About Cinnabon
Cinnabon at The Island in Pigeon Forge is a counter-service bakery stop, and the draw is exactly what you expect: a warm cinnamon roll with cream cheese frosting and a coffee to go with it. It is not a meal. It is the thing you buy when the smell pulls you off the walkway and you have time to spare before the next ride, show or shop.
The setting
The Island is an outdoor entertainment district at 131 The Island Dr, about two blocks off the Parkway near traffic light 3. Its official site says it is open 365 days a year with free parking and free admission. The centerpiece is the 200-foot Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, and the grounds also hold fountains, a stage with live music, shops and a long list of restaurants.
That makes Cinnabon an easy add-on rather than a destination. TheSmokies.com ranks it among the dessert options at The Island, alongside ice cream and cookie shops, and a hot cinnamon roll is the most reliable choice for a cool evening.
What to expect
- Format: order at the counter, take your roll with you and eat it while you walk.
- Menu: cinnamon rolls in classic and smaller sizes, plus coffee and cold drinks. Seasonal items change, so check the counter.
- Price: the $ tier, which keeps it practical for families with kids in tow.
- Best for: an after-dinner treat, a late-morning snack, or a rainy-day break.
Timing your visit
The Island stays busy on summer weekends and in October, and the walkways around the Wheel fill by early evening. Mornings and weekday afternoons are quieter. The complex's general hours are posted on The Island's site, but individual shops can keep their own schedules, so confirm Cinnabon's hours at the counter or with the mall directory if you are making a special trip.
Nearby
Anything at The Island is within a short walk: the Wheel, the fountain show, the shops and a wide mix of sit-down restaurants. If you want a bigger meal first, Mellow Mushroom and several other restaurants are on the same grounds. For a day outside the Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a short drive away, and a parking tag is required there for any stop longer than 15 minutes.
If you plan to get a roll for the morning drive, remember that cream cheese frosting travels badly in a hot car. Eat it fresh or carry it in a cooler bag.
Good to know
- What kind of food does Cinnabon serve?
- Bakery, Dessert. It’s known for classic cinnamon rolls.
- Does Cinnabon take reservations?
- No.
