One of the many wonderful things about the Smoky Mountains area is the typically mild weather, regardless of the time of year. On average, during the winter months, you will experience low temperatures of roughly 30 degrees and high temperatures hovering around 50 degrees. While not as balmy as a tropical destination, the winter weather in Pigeon Forge still allows for many outdoor adventures – though you will want to add a few more layers to your wardrobe in order to fend off the chill. (more…)

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a truly unique place, from the geography, to the wildlife and native plants, to the myriad of distinct climates, and even the remnants of a complicated and rich history can be found all within the boundaries of the park. For this world-renowned destination, with it’s colorful past and environmental diversity, it’s almost impossible to see and experience everything the park has to offer in one person’s lifetime but that doesn’t mean you can’t at least try during your visit. While the typical methods of exploring the park are wonderful and worthwhile, like completing a self-guided driving tour or one of the predetermined hiking trips, there are also sorts of truly unique ways to experience the beauty and majesty of America’s most visited national park in the country. While we’ve discussed some great hiking trails and viewpoints that can (and should) be on your checklist during your trip to the Smokies, we’ve also curated a list of the top seven unique ways to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, for an adventure you’ll never forget!

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Here in America, Thanksgiving often invokes memories of family gathered around a cramped dining room table, weighed down with all sorts of goodies – some homemade and others not, as jovial conversation and mouth-watering aromas fill the room. But it can be difficult, in our hectic lives, to set enough time aside to spend the holiday with family, let alone find the space to host all of them in one place. This year, make your Thanksgiving absolutely unforgettable, by bringing the family, friends and festive holiday celebration to Parkside Resort. Make an adventure out of the occasion and ensure that everyone in the party has new memories to cherish forever, and ones they never would have made at home.  (more…)

Starting October 21^st of this year, an entirely new and astonishing adventure is coming to Anakeesta, after the sun sets. The first of its kind in the United States, Astra Lumina is a magical luminary night walk that will provide visitors with an experience that is one-of-a-kind and entirely unpredictable. Using a combination of lights, music, video, interactive displays and immersive story-telling, lucky onlookers will be transported to another world, a sanctuary among the starts – without ever leaving the natural glory of the Great Smoky Mountains. (more…)

October in the Smoky Mountains is a time of beautiful fall foliage, harvest-themed treats, festive décor and countless seasonal activities. Besides getting you deep in the autumn mood, The Smokies provide all sorts of unique and entertaining ways to celebrate Halloween, all month long! From family-friendly attractions, to events geared towards older spook seekers, October in the Smokies has something to offer for everyone spending the harvest season in the Land of Blue Smoke. Read on to learn more about 11 great Halloween attractions to enjoy this year during your visit! (more…)

Twice a year, the charming mountain town of Gatlinburg holds one of the top rated holiday craft fairs in the Southern United States and a destination for eager shoppers all over the country. Considered to be one of the most popular events this side of the Mississippi, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is an experience that should not be missed! The Smoky Mountain region is rich in Appalachian culture and has a long legacy producing fantastic arts and crafts. In fact, roughly ten minutes away from the town of Gatlinburg, is one of the largest arts and crafts communities in the county known as The Great Smokey Arts And Crafts Community!

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Imagine: the crisp mountain air filling your lungs as you look over the stunning sight of crimson, gold and rose colors splashed across a silvery sky, like a painted masterpiece brought to life. Now add to this daydream the auburn and amber foliage of fall and some wispy, low-hanging mist so iconic to the Smokies, and you have yourself a typical Smoky Mountain sunrise or sunset. Both the beginning, as well as the ending, of a fall day (or any time of the year) in the Smoky Mountains is a sight to behold and should each be experienced once. However, we are quite aware that not everyone is fond of early morning alarms (more…)

Every year, the Smoky Mountains welcome thousands of lovebirds to its rustic beauty to tie the knot and, come the autumn season, you can’t go a mile down the road without passing a ceremony or reception! With breathtaking scenery (that fall foliage is marvelous), a vast selection of excellent wedding vendors, and a seemingly endless list of activities and adventures to choose from, the Smoky Mountains is the perfect wedding destination. However, with the region being so popular with soon-to-be spouses, finding the venue that fits all of your needs while matching your matrimonial vision can feel next to impossible. Luckily, here at Parkside Resort we have venues that, while all lavish and stunning, are able to fulfill all sorts of different wedding day requirements. Read on to find out why Parkside Resort is the perfect place for your fall-time wedding. (more…)

The Smokey Mountains region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, unbeatable vistas, charming towns and cities, rich history and so on but did you know that the Smokies are also home to some world-class entertainment? (more…)

There’s no denying that there is a ton to do in the Smoky Mountains region. From breathtaking mountainous hikes, to thrilling wooden rollercoasters at Dollywood to more rich, finger-licking good Southern cooking than you could ever possibly eat, you’re bound to stay busy during your stay in the land of blue smoke. However, maybe you’re tired of the usual attractions you find at the top of your internet searches and, instead, are looking for adventures that will leave you with truly unique memories and experiences to take home with you. If this is the case, check out these three one-of-a-kind adventures of the Smokies! (more…)