Wow. I’m going to try to get off a quick blog before Starlet wakes up….that’s usually how it goes right??
Right now we are in Pigeon Forge, TN on location for EP’s latest film. I can’t tell you how blessed we are…I mean, 4 films this year…four new cities…so much fun! My kids are becoming excellent travelers.
Pigeon Forge is, uh, different to say the least. I guess my travels have always been limited to my parents taste (which have become mine) which means mainly beaches and a few cabins so PF is a new thing for me. This is the family vacation hub of the south. Flashing lights and odd (yes, that is the best word) buildings flank each side of the ‘parkway.’ But once you get beyond the hustle and bustle of the “vacation hub” you find yourself in the beautiful and serene smoky mountains.
I’ve made a funny list of things you don’t have a shortage of in Pigeon Forge.
1) Motels, motels, motels…. seriously, in my life i have never seen so many in one condensed location. Almost all advertise their free breakfast, swimming pools, and occasionally in room jacuzzis. 
2) Pancake Houses. I wish I were lying. You’d think with all the free breakfast being advertised people wouldn’t be needing breakfast joints, but they are EVERYWHERE (EP and I counted 10 within a 2 miles – maybe less – stretch of road). I’m not talking about breakfast places in general (as there are even more of those) but places that are called ‘pancake houses.’ On second thought, if the “breakfast” at most hotels is like ours…i totally understand the need for so many pancake houses.
3) go carts, mini golf, and arcades. you’ll find these on every block as well. what’s funny is i can only think of two in the DFW area and they usually spread out, right, as to not compete too much. not here these bad boys are lined up down the street one after another. its often hard to tell where one ends and another begins.
4) As Seen on TV stores. This is a new concept to me. Stores fully devoted to stuff seen on TV. I really do need to make a point to go to one. I mean, i LOVE as seen on TV stuff, but store after store after store??
5) Outlets. Again, everywhere I turn there is a new outlet mall. But, as the frugal shopper I am, I still think outlets aren’t that much cheaper. I think they call it an outlet to get you in and then only mark down the price a few dollars…and people think its a steal so they buy a ton. Or maybe ‘m just far to aware of the prices of my most frequently purchased stuff. I did however score Stride Rite shoes for BOTH kids $30 TOTAL. Now that’s a steal!
6) dinner theaters. this is where my raising must have been a little different. i have ZERO desire to go see these “dinner” theaters. they all look cheesy and cheap. i’m sure they are fun, if that’s your kind of thing, but it’s not mine. and this gets me thinking, where do all talent live?? i’ve hardly seen any residential areas.
So the main strategy here in PF – build build build the same thing over and over and over again….and right next to you competition.
okay….off to the dinosaur museum and cracker barrel for lunch. we don’t have a car today so i can only do things within walking distance. maybe the hotel pool is in my future. but i showered this morning already and i hate swimming on the day i shower….is that weird?? okay now i’m just being random. baby is up!
