Pigeon Forge Archives - Laughing Lindsay

Drury Plaza Pigeon Forge Hotel Review

January 7, 2026 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Back in November, my mom and I stayed a few nights at the Drury Plaza Pigeon Forge Hotel. Seeing as how it’s a newer place, I wanted to be sure to review it.

Drury Plaza Pigeon Forge

Back in November, my mom and I took a last minute long weekend trip to Pigeon Forge to see Dollywood for Christmas. While researching hotels in the area, I came across the newly opened Drury Hotel in Pigeon Forge. With an ideal location that is off the main road but close to everything we wanted to do, we decided to try it out.

Free Food

I feel the biggest perk of staying at Drury Plaza Hotels is the free food. There’s free breakfast every morning and a free “kickback” in the evening! We eyed the kickback on arrival day, but decided to go out to eat instead. However, it was nice to have the option of eating something for free from the hotel. We did eat breakfast on the morning of our park visit since we didn’t want to waste time going out to get breakfast. I’d rate it as an average free breakfast. Nothing particularly stood out as amazing, but it certainly wasn’t bad either. I think the free food is a fantastic benefit if you don’t have picky eaters or dietary restrictions.

Two Queen Room

Given that the hotel had been open for just a few months, the room was still in immaculuate shape! We were certainly pleased with the large size of the room. We had ample space to spread out in the room and to sort out our outlet mall purchases! I enjoyed the tree wallpaper behind the beds given we were in the Smoky Mountains.

I will say that we found the room a little dark and lacking lighting. Also, my mom wasn’t wild about the shower since it doesn’t have a door that closes. Rather, it’s open and can allow a breeze to flow into the shower. I also didn’t care for the shower gel as it’s a thin blue liquid. Thankfully, I brought some from home to use.

I was a little surprised by the lack of outlets. I’m used to that in old hotels, but given how new this one is, I expected more outlets. They do have a clock that has additional outlets. However, there weren’t many in the room overall. Additionally, we found the number of elevators a little lacking. We had to wait several minutes to catch one around breakfast time both mornings.

Pros

Newly built – Staying at a newly built (or refurbished) hotel eliminates lots of issues and concerns around hotel stays. Everything was in great working order and the place was clean.
Good size rooms – Our room was spacious, particularly compared to some other, older hotels.
Great location – We were close to Dollywood and other places in Pigeon Forge, but enjoyed being off of the main road.
Free food – I think this is probably the biggest perk of staying here. It’s a great thing for families to save some money!
Budget friendly – We paid $353.56 (including tax) for our two night stay here. That’s very reasonable!

Cons

Dark rooms – There wasn’t an overhead light in the bedroom. That made it a little dark in the room and would make it difficult for anyone with limited sight.
No shower door – It can make the shower a little breezy and chilly if you stand by the open space.
Few electrical outlets – If you have several people staying in the room with multiple devices, you may not have enough outlets.
Morning elevator waits – Leave earlier than you need to if you are leaving during the busy morning hours as you will probably find yourself waiting to get on a crowded elevator.

Should you stay at the Drury Plaza Pigeon Forge Hotel?

I think this hotel is ideal for families on a tight budget. The included food can really stretch your dollars. If you want more upscale accommodations or plan on eating out, then you will probably enjoy staying somewhere a little pricier.

A Look Back at 2025

December 31, 2025 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Since it’s the last day of the year, I thought I’d post a look back at 2025!

A Look Back at 2025

Well, back in 2024, I said that I wasn’t sure where 2025 would take me. However, I hinted at a bucket list trip to kick off the new year. That trip was to New York City with my husband! From there on, the year was filled with several last minute trips. I don’t particularly care for last minute trips and prefer to be more intentional with my trips. However, that’s just how some years go! In 2025, I managed to take 9 trips! Granted, several of those were quick 24-48 hour weekend trips. Nonetheless, I felt like I traveled too much in the first half of the year (6 trips) and slowed way down in the second half (3 trips). I also got sick in October and that lasted until late November (Covid that turned into bronchitis). So, that also slowed me down. I’m currently looking to plan some trips in 2026, just trying to narrow down my options. Here’s a look at where I’ve been in 2025 though.

New York at Christmas

My 2025 started with a bang! My husband and I visited NYC in early January to experience it at Christmas! I finally got to see the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree in person! I also go to see the Rockettes perform! It was a quick 48 hours trip, but it’s one I think about often. I hope I get to return to NYC at Christmastime again someday.

Dollywood by Myself

In March, I made a real last minute trip to Dollywood… by myself! You see, I’m not much of a driver. It tends to cause me a lot of stress. So, this was the first trip I’ve taken where I drove myself! I knew if I made a plan too far in advance, then I might chicken out. I booked my room a week or so out and then didn’t tell anyone except for my husband just in case I didn’t do it. Ha! I surprised my mom by sending her pictures of my room and she was absolutely shocked that I drove myself. It sounds crazy, but I am proud of the progress I’ve made to overcome my driving anxiety.

The Beach

The first trip my mom and I ever took after my dad died was to Myrtle Beach. That was in 2013. However, we hadn’t returned to the beach since then. When we were attempting to nail down a spring trip, I suggested returning to MB and my mom liked the idea. We ended up spending a few days in Myrtle and then a night in Charleston. It was a nice trip that I’m glad we took together.

Epic Universe

Yet another last minute trip happened at the beginning of May. I got to visit Epic Universe for park previews before its official opening! I can’t believe I got to experience a park before it officially opened to the public. It’s a real pinch me moment. It was so surreal and I’m glad I had the time and funds to make it happen.

Return to Tweetsie

The first theme park I ever visited was Tweetsie Railroad! I visited with my aunt and cousins as a child, but hadn’t returned. I kept talking about returning as an adult, but it wasn’t until May of this year that I finally did it. My husband and I took a real last minute weekend trip down to Boone, NC and visited this park. It was neat to re-create photos from my childhood and to see how things are going now. I hope I can return someday to experience its Halloween and Christmas events.

I Met Bob Gurr

In September, I took a whirlwind trip to California. While there, I got to meet former Disney Imagineer and Disney Legend, Bob Gurr! Talk about another pinch me moment. I still can’t believe that happened either. However, I am so thankful I was able to meet him and see his home. During that trip, I also got to eat at Tam O’Shanter, a Walt Disney favorite. Then, I went down to Anaheim to visit Disneyland for Halloween again. It was a tiring trip made worse by a flight diversion to Charlotte at the end. Anyways, I’m not sure I have it in me for another West Coast trip anytime soon.

Looking Ahead to 2026

I always like to give a little preview of what’s to come in the new year in these posts. However, as of this writing, I don’t have it figured out yet. Traveling has gotten much harder for my mom. She now requires lots of breaks and we will probably stick to driving distance trips. It’s all pretty new, so we are still figuring it out.

Although, I did renew my Dollywood pass for 2026 and upgraded to a Diamond pass for the first time! So, there should be at least 1 or 2 trips there next year.

Where do you plan on visiting in 2026? Where do you think I should go?

Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour Review

December 4, 2025 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

I recently had the chance to take the Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour with my mom. So, I thought I would share what that entailed.

Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour

Back in June, my mom and I took the Summer Tour. During that tour, our tour guide recommended that we come back to do the Christmas tour specifically. He said that it was the best seasonal tour they offer. So, when we planned a return trip during the holidays, we knew we wanted to try it out as well.

This tour typically costs $79, but Gold and Diamond passholders receive a $5/$10 discount. When I renewed my pass for 2026, I upgraded to the Diamond. I was able to receive my Diamond discount of $10 when I booked this tour online a week out.

The Tour

The tour technically begins at 6:30. However, you are instructed to check in prior to 5 PM. That’s because similar to the I Will Always Love You Tour, you start the tour with reserved seating for a show! We had reserved seats for the 5:30 showing of the Christmas in the Smokies show. Following the show, we got to take a picture with some of the actors from the show. Then, we moved outside for a quick restroom break. Then, we made our way over to the train where we had reserved seats for a ride.

Following the train ride, we moved to the in park chapel for the carolers. Unfortunately, the tour didn’t include reserved seating for this show. Rather, everyone just had to stand and watch. After the show, we were able to take another picture with the group of carolers.

After that, it was snack time! Everyone was given a mini loaf of cinnamon bread and a hot chocolate to enjoy. Then, the tour ended in Wildwood Grove where we were able to see the Snow in the Grove show.

Is the Dollywood Christmas Guided Tour worth it?

As with anything, value is subjective. However, this tour is probably only worth it for a select group of people. For starters, it’s a fast paced tour. My mom struggled to keep up with the group. I don’t think this tour is great for people with mobility issues or children. While it was great to have guaranteed seating for the show and for the train ride, the rest of the tour you can do on your own. Additionally, this eats up a lot of time. The show was at 5:30 and the tour ended around 8 PM. We didn’t get to see all of the park’s decor and didn’t have time to stop for pictures of the park. So, I definitely wouldn’t recommend it for first time goers with only one park day.

This tour is ideal for repeat park goers who want to experience the park in a new way. I also encourage everyone to consider if they and their loved ones are in good enough shape to be walking briskly around the park prior to booking this one. While I enjoyed the tour, it wore my mom out. So, just keep in mind each person’s needs and wants before booking this tour.

The Inn at Apple Valley Sevierville Review

September 24, 2025 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Back in June, my mom and I stayed two nights at The Inn at Apple Valley in Sevierville. So, I thought I would write a review of it.

The Inn at Apple Valley

The Inn at Apple Valley is now a member of the Ascend Collection of Choice Hotels. This means it has extra touches that makes it nicer than a standard Choice Hotel. It’s in the same category as the Graystone Lodge I stayed at in May. Both of them have been recently updated and offer a free breakfast. This location was previously the Comfort Inn Apple Valley but the name changed after the refurbishment.

Double Queen

All of the rooms in this hotel are considered suites due to their size. We stayed in a standard room, which we preferred. This came with two chairs and ottomans in addition to the beds. We also had a view of the orchard from the balcony. The Superior rooms appear to have a sleeper sofa and a view of the parkway or outdoor pool. Personally, we preferred a view of the orchard and the chairs. However, it’s nice to have options, particularly for larger families.

You can tell that the hotel recently underwent a refurbishment as all of the furniture looks newer. However, we did have an issue with the shower not draining properly. We never did notify the front desk though. We just handled it ourselves. The free breakfast was a nice perk that we enjoyed one morning of our stay. However, it was a busy breakfast with lots of folks partaking.

Pros

Affordable – This was a last minute trip and we encountered lots of elevated room prices. Thankfully, this was $202/night.
Good location – It’s about middle of the strip on the main drag. It’s not far from anything in Pigeon Forge/Sevierville.
Spacious rooms – It appears that every room here is a suite, so you get extra space compared to other hotels.
Recently updated – The beds were pretty comfortable and the furnishings were in great shape.
Free breakfast – We enjoyed the waffle maker that created an imprint of an apple on it.
Extra sink – There’s an additional sink and mirror outside the bathroom. That was useful for both of us getting ready.
Free apple cider – There’s free apple cider at breakfast and in the lobby!

Cons

Heater in bathroom fan – I’m not sure why, but they added a heater inside the bathroom fan. Unfortunately, you can’t run one without the other. That wasn’t ideal for a hot summer day.
Tub drainage issue – It was a slow draining tub and you ended up standing in water.

Is the Inn at Apple Valley worth it?

There’s a lot to like at The Inn at Apple Valley and it’s easy to see why it’s a popular place. It’s got affordable rooms with free breakfast. Plus, it’s been recently updated. Overall, it’s a solid choice.

Bush’s Beans Visitor Center Guide

September 10, 2025 By Lindsay Leave a Comment

Back in June, my mom and I visited Bush’s Beans Visitor Center for the first time. So, I thought I would provide a little guide/review of that experience.

Bush’s Beans Visitor Center

Just before you get to the Sevierville, TN exit (coming from Virginia), you can take an exit to visit Chestnut Hill. It looks to be an rather desolate exit without much to see. However, the exit sign promises a Bush’s Beans Visitor Center and Cafe can be found here. If you keep driving, you will eventually find a little out of the way experience that the whole family can enjoy!

Museum

You can easily spend an hour or two at the museum. You learn about the Bush family and the creation of the company. There’s even a short video showing their factory and how the beans are canned. My mom really enjoyed that since she has experience working in a factory. I enjoy learning about how things work. So, it was a hit with both of us. It reminded us a little bit of the Charleston Tea Garden Tour we did a few months prior.

The museum also has some information on their marketing over the years and where their beans come from. There’s even an interactive display showing the different varieties of products you can purchase from Bush’s.

Gift Shop

As with any good museum (or theme park attraction), you end the experience in the gift shop! This one is a great gift shop though. There’s all kinds of Bush’s beans and other products to be had here. They are also pretty affordable too. Following that there’s lots of Bush’s/beans/Duke merchandise to look at. My mom ended up purchasing a Duke (as in the dog) Christmas ornament and a t-shirt.

However, I was impressed with their little kitchen themed area. They had several other non-branded items. My mom and I were influenced to purchase a kitchen dish rag because another woman was getting an armload of them. She said they really were the best she’s ever had! I think it’s a really good dish rag and it’s fun to wash our dishes while remembering our trip to Bush’s.

Bush’s Family Cafe

While we really liked the museum and gift shop, the real star here is the Cafe! Yum! While it’s a tiny restaurant that can get loud, it has good food. We had to wait 15-20 minutes for a seat and ended up being placed at the dessert bar. There was a loud youth baseball team that added to the noise. However, once they left, it was much quieter.

Everyone is given a free sample of Bush’s product when they eat here. We were lucky enough to try the Rustic Tuscany Chickpeas. We both ate the entire sample they gave us and had no complaints. For an entree, my mom got the Bush’s Chili Pie. It looked like a taco salad to me. She said it was “so good.” Everything in it looked fresh and tasty, but I didn’t try it.

I selected the bean burger for my entree. I don’t see it on the online menu, but it was on the menu at the Cafe and I highly recommend it. It wasn’t real spicy, but it had some spices in it. It was a pretty good sized patty with a good amount of moisture (not dry unlike some bean burgers I’ve had). In fact, it was probably the best bean burger I’ve ever had. I guess it makes sense that Bush’s makes a mean bean burger. Haha! I also got the fried apples for my side, which were also tasty!

The Chocolate Pinto Bean Pecan Pie

I couldn’t leave the Cafe without trying Bush’s Chocolate Pinto Bean Pecan Pie! My mom and another lady sitting to my left at the dessert bar thought I was crazy for ordering it. However, I am pleased to report that it was really good! It reminded me of a gooey brownie with nuts! I made my mom try a little bit and she agreed it was better than she thought it would be. They also have a non-chocolate Pinto Bean Pecan Pie as well as some other simpler pies that looked good. While seated at the dessert bar, we got to watch them prepare the brownies and they looked yummy!

Should you visit Bush’s Beans Visitor Center?

Bush’s Beans Visitor Center is a little ways out from Pigeon Forge. However, it’s not too far removed. Tip: Get gas before you arrive as the nearest gas station is a few miles away. The food is certainly worth a trip for anyone who likes beans or southern/country food. The museum is great for people who like to learn. The gift shop is interesting for anyone looking for a unique/cheap side dish to serve at dinner or anyone who wants a shirt that says they were there.

I’m fairly certain I’ll make a return visit here someday. I’d love to take my husband so he can try the pie. So, I think it’s worth a visit.