Smoky Mountain News
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Life Is Better by the Campfire: The Best Campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains
May 6, 2024Camping season is here! Slip into your hiking boots, pack the car with your gear, and head to the Smokies! Whether you’re gearing up for an overnight trip or a week-long excursion, you’ll want to choose the campground close to hiking and biking trails, near top area attractions, and meets all your outdoor adventure needs. And don’t forget– you can bring your 4-legged family member along since most campgrounds are pet-friendly! We want to share a few of the best campgrounds in the Great Smoky Mountains, so keep reading to explore options for tent camping, RV sites, and spots for glamping.
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6 Tips For Spotting Bears in the Smoky Mountains
May 3, 2024If you are planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains, and you want to meet some of its most famous residents while you are here, we have got you covered! We are talking, of course, about the black bears in the Smoky Mountains that call this beautiful region home. Seeing these gorgeous animals can be a highlight of many visitors’ trips to the area, which is why we have put together some helpful tips for spotting bears in the Smoky Mountains! Simply read on to find out more:
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Beat the Heat This Summer in the Smoky Mountains with These Top 6 Water Activities
May 2, 2024Summer in the Smoky Mountains can get pretty hot, but don’t worry! There are plenty of great ways to stay cool this time of year! Check out these top water activities in the Smoky Mountains that will help you beat the summer heat so you can keep cool this season.
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Top 6 Unique Ice Cream Shops in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
April 30, 2024Ice cream is the perfect sweet treat any time of year, and you’ll have plenty of choice of where to get it when you visit Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! If you’re looking for a frozen treat that’s unlike anything you’ve ever had before, then we have some great suggestions on where you should go. Here are the top 6 unique ice cream shops in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:
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7 Fun and Cheap Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
April 30, 2024Everyone loves saving money while on vacation! Whether you’re on a budget or just want to save some extra cash, you’ll be happy to hear you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun in Pigeon Forge. To help you save, we’ve made a list of 7 fun cheap things to do in Pigeon Forge!
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Truth Traveler: New Virtual Reality Pigeon Forge Experience Opening in 2025
April 29, 2024A brand-new VR experience just broke ground in Pigeon Forge! Answers in Genesis, along with Mindscape Creative, the expert team of creators and designers behind the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter, have set their sights on the Smoky Mountains for their newest project called the Truth Traveler. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on everything we know so far about this new virtual reality Pigeon Forge attraction coming soon!
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All the Details You Need: 2024 Synchronous Elkmont Fireflies Event in the Smoky Mountains
April 24, 2024Fireflies, or lightning bugs, can be found all over the eastern parts of North America, but the Great Smoky Mountains is one destination that attracts thousands of visitors year after year to see the Elkmont fireflies. But why?
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The 5 Best Places to Go Kart in Pigeon Forge TN
April 24, 2024Pigeon Forge has a ton of great activities the whole family can enjoy, including riding go karts! People of all ages can enjoy the thrill of zooming through the curves and straightaways of a race track. If you and your family are experienced racers, you’ll want to visit the very best places to race go karts in Pigeon Forge TN. Here's where you can find the best go karts in Pigeon Forge:
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5 Picturesque Places to Escape the Crowds in the Smoky Mountains
April 23, 2024Are you ready to get away in the Smoky Mountains? With all sorts of scenic beauty and unforgettable adventures to take part in, the Smokies are rightfully a popular vacation destination. If you’re hoping to escape some of the hustle and bustle, particularly during peak seasons, there are several less popular spots to check out. Breathe in that refreshing mountain air and soak up the serenity of the great outdoors! Here are 5 picturesque places to escape the crowds in the Smoky Mountains:
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Where to Dine: Top 10 Pigeon Forge Restaurants for Breakfast
April 23, 2024Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so you’re going to want to pick the perfect place to enjoy it! Luckily, a good breakfast in Pigeon Forge TN isn't hard to find. Pigeon Forge is home to so many delicious restaurants that serve up the best breakfast around. To help you decide where you should eat, we’ve made a list of the top 10 Pigeon Forge restaurants for breakfast.
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5 Special Sights to See Along the Alum Cave Trail
April 20, 2024The Alum Cave Trail is one of the most exciting trails you’ll find in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Multiple different spots featuring mountain views and gorgeous geological formations make this a favorite among visitors looking to find the perfect mix of adventure and peace and quiet. Considered to be of moderate difficulty and registering as a 5-mile roundtrip hike to the Alum Cave Bluffs and back, it offers a challenge that includes some of the most rewarding views around! Along the way, you’ll notice some iconic spots you don’t want to miss. Here are 5 special sights to see along the Alum Cave Trail:
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All About the New Dolly Parton Experience at Dollywood
April 17, 2024Dolly Parton fans, rejoice! Coming to Dollywood next year, the Dolly Parton Experience will be a brand-new attraction that celebrates the incredible career of Southern country icon Dolly Parton. If you want to learn more about this upcoming attraction, you’re in the right place! We’ve got everything you need to know about the Dolly Parton Experience, from what you can expect when you visit to when it will be opening its doors. Read on to learn more about the upcoming Dolly Parton Experience!
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High on the Hog: Top 5 Restaurants for BBQ in Pigeon Forge
April 16, 2024If there’s one type of cuisine you absolutely have to try in the Smokies, it’s got to be the BBQ! The area has a long history of smoking delicious meats full of mouth-watering flavors sure to put a smile on your face. BBQ joints across Pigeon Forge put the “smoke” in the Smoky Mountains with a range of dishes including ribs, pulled pork, brisket and more, served alongside your favorite sides! Here are the top 5 restaurants for BBQ in Pigeon Forge:
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10 of the Best Restaurants in Gatlinburg TN With a View
April 14, 2024Two things visitors love most about Gatlinburg are the gorgeous views and the food. So, why not enjoy them both at the same time? There are so many delicious restaurants in Gatlinburg TN with a view! You can have your favorite meal while admiring views of mountain vistas, rivers and creeks, and downtown Gatlinburg. To help you decide where to eat, we’ve made a list of 10 of the best Gatlinburg restaurants with a view.
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New Road Connector Now Open to Help with Pigeon Forge Traffic
April 12, 2024On Thursday, March 28, the new Jake Thomas Connector finally opened to through traffic in Pigeon Forge, TN! Construction on this multi-million dollar road project began in April 2022 and is now open to give visitors and locals a more direct route between the Pigeon Forge Parkway and Veterans Blvd. Keep reading to find out more about the new Jake Thomas Connector and how it can help you avoid Pigeon Forge traffic.