Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg / Smoky Mountains A day of contrasts today. We are perched in the hills high above Pigeon Forge, living in the lap of luxury... Down in Pigeon Forge, life does not seem to run at the same slow pace. Imagine Skegness and Blackpool combined, throw in a little Vegas showmanship and overdo it in the way that only Americans can, and you will have some idea of what Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are like. As far as I can make out, Pigeon Forge is where the larger attractions are and the all-you-can-eat sing-along-ho-down-diner-barns (Americans love their barns!) and Gatlinburg is more arcades, souvenir shops and catering for the hard-core drinkers with the moonshine tasting experiences. My cold had reached the level where I couldn't smell anything, but the moonshine bars managed to break through that - although I sensed it first with my eyes!