The excitement of a new school year ran out quickly as soon as the homework assignments started rolling out and the first test and project dates were set. The kids aren’t the only ones fighting the back to school blues, though, and the line, “I am not going to ask you again to do your homework,” has already been worn out. Maybe you’re on the other side of this as a teacher. The kids have seemingly forgotten what desks are used for, you’ve already had to clean the classroom more times than you can count, and the wine aisle gets

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August is National Golf Month, and what better way to celebrate than with a day golfing in the Great Smoky Mountains? With beautifully manicured grounds, gorgeous mountain surroundings, and courses designed by top golf course architects and golfers, the golf courses in the Smokies are both challenging and scenic. Father-son weekend, relaxing getaway for yourself, corporate retreat, or a just-because-it’s-National-Golf-Month vacation – a day on the golf courses of Gatlinburg is always a win. Bent Creek Golf Course, designed by 3-time Masters and British Open Championship Winner Gary Player, is a challenging par-72 course in Gatlinburg. Rated among the Top

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S’mores evoke feelings of family, friends, cool fall nights, stories by the campfire, simpler times, and a sprinkle of childhood innocence. And however you eat them: extra-browned marshmallows, open-faced or with 2 graham crackers, or melted chocolate – who doesn’t love this simple, sweet treat?! So, of course, there has to be a holiday to celebrate everyone’s favorite campfire dessert. Tomorrow (August 10) is National S’mores Day, and we’re gearing up by giving you some decadent s’mores-inspired recipes to try. Whether you’re at home or in one of our cozy cabins, these are great spins on the classic treat. S’mores

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While the Smokies is known for being a family vacation go-to, it’s also great for couples. Gatlinburg has dozens of great restaurants, local wineries, unique shops, art galleries, museums, and attractions that couples will love. We all need a little time to reconnect with the one we love, so plan a getaway to Gatlinburg for romance and fun. From fun attractions to romantic activities, there’s plenty to do! Rocky Top Wine Trail – Spend a romantic day on the Rocky Top Wine Trail, made up of 5 local wineries and a distillery within 12 miles. Hillside Winery, Eagle Springs Winery,

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Summertime at Dollywood means fun for all ages, with new, exciting rides, carnival games and prizes, attractions for smaller kids, and more! The Drop Line, a 20-story free fall, is now open, as well as the FireChaser Express – the first dual-launch family coaster in the nation! Want more heart-pounding rides? Adventure seekers will love the Barnstormer, Blazing Fury, Lightning Rod, Mystery Mine, Tennessee Tornado, Thunderhead, and Wild Eagle. Kids can check out the NEW Whistle Punk Chaser junior coaster, located in Timber Canyon. If you’re traveling with younger kids, be sure to stop by Country Fair. Rides like Amazing

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Outdoor Fun in the Smokies Soaring mountain vistas, dipping valleys, fields of wildflowers, families of playful (from a distance!) black bears, the largest diversity of salamanders in the world, beautiful trees and flowering bushes, bright blue skies, and quiet mountain streams are just a few of the natural features that make the Great Smoky Mountains great. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park – one of the most popular reasons to visit the area – is the most visited national park in the country. Millions of people make the trip to the Smokies each year, finding tons of opportunities for outdoor

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If you’ve ever been to the Smoky Mountains in fall, you know why it’s one of the most popular times to visit. Warm days with cool mountain breezes and nights that are crisp and cool. Gorgeous fall colors on the leaves. Delicious seasonal foods and drinks. Inviting fires in cozy cabins. Fun fall events. Beautiful days for hikes in the national park. If you haven’t been to the Smokies in fall, you don’t want to miss this time of year. Between a busy community calendar, stunning fall scenery, and seasonal activities, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are perfect for fun fall

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Gatlinburg is a vacation go-to for many reasons. Wineries, distilleries, charming wedding chapels, and cozy cabins make it perfect for romantic getaways, honeymoons, and wedding weekends. Large group lodges, a variety of restaurants, and places like Rocky Top Sports World, the Gatlinburg Convention Center, and the community centers in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg provide amenities for retreats, reunions, tournaments, and more. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the most visited national park in the U.S. – for horseback riding, fishing, biking, and hiking on the 800+ miles of trails found there. But Gatlinburg is probably

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40 Ways to Stay Cool this Summer in Gatlinburg Summer in Tennessee is hot and humid, with lots of sunny days for outdoor fun. But when it gets a little too warm and you want a break from the heat, you’ll want some great ways to cool off this summer. Thankfully, Gatlinburg has plenty of great options for cooling off, from indoor attractions and community pools to private indoor pools at cabins and arcades. If you need a few ideas for staying cool on your summer getaway to the Smokies, read on. We have plenty of great cool-as-a-cucumber picks! Picnic

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If you’ve ever been to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge in the Great Smoky Mountains, you probably have your favorite things. From restaurants and attractions to desserts and picnic spots, there are plenty of things to love about the area. There are many things I love about the Smokies, but I have my favorites, too – with maybe a dessert (or two or three) on the list. Whether you’re looking for something new to try, need some ideas for a surprise trip for someone, or just want to see if someone else loves your favorites in the Smokies just as much,

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