Smoky Mountain Travel Blog

Cold mountain streams, birdsong mornings, private hot tubs on the bank, and 10 minutes to the Parkway — five reasons a Smoky Mountain river cabin beats every other option.

Off-peak rates, occupational discounts, direct booking savings, the Stay & Play Pass, and a fully stocked kitchen — six ways to book the Gatlinburg cabin you want for less.

23 wing flavors, award-winning half-pound burgers, and prime Parkway location next to Ole Red — eight reasons Blue Moose is a must-visit on a Gatlinburg trip.

Five world championships, smoked-to-order brisket, peach baked beans that earn their own reviews, and a Southern whiskey bar — Myron Mixon brings his competition BBQ to Gatlinburg.

Elk burgers, Ole Smoky Moonshine BBQ sauce, and mountaintop views from North America's longest pedestrian cable bridge — eight reasons Smoky Mountain Smash is worth the chairlift ride.

Red velvet pancakes with peanut butter mousse, flambéed Bananas Foster French Toast, in-house roasted coffee, and a spicy Bloody Mary — the KBS Restaurant Group brings Crockett's-caliber breakfast to Sevierville.

300 feet up, spinning nearly horizontal over the Smoky Mountains — the WagonWheeler joins the Wild Stallion coaster, miniature animals, and Legacy Lookout at SkyLand Ranch.

Trash Can Nachos, Donut Burgers, 14-lane duckpin bowling, VR arcade, and the Freaky Tiki Bar — nine reasons Downtown Flavortown is a full evening in one 43,000 sq ft building.

The world's only Scooby-Doo mini golf — 18 holes through Coolsville Cemetery with a second Mine course on the way, gem mining, LED night lighting, and the Mystery Machine for photos.

Blake Shelton's honky-tonk, Guy Fieri's 43,000 sq ft entertainment complex, Jason Aldean's rooftop bar, and more — the celebrity restaurant lineup that's making the Smokies a dining destination.

Zombie battles, tactical laser tag, a custom car build, three-story ropes course, and a 200-foot Ferris wheel — nine reasons The Island is Pigeon Forge's best family destination.

The 4 best taco spots in Pigeon Forge — Taco Ranch's fusion menu, Gorilla Taco, Azul Cantina's rooftop bar, and El Ranchero Loco's authentic street tacos.

Biblical history through MX4D® motion seats and VR headsets, plus the only planetarium in the Smokies — what to expect at Truth Traveler on Pigeon Forge's Parkway.

Nightly karaoke at a locally owned Irish pub, mountain-view firepits, Jason Aldean's live music, and nearly 100 tequilas over the Smokies — four Gatlinburg rooftop bars worth the climb.

Fresh-churned soft serve from grass-fed cows, daily rotating flavors, dipped cones, s'mores churns, and ice cream pies to take back to the cabin — Cruze Farm on the Sevierville Parkway.

America's first racing mountain coaster — side-by-side tracks, 3 spirals, an 80-foot double helix, speeds to 30 mph, and a real-time leaderboard. Here's what to know before you ride.

Mountaintop sunrise services, free egg hunts at city parks, handcrafted spring goods from local artisans, and Easter breakfast above the clouds — five Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Easter traditions.

Sunrise from the deck, a waterfall hike, moonshine tastings, stargazing above the national park, and Anakeesta at dusk — eight anniversary ideas in the Smokies that go beyond the obvious.

Three days in Gatlinburg: a national park morning, Anakeesta's Crystal Express gondola and dueling ziplines, rooftop margaritas with mountain views, and a cabin hot tub under the stars.

From a 65-year-old pancake institution to a Celtic pub in The Village Shops, hickory-smoked BBQ on River Road, and the best steakhouse in the Smokies — nine Gatlinburg restaurants worth finding.