Smoky Mountain Travel Blog

Calhoun's takeout packs, Mama's family-style, The Peddler on the river, Old Mill corn chowder, Paula Deen's unlimited, and Huck Finn's catfish — Thanksgiving in the Smokies.

Fireplace lit, takeout from The Old Mill, apple cobbler in the oven, moonshine hot chocolate, game room tournament, fire pit under the fall sky — the Smokies cabin evening.

The Greenbrier, The Peddler, Gaucho Urbano, Ole Red live music, Paula Deen's, Local Goat, Boudicca's Celtic Pub, and The Rampant Lion — the Smokies girls' trip dining guide.

Three October weekend itineraries — family fall festivals, mellow foliage drives and farm fun, and a romantic wine trail and Appalachian bistro weekend in the Smokies.

Great Pumpkin LumiNights, Mysterious Mansion, Ripley's Fright Nights, haunted coasters, Halloween mini golf, ghost walk, and trick-or-treating — the Smokies Halloween guide.

Patriot Park, Dolly Parton's Stampede, Titanic Museum, The Island, Alcatraz East, and WonderWorks — six essential stops on the Pigeon Forge Parkway.

Dog rules in the national park, tick prevention, packing list, crating, first aid, water safety — the complete guide to bringing your dog to a Smoky Mountain cabin.

Parrot Mountain's tropical birds, Stampede's Horse Walk and 32 horses, Goats on the Roof, Pirates Voyage animal encounter, Comedy Barn, and Cades Cove wildlife.

America's longest zipline at 5,771 feet, guided UTV tours across 900 mountain acres, and 12 mountain bike trails — WildSide Adventure Park in Pigeon Forge.

After a day of fresh air and fun at Anakeesta, satisfy your appetite with delicious dining at the park's top eateries. From casual bites to sit-down meals, plan your visit around these three must-try restaurants for a perfect mountaintop dining experience.

Pigeon Forge Gem Mine, Lost Mine Coaster, Anakeesta, Goats on the Roof, and Big Rock Dude Ranch — where to go gem mining in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.

Glass-bottomed boat over sharks, daily penguin parade, stingray touch pool, coral reef dive show, penguin painting, sea turtle feeding, and the shark sleepover — all 12 explained.

SkyPark, Clingmans Dome, ziplining, Anakeesta, hiking, golf, UTVs, and creek wading — the best outdoor activities in Gatlinburg when the skies are clear.

Fall foliage drives, national park hikes, Dollywood's Great Pumpkin LumiNights, ghost tours, and cozy cabin evenings — the complete fall Gatlinburg guide.

Three days in Gatlinburg: Ripley's Aquarium, ziplining, Fowler's Clay Works, the Arts and Crafts Community, Cades Cove, scenic drives, and a ghost tour.

Cabin selection, Dollywood senior discounts, national park drives, dinner shows, and the Old Mill — the complete guide to a multigenerational Pigeon Forge trip.

America's most visited national park at your doorstep, the longest pedestrian bridge in North America, Tennessee's only ski resort, and the world's only salt and pepper shaker museum.

Winter Magic lights through February, the Fantasy of Lights parade, SkyPark holiday lighting, New Year's Eve fireworks, and Christmas cabins — the complete holiday guide.

Anakeesta after dark, the illuminated SkyBridge, live music at Ole Red and Jason Aldean's, ghost tours, the Space Needle, and a hot tub cabin to end the night.

Summer, fall foliage, and the holidays are Gatlinburg's three peak seasons. Here's when to book, how far in advance, and the best off-peak windows for value and quiet.