Enjoy a Truly Magical Vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains

By Shelia Ogle Job pressures, political controversies, and family responsibilities consume our days. Don’t you wish you could go back to your childhood, when the only thing you had to worry about was which cartoon to watch on Saturday morning? If that’s you, now is the perfect time to take a break from the day-to-day realities and be a kid again. One visit to the magical family attractions at Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN will have you feeling (and acting) years younger. Wonderworks Wonders of Magic We all love a good magic act, and at Wonderworks in Pigeon Forge, you’ll find one of magic’s top illusionists, Terry Evanswood. This 75-minute show will mesmerize your entire family with music, variety acts, and plenty of sleight of hand. Terry is the proud recipient of magic’s prestigious “Merlin Award,” so you’re sure to find his show a delightful reprieve from the workaday world. Classic escapes and spectacular large-scale illusions are just the beginning, though. After the show, take a tour of magical history in Wonderworks’ Hall of Magic. You’ll find costumes, props, and memorabilia from some of the world’s greatest magicians, including Harry Houdini himself. Terry Evanswood narrates as you make your way through the exhibit, learning the secrets behind some of magic’s most famous illusions. Play Tricks on Your Mind at Ripley’s The world of Ripley’s is filled with the truly unbelievable, but one attraction stands out for its ability to make you believe in magic: the Marvelous Mirror Maze. Step inside this mind-bending labyrinth and you’ll face endless reflections of you, making it nearly impossible to find your way through. Sudden dead ends, loops that lead to nowhere, and twists and turns where you least expect them make this maze a real challenge, while still remaining fun for even the youngest family members. A Live Action Game for the Whole Family For a true hands-on adventure, be sure to stop by MagiQuest, a live-action game set in a magical realm where wizards rule and unicorns roam free. As you enter, you’ll choose your wand and your clan. Each has unique powers to help you on your journey through the enchanted kingdom, so choose carefully. As you make your way through the villages and castles of the kingdom, you’ll face many challenges. You may do battle with a dragon, or match wits with a more experienced Magi. Along the way you’ll earn gold, points, and skills to help you as you progress through the game, facing tougher tests along the way. Your wand is the key to your MagiQuest adventure, and it’s yours to keep. It knows you by name and remembers every challenge you’ve faced. When you return to MagiQuest, your adventure will pick up right where you left off. Every kid in your family – even the grown up kind – will enjoy the magic of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, TN. From delightful magical acts to a larger-than-life enchanted kingdom, your trip to the Great Smoky Mountains will help you forget your day-to-day worries, and create memories your kids will cherish for a lifetime.