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| Alcatraz East Crime Museum |
From our friends at Alcatraz East Crime Museum...
Discover Family Fun with a Twist: Uncover Unique Adventures at Alcatraz East & Pigeon Forge’s Hidden Gems
Explore quirky attractions and unforgettable experiences for all ages in the heart of Tennessee
Every year, tourists visiting the Pigeon Forge, Tenn. area are looking for fun things to do. Sure, people know about the most popular attractions and events, but they want more than that. They are looking for things off the beaten path, quirky and not necessarily run-of-the-mill. The good news is there are many great activities to add to the family’s itinerary.
“We live in the area, so we know all the great spots visitors must see when checking out Pigeon Forge,” says Rhiannon Taylor, sales and marketing manager at Alcatraz East Crime Museum. "You can't go wrong with visiting this area of the state. It's beautiful, and there is so much for families to do!"
Here are some interesting and fun places for families to add to their itineraries when visiting the Pigeon Forge area:
* Alcatraz East Crime Museum. This is one of the most interesting places tourists will want to check out. The museum provides a deep dive into some of the most infamous crimes, forensics and more. It gives guests an insider look into the world of crime history, prevention and investigation. Many iconic crime-related artifacts are housed in the museum.
* Outdoor Gravity Park. New to Zorbing? No problem! This place will have you doing it and loving every minute. Picture the family each getting into their gigantic plastic ball and rolling around the park. People of all ages love this activity because it's fun and gives the whole family a way to have a great time together.
* Goats on the Roof. Nobody can resist cute goats! This place is a must-see for all families. Visitors can take photos with the goats, feed them, go gem mining, take a coaster ride, eat ice cream, and more. It's an afternoon of wholesome fun for everyone.
* Smoky Mountain School of Cooking. While spending time in the area, visitors will find it fun to learn some Appalachian cooking. This cooking school specializes in offering Appalachian cooking demonstrations and classes. Get the inside scoop on cooking such dishes as pizza, brunch, ossobuco, chicken n’ dumplings, and much more. Plus, attendees get to eat the meal that is prepared, making it one of the tastiest touristy things to do.
* Skyland Ranch. Many people visiting the area are from places that don’t get snow, so people don’t get to tube much. Skyland Ranch offers the largest snow tubing hill in the state. Tubers will get a chance to glide down a hill that is covered in real snow, making it one cool touristy pick.
* Wildside. Many families like to get a little wild. If that sounds exciting, check out Wildside for some wild fun opportunities. Choose from taking UTV tours or mountain biking. This place is for adventure enthusiasts who like to spend time in nature and do it at a faster pace. Some dirt and bumps will be involved, so buckle up for a great time.
"We have some other great opportunities coming up that locals will not want to miss," said Taylor. "There’s always something interesting to see and learn about when you visit the museum.”
The museum features over 100 exhibits and interactives and four temporary exhibit spaces, with many famous items on display, including Al Capone’s rosary, Ted Bundy’s dental molds, and Charles Manson’s acoustic guitar. This top museum is open at 10 am daily. The last tickets are sold 60 minutes before closing. These interactive experiences are available for an additional fee for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team building, or other special events. To get a discounted rate for groups of 15 or more, complete the online form and allow up to 72 hours for confirmation. For more information about tickets, discounts, temporary exhibits, and all the museum offers, visit the site: https://www.alcatrazeast.com.
Alcatraz East Crime Museum has updated its board of crime experts, which includes Derwin Bradley, a retired master police officer; James R. Knight, a crime writer; Robin Maynard, a certified crime scene investigator in Florida; Derek Newport, a law enforcement veteran who worked for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for 20 years; and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who presided over the notorious case against Casey Anthony, among others.
About Alcatraz East:
Alcatraz East is the most arresting crime museum in the United States. Guests of all ages can encounter a unique journey into the history of American crime, crime-solving, and our justice system. Through interactive exhibits and original artifacts, Alcatraz East is an entertaining and educational experience for all ages - so much fun it's a crime! This family attraction is at The Island's entrance, 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN. The last ticket is sold 60 minutes before closing. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.alcatrazeast.com.
