Get ready for an adventure that will take you to new heights at SkyLand Ranch, an exciting attraction nestled in the breathtaking surroundings of Sevierville, Tennessee. Surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the Smoky Mountains, SkyLand Ranch offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking excitement, relaxation, and unique new memories. Join us as we delve into the thrilling activities, mouthwatering treats, and captivating entertainment that await you at SkyLand Ranch and explore why it’s the perfect destination during your summer getaway. (more…)

Since 2021, Dollywood has been hosting their spectacular Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, an annual event that fills the park with excitement, merriment, and adventures perfectly suited for the warmer weather. As the sun shines brightly and casts its warm, golden glow over the park, Dollywood undergoes a remarkable metamorphosis, transforming into a vibrant and colorful summer wonderland. It’s during this time that you’ll want to explore the myriad of unique activities and events that make Dollywood’s Summer Celebration an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Join us as we dive into the magic of Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration, where captivating moments and exhilarating thrills await you and your loved ones, promising a summer like no other. (more…)

Imagine: you and your closest friends have family have made your way to the beautiful Smokies for an unforgettable vacation and are looking for unique activities perfect for every member of the gang. You’ve witnessed the breathtaking beauty of the Smoky Mountains, enjoyed one-of-a-kind events and been swept away by the magic of the area. But there’s still time to explore and energy to expend, especially with the kids in tow. So, what’s on the agenda? If you’re looking for a challenging mystery that will get your heart racing, your brain reeling, and your group working in sync, it’s time to check out one of the numerous escape rooms in Sevier County! (more…)

A milestone many of us get the chance to experience, or hope to one day, is finally meeting our other half and making official. But such a momentous occasion calls for a celebration somewhere capable of reflecting the beauty and timelessness of your love. This is why many turn to the Smoky Mountains to find the ideal wedding venue for their big day. If you and your special person are hoping to plan the perfect Smoky Mountain wedding, we’ve put together a concise guide to help you get started.

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What better way to kick off your summer season than spending Memorial Day weekend in one of the most beautiful places on earth – the Smoky Mountains? With typical temperatures ranging somewhere in between the 70s or 80s, it’s the ideal weather for adventuring and making memories with loved ones. The Smokies offer a range of exciting attractions, from lush wilderness begging to be explored to patriotic events and even an incredible mountain cabin retreat to enjoy. If you’re looking to fill your long weekend with new experiences and adventure, then the Smoky Mountains are the perfect holiday getaway. Keep reading to plan your perfect Smoky Mountain Memorial Day weekend. (more…)

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an abundance of wilderness beauty and stunning natural formations, which explains why it is the most visited national park in the country. One feature that brings many a curious explore to the Smokies is the more than a hundred waterfalls scattered across the park’s thousands of acres. From gently cascading falls buried deep amongst the wilds to rushing plunges that cover the scene in a blanket of mist and take your breath away with their sheer power and brilliance, and everything in-between can be found in the Smokies. Though in order to witness the glory of these waterfalls for yourself, some hiking will be required but don’t worry – several of the most popular falls are easily accessible for most. If you are wondering which falls to explore during your next visit to the Smokies, keep reading! (more…)

The Smoky Mountain region is renowned for its natural splendor, rich cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, countless attractions and more! . But did you know that the Smokies is also home to one of the largest independent artisans’ organizations in the country? Thanks to the organization’s gathering of talent over the past eighty years, the Smokies has become a hub for creative individuals and their handcrafted works. For many artisans in the area, the skills and knowledge of their craft have been passed down through multiple generations, preserving techniques and styles that are unique to the region. You can purchase these one-of-a-kind creations along an eight-mile loop, known as the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, just outside of Gatlinburg. This community serves as the basecamp for over 100 exceptional artisans and crafters today. As you shop for treasures, you may notice artisans hard at work, but they are typically happy to discuss their work and passion with onlookers. However, once a year, the Hands On Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Weekend provides patrons with the opportunity to explore or refine their crafting skills with the help of skilled craftsmen. (more…)

Spring is in the air and no where is that more apparent than at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. From April 21 to June 11, 2023, visitors to Dollywood will be able to “experience the splendor of springtime in the Smokies” in a completely magical and unforgettable way! Beginning in roughly a week, more than half a million vibrant buds, blooms and blossoms will envelop the park during Dollywood’s Flower and Food Festival. This event is the perfect excuse to spend time with those you love most, soaking in that beautiful Tennessee sunshine as you explore the colorful living sculptures, experience the thrilling rides and savor all the scrumptious flavors of spring. Continue reading to learn more about this year’s Dollywood Flower and Food Festival and all the things you’ll want to see and sample! (more…)

Exploring Cataloochee

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an endless array of natural beauty and historical landmarks, even for those who have lived nearby for years. With more than 800 miles of hiking trails, over 2,100 miles of streams and rivers, a diverse range of flora and fauna, numerous peaks, and a rich cultural history, it could take a lifetime to experience everything this park has to offer. However, there are a few hidden gems that you should definitely check out during your next visit, such as the stunning Cataloochee Valley. Nestled on the North Carolina side of the park, this picturesque valley is surrounded by high ridges and was once home to hundreds of people. Although many of the original settlements are long gone, remnants of them still remain, offering visitors a glimpse into the valley’s rich history. Keep reading to learn more about Cataloochee Valley’s fascinating past and all the incredible sights it has to offer! (more…)

Every year during the warm summer evening in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a breathtaking spectacle takes places. The night sky is illuminated with small orbs of greenish-yellow light, flickering in seemingly random patterns like twinkling stars within arm’s length. These radiant, flitting through the air, are not fairies come to take you to lands unknown, nor spirits warning you of the pending harvest. Instead, they are the equally enchanting – fireflies. For a brief two-to-three-week period during the summer, every evening in the Smokies is home to a surreal display. As these lighting-bugs attempt to attract mates before the brief breeding period concludes, onlookers from all over the world flock to the lush mountains to witness the spectacular show with their own eyes. Never heard of the Synchronous Fireflies of the Smokies before, or unsure on how you can partake in such a unique occurrence? We’ve put together a helpful guide about everything you need to know about The Great Smoky Mountains synchronous fireflies viewing in order to experience the magic for yourself this year! (more…)