Mercer University Upward Bound Summer Cultural and Historical Tour in Pigeon Forge and Beyond

Day 1: Travel and Explore Pigeon Forge

Macon, GA to Pigeon Forge, TN on May 30, 2025

4:15AM

Wake-up Call

Start the day early with a wake-up call to prepare for departure.
FREE, 0h30m

5:00AM

Departure for Pigeon Forge

Board buses behind Plunkett Hall and begin the journey to Pigeon Forge, TN.
FREE, 3h0m

7:00AM

Breakfast Stop at Chick-Fil-A, Buford, GA

Breakfast break at Chick-Fil-A located at 3234 Buford Dr. Open from 6:30AM. Recommended to call ahead for catering orders to save time.
Approx. USD10-15 per person, 1h0m

12:00PM

Arrival at Flavortown

Explore Flavortown at 2655 Teaster Ln Suite #100, Pigeon Forge for lunch or light snacks. It offers unique food experiences and dining options.
Varies, 2h0m

2:00PM

Travel to Beyond the Lens

Short 15-minute travel to Beyond the Lens, a fun and interactive experience at 2115 Parkway.
FREE with group arrangements or tickets vary, 0h15m

2:30PM

Beyond the Lens Activities

Engage in creative and educational activities at Beyond the Lens focusing on photography and media arts.
USD10-20, 1h30m

4:00PM

Travel to Music Road Resort

Board buses and head to Music Road Resort for check-in and relaxation.
FREE, 0h30m

4:30PM

Hotel Check-In and Rest

Check-in to hotel at 303 Henderson Chapel Road, shower, and refresh before dinner.
Included in accommodation, 1h0m

5:45PM

Travel to Hard Rock Café

Bus ride to Hard Rock Cafe on Parkway for dinner and fellowship.
FREE, 0h15m

6:15PM

Dinner at Hard Rock Café

Enjoy an iconic rock-inspired dining experience with music memorabilia and a menu featuring American classics open until 10PM.
Approx. USD20-30 per person, 2h0m

8:30PM

Return to Hotel

Travel back to the hotel for evening relaxation.
FREE, 0h15m

9:00PM

Pool Time

Enjoy relaxing pool time at the Music Road Resort to unwind after a full day.
FREE with hotel stay, 1h30m

11:00PM

Lights Out

Rest and prepare for the next day’s adventures.
FREE, Overnight
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Day 2: Explore Pigeon Forge Attractions

Pigeon Forge, TN on May 31, 2025

8:15AM

Wake-up and Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with breakfast served at the hotel. Group wears yellow Upward Bound Blues T-Shirts.
Included in accommodation, 1h45m

10:00AM

Depart for Alcatraz East Crime Museum

Bus ride to Alcatraz East Crime Museum to learn about American crime history in an engaging way. Open daily 10AM-7PM.
USD15-25, 1h15m

11:15AM

Load Buses

Prepare to depart for Dollywood Parks and Resorts for an exciting afternoon.
FREE, 0h15m

11:30AM

Travel to Dollywood Parks and Resorts

Short bus ride to Dollywood Parks Blvd for afternoon fun and sightseeing.
FREE, 0h15m

11:45AM

Lunch at Dollywood

Enjoy lunch inside Dollywood Park with vouchers or stipend provided, featuring diverse food options.
Included with stipend, 4h15m

4:00PM

Depart to Hotel

Bus ride back to Music Road Resort to rest and change attire.
FREE, 0h15m

4:15PM

Rest Break and Attire Change

Relax at hotel and prepare for evening activities.
FREE, 1h30m

5:45PM

Depart for Margaritaville

Travel to Margaritaville at The Island for dinner with a fun island vibe.
FREE, 0h15m

6:00PM

Dinner at Margaritaville

Enjoy dinner with a tropical atmosphere featuring American and seafood fare. Open until 10PM.
USD20-30 per person, 2h0m

8:00PM

Depart for SkyFly

Walk a short 2 minutes to SkyFly for evening adventure and thrill rides.
USD15-25, 2h30m

10:30PM

Return to Hotel

Bus returns group to Music Road Resort for overnight rest.
FREE, 0h30m

11:30PM

Lights Out

End day with lights out after an exciting day of activities.
FREE, Overnight
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Day 3: Return via Kennesaw State

Pigeon Forge, TN to Macon, GA on June 1, 2025

6:00AM

Wake-up and Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast at hotel. Group to wear Multi-Color Upward Bound Blues T-Shirts for travel day.
Included in accommodation, 1h50m

8:50AM

Check Out and Board Buses

Check out from hotel and prepare for departure to Kennesaw State University.
FREE, 0h10m

9:00AM

Depart for Kennesaw State University

Bus travels approximately 3 hours to Kennesaw State University at 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw, GA.
FREE, 3h0m

12:00PM

Lunch at Kennesaw State University Dining

Group lunch on campus with diverse dining options at the university cafeteria.
Approx. USD10-15 per person, 1h45m

1:45PM

Depart for Mercer University

Board buses and head back to Mercer University in Macon, GA.
FREE, 1h50m

3:35PM

Arrive at Mercer University

Return to Plunkett Hall for group arrival and unloading.
FREE, 0h45m

4:30PM

Dinner at Mercer

Enjoy casual dinner options such as Honey Baked Ham or pizza delivered to campus café.
Approx. USD10-15 per person, 1h0m

5:30PM

Elective Courses

Evening courses for continued education and community bonding.
FREE, 3h0m
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