10 Tips for a Perfect Summer Picnic

The Great Smoky Mountains is the perfect place for outdoor family fun. You can hike and bike and watch wild animals in their natural habitats. You can also take your family on a perfect summer picnic! If you’ve never planned a picnic before – or you just need a little extra help — here are 10 tips to help make your next picnic as smooth and enjoyable as possible. But remember, the most important thing is just to be together and have fun! 1. Buy local, fresh produce at the farmers market. The perfect picnic begins with the perfect food. […]

Top 4 Large-group Restaurants in the Smokies

What’s bringing your large group to the Smokies this year? A wedding? A reunion? A retreat? Whatever the occasion, we know you need at least two things to keep your group happy: lots of space and good food! To help you with the first hurdle, our reservation specialists are happy to set you up with a large-group cabin that’s right for you. Whether you’re bringing 15 or 50, Cabins For You has space enough to keep all your guests comfortable and dozens of amenities to keep them entertained. Some have indoor pools and home theaters, while others offer TVs in […]

Moonshine and Music in the Smokies

Free summer concert series at Sugarlands Distilling Co This summer, you’ll find more than locally made moonshine at the Sugarlands Distilling Co. All summer long, new and exciting artists will be bringing their unique sounds to the Sugarlands stage in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The Back Porch Concert Series will feature talented artists and bands from across the country, showcasing their toe-tapping Southern sounds. Stop by for a taste of the Appalachian culture, through both music and moonshine. As you listen, sip on a jar of Sugarlands Distilling Company’s moonshine – offered in a variety of delicious flavors. Moonshine Flavors Silver Cloud […]

Can you escape at The Island?

Decoding The Escape Game at The Island At The Island in Pigeon Forge, there are always new things popping up. From restaurants and attractions to mini rides and shops, you’re likely to find something new each time you visit. One of the newer attractions at The Island is an exciting new experience called The Escape Game. Teams of two to eight people will be locked in a room, only escaping when (or IF) they are able to decode the secret messages, uncover clues, and solve a series of puzzles. You only have 60 minutes to try to escape! This hands-on […]

30 Things to do with your friends in Gatlinburg

Many people think of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains and think of honeymoons, weddings, church retreats, and family reunions. But Gatlinburg offers so many attractions, events, shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities, it appeals to a much wider crowd. Getting away with family is great, but sometimes you just need some quality time with your friends. At least for me, it’s gotten harder over the years to get friends together. After graduating from high school and college, many of us moved in different directions, began careers, and started families. Now spread across the country, we usually only get together once […]

Activities & Events at Ripley’s Aquarium In Gatlinburg

If you think you know what an aquarium is all about, you’ve never been to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! Yes, you’ll get to see penguins and stingrays and sharks and LOADS of fish, but did you know that at Ripley’s you’ll also get the chance to participate in unique experiences like a FREE fish manicure at its Swarm Exhibit? With two levels and a variety of activities to enjoy, Ripley’s Aquarium is your one-stop exhibit for education and entertainment when you visit the Smokies. Behind the Scenes When you visit Ripley’s Aquarium, be sure to reserve your behind-the-scenes tour […]

What’s Happening in Gatlinburg Right Now

If you’re heading to the Smokies this summer, stay up-to-date with what’s going on in Gatlinburg. From road closures and bear safety to new events, read about the latest news for the area. You can also follow our blog where we keep you informed of upcoming events and give you tips for travel, booking cabins, exploring the area, and more. Here’s what’s happening in Gatlinburg right now! Black Bear Warning Problems with black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are few and far between, but it’s important to know black bear safety. On occasion, the park issues warnings […]

2015 Fireworks and Fun on The Fourth of July

All summer long, Gatlinburg has exciting events and adventures in store for its visitors. But on July 4, things get a lot more fun as you take part in special celebrations you’ll only find in the Smokies. From the first Independence Day Parade in the Nation to the River Raft Regatta, Gatlinburg waves the red, white, and blue in a big way for a Fourth of July to remember! First Independence Day Parade in the Nation Kicking off the Independence Day celebration is the 40th-annual first parade in the nation! The parade begins at the stroke of midnight on July […]

Your Guide to Smoky Mountain Tune & Tales

2015 Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales After a 1,000-plus signature petition, the 10th annual Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is back on in the city of Gatlinburg! The Gatlinburg City Commission had thought to cancel this event for 2015, but its popularity in years past with locals and visitors alike was able to override their decision. And that’s great news if you’re planning to visit the Smokies this summer! What Is It? Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a popular street performance held in downtown Gatlinburg. The summer-long event will begin June 12, 2015, and will continue daily until August […]

Trails For Beginners In The Smokies

Did you know that according to the CDC, nearly 80 percent of adult Americans don’t get the recommended amount of exercise each week? They recommend at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week—a goal you can easily achieve by spending a few hours hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! In fact, hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best ways to meet your exercise goals, because you not only get the aerobic exercise of walking the trails, but you also get to enjoy the splendor of the Smokies at the same […]

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