Magazine names Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge "Best Getaway"

Readers of a popular magazine have cast their votes and given Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge a prestigious title that could help the cities battle the struggling economy.

This month's issue of Southern Living magazine lets readers choose the region's best cities, tourist destinations, and attractions.

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg topped the list for "Best Weekend Getaway."

"In Pigeon Forge, tourism is our only industry," said Lila Wilson with the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism.

And, like most industries in the current economy, tourism needs all the help it can get. City officials cite local attractions like Dollywood, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and numerous events throughout the year as reasons for the award.

"We were absolutely thrilled and honored," Wilson said. "The entire city of Pigeon Forge is dedicated to providing the most quality, rewarding vacation experience for everyone and to receive that recognition certainly tells us that we're meeting that need and that goal."

In addition to being named "Best Weekend Getaway," Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge also ranked fifth in the "Best Family Vacation" category.