4 Swimming Holes in Gatlinburg

The heat of the summer may leave you and your family in need of some cooling off on this year’s Gatlinburg vacation. While renting one of our cabins with their own private pool or enjoying your cabin with pool access may be an option, these cabins do book quickly for the summer months. If you’re scorched from the sun and in dire need of some refreshment, the city of Gatlinburg has you covered! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to several rivers and swimming holes that make for the perfect summer retreats. With the water at a cooling […]

Cooters Place in Gatlinburg TN

Growing up, you loved the movie the Dukes of Hazzard. The cast, the cars and the scenery made this movie a famous southern staple that you couldn’t get enough of. On this year’s Smoky Mountain vacation, you’ll want to make plans to visit Cooter’s Place, your headquarters for all things Dukes of Hazzard! From merchandise to autographed gifts, music and more, Cooter’s Place offers everything reminiscent of Hazzard. There are even visits from cast members, including Deputy Cletus Hogg and of course, Cooter himself! Their General Store offers t-shirts, hats, toys, DVD’s photos and more – they all make perfect […]

Raft the Little Pigeon River with Big Creek Expeditions

Are you looking for a fun outdoor activity on this summer’s Gatlinburg vacation? Look no further than Big Creek Expeditions! In the whitewater rafting business since 2004, Big Creek Expeditions offers adrenaline pumping whitewater rides in addition to family-friendly river floats. There’s no better way to cool off from the summer heat! Your professionally guided whitewater rafting adventure will begin on the upper section of Little Pigeon River. Your rafting trip will cover about six river miles and last about an hour and a half! You will experience Class III and Class IV rapids on your rafting journey, all while […]

Pigeon Forge Lumberjack Feud

The Pigeon Forge Lumberjack Feud has been wowing Smoky Mountain vacationers since it’s grand opening in 2011. Boasting a rowdy good time that showcases world-class athletes, the Lumberjack Feud is unlike any other dinner show in the area! What is so unique about this Pigeon Forge favorite? Well, we’re glad you asked! The Lumberjack Feud bases it’s storyline off of two feuding logging families, the McGraws and Dawsons. When the Great Smoky Mountain National Park came to be in the early 1900’s, the logging industry in the Smokies was shut down, leaving only enough logging land for only one family […]

12 Fun Facts about Tennessee

There are dozens of fun and interesting facts about Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains. From unique beginnings to famous residents, there are stories behind every piece of trivia below. Have you ever wondered what causes the Smoky Mountain mist or why Tennessee is called the Volunteer State? Read below to find out! Tennessee Fun Fact #1 – The Smoky Mountains are within one day’s drive of one-third of the United States. That’s probably why the National Park here is the most visited in the country! Tennessee Fun Fact #2 – Mountain Dew, Krystal Hamburgers and MoonPies were […]

July 4th Midnight Parade in Gatlinburg

Independence Day is a very special time for the city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The Smoky Mountain town goes all-out to celebrate this holiday, kicking things off with the very first Fourth of July parade in the nation! If you’re visiting Gatlinburg for this year’s Independence Day celebration, you’re in for quite the special treat! So what all is there to do in the Smoky Mountains on the Fourth of July? The options are endless, but we recommend starting off your patriotic activities by attending the very first Independence Day parade in the nation. For the 38th year in a row, […]

The Island in Pigeon Forge

Coming to Pigeon Forge this summer, The Island is a 300,000 square foot retail, hotel and entertainment development that sits at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains. It will be a beautiful, unique, family-friendly attraction that adds a fresh element to the area. It features a 200-foot tall Ferris wheel, restaurants, shops and other attractions. Whether you’re looking for a fun day or a romantic night, there will be a little bit of something for every taste. Great Smoky Mountain Wheel 42 all glass gondolas Seating for up to 8 in each gondola Climate controlled seating 4 revolutions per […]

Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies

fireflies

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to dozens of species of animals and insects. In fact, there are at least 19 species of fireflies in the park alone. Photinus carolinus (synchronous fireflies) is one of those, and it is the only species in America that can sychronize flashing light patterns between individuals. As a part of their mating display over two weeks, typically peaking from late May to early June, the synchronous fireflies flash to make a beautiful display. The female fireflies typically stay in place, while the male fireflies move and flash to impress. The cause for […]

Springfest in the Smoky Mountains | 2013

springfest flowers

Spring is a bright and beautiful time in the Smoky Mountains. Wildflowers are blooming, the air is warm and sweet, trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are lush and green and wildlife is stirring. The shops of downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are decorated with fresh flowers and spring décor, and the calendar is packed full of awesome events. No matter what you’re traveling to the Smokies for – an anniversary, a family vacation, a church trip or a corporate retreat – there is something for everyone to do. Check out some of the upcoming events this spring: […]

Hiking and Wildflowers in the Smokies

Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are more than 800 miles of trails. From easy strolls to difficult climbs, there is a hike for every age and skill level. And with mild weather year-round, the park offers beautiful and unique views in every season. Winter offers unobstructed views, fall provides vivid colors in the changing leaves, and summer is warm and green. Now that spring is in full bloom, visitors can enjoy beautiful wildflowers, sunny days, cool nights, and calming mountain streams. Right now, a large variety of wildflowers is blooming in and around the park. Wildflowers are […]

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