Visited by millions of tourists each year, and located in the heart of the Smokies, is Pigeon Forge. The name given to this town has an interesting story behind it. The river that flows through Pigeon Forge is lined with elegant beech trees that straddle this body of water like sentry guards. These beech trees are very attractive to pigeons who congregate on their branches in huge droves. The river was appropriately named Pigeon River. The river’s aquatic powers were then harnessed to drive an ironworks operation built by Isaac Love in the 1930’s. Thus, the name forge was married to pigeon to create the unusual name for this sprawling town. However, the town didn’t begin to grow until the Great Smoky National Park was established and Dollywood was erected.   Pigeon Forge lived in the shadows of Gatlinburg for a long time. Pigeon Forge was just a town you drove though while on your way to the park. Then Dolly Parton, the world famous country singer, bought up much of the land in the area and created what is now known as Dollywood. With the creation of Dollywood, a musical theme park, the town began to explode and many other attractions sprung up to transform Pigeon Forge into a tourism hot spot.   Transportation can be quite congested in the summer so cars are not recommended. However, buses and trolleys efficiently whisk visitors to and from all tourist attractions for a nominal fee. Pigeon Forge also has excellent eateries and accommodations to fit any budget.   Pigeon Forge has something for everyone. The leading attraction is, of course, Dollywood. It boasts 40 musical reviews a day, dozens of amusement park rides, a steam-powered train, interesting shops and some 20 craftspeople showing off their lost skills in weaving, pottery and carvings. Some of the biggest names in country music come to perform at Dollywood and Dolly Parton herself makes at least one appearance per year. The park opens in April and closes in December. Admission is $26.00 for adults, children 4-11 are $18.00, seniors (60 and older) pay $18.00 and children under 3 are free. Call (423) 428-9488 for special events and for additional information.   Pigeon Forge has many other excellent attractions worth taking the family to. The Elvis Museum, displaying the King’s cars, guns, clothing, musical instruments and more is a must see. It is open year round from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and admission fees are $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children 6 to 12. Another attraction you won’t want to miss is the Smoky Mountain Car Museum. Here you’ll find cars owned by Elvis, Al   Capone, 007, Billy Carter and other famous people. Call (423) 453-3433 to find out additional information.