If you’ve done any research or had friends or family who’ve visited the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ve probably heard about the changing of the leaves in fall or the sparkling holiday lights in winter. But did you know that the two mountain towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer fun all throughout the year? While fall and the holidays are popular times for visitors, so are spring and summer. There truly is something happening any time of year in the Smokies, from exciting Gatlinburg events to fun Pigeon Forge attractions. We know it can be difficult to find a time

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We love Halloween. We love Smoky Mountain cabins. We love sweet treats. So we’ve brought them all together with these sweet and spooky recipes to help you celebrate Halloween in the cabin! Mummy Brie | delish.com | 4 servings Ingredients 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed 1 round brie 1 large egg 1 tablespoon milk 2 mini pepperoni 2 sliced black olives Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees. On a floured work surface, unroll puff pastry and cut into 1-inch strips. Wrap strips around brie like a mummy. Whisk together egg and milk and brush over pastry. Transfer brie to a

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Whether you’re seeking a picturesque mountain backdrop to enhance your portfolio or the coolest Instagram shot to boost your followers, the Great Smoky Mountains provide unmatched photo-worthy beauty as far as the eye can see. From wondrous wildlife and historic buildings to cascading waterfalls and alluring landscapes, the Smokies has you covered — and then some. While there are plenty of photogenic areas, we’ve compiled a list of the top spots for the best shots, particularly for amateur photographers. Even if you’re not a pro, don’t let that stop you from photographing as much as your heart desires! Clingmans Dome

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Despite popular opinion, pumpkin is not exclusively reserved for pumpkin spiced lattes when fall rolls around. And although we’re the first to grab a hot drink and head to the deck of one of our cozy Smoky Mountain cabins, there are plenty of other ways to make the most of this seasonal ingredient. Of course, you can always try some great seasonal dishes at the restaurants downtown, but if you want to take advantage of your cabin’s full kitchen, check out a few great pumpkin recipes we’ve found online. Spend some quality time with family and friends with 5 pumpkin

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August is FAMILY FUN MONTH, just another great excuse to plan a big Smoky Mountain vacation or a quick weekend away with the kids. And what better place to get away than Gatlinburg (or Pigeon Forge), where the Parkway is lined with arcades, mini golf courses, go kart tracks, and family-friendly attractions. Events add to the fun, with annual holiday celebrations, carnivals, festivals, arts and crafts shows, and so much more. The cherry on top is the lineup of sweet treats in the Smokies, from funnel cakes and old-fashioned candy to fudge and ice cream! The list could go on

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Everyone has their own vacation style. For some, a weekend of spas, wine, hot tubs, and lounging couldn’t possibly be topped. Others love exploring what a city has to offer, from restaurants and shops to attractions and local events. Some travelers are all about the great outdoors. What are the best trails? How many miles can I log? What’s the best mountaintop view? Still others are focused on the food, want to stay busy for a whole week, or just want to get as much family time as possible. Whatever it is you love to do on vacation, we’re here

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1. Hot Apple Fritters First on our list for fall comfort foods in the Smokies is a hot apple fritter at the Apple Barn and Cider Mill in Sevierville. If you haven’t visited this unique Smoky Mountain restaurant before, you should definitely check it out this fall. You won’t find a sweeter way to warm up than with a perfectly flaky fritter and a glass of fresh-made apple cider in your hands. You can also hang around and eat dinner at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant before heading back to the cabin with your very own bottle of locally made apple

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Summer in the Smokies is all about warm days, cool mountain breezes, sipping cold drinks on a private deck – overlooking the trees, of course – and sitting down for family-style meals at a picnic table or outdoor dining table. Check out these refreshing recipes when you’re ready to cool off at the cabin this summer! Sparkling Blueberry Lemonade | Chelsea’s Messy Apron | 1 large pitcher Ingredients 2/3 cup white sugar (super fine is best) 2/3cup water 1 ½ cups fresh blueberries 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (4-5 whole large lemons) 2 cups ice

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Although the area is well-known for its many attractions, restaurants, and shops, the Smokies has received its fame through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are 800+ miles of trails to explore in the park, so lace up your boots and get ready for your hiker’s getaway in the Smokies! Gearing Up for the Trails Nantahala Outdoor Center Gatlinburg | 1138 Parkway | Gatlinburg This 18,000-square-foot outdoor outfitter has everything you could need for a day (or weeks) on the trails. There is an entire 1,000 square feet of The North Face gear in The North Face Summit Shop,

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The Smoky Mountains are well-known for their majestic appeal, their flock of tourist attractions, their unique culture, and their country charm. What you might not realize about the Smokies is that they are also full of history. They have a rich cultural background that played a large part in shaping the area into what it is today, and you can find that history all over Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the surrounding areas. William “Billy” Ogle is credited with having built the first settler structure in the Smoky Mountains in the mid 18th century. His descendant, Noah “Bud” Ogle, later built

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