Goats on the Roof

Buy a can of goat chow, then use the special "goat-cycle" to send it up to the roof. Your cameras are the next step, because the goats are happy to crowd the edge for their snack. The operator says there is no charge to come in and watch, and you can get a closer view from the windows on the second level of the gift shop, in the air conditioning.

The idea comes from Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay, Wisconsin, where goats graze on a sod roof. The Pigeon Forge attraction says it uses the same concept under a licensing agreement with that restaurant. That is also why a web search for "goats on the roof" can send you to Wisconsin by mistake, so use the Pigeon Forge site.

• Goat Coaster: a mountain coaster that the operator says runs at speeds just under 30 mph. Carts hold one or two riders and have hand brakes. The site lists the ride at $15 per ride, but check before you go.
• Gem mining: an old-time gem mine where you pan for stones such as rubies, sapphires and emeralds.
• Jurassic Tymes Golf: a mini golf course on site.
• Gift shop: two levels of souvenirs.
• Sweets: homemade fudge and ice cream, which you can eat on the front porch in a rocking chair.

• Address: 1341 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. Phone (865) 366-7139.
• Time needed: thirty minutes to watch the goats, up to two hours if you ride the coaster and mine for gems.
• Best for: families with young kids, and anyone who wants a quick break on the way into or out of Wears Valley.
• Weather: the goats come down from the roof when it is wet or very hot, so a mild dry day is best.

The location is on Wears Valley Road rather than on the main Parkway, so it is a small detour from the busiest stretch. That is a plus on summer weekends and leaf-season Saturdays, when the Parkway crawls. The attraction's website has the latest hours and information on the coaster.