Travel Sleuths Rejoice Over Tennessee's New Alcatraz East Crime Museum

Crime still doesn’t pay. But for the folks in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, the hope is that it sells.

As a few fortunate souls know, Alcatraz East, a budding new museum modeled after San Francisco’s famed prison and dedicated to the history of American crime, has opened just this past December – infusing an area already resplendent with tourist destinations with another must-see attraction.

As we have thoroughly covered, the area including Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge has had to deal with the horror that was an extensive and deadly wildfire recently. 

Last month, TravelPulse’s Patrick Clarke explained how we as travelers could help the area bounce back from such tragedy.

As Pigeon Forge's executive director of tourism Leon Downey said at the time, “As our communities move forward, our industry has an obligation to our residents and employees to encourage visitation to the area and sustain our businesses.”

There is, perhaps, no more perfect time to introduce a museum of this stature to the area. As noted, you will find it nestled into an auspicious spot: 2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge – located just near the Margaritaville Hotel and Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.

Speaking of which, Deen had this to say about a museum that highlights such items as John Dillinger’s death mask, Al Capone’s rosary and even Al Pacino’s “Scarface” machine gun: “I’m looking forward to having Alcatraz East as my new neighbor! I’m fascinated with forensic science. After spending time at the museum, people can stop in for a good meal. Together we make a great family friendly combination for spending a day at The Island in Pigeon Forge.”

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Janine Vaccarello, chief operating officer for Alcatraz East, explains how important an attraction such as Alcatraz East will be for the area: “There are around 10,000 people who live in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area, and tourism is their livelihood, they rely on visitors choosing the destination each year. With the opening of the Crime Museum, we have added one more fun thing that families can do when they vacation in the area.”

With items like O.J. Simpson’s Bronco and Tennessee’s “Old Smokey” electric chair, there is a lot to captivate the family.

Now as for the details, seeing a wealth of crime history will run you $24.95 for the adults in the party while children will set you back $14.95.

The good news is that you never have to wonder if this museum is open as it’s doors are promised to be open 365 days a year from 10 in the morning until nine at night.

Vaccarello continues: “Spending the holidays in the Pigeon Forge area is a great way to make family memories. Visiting Alcatraz East while in the area is a great way for your family to be a CSI, learn about crime prevention, and to get some first-hand history lessons.”

We can’t get enough of crime stories, real or otherwise. From “Sherlock” streaming to our televisions to the myriad “CSI” and “Law & Order” iterations filling our couch time, we just can’t turn away from a captivating story involving the criminal element.

Now an area already packed with inviting landmarks and attractions has just the museum to sate your curiosity.

And there isn’t a better time to visit and fill the area with your travel support.

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