What is New In The Smokies?
There's an old saying about the weather in the Smokies: If you don't like it, then stick around another five minutes; it'll change. The same could also be said about the continued development of the Great Smoky Mountains communities of Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg. Yes, there are already dozens and dozens (and dozens) of attractions in place, many of which have been popular for decades. There's certainly no shortage of options for folks looking for something to do outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Waterpark Season!
It's starting to warm up out there, and with the approach of summer, one thing is certain: Waterpark season is about to crank into high gear in the Great Smoky Mountains. They're the perfect way to combine summer fun with staying cool, and fortunately for visitors to the Smokies, there are more options than ever when it comes to finding a destination where the whole family can splash and swim and slide all day (and evening) long. Continue reading for an overview of our recommendations for vacation waterpark attractions in the mountains.
5 Top Attractions In Sevierville, TN
When most people think about visiting attractions in the Great Smoky Mountains, they're most likely to first think of Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, TN. After all, these are the two most visited cities in the Smokies and they are, in fact, home to most of the attractions that the area has to offer.
Adventurous Attractions In Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge cabins offer a great way to find peace, quiet and solitude when you're on vacation. But there may come a time that you want to shake things up a little bit and live on the edge for a few hours. Not to worry. There are several attractions in Pigeon Forge that offer the chance to take a walk on the wild side.
5 Things To Do Within Wears Valley, TN
Some folks are the type that like to get out and really explore the area, taking long excursions into the national park or to see the many world-class attractions found in nearby Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
Looking Down On Gatlinburg
Many of us who live here in the Great Smoky Mountains tend to look down on Gatlinburg. But that's not because we don't like the city. In fact, it's the opposite. Looking down on Gatlinburg in our neck of the woods means finding a high-altitude vantage point from which you can literally look down on the sights of the town. In that context, looking down is a good thing, and fortunately for visitors coming to town, there are more places than ever that offer tremendous views not only of downtown Gatlinburg but also the nearby Great Smoky Mountains range as well.
Up, Up And Away! High-Flying Attractions In The Smokies
Usually, enjoying a great view of the mountains involves looking UP at them. But next time you travel to the Smokies, consider doing something that will actually allow you to look DOWN on those majestic peaks. This week, we're introducing you to a number of local attractions that give their customers bird's-eye views of some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. Read on to find out where to go to enjoy a soaring perspective on the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
There's No Business Like Snow Business...
Yep, we're well into fall here in the Smokies, and winter is just around the corner. Although depending on the day and the time of day, many might say that the chill of winter has already arrived. Colder weather does have its up side, however; it means that conditions are finally becoming ideal for enjoying winter activities like skiing, skating, tubing and more.
Newer Attractions In The Smokies
Between the Internet and the wealth of area guide publications and brochure racks, there's no shortage of information about all the things a person or a family can do while visiting the Smokies. However, we're often asked what the newest points of interest in town are, because repeat visitors have often checked a lot of destinations off their lists and want to know what's new in town in terms of attractions and entertainment.
Ready for Snow Yet?
This is typically the time of year when the summer heat really starts getting cranked up. This year, Mother Nature is right on time, as we're seeing highs creep up into the 90s, with heat indexes reaching up into the 100s.
Visit Townsend, Tennessee, For A Change Of Pace
More than 10 million people come to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee each year. During peak seasons like summer and October, that's a lot of folks making their through, in and around the communities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. For many vacationers, it's the recipe for a vibrant, fun-filled adventure in the Smokies.
5 Cool Places Within A 15-Minute Drive
One of the great things about staying in one of our Smoky Mountain cabins is that you really do get the best of both worlds. On one hand, our properties benefit from remote locations that enjoy great views, usually of the mountains. Our peaceful, quiet settings allow our guests to get away from the hassles of everyday life and enjoy the reverie of being surrounded by the wonders of nature and all its natural beauty. With few visible neighbors, you'll really get the sense that you have a little corner of the Smokies all to yourself.
Experience the Gravity of the Situation in the Smokies
We could drop some heavy science on you and go into a lot of detail explaining how gravity works. But suffice it to say we all know it's the force that keeps us all safely on the surface of the earth. Because of gravity, we have the well-known saying “What goes up must come down.”
The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of Music
Are you a music fan? If so, traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is a great way to indulge one of your favorite pastimes. This region is the cradle of country music and is also known for its bluegrass and even its rock and roll roots. And of course, gospel music is deeply appreciated by many who call this area home. So no matter what your preference is, you're probably going to find your favorite tunes being played somewhere in the Smokies.
Embrace Winter at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort
Remember all that warm weather we had here in the South during late December? Folks were walking around in shorts and sandals like it was the middle of summer. Well, it would seem that nature is having the last laugh now that cold and windy days have come back once again. You'd almost think it was winter around here.
7 Things To Do In Townsend, Tennessee
Most folks who travel to the Smokies know about the communities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. After all, that's where you'll find the vast majority of attractions, shops and restaurants in the area. But there's another nearby community that a lot of travelers prefer to visit because it hasn't completely surrendered its Smoky Mountain character to tourism.
What's New At The Island?
Last week, we introduced you to several popular theme restaurants in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. One of them was Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, which is located at The Island, a fairly new and definitely popular multiuse destination in Pigeon Forge. Having visited there recently, we realized how many new shops, restaurants and attractions had been added since our previous visit there a year earlier.
Smoky Mountain Theater Preview
As spring draws closer, you can almost hear the musicians, singers and dancers warming up and tuning up as all the local music theater venues gear up for another big season in the Great Smoky Mountains. Actually, a handful of locations have continued to operate on a limited schedule through the winter months, but by the end of March, all area productions should be up and running for the remainder of the year.
Hit The Slopes!
We've certainly been getting more than our usual share of nasty winter weather these past few weeks. In fact, we've gotten more snowfall in the Great Smoky Mountains than we have in any of the past 20 years. And while most folks may be tired of all the weather-related mess and hassle, there's one place in the Smokies that says, “Bring it on!”