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What is something we all look forward to when it comes to vacations? Swimming! Unfortunately, that usually means bobbing around a tiny hotel pool. But when you come to the Smokies, it’s a whole different ball game. You’ll have the chance to swim in some of the cleanest and prettiest swimming spots around—right here in the Great Smoky Mountains! The Great Smoky Mountains are full of waterfalls, creeks, rivers, and natural swimming spots that will provide you with privacy, beauty, and outdoor fun during your vacation. Some spots are more crowded than others—especially the swimming holes that are easiest to […]
Celebrating national parks with the Hike 100 Challenge This year marks an important anniversary for the National Park Service—100 years! According to the National Park Service website, on August 25, 2016, the National Park Service Centennial will celebrate a full century of maintaining America’s national parks for community recreation, conservation, and historic preservation. When you visit Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, you’ll have one of those national parks right in your backyard. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S. with more than 9 million visitors each year. This park features exciting activities for […]
Pick the right time to visit. For most people, sitting in traffic and working your way through a crowd is anything but relaxing. If that includes you, then our #1 secret for planning a stress-free getaway to the Smokies is to book your stay during the off-season. The most popular times to visit the Smoky Mountains are the summer months (when the kids are out of school and families can travel) and October (when the beautiful fall foliage is at its peak). The holidays can also be a crowded time in the Smokies. So if you want to avoid the […]
When many people think of summer vacation, they think of the beach. The beach is great, but it’s not for everyone. Some people don’t love the sand everywhere, the jellyfish and sharks in the water, or the super hot days on the beach. Maybe the beach isn’t for you, or maybe you’ve just been each summer and want something different. Gatlinburg is an awesome summer vacation spot for lots of reasons, but here are just a few of our favorite reasons why a vacation to Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains beats a vacation to the beach this summer. 1. […]
School’s out! And that means it’s time to plan your summer vacation, if you haven’t already. There are loads of summertime events in store in Gatlinburg for your family getaway. If you need some inspiration, check out upcoming activities and attractions like these: Gatlinburg Farmers Market The official kickoff for the Gatlinburg Farmers Market was May 14, and it will be open all summer (until September 17) on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, local honey, prepared foods, baked goods, artisanal products, and even arts and crafts demonstrations at this eclectic market. […]
Handmade gifts by Gatlinburg craftsmen With Father’s Day just around the corner (June 19, 2016), this is the perfect time to start thinking about the right gift to celebrate the man in your life this year. Sure, a tie or a new shirt is always nice, but why not go for something a little more creative? Perhaps something you can’t get in a department store … perhaps something customized … perhaps something handmade. For a gift that fits all of this criteria, head on over to Gatlinburg! You’ll find dozens of shops with handmade, high-quality gifts that really say “you’re […]
Majestic Lodge Bedrooms: 12 Bathrooms: 12 Sleeps: 36 This stunning large group lodge in Pigeon Forge boasts some great outdoor seating, plenty of deck space overlooking the trees, easy parking, and beautiful décor in the spacious bedrooms throughout the cabin. Groups will find all they need and so much more in this awesome cabin, from the private indoor pool and theater room to the rec room and double appliances in the kitchen! Boo Boo’s Den Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 ½ Sleeps: 15 Just about 6 miles from downtown, this lovely cabin offers plenty of fun and relaxing spaces inside and […]
Fun, food, and family events in the Smokies It’s no secret, Gatlinburg is a great place for families. With tons of family-friendly attractions, exciting events throughout the year (especially on holidays), a variety of food for every taste, and shops loaded with everything you could imagine – toys, books, doll clothes, candy, electronics, clothing, cowboy boots, specialty foods, and more – it is truly a vacation destination that will please everyone! The kids will never get bored in this charming mountain town with endless fun, and we even have great family cabins that offer entertainment without even walking out the […]
Rolling blue hills, lush green trees, vivid wildflowers, blooming shrubs, bright blue skies, a variety of wildlife – it’s no wonder that so many couples come to the Great Smoky Mountains to say “I do.” Pair all those fantastic outdoor perks with the amenities and conveniences of the City of Gatlinburg – all-inclusive wedding chapels to meet any need, wedding dress shops, great restaurants, and more – and you have an ideal destination for a beautiful summer wedding. The Smokies also boasts luxurious and romantic cabins and attractions that are great for couples, including wineries, distilleries, The Island in Pigeon […]
Did you know that on August 25, 2016, the National Park Service (NPS) will celebrate its centennial? That’s 100 years of serving Americans and visitors to America by maintaining its national parks and engaging communities in a variety of conservation and preservation efforts throughout the past 10 decades. Did you also know that one of those national parks—the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP)—can be found right in the heart of East Tennessee? Established in 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains comprise the largest national park east of the Rocky Mountains, and the park itself is the most visited within the […]