I recently returned from a delightful long weekend escape to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and I’m excited to share the highlights of this cozy, charming mountain destination. Whether you're seeking natural beauty, small-town hospitality, or holiday magic year-round, Pigeon Forge offers it all—and then some.
A Taste of Southern History: Bush’s Beans Visitor Center
Our first stop was the Bush’s Beans Museum and Store in nearby Chestnut Hill. This family-friendly attraction offers a look into the rich history of the Bush family and their iconic brand. The museum is surprisingly engaging, with interactive exhibits, vintage advertising, and of course, Duke the dog and it’s free! The general store was a hit—filled with unique gifts, canned goods, and nostalgic souvenirs. And don’t miss the on-site café for a comforting Southern meal (yes, beans included). Unfortunately we didn’t have time to eat at the cafe, but we bought a cookbook from the general store and I can’t wait for my husband to make the pecan pie with baked beans in it!
Nature at Its Finest: Great Smoky Mountains National Park & Cades Cove
No trip to the area is complete without a venture into Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We took our time exploring the natural beauty of this UNESCO-designated site, soaking in the misty vistas.
A real highlight was our drive through Cades Cove, a lush valley ringed by mountains and rich with wildlife, history, and scenic views. It’s not uncommon to spot deer, turkeys, and even black bears here. On our last trip we were lucky enough to see a mama black bear and her three cubs, but this trip we only spotted turkeys. The 11-mile loop road offers stunning views and access to restored cabins, churches, and grist mills—a perfect blend of nature and Appalachian heritage.
Our Home Away From Home: The Inn at Christmas Place
The absolute highlight of the trip—for the third time running—was our stay at the Inn at Christmas Place. This family-owned hotel is a dream for Christmas lovers, as it's decked out in holiday cheer every day of the year. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you're transported to a festive wonderland with twinkling lights, wreaths, garlands, and joyful music.
Every morning begins with the most delicious breakfast that is included with your stay. You can enjoy an omelet station, Santa waffles, standard breakfast items like eggs, bacon, potatoes, a fruit and yogurt bar, as well as a table full of the most delicious breakfast sweets and pastries. Let’s not forget enjoying their special blend of Christmas coffee. Each evening, guests are treated to fresh coffee, lemonade, and cookies, served with signature Southern hospitality. The decorations change annually, keeping the experience fresh and enchanting for repeat visitors. Rooms are spacious, decked out for the Christmas season and most can accommodate up to 5 guests.
Santa himself makes appearances throughout the week, offering songs, stories, and photos—a truly magical experience for families and couples alike. The recently remodeled outdoor pool area adds to the festive charm with warm lighting, Christmas décor, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, Pigeon Forge never fails to deliver memorable experiences. From historic attractions to natural wonders and heartwarming hospitality, it’s the perfect setting for a relaxed, festive getaway.
If you’re interested in planning your own trip to Pigeon Forge—or staying at The Inn at Christmas Place—I'd be thrilled to help you build the perfect itinerary. This destination is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to sail aboard the Disney Dream on a Mediterranean itinerary that embarked from beautiful Barcelona, Spain. From iconic cities like Rome and Florence to relaxing days at sea filled with Disney magic, this cruise was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. If you're considering a European cruise with a sprinkle of pixie dust, here's what our journey looked like!
🏙️ A Few Days in Barcelona
We arrived in Barcelona a couple of days before embarkation to soak in some of the city’s vibrant culture and incredible architecture. We stayed at the Renaissance Barcelona Hotel, which was in a great central location—perfect for sightseeing on foot.
Our first evening was a laid-back introduction to the city. We walked from our hotel to Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s most famous works. Seeing it lit up at night was nothing short of magical!
The next day, we booked a semi-private tour through Viator that included the Gothic Quarter, Sagrada Familia, and Park Güell. It was the perfect way to get a feel for the city’s unique blend of history and creativity without feeling rushed. The highlight of our time in Barcelona for me was visiting La Sagrada Familia. It was the most beautifully, unique cathedral I have ever seen. If you are ever in Barcelona, it is a must do!
🚢 Embarkation Day – All Aboard the Disney Dream!
The morning of our cruise, Disney’s own transportation picked us up directly from our hotel and took us to the Port of Barcelona. The embarkation process was smooth and stress-free (typical Disney style), and before we knew it, we were stepping aboard the gorgeous Disney Dream.
Whether it was the cheerful crew greeting us, the grand atrium, or just the overall excitement of setting sail, the energy was infectious!
🌊 Day at Sea – Time to Explore the Ship
Our first full day was a day at sea, which gave us plenty of time to settle in and explore everything the Disney Dream has to offer.
There’s truly something for everyone onboard:
Families loved the AquaDuck water coaster and themed pool areas.
Adults could relax in the Quiet Cove Pool or get pampered at the Senses Spa.
Kids were obsessed with the Oceaneer Club, where they could hang out with characters and join fun activities.
Dining was an experience in itself, with rotational dining through restaurants like Animator’s Palate, Royal Palace, and Enchanted Garden.
And the nightly Broadway-style shows? Absolutely incredible!
Whether you want a relaxing day or non-stop fun, sea days on a Disney cruise are what you make of them.
🇮🇹 Port Day: Civitavecchia (Rome)
Our first port stop was Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome. We booked the Best of Rome excursion directly through Disney Cruise Line, which took all the guesswork out of planning.
The tour was full of unforgettable sights:
The Colosseum
St. Peter’s Basilica
Trevi Fountain
Visit the Vatican Museums, home to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, along with an endless array of paintings, jewelry, sculptures and documents collected during the past 2,000 years.
Next, see the most famous church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica, and enjoy a guided external explanation of the Basilica from the Vatican Square. (Note, an internal visit to St. Peter's Basilica is not guaranteed.)
Enjoy lunch at a superior hotel restaurant (included in the price of this tour).
Continue your tour to the center of Rome, where you will see the Roman Forum. Here, you will view from the outside the ancient ruins of government buildings, as this was an area used for daily life. Go back in time as you see the many layers of Roman history.
Next, follow your guide to the imposing Colosseum where they will provide a full explanation from the outside followed by free time at your disposal for a photo opportunity.
It was a full day, but Disney handled all the logistics, making it completely stress-free. We had a comfortable motorcoach, a knowledgeable guide, and plenty of time at each stop. Rome is awe-inspiring, and getting to see the highlights in one day was a dream (pun intended).
🇮🇹 Port Day: Livorno (Florence & Pisa)
Next up was Livorno, where we joined the Best of Florence and Pisa excursion—again booked through Disney.
Florence was packed with history and Renaissance art. We saw:
The stunning Duomo and Piazza della Signoria
A replica of Michelangelo’s David
Picturesque views of the Arno River
Board your motorcoach and take a 2-hour scenic drive through Tuscany to Florence.
Begin your guided walking tour with stops along the way, including the Piazza Santa Croce, the Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Gallery (external visits only). Note: This tour includes 2.5 miles of walking at a steady pace, part of which will be on cobblestones and/or uphill.
Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio Bridge and reach the Cathedral Saint Maria del Fiore, the iconic cathedral famous for its Brunelleschi cupola known as “Il Duomo" and its ornate bronze doors called The Gates of Paradise.
Explore the shopping area and have lunch on your own.
Reboard your motorcoach to take a 60-minute ride toward Piazza dei Miracoli in Pisa.
Walk 15 minutes to Miracle Square. Here, you will encounter a medieval cathedral with its famous tilting bell tower: the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Note: Guests—including children—wishing to visit churches must ensure that shoulders and knees remain covered. You can wear shorts that reach below the knee and tank tops as long as you bring a sweater or scarf to wrap around your shoulders.
Enjoy free time to take pictures, relax at a café or shop before departing on a 45-minute drive back to the pier.
In the afternoon, we headed to Pisa to see the iconic Leaning Tower. This was one of those bucket-list moments, and the photo ops were fantastic. The whole day was well-organized and gave us a wonderful taste of Tuscany.
🌊 Another Day at Sea – Soaking in the Magic
After two action-packed port days, another day at sea was just what we needed. This time, we made sure to take full advantage of everything onboard:
Watched a Disney movie in the Buena Vista Theatre
Participated in a fun round of Disney trivia
Grabbed coffee and pastries at Cove Café
Enjoyed character meet-and-greets and spontaneous moments of magic
Watched the evening show, followed by fireworks at sea (yes, really!)
There’s so much to do onboard that every sea day can be as full or as relaxing as you want it to be.
🧳 Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean sailing on the Disney Dream was the perfect mix of Disney magic, cultural exploration, and seamless travel. Everything from pre-cruise transportation to guided excursions and onboard entertainment was thoughtfully planned and flawlessly executed.
If you're looking for a family-friendly way to explore Europe—or even a no-stress European vacation with luxury, comfort, and fun—this cruise hits every mark. I’d absolutely recommend it to families, couples, or anyone who wants a magical Mediterranean adventure without the hassle.
Have questions about planning your own Disney Cruise? I’d love to help you find the perfect itinerary. Feel free to drop a comment or reach out directly—your dream vacation might just start here!