Upside-Down in Pigeon Forge, But On Purpose
So you’re driving through Pigeon Forge TN, noticing all the attractions when suddenly you do a double-take. What is that building doing upside down? And more importantly, what is going on inside it?
Zorbing in Pigeon Forge
If I say, “Have you tried ZORB?”, your first reaction maybe, “Is that a new ice cream?” or “That horrible disease?” The answer to both is no; ZORB is a crazy way to get moving and it’s in Pigeon Forge.
Everybody Loves a Parade – at Midnight?
What is it about a parade that makes it so enjoyable - the floats, the marching bands, the dignitaries, and the celebrities? The artistic displays? Staying up until midnight to watch the start? Wait, what?
See the History of the Skies in the Smoky Mountains
You know, man’s ability to fly is really amazing; no, not like Spiderman, but the whole process of putting a contraption in the air and sustaining it there until we’re ready to land it. Imagine how difficult that was for the pioneers in aviation, without our modern technology to help them. If you are fascinated by flight and especially military planes, there’s a place in Sevierville you need to see.
Preserving Mountain Heritage in the Smokies
History is all around us. Fortunately, there are lots of opportunities in our Smoky Mountain Area for you to learn more about this place we call Home. There is one township just outside of Gatlinburg that offers a chance to relax and be educated about the mountain culture.
Head Underground for a Cool Cave Experience
The next time you head to The Smoky Mountains for vacation, consider spending some time underground. Not for mining or graveyard purposes, but for a real cool family experience. Completely confused? How about if I tell you the place is forbidden?
Beating the Summer Heat
By Greg Ward Five straight days of 90 degree temperatures this past May has made for an early summer. Summers in Sevier County mean parades, fireworks, bullfrogs, crickets, and the occasional overheated car stuck in traffic on Hwy 66. Tourists trying to beat the heat have made Dollywood’s Splash Country the nation’s most visited water park.
Hands-on Arts and Crafts in the Smokies
One of the great parts about traveling is learning the culture of the area you are visiting. Being able to get involved makes it even better. In Gatlinburg, not only can you see the crafts and arts being made, you can even take part and make your own.
A Collection of Black and White in the Smokies
Museums can feature most anything – history, art, rock and roll, glass, cuckoo clocks. It turns out there is a museum in Gatlinburg that is unlike any other. In fact, you probably had no idea that there was a need to preserve and study that most common of table accessories – salt and pepper shakers.
Our Smoky Mountain Home Away From Home
Last summer, my family and I had the amazing honor to be part of the PBS television show “Getting Away Together” as it filmed in the Smoky Mountains. We have always said that we were like walking billboards for the area, as we are not shy about telling our friends of our love of the Smokies and giving them tips and pointers as they plan their own vacations here, but we never dreamed that we would have the opportunity to share our story with so many people!
High-Flying Adventure in the Mountains
For many people, when they travel, they want to get out and do stuff. Not like shop, play putt-putt, or other non-strenuous activities, but hike, bike, hang glide, raft, etc. One of the best places in the Smoky Mountains to do outdoor things that may get your heart racing is CLIMB Works Smoky Mountains.
Getting Cheesy in the Smokies
Admittedly, cheesecake is probably not the first thing you think of when you think of food in the Smoky Mountains. But after trying the selections at the Smoky Mountain Cheesecake Café, it will certainly be on the top of your list when it comes to desserts on your vacation.
Fightin’ Fussin’ and Feudin’ in Pigeon Forge
Of all the feuds in this country’s history (red state/blue state, Coke/Pepsi, grapes in chicken salad/no grapes in chicken salad), perhaps none is more famous than the Hatfields and McCoys disagreement. This interstate spat began during the Civil War and while it didn't last past the turn of the century, it made its way into the folklore of the nation. And now, if you visit Pigeon Forge, you can get involved in this fight, complete with a tasty meal, singing and dancing.
Who’s got the Hooch? Gatlinburg!
One of the traditions of the Appalachian region is making of spirits, or as you know it, moonshine. Made from corn, moonshine (or hooch) provided a source of illegal income for a region that struggled to be prosperous. For generations, families had moonshine stills and handed down recipes of how to make the famous beverage that was the legend of songs and movies. Now, you can see how it’s made and even taste it without the worry of the law throwing you in jail.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede in the Smokies
You probably think dinner shows are pretty easy to do. The audience sits at their table while actors on stage go through their rehearsed lines. Everyone applauds and enjoys their meal. Well, in Pigeon Forge, there’s a place where dinner and a show aren’t like that at all. Some of the participants weigh more than 1,000 pounds and have actors hanging off of them or doing flips on their backs, have to run at full speed only to stop within feet of a wall and do all this while the audience cheers them on.