Colonial Properties Travel Blog

A Digital Nomad's Guide to Working Remotely from a Smoky Mountain Cabin

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:44:20 +0000

How to make a Smoky Mountain cabin your remote-work base — finding reliable WiFi, setting up your workday, and why your lunch break can be a national park trail.

The Cherokee Homeland: Understanding the Smokies' First People

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:25:21 +0000

The Smokies are the ancestral — and living — homeland of the Cherokee. The Eastern Band's history, the Qualla Boundary, and how to visit Cherokee, NC respectfully.

Day Trip from Gatlinburg to Knoxville: Market Square, Breweries & the Sunsphere

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:09:12 +0000

Knoxville is under an hour from Gatlinburg — walkable Market Square, 30+ craft breweries, and the golden Sunsphere. Here's how to plan the day trip.

Wears Valley: A First-Timer's Guide to the Quiet Side of the Smokies

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:09:14 +0000

New to Wears Valley? Here's who the quiet side of the Smokies is right for, how it compares to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and what to expect from a first trip.

Stargazing in the Smokies: Best Dark-Sky Spots Near Your Cabin

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:36:00 +0000

Where to find the darkest skies in the Smoky Mountains — Newfound Gap, Kuwohi at twilight, Cades Cove, and the Foothills Parkway — plus how to stargaze like a pro.

A Field Guide to Salamanders in the Smokies, the Salamander Capital of the World

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:39:17 +0000

The Smokies are the Salamander Capital of the World — ~30 species, from the endemic red-cheeked salamander to the giant hellbender. A field guide to finding them.

Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte: A Complete Trail Guide

Mon, 07 Sep 2026 19:28:12 +0000

A complete guide to Alum Cave Trail — the 4.6-mile hike to Alum Cave Bluffs or the strenuous climb to Mount LeConte, with landmarks, seasons, parking, and trail tips.

Charlotte to the Smokies: The Complete Road Trip Guide

Sun, 06 Sep 2026 23:28:23 +0000

The complete Charlotte-to-Gatlinburg road trip — the route, drive time, best stops from Asheville to Cherokee, current I-40 conditions, and tips for the drive.

Leave No Trace in the Smokies: 7 Principles for Cabin Guests

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 20:15:53 +0000

The 7 Leave No Trace principles applied to a Smoky Mountain cabin vacation — from securing trash against bears to the 50-yard rule and responsible fire-pit use.

The Best Restaurants in Townsend, Tennessee

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:56:42 +0000

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.

Pigeon Forge Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:47:22 +0000

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

8 Restaurants Open Thanksgiving Day in Gatlinburg

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:28:57 +0000

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.

Everything You Need to Know About the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:02:37 +0000

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

Top Restaurants in Gatlinburg for a Romantic Valentine's Day

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:58:07 +0000

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.

The Day the Smoky Mountains Lost Dolly Parton

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:37:43 +0000

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.

Where to Find the Dolly Parton Statue in the Smoky Mountains

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000

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.

Great Smoky Mountain Bronco Stampede

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 14:16:00 +0000

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

The Island in Pigeon Forge: Complete Guide

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 +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 Guide

Mon, 11 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

Everything to know before you visit Dollywood's Splash Country in Pigeon Forge — 16 water rides, ticket options, Neon Nights, and insider tips for beating the heat.

Best Hiking Trails in Cades Cove, TN

Sun, 10 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

From the easy Cades Cove Nature Trail to the strenuous Gregory Bald azalea summit — six of the best hikes in Cades Cove, with distances, difficulty, and trailhead directions.