Colonial Properties Travel Blog

Top 8 Things to Do in Cades Cove (Guide + Hours, Directions & Tips)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:15:46 +0000

Of all the places to visit in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, none draws more visitors than Cades Cove. Cades Cove is the most popular destination in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park, bringing in millions of visitors every year. It's easy to understand why: an 11-mile loop road winds through a wide-open valley surrounded by ancient mountain ridges, passing restored pioneer homesteads, three historic churches, a working 19th-century grist mill, and meadows where black bears, white-tailed deer, and wild turkeys roam in full view.

The Island in Pigeon Forge: Complete Guide

Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Dollywood's Splash Country: Complete Guide

Mon, 11 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Best Hiking Trails in Cades Cove, TN

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

10 Easy Meals to Cook at Your Smoky Mountain Cabin (With Recipes)

Sat, 09 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

7 Reasons a Smoky Mountain Cabin with Arcade Games Is Worth It

Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

10 Essential Tips for Booking a Gatlinburg Cabin Rental

Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Best Family Attractions in Pigeon Forge, TN

Mon, 04 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

How Far Is Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge? (Distance, Drive Time & Travel Guide)

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Summer Weather in Gatlinburg, TN: Complete Month-by-Month Guide

Sat, 02 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies: Complete Guide

Fri, 01 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Spending One Day in Gatlinburg

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

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.

7 Reasons to Vacation in a Cabin with a Fire Pit

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

From s'mores under the stars to cozy mountain nights, discover 7 reasons a Smoky Mountain cabin with a fire pit makes the perfect getaway — for families, couples, and everyone in between.

5 Most Unique and Affordable Cabin Rentals in America

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Private movie theaters, a 3-acre trout stream property, mountain lodge luxury & more — all without breaking the bank. Discover 5 standout Smoky Mountain cabin rentals with Colonial Properties.

Best Escape Rooms in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Looking for the best escape rooms in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge? From Monopoly jailbreaks to Atlantis adventures, here are the top escape room experiences in the Smokies — plus tips for booking.

Most Secluded Cabins in Gatlinburg, TN

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Craving true privacy in the Smokies? Discover 4 of the most secluded cabins in Gatlinburg — perched on hilltops, set beside streams, and tucked in the trees — all while staying minutes from downtown.

Wild Adventures: Top 6 Animal Attractions in Pigeon Forge for Families

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Feed rooftop goats, meet exotic parrots, and come face-to-face with black bears — discover the 6 best animal attractions in Pigeon Forge for families. Book your cabin with Colonial Properties.

Best Animal Attractions in the Smoky Mountains (Family Guide)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

From kangaroos in Sevierville to black bear encounters at Ober Gatlinburg, here are the best animal attractions in the Smoky Mountains — with addresses, ages, prices, and what makes each one special.

Why Guests Love the Game Rooms in Our Smoky Mountain Cabins

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pool tables, arcade games, foosball & more — open 24/7 right in your cabin. Discover why families keep choosing Colonial Properties' Smoky Mountain game room cabins for unforgettable vacations.

Why a Smoky Mountain Cabin with a Game Room Is Worth It

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pool tables, foosball, air hockey, arcade games, and more — 24/7, private, and free. Here's why a Smoky Mountain cabin with a game room makes every vacation better.