Smoky Mountain Travel Blog

23 wing flavors, award-winning half-pound burgers, and prime Parkway location next to Ole Red — eight reasons Blue Moose is a must-visit on a Gatlinburg trip.

Five world championships, smoked-to-order brisket, peach baked beans that earn their own reviews, and a Southern whiskey bar — Myron Mixon brings his competition BBQ to Gatlinburg.

Elk burgers, Ole Smoky Moonshine BBQ sauce, and mountaintop views from North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge — eight reasons Smoky Mountain Smash is worth the chairlift ride.

Red velvet pancakes with peanut butter mousse, flambéed Bananas Foster French Toast, in-house roasted coffee, and a spicy Bloody Mary — the KBS Restaurant Group brings Crockett's-caliber breakfast to Sevierville.

300 feet up, spinning nearly horizontal over the Smoky Mountains — the WagonWheeler joins the Wild Stallion coaster, miniature animals, and Legacy Lookout at SkyLand Ranch.

Trash Can Nachos, Donut Burgers, 14-lane duckpin bowling, VR arcade, and the Freaky Tiki Bar — nine reasons Downtown Flavortown is a full evening in one 43,000 sq ft building.

The world's only Scooby-Doo mini golf — 18 holes through Coolsville Cemetery with a second Mine course on the way, gem mining, LED night lighting, and the Mystery Machine for photos.

Blake Shelton's honky-tonk, Guy Fieri's 43,000 sq ft entertainment complex, Jason Aldean's rooftop bar, and more — the celebrity restaurant lineup that's making the Smokies a dining destination.

Zombie battles, tactical laser tag, a custom car build, three-story ropes course, and a 200-foot Ferris wheel — nine reasons The Island is Pigeon Forge's best family destination.

The 4 best taco spots in Pigeon Forge — Taco Ranch's fusion menu, Gorilla Taco, Azul Cantina's rooftop bar, and El Ranchero Loco's authentic street tacos.

Biblical history through MX4D® motion seats and VR headsets, plus the only planetarium in the Smokies — what to expect at Truth Traveler on Pigeon Forge's Parkway.

Nightly karaoke at a locally owned Irish pub, mountain-view firepits, Jason Aldean's live music, and nearly 100 tequilas over the Smokies — four Gatlinburg rooftop bars worth the climb.

Fresh-churned soft serve from grass-fed cows, daily rotating flavors, dipped cones, s'mores churns, and ice cream pies to take back to the cabin — Cruze Farm on the Sevierville Parkway.

Mountaintop sunrise services, free egg hunts at city parks, handcrafted spring goods from local artisans, and Easter breakfast above the clouds — five Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Easter traditions.

Sunrise from the deck, a waterfall hike, moonshine tastings, stargazing above the national park, and Anakeesta at dusk — eight anniversary ideas in the Smokies that go beyond the obvious.

Three days in Gatlinburg: a national park morning, Anakeesta's Crystal Express gondola and dueling ziplines, rooftop margaritas with mountain views, and a cabin hot tub under the stars.

From a 65-year-old pancake institution to a Celtic pub in The Village Shops, hickory-smoked BBQ on River Road, and the best steakhouse in the Smokies — nine Gatlinburg restaurants worth finding.

Book the cabin early, build in a cabin day, hit Dollywood on a weekday morning, pre-book dinner shows, and leave one day loose — the framework for a spring break that actually relaxes everyone.

More than 80 working studios on an eight-mile loop, two Celtic pubs, a 16-tap self-pour beer wall, and an old-fashioned soda fountain — the case for visiting Gatlinburg's Arts and Crafts Community in winter.

Black bears with cubs, scarlet tanagers in full spring color, turkey gobblers on display, salamanders in the creek, and synchronous fireflies after dark — what spring wildlife looks like from a Smoky Mountain cabin.