Smoky Mountain Travel Blog

Six of the best restaurants in Townsend, TN — Dancing Bear Bistro, Peaceful Side Social, The Abbey on the river, Little River Pub & Deli, and more.

Seven Pigeon Forge restaurants open on Thanksgiving — Mama's Farmhouse family-style feast, Bennett's BBQ, Downtown Flavortown, Paula Deen's, and more.

Eight Gatlinburg restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day — from The Peddler and The Greenbrier to Calhoun's, Ole Red, and Chesapeake's. Call ahead to confirm hours.

The Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade runs the first Friday of December — 60,000 visitors, marching bands, floats, Santa, and the full Gatlinburg Parkway.

Six romantic Gatlinburg restaurants for Valentine's Day — The Peddler's tableside steaks, The Greenbrier's lodge dining, Red Oak Bistro's shared plates, and more.

Dolly Parton passed away August 25, 2026, at age 80. For the Smoky Mountains community, we share what she built here and what she meant to this place.

In the Smoky Mountains, local girl Dolly Parton is so beloved that folks put up a statue of her. Here’s how to find Dolly’s statue and experience her hometown, historic, old-fashioned Sevierville.

The 4th Annual Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede rolls into LeConte Event Center August 14–15, 2026. Here's everything you need to know before you go — admission, what to expect, and where to stay.

Is The Island in Pigeon Forge free? Yes — admission and parking are always free. Here's your complete guide to rides, restaurants, shopping, hours, and everything to do at The Island.

Everything you need to know about Dollywood's Splash Country in 2026 — opening dates, ticket prices, the best rides, Neon Nights, private canopies, and tips for beating the crowds this summer.

Planning to hike in Cades Cove? Here are the 6 best trails — with distances, elevation gain, difficulty ratings, trailhead locations, and tips for every level of hiker.

Cooking at your Smoky Mountain cabin saves money and makes memories. Here are 10 easy cabin-friendly recipes — breakfasts, lunches, dinners, campfire food, and a grocery packing list to get you ready.

No quarters, no crowds, no closing time. Here's why a Smoky Mountain cabin with arcade games keeps families entertained — and saves money — on every Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg vacation.

Booking a Gatlinburg cabin rental? These 10 insider tips will help you find the right cabin, get the best rate, avoid surprises, and make the most of your Smoky Mountain vacation.

Planning a family trip to Pigeon Forge? From Dollywood and dinner shows to mountain coasters and indoor snow tubing, here are the best family attractions in Pigeon Forge for all ages.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are just 7 miles apart — about a 15-minute drive. Here's everything you need to know: the three routes, the trolley option, traffic tips, and how the two towns compare.

What's the weather like in Gatlinburg in summer? Get month-by-month temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and heat index data for June, July, and August — plus what to pack and what to do on rainy days.

America's #1 aquarium is in Gatlinburg, TN. Get ticket prices, a full exhibit guide, daily show times, special programs, and insider tips for visiting Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

Planning a visit to Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Here are the 8 best things to do — plus current hours, driving directions, parking costs, and the one day you should never go by car.

Only have one day in Gatlinburg, TN? Follow this hour-by-hour itinerary packed with the best food, attractions, and hidden gems — then come home to a cozy Smoky Mountain cabin.