Pigeon Forge Cupcake Tour – A Self-Guided, Yummy Experience. There are dozens of reasons to vacation in Pigeon Forge including topnotch entertainment, waterpark thrills, miles of hiking trails, river rafting or tubing, an Alpine slide, Dollywood, awesome cupcakes, and icing shooters. 

I just returned from Pigeon Forge and four lovely days at Eagles Ridge Resort (off Wears Road) in a cabin nestled in the woods just minutes from the vacation madness along the trolley route. The Wears Road part is what’s important because it’s how I discovered the first cupcakes and my tour began.

I am adding cupcakes to the list of things to do in Pigeon Forge and suggesting that cupcakes for breakfast may not be such a bad idea, a sugar high early in the day makes sense to me. I didn’t start my trip planning with cupcakes in mind. In fact I have never been a fan of cake, usually preferring pie if I have the choice. However since January, thanks to the nudging of my children, I have discovered cupcake bakeries in Philadelphia, Washington DC, Minneapolis and Los Angeles.  By discover what I mean is I have sampled outrageously tasty cupcakes and have a new appreciation for the art of cupcakes.  Hence I am now on the lookout for cupcake stops. 

If you find yourself in Pigeon Forge I suggest a Pigeon Forge Cupcake Tour. My only warning for cupcake amateurs is that the choices are many and it is difficult to decide, at least it was for my family. Once we could not decide and so I purchased a dozen and we enjoyed our own cupcake buffet back at the cabin. 

Bakin’ Bishop – Cupcakes and Icing Shooters. Located across the road from Smoky Mountain Alpine Slide and only minutes from the Eagles Ridge Resort complex, Bakin’ Bishop is a one-of –a-kind sweet stop. It’s a cozy Smoky Mountain bakery that is known for scrumptious cakes, cupcakes and cinnamon rolls. The cupcakes are dense, moist, and flavorful.  The chocolate was rich, almost like a cake brownie. Select the cupcake and then select your topping and the special cupcake is assembled before your eyes. Do you like extra frosting? No problem. Want sprinkles, how many? If you cannot decide try a dozen mini cupcakes with or without sprinkles. Sworn off cupcakes? Try a Whoopie pie. Bonus Points: As far as I know, Bakin Bishop invented Icing Shooters for sugar bunnies and Scrappy Cups for tiny tykes, both yummy. BTW: The cinnamon rolls will not disappoint but they sell out early in the day. (Cakes by Bakin’ Bishop 862 Wears Valley Rd. Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. (865) 310-2662. Bakin’ Bishop Cupcakes).

The Sweet Shoppe – Cupcakes and French-style Macaroons. This location is the sister shop to the one in Georgia offering the same baked-from-scratch delicacies and an extra dose of Southern hospitality.  The owners were winners of one of the cupcake war sessions on the Food Network so imagine my delight at discovering their bakery in Pigeon Forge.  Each morning, seven days a week, cupcakes are baked and presented for consumption meaning they believe in cupcakes for breakfast too. The choices change by season but I give high marks to the S’mores Cupcake, a remarkably moist treat with just the right balance of sweetness and texture. One of the most clever (perfect for breakfast) cupcake choices is French Toast & Bacon. The Samoa, if they have it, must be tried no matter what. Bonus Points:  This is the place to get a cupcake Push Up Pop – pure yumminess stacked in a cylinder – cake, frosting, cake and topped with frosting.   (Sweet Shoppe of the South 131 Island Dr. Ste 9109, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.  (865) 366-1276 or www.thesweetsouth.com).

Gigi’s Cupcakes of Pigeon Forge - New Flavors Baked Every Morning. Not far from the Island in the Forge, Gigi’s offers scrumptious cupcakes daily. Don’t be put off by the fact that Gigi’s is a franchise; the cupcakes are yummy, creative, and worth the calorie splurge. To say the staff was friendly and happy to serve may be stating the obvious. It’s Pigeon Forge, a vacation spot where tourists are always made to feel welcome. The young woman behind the counter enjoyed telling me about the flavors and even had samples. The choices are unique and the extra effort made on the toppings makes them picture perfect as well. Their menu changes daily, so I suggest checking out their website.  Popular with little girls is the Pink Princess - a strawberry cake with a cream cheese frosting. I'm not a cupcake junkie but the Chocolate Cookie Dough cupcake was amazing and so was the Mello Cream. Bonus Points: I am usually skeptical of gluten free desserts but Gigi’s gluten-free chocolate cupcake was divine like a brownie cupcake. Here’s the deal! In the Pigeon Forge Guide Book you will find a coupon for 10% off.  (Gigi’s Cupcakes of Pigeon Forge 2430 Teaster Lane Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. (865) 774-4114 or Gigi’s Cupcakes).

My new vacation idea, cupcakes for breakfast, works well in Pigeon Forge.

Make it happen. For the big picture just go to www.myPigeonForge.com.