs.

I also really loved the location right next to the river. It was chilly when we went but I could open the curtains and watch the river, which I really enjoyed. Anything close to nature like that is a win for me.

Making Your Reservation

Be sure to sign up for their email newsletters and check their Specials page before you book as they offer some packages that may be of interest. All active duty military get 10% off their stays.

Like any hotel, costs vary depending on the season and room type. During the slower winter season, you can get a riverside room with two queen beds for around $159/night. That same room in the busiest months of July and October is around $285/night and in December, is about $259/night. If you have AAA or AARP, that will knock the price down about 10%.

You can book a room online on the Inn on the River website.

For more things to do in Pigeon Forge, see our Guide to Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg.

Inn on the River
2492 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 

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Soar to New Heights at The Island at Pigeon Forge, TN

Posted on by Kristina Hernandez | No Comments

The Island at Pigeon Forge in Pigeon Forge, TN, about three hours from Greenville, SC is full of fun things to do for the whole family, whether you like exciting rides, good food, or prime shopping. We visited the Island and have all the details you’ll need to plan a great trip. Some of the experiences listed below were provided as complimentary tickets or stays for Kidding Around.

If you have ever seen photos of the iconic Ferris wheel in Pigeon Forge, this is where it is, on the Island at Pigeon Forge. While the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is absolutely a must-do and oftentimes the photo you will see everywhere when reading about Pigeon Forge, the Island where it’s located is filled with tons of things to stay busy and have fun for the whole family.

My kids and I have visited the Island a couple times and never run out of things to do and see! While many of the attractions require admission tickets, there are plenty of things to do there that are free. Additionally, Pigeon Forge has a wonderful guide with coupons that is available online and via hard copy at the Welcome Center. It can also be mailed to you.

 

 

Playing at The Island

Great Smoky Mountain Wheel

The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at the Island was our favorite thing to do. We went on once during the day and too another spin at night. We could see so far and the views of the mountains were stunning. We visited in the winter and we could see snow on the tops of the mountains and we loved it. We felt very safe (I have a slight fear of heights!) and really enjoyed the views. At night was also amazing as we could see all the lights around Pigeon Forge – so cool. You go 200 feet up so you get a great bird’s eye view. Tickets are $13/adult, $8/kids 3 – 11. You can buy a day/night pass for $20.

Smoky Mountain Sky Wheel

Island Ropes Course

The Island Ropes Course consists of three levels of obstacles plus gives participants the option of doing a free fall controlled jump on the highest level to complete the course. You can as much time as you want on the course, which includes two zip lines. The course is all outdoors so definitely dress for the weather. There is also a little ropes course, the Sky Tykes Course, for smaller kids under 48″ tall. The bigger ropes course is open to anyone 42″ or taller. Those under 48″ need an adult on the ropes course with them. Tickets are $15/person for the Island Ropes Course and $5/kid for the Sky Tykes Course.

 

Island Ropes Course

SkyFly: Soar America

This is a relatively new attraction to the Island, only having opened in 2021, but SkyFly has already received the “Best New Attraction” award by USA Today in 2021. I had no idea what to expect with this ride but it was so, so cool. You are suspended in a seat in front of a 50-foot dome screen and taken on a six-minute ride across 20 iconic locations in the United States from Niagara Falls to the Grand Canyon to Alaska. I absolutely loved it and would do it again in a heartbeat. Tickets are $22.99/adult and $17.99/ages 11 and under. Kids must be 40″ tall to ride.

SkyFly: Soar America

Other Attractions on the Island

Other attractions on the Island include an arcade, an Escape Room, a mirror maze, bumper cars, a carousel, a 7D theater, racing track, a little kids-size roller coaster, and lots of other games. You can pay for these individually or get an unlimited rides two-day pass for $35-45/person, which covers a great many rides on the Island.

You can also visit the parrot shop and see live parrots or even some baby parrots. They are adorable. There’s also a Build-A-Bear Workshop and lots of shops to explore that carry unique gifts.

And if you’re lucky enough to be in Pigeon Forge for New Years, you can see fireworks at the Island for New Years Eve!

Eating at The Island

The Island was designed to look like a small village with cozy streets lined with cute little shops where you can buy toys or clothes, take one of those Old Time Photos in sepia with your family, and The Fudgery (get the chocolate fudge). It’s fun just to stroll around and check all these places out. Take a break and relax in one of the many inviting chairs surrounding the small lake where the dancing fountains spray the water in coordination with the outdoor music.

When you’re hungry, the on-site restaurants include a Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, Mellow Mushroom, Yee-Haw Brewing Company, and Timberwood Grill. You can grab an authentic, and quite delicious, margarita at the Changes in Latitude bar at the Margaritaville hotel, as well as enjoy a quick bite (get the pretzels with cheese dip…mmmm).

Lodging at The Island

The Island at Pigeon Forge is central to pretty much all of the attractions in town. It’s 10 minutes from the Smoky Mountain Opry and Titanic Museum and 15 minutes from Dollywood. You can walk across the street to a couple different pancake houses and other attractions if you like.

Choosing to stay on the Island is a great decision for all of these reasons! The Margaritaville Island Hotel on the Island is incredible and guests can enjoy the rooftop pool and hot tub all year long. There’s also the Margaritaville Island Inn on the Island, which is under the same brand but is a little less expensive and includes a continental breakfast.

Parking at The Island

Parking at the Island is free – take a right past the Margaritaville Island Hotel and over the bridge, where there is a huge lot. Park for free there and take a trolley into the main part of the Island if you don’t want to walk.

Pro-Tips

Don’t forget to grab the coupon books around town or check online since many of them have coupons to attractions and restaurants on the Island. The Island’s website offers many coupons as well that you can use.

You can plan to spend a few hours or a couple of days here, especially if you stay at one of the properties on the Island.

If you visit The Island during Winterfest in Pigeon Forge, the Wonders of Lights Walking Trail starts at the Island and is free to walk through.

The Island at Pigeon Forge
131 Island Drive, Pigeon Forge, TN
865.286.0119
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