How To Spend New Years in The Smokies

The end of the year only comes once a year and we like to punctuate the change and transition by ending the previous cycle and beginning a new one - with a BANG! Or rather a series of BANGs across a couple areas at least once the world's most popular midnight hour clocks in. In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, we celebrate New Years Eve and the first seconds of the new year...

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Upcoming Christmas Fun in the Smokies

Planning on coming to the Smokies this weekend for some Christmas time with the family? Here are some of the things to consider to get into the spirit. * Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade * 12/1/17 From Gatlinburg.com: "More than 60,000 people come to view the award-winning parade featuring lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units, giant balloons...

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Thanksgiving Weekend 2017 in the Smokies

The Thanksgiving Weekend special events for this year remain largely traditional, but we'll add a few other recommendations for family fun in the Smokies as well. You'll be able to enjoy these whether you're staying in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville or Wears Valley as they should be roughly 30-40 minutes driving time at some of the farthest. Let's look. * Thanksgiving/Christmas...

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Thanksgiving Events For 2017 in the Smokies

It's that time of the year again where we look into what activities the Smokies have in store for visitors coming in for the Thanksgiving weekend. Thanksgiving weekend is the biggest chance to build up holiday cheer for the upcoming Christmas season, and the opportunity to make memories that last forever for your family are widespread across the Smokies. You and your family...

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Dollywood Harvest Festival and LumiNights Pictures For 2017

Dollywood is currently in full swing for their Harvest Festival and LumiNights celebrations for 2017. These pictures were taken by our frequent collaborator, Ge'ne Kea-Lawhead and all copyright belongs to her. See more on the Dollywood Harvest Festival and LumiNights celebrations at www.dollywood.co...

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College and Highschool Football Schedule

By request, here are the remaining dates for college and high school football in East Tennessee. University of Tennessee September 23rd - Massachusetts (Home) September 30th - Georgia (Home) October 14th - South Carolina (Home) October 21st - Alabama (Away) October 28th - Kentucky (Away) November 4th - Southern Miss (Home) November 11th - Missouri (Away) November 18th...

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Fall Festival and Old Timer's Day

You thought Townsend was always the "quiet side" of the Smokies? Not on Old Timer's Day and the Fall Heritage Festival in September! This is a treasured traditional event that the city of Townsend holds at the Townsend Visitors Center on the end of September. From https://www.fairsandfestivals.net: "[This] event will be held on September 29-30, 2017 at the Townsend Visitors...

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Attraction Spotlight: Alcatraz East

One of the newer attractions we've had this year is quite a different type of affair than Pigeon Forge typically has - an interactive museum detailing the subject of crime and justice that makes it kinda fun and appropriate. This would almost fit more in Gatlinburg alongside the Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum and the Guinness World of Records, but even then there is...

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The 2017 Eclipse Is Right Around The Corner!

This coming Monday, August 21st, is going to be the famed total solar eclipse that you've likely been hearing about since the end of Spring. This is going to be a VERY rare and VERY big event - the last time we had something like this happen was in 1918 - and we are very fortunate to have the Smoky Mountains be part of this awesome event! We posted on the solar eclipse some...

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Tax-Free Weekend 2017

Next weekend, from July 28th to the 30th, is the coveting Tax-Free Weekend in the state of Tennessee. Although this event isn't exclusive only to the Smokies, it becomes a special event as many families use this as an opportunity to get school supplies from our outlet malls and have one last family vacation in the Smokies before the school season begins anew. Between the...

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4th of July In The Smokies 2017

There is a lot to love about Summer - backyard BBQ, city park picnics (also BBQ), municipal swimming pools, frisbee, baseball, fireflies and so much more - but the moment everyone looks forward to is a single 20 minute segment in early July, and you already know what it is. But in the Smokies of East Tennessee, the magic of the 4th of July isn't just 20 minutes after...

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Get To Know Honeysuckle Hills

Honeysuckle Hills is a private, rustic and yet luxury wedding and honeymoon provider in Pigeon Forge, TN. The venue is located deep in the woods on family property that is made open to wedding couples who would like the Smoky Mountains to be more than just background for their wedding, but the entire atmosphere and experience.From their website:"Honeysuckle Hills is a...

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Requested Post: Summit Cabin Rentals Summer Special

We've been requested to share a lodging special that Summit Cabin Rentals is doing. From their website: There's a lot about Summer 2017 you already know right now. You know this weekend is Memorial Day. You know June is the functional start of Summer in the Smokies. You know school will be out soon and that you and your family all dyin' to get in some Smoky Mountain fun...

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Smoky Mountain August Eclipse 2017

Here's some news we found out today. It seems the Knoxville area of East Tennessee (and presumably those of us in Sevier County) will get to experience a Solar Eclipse on August 21st, 2017. Although this will be a partial solar eclipse instead of a total solar eclipse, you should definitely save the date and get ready for a visual treat! Here's all the current information...

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The Festivals of May!

One last month for Spring 2017, so the latter end of this month will make it worth the trip with two favorite special events going on at the same time. The first one coming up is the Wilderness Wildlife Week going on from May 9th to the 13th. This event used to be held in January for over a generation was held in January, but that changed when the LeConte Conference Center...

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Dollywood Festival of Nations 2017 Photos

These photos were provided to us by Ge'ne Kea-Lawhead on a recent visit to Dollywood during Festival of Nations 2017. This can give you a look at Dollywood from a very real perspective and some of the nice little details you don't often see. Photos copyright to Ge'ne Kea-Lawhead. ...

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