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.
Wintertime Fun In The Mountains
The cold days of winter are fully upon us here in the Great Smoky Mountains. And there's no doubt that the pace of life has slowed up, only if just a little, in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Dollywood and many of the local music theaters are on their annual winter hiatuses, and the lines to get into the attractions that are still open are shorter than they are during their summertime peaks. Other telltale signs, like shorter waits to get into restaurants and lighter traffic on the Parkway, surely indicate that things have slowed down a bit during this off-season.
Calling All Cars… To The Great Smoky Mountains!
We Americans are fascinated by cars. In just a little over 100 years, our nation has gone from automobiles being a novelty to the point where most households have two, sometimes three, cars parked in the garage. We like their convenience when it comes to traveling from one place to another, but for a lot of folks, the experience of owning and driving a motor vehicle goes way beyond practicality.
Summertime Is Lake Time
The Great Smoky Mountains region is best known for its-well, its mountains. Nearly 12 million people from all over the world travel here each year to experience the beauty and the wonder of some of the tallest peaks east of the Mississippi River, not to mention the natural playground that is Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For most visitors, it's all about mountains, forests, streams and pasturelands-a natural setting where they can ground themselves in a peaceful place and reconnect with their inner selves or enjoy recreational activities like camping, fishing, hiking and picnicking.
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.
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.
Shopping In The Smokies? Unique Retailers Abound!
Chances are that the next time you stay in one of our Wears Valley, TN, cabin rentals, you'll want to do some shopping somewhere in the Great Smoky Mountains region. It's one of the most popular activities among area visitors, and for good reason. The area is home to hundreds and hundreds of retail ventures, from outlet mall stores and craft studios to general merchandise retailers and unique specialty shops.
Country Cookin' Calls Vacationers To The Dining Table
One of the great things about taking a vacation is that you get to dine out. That's because one of the things most folks want to take a vacation from is the kitchen. When you take a trip to the Smokies, the restaurant choices are seemingly endless, with a wide variety of cuisine styles available around every corner and on every block.
Beat The Heat On Your Next Visit To The Smokies
Summer is officially still a week away, but thermometers have been creeping up toward 90 already, and the Humidity Monster officially paid his first visit this week here in the Smokies. However, that shouldn't be a problem for anyone planning to travel to the mountains this summer. If you're going to be staying in one of our cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge, TN, we can share with you a few ways you can keep your cool this summer, even if you're planning to spend time outdoors.
Partner Organizations Enhance National Park Experience
When you think about visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you're likely to think first of the most obvious ways that most of us utilize the most visited national park in the nation. The park's hundreds of square miles are a place of beauty and majesty where visitors of all ages can play, relax, explore and learn. On any given day, you'll find park guests hiking trails, visiting historic structures and locations, fishing, picnicking, cycling and camping.
4 Things To Do On A Spring Day In The Smokies
This is one of our favorite seasons of the year. Spring offers those ideal days that are a blessed mix of sunshine and moderate temperatures – or at least warm days without the sometimes-oppressive humidity of summer. It's a time when we all shake off the winter blahs and start getting active outdoors again. Fortunately, the Great Smoky Mountains is nature's playground when it comes to maximizing a great spring day.
Bicycle-Friendly Places In The Great Smoky Mountains
If you're like the late great Freddie Mercury and just want to ride your bi-cy-cle, you might want to consider bringing your favorite two-wheeler along with you on your next trip to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Biking is a fantastic way to see the sights of the Smokies while also enjoying the fresh air and immersing yourself in the beauty of our region. Like walking does, bicycling allows you to see things you might not otherwise notice behind the wheel of a car.
Get Fired Up For Spring With Some Smoky Mountain Barbecue
Some foods and drinks just go with certain seasons. Hot cider and eggnog are winter beverages, and nothing says fall like a holiday turkey. So what's the quintessential food of summertime? If you've ever spent much time in the Great Smoky Mountains, you'll know that the answer is barbecue, and next time you come to the Smokies for a visit, you definitely need to make a point of sampling some for yourself.
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.
Guided Tours Offer A Personal Way To Experience The Smokies
When most folks visit the Smokies, they usually serve as their own guides, visiting all kinds of attractions and other points of interest but usually relying only on their own eyes and ears to interpret and enjoy the destination or activity. However, guided tours are an often-overlooked means of experiencing the Smokies, giving guests unique insights and behind-the-scenes explorations of some of the area's most interesting places and sites.
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.
5 Best Things To Do In The Fall In The Smokies
The summer-long heat wave is finally, stubbornly, starting to break its grip on the Smokies, even though fall officially arrives this week. But it's not too early to start planning your next weekend or weeklong trip to the Great Smoky Mountains this fall. It's one of the best times of years to visit, and when you do, we've got some great suggestions for things you can do that will maximize your experience of being in the Smokies in autumn.
The Great Smoky Mountains Of Tennessee Are Runner-Friendly
Not everybody is into running. You know – the kind of running you do when you're not being chased by a lunatic or a wild animal. But for those who enjoy the activity, running is more than just a form of recreation and exercise; it's a way of life.
Cades Cove Highlights
Great Smoky Mountains National Park received a record 10 million visitors in 2015 and is on pace to meet or top that mark this year. But did you know that the Cades Cove section of the park alone saw more than 1 million visitors last year? That shouldn't be surprising; the 11-mile one-way auto loop of the historic mountain community is one of the top attractions within the national park.
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.
Five Free Things To Do In The Smokies
We know that paying for a family vacation can be a challenge, especially if you're bringing kids along for the trip. Expenses like gas, food and Smoky Mountain cabins are have-tos when it comes to travel budgeting, but then you haven't even taken the family to a single attraction, outing or activity. This week, we'll give you five great ideas for places to go and things to do in the Smokies area that are essentially free. And there are enough different suggestions here to please just about anyone in your gang, no matter how old he or she may be.
Smoky Mountain Day Trips
Let's say you're planning to stay for several days or maybe even a full week at one of our cabins in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley or Sevierville. There's no doubt that there's so much to do in each of those towns that you could easily fill up several years' worth of vacation calendars and not experience the same day twice.
Golfing In The Smokies
With its mountainous backgrounds, green forests and abundant streams, the Smokies region is a golfer's paradise. That's why so many visitors each year make sure to pack their clubs when they head here on vacation. With so many scenic and challenging courses to choose from, a golf fanatic could play a different 18 holes every day of the week and never see a repeat.