Ever wanted to meet Tinker Bell? How about Smoky Mountain fairies — aka synchronous fireflies? Okay, we might be stretching a tiny bit here…but if you’ve never seen these incredible fairy-like creatures perform in person, you can’t pass judgment. Enchanting to say the least, the synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains are kind of a big deal, illuminating the night forest in unison! You even need to win the annual firefly lottery to view them up close in Elkmont (details below). Coordinated by Mother Nature herself, this brilliant, family-friendly firefly show occurs annually typically starting around the end of

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Walking through a dim forest at twilight, you hear a strange sound, shortly followed by booming howls, odd tree knocks, and rustling leaves… Does curiosity get the better of you, or do you brush it off and head home (aka bolt in the opposite direction)? Yeah, most of us would turn tail and run for safety, and rightly so, but throw a bigfoot enthusiast into this spooky situation, and they would bust out their cameras, audio recorders, and thermal scanners to collect evidence of this covert cryptid (a creature whose existence is disputed). Whether you’d dash away or opt to

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Walk and learn about Appalachian history and the wonders of flora and fauna in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a participant in the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, a 4-day event. With 72 years under its belt, the pilgrimage has a lot to offer nature lovers in Tennessee, from bird watching and wildflower sketching to lessons on wildfire ecology, ecosystems, natural history, salamanders, and forest forensics! Join fellow pilgrims from around the country on an artistic and scientific journey outside along guided walks and inside with detailed presentations April 26-29, 2023. Pilgrim Programs With a professional guide to lead

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The holidays are wrapping up, the trees are coming down, and family is heading home after a busy season of holiday parties, too much food, and plenty of memories. But now it’s time to swing in to the new year and make new memories! New Year’s Eve is almost here, and if you haven’t planned your night already (or if you’re already planning to head to the Smokies), we have the best plans for YOU. Make this New Year’s Eve one to remember while celebrating it in the Great Smoky Mountains! Glittering lights will surround you and the echoes of

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While we love the touristy attractions that have popped up around Gatlinburg - zombies at Outbreak: Dread the Undead, puzzles at The Escape Game Pigeon Forge, blacklight mini-golf and laser tag at the LazerPort Fun Center - you did not come all the way to the beautiful Smoky Mountains only for the tourist stops. You came for the fun, yes; but also the incredible scenery, the outdoor adventures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the rich history and culture steeped in the old American way of life in heart of downtown Gatlinburg! The original settlers in the Appalachian

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Fall brings to mind many things…a nip in the air, changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes (for better or worse, they’re here to stay!), hot cocoa, carving pumpkins, apple-flavored everything, cozy sweaters and scarves…and the list goes on. But in the Great Smoky Mountains, fall means the return of an area favorite: OktOBERfest at Ober Gatlinburg! It’s here every year, and it’s an event you don’t want to miss. Along with having plenty of options for an adults-only weekend, it’s also family friendly enough to bring along the kiddos! The traditional Oktoberfest celebration – based in Munich, Bavaria, Germany – began

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An annual trout tournament known nationwide, the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is the largest trout tournament in the Smokies! Each year, this annual fishing tournament stocks local streams with thousands of fish, welcoming visitors, adults, children, and tourists to compete for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes!  More than 10,000 trout are stocked in 20+ miles of cool streams in the Great Smoky Mountains for the 2-day event, ensuring some great fishing opportunities over the weekend. Fishers of all ages can compete for more than $10,000 in cash and prizes, including fishing equipment, trophies, gear, and more.  Smoky Mountain

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Rocky Top Sports World in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is just another great attraction that brings so many visitors to the area each year. At Rocky Top Sports World, a professional tournament and events team works alongside the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau to help host parties, special events, and sports tournaments and camps throughout the year.  The complex has played host to football camps, basketball tournaments, the Smoky Mountain Lacrosse Classic, soccer camps, the All American Football and Combine, the Harlem Globetrotters Summer Camp, volleyball camps, and the 2015 Thanksgiving Bowl, just to name a few. You can stop by to

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Memorial Day is a time to remember all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom and our lives. It’s an opportunity to say thank you to our nation’s heroes, and it is a holiday that should not be overlooked. Many Americans have a long weekend, so it’s also a great opportunity for those who have the chance to spend some quality time with family and friends. It’s the beginning of the summer after a long school year with the kids, long workdays, and all the obligations that kept you from unwinding. Rather than preparing your own home

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Always there for you, a broad shoulder to cry on, makes you laugh without trying, puts you before himself, and never lets you down — YOUR dad (or husband) is special and deserves more this Father’s Day on June 20, 2021. If the dad in your life likes tasty food, the great outdoors, exciting attractions, leisurely museums, dinner with a show, moonshine sips, or simply relaxing at a log cabin, consider whisking him away for a memorable Father’s Day in the Smoky Mountains! To help you plan an entire weekend for the greatest dad ever, we’ve compiled some of our

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