By Carol Timblin

Leaf-lookers and festival-goers will find plenty of new amusements in Pigeon Forge this fall.  They will be the first to set foot in Belle Island Village, a $114-million project featuring the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Motion Picture Museum, Darrell Waltrip’s Racing Experience, Otter Cove, shops, restaurants and more.  It is scheduled to open sometime this fall.

Reynolds, who has starred in dozens of films, has amassed the world’s largest collection of Hollywood movie memorabilia, now on display in a brand new museum in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Once dismissed by the Los Angeles Times as “dusty old junk” and now valued at more than $50 million, the collection is so large that it will take 30 years to get through the first rotation. (Her son Todd Fisher is the museum’s CEO.) The collection includes more than 3,500 costumes, tens of thousands of movie props, posters, photographs and film clips.

“The Hollywood I remember…the real Golden era…is gone,” said the star.  “What is left…should be preserved and protected for future generations.”

Darrell Waltrip
Darrell Waltrip’s Racing Experience will also be a big draw to Belle Island Village, especially for NASCAR enthusiasts. The attraction features a variety of simulators that take virtual reality to a new level, as participants experience what it is like to travel at more than 200 miles per hour, attempt to change tires in less than 15 seconds and call a race in the announcer’s booth.

“Those are two of the most fun things in the world.  The movie industry, the racing industry, and to have those combine into one attraction is phenomenal,” said Susan Whitaker from the Tennessee Department of Tourism Development. “These are the kinds of attractions that will draw international travelers. The U.S. film industry is known worldwide.”

She predicts Belle Island Village will pull in over two million additional visitors a year. Pigeon Forge currently welcomes about 11 million visitors annually.

Animal lovers will not be disappointed in Belle Island either. Five lovable river otters will take up residence in Otter Cove, thanks to a partnership with the Knoxville Zoo. Also of interest to children all ages will be the Kids Corner feature amusement rides and video arcades.

Zorb Course
Extreme sports enthusiasts may want to check out Zorb Smoky Mountains, featuring the only zorb course in North America, which opened last year. Those who dare climb inside a gigantic cushioned ball that measures 11 feet in diameter and take a roll down the hill. The sport originated in New Zealand.

For those who love shows, Pigeon Forge has fifteen theaters, including five that combine dining with entertainment – from magic to murder mysteries to comedy to country music. Dolly Parton’s extravagant show, “The Dixie Stampede,” features horses and other live animals.

Fall Color
Though October is considered the peak color month, “the mountains are appealing before and after October,” according to Tom Adkinson, who spends a lot of time in the Smokies.  “Visitors shouldn’t feel compelled to target only that month.” He also recommends mid-week visits to avoid the crowds.

In addition to all its natural beauty, Pigeon Forge offers four outstanding fall festivals. The entire town dresses up for the season during the Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival, September 12--October 31. Arts and crafts are the focus of the Rotary Club Festival, September 2-October 25.  Dollywood’s Barbecue and Bluegrass Festival, with more than 500 bluegrass shows, is slated for September 5-28, followed by the Dollywood Harvest Celebration, October 3-November 1, with more than 250 Southern gospel concerts.

With gas at premium prices, vacationers must continue to plan trips wisely and be conscious of ways to save money.  The Pigeon Forge’s website offers tips on ways to stretch vacation dollars.  Visitors are encouraged to park their cars and ride the Fun Time Trolley around town. It’s only 50 cents.

For more information on happenings in Pigeon Forge, log on to  www.MyPigeonForge.com. For the latest schedule on Belle Island Village’s opening, call 865-249-6925 or check out www.belleislandvillage.com.