June 18, 2011. Paul Hixon
Looking for a place for your summer vacation this year? Depending on where you live and how much you can afford to spend can at least partially affect your decision but what should also affect your decision is finding a town that will be good for a family vacation. Visiting Pigeon Forge near the Smoky Mountains or San Antonio in the hill country of Texas might just be what you are looking for.
The Smokies are one of the most visited National Parks in the country and because of this the little town of Pigeon Forge has built itself up as a tourist town. Even if you plan on camping in the Smokies, you won’t be disappointed taking a trip into Pigeon Forge. They have Dolly Parton’s Dollywood, an amusement park she founded. There are also tons of pancake houses and other restaurants if you want to get away from camp cooking for a little bit. They also have a lot of other attractions geared for families; miniature golf, go carts and all sorts of other places line the main street into town, looking a little like Vegas at times but you are bound to find something you enjoy doing there.
San Antonio offers a large contrast to Pigeon Forge, it is a big town that doesn’t feel so big but it too has capitalized on the tourists that visit the area. It is home to the Alamo and many other Spanish missions. Close to the Alamo is the River Walk, where you can stroll down visiting shops and places to eat. While kids will enjoy this too, you are best to do it earlier in the day before rowdy visitors show up in the evening. San Antonio is also home to a Sea World, the San Antonio Spurs and a Six Flags just to name a few of the places to see in San Antonio.
Although these two towns vary a lot in attractions and population size they are both ideal locations to take a family vacation.
Updated June 18, 2011. Published January 28, 2011. Paul Hixon
