Think of country music and most folks will think of Nashville, but if you look further afield and head off the beaten track, you can find great country music in Pigeon Forge TN and Branson MO.
Country Music in Pigeon Forge, TN
Located within the scenic Smoky Mountains not far from Gatlinburg TN, Pigeon Forge is the home to a range of country music attractions.
Mega country music star Dolly Parton has made Pigeon Forge the center of her considerable country music empire, opening Dollywood in 1985. Dolly Parton is from nearby Sevierville and today owns both Dollywood and the Dixie Stampede Dinner Show.
If you want to head off the beaten path for some country music in Pigeon Forge, TN, here’s our top suggestions.
Dollywood
An amusement park with a country western theme?-You betcha- Dollywood is the place. With over 40 rides, a water park and a variety of live shows and entertainment, you can spend several days at Dollywood.
Dixie Stampede
The Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a full-scale dinner and entertainment production on horseback. It includes a full four course dinner. All of Dolly Parton’s events and attractions are suitable for the entire family.
Country Tonite
Voted the best show in Pigeon Forge in 2016, Country Tonite has been running for 20 years. The show changes periodically, and this year’s show features youth performers and is perfect for the entire family.
Smoky Mountain Adventures
The tale of Dolly Parton’s own family history with the story of two mountain families: the Partons and the Owens. The menu served during this dinner show is a selection of Dolly Parton’s family favorites
Smoky Mountain Opry (soon to be renamed the Music Mansion)
This year’s musical variety show at the Smoky Mountain Opry (soon to be renamed the Music Mansion) is a musical revue with everything from Big Band to Swing to Country. More people see this show in Pigeon Forge than any other.
Visiting to Enjoy Country Music in Pigeon Forge, MO
Knoxville, some 35 miles away, is the closest major airport to Pigeon Forge. Most people arriving to Pigeon Forge drive. The Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the country’s busiest, and nearly 66% of the US population lives within a one day drive of Pigeon Forge.
If you are looking for a great hotels in Pigeon Forge, there is a wide selection including major resorts, motels and mountain cabins. Something for every interest and budget.
Country Music in Branson, MO
Originally a small town in the Ozark Mountains in southwest MO, Branson has developed into a destination for country music fans. In 2016, Branson had over 9 million visitors, many of them coming for the wide variety of country music on offer.
One of the busiest destinations for live music is the Grand Country Music Hall with over 1000 live shows a year!
If you are a country music fan, you will have heard of Branson.
Branson Country USA
Be part of the live audience for Branson Country, USA a syndicated TV and radio show produced live Friday evenings in Branson. You can purchase tickets on the link above.
Live Music
The epicenter of Branson’s live music scene is the Highway 76 Strip. Country music options range from live Broadway style country music productions, to Tribute shows, to more low-key venues to enjoy live music. Some of the low-key places to try for live music:
- The Outback Pub which features a variety of local and national acts. You can check the Outback Pub’s website for a schedule of upcoming acts.
- The Rowdy Beaver Restaurant and Tavern, is a good place to kick-back and enjoy a beer on tap. Entertainment varies from karaoke to live bands (Thursday thru Saturday).
Back in Historic Downtown Branson, Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar, takes audience requests and provides great entertainment as the two pianos duel for the evening.
Visiting to Enjoy Country Music in Branson, MO
The closest airport to Branson is 50 miles in Springfield, MO. You can often buy holiday packages or hotels in Branson can assist you with show tickets.
Not much is close to Branson so driving times to Branson can be lengthy.
This post is part of Trip.com’s Underdog City campaign.
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