Warmth of the sun on your skin, refreshing cool waters mere feet away, and shimmering rainbow trout swimming all about…yep, spring in the Smokies just wouldn’t be complete without the biannual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament! Pack your best tackle, reserve a riverfront cabin, and head to the Little Pigeon River for fishing fun April 6-7 (2019) in Pigeon Forge, TN. As the largest fishing competition in the Smokies, you’re sure to have a blast with family and friends! Not to mention, there are tons of prizes, including commemorative trophies, brand-new fishing gear, and 2 chances to win a whopping $500!

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All dressed up, and so many places to go! 2018 was a long year for everyone: we earned this epic New Year’s Eve party, and there are 5 places to be in the Smoky Mountains to end one year and bring in the next with an exciting bang! Break out all those new dresses, jackets, makeup, and jewelry for an elegant night you are going to talk about well into 2019. Instead of asking the question, “Is anyone doing anything for New Year’s Eve?” organize a group getaway and bring your tribe of people to an awesome large group lodge

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Scare season is upon us, and it’s time to run for the hills, or better yet, the mountains! The Smoky Mountains are probably not even close to the first destination that comes to mind when we think of the Halloween season, but Gatlinburg is the place to be during autumn with the incredible kaleidoscope of warm colors painted across the mountains. It’s the best of nature and scares in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains during the frightful nights of Halloween, in a cozy cabin tucked away into the mountains. Imagine: gorgeous wood interiors, breathtaking views, and pampering amenities like hot

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It’s hard to believe school is starting soon and summer is almost over! While the first day of autumn is technically September 22, Labor Day weekend (September 1–3, 2018) usually marks the unofficial change from our laid-back summer schedules to the hectic school-year pace. So why not book one last trip to the Great Smoky Mountains for Labor Day? Use this refreshing, reenergizing, and restorative 3-day weekend to get ready for school events, sports calendars, and project due dates to come! De-stress and unwind during your stay at one of our Smoky Mountain cabins with relaxing amenities like outdoor hot

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If you’ve ever been to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge in the Great Smoky Mountains, you know that flavorful food is a big deal. Between the pancake houses, chocolate shops, Southern-style restaurants, and quick bites, you can’t go a single block or make a full circle without finding something to nibble, savor, or scarf down. From chain restaurants to local cafes, the cuisines span the globe to offer something delicious for every taste. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are also known for their many events held throughout the year, from holiday celebrations and energetic festivals to competitive races and arts and crafts

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Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge become winter wonderlands in November and December, and they become even more bustling with festive, family-friendly events for the holidays. If you’re planning a holiday getaway with family or friends, you’ll find there is plenty to do during winter in the Smokies! Come warm up with a favorite comfort food while becoming a judge and picking your favorite bowl at the Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff, get swept up in the magic of the season with a trolley ride during Gatlinburg Winter Magic, pay tribute to our nation’s heroes at the Veterans Day celebration, and

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You know the songs: “Thunder Rolls,” “She’s Everything,” “Three Wooden Crosses,” and “I Cross My Heart.” You know the artists: Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, Randy Travis, and George Strait. But what (or who) you probably don’t know are the songwriters behind these top country hits — names like Pat Alger, Tony Arata, and Kent Blazy. Performances and workshops with Hall of Fame songwriters are just the beginning of what’s in store for you at the 7th Annual Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival (SMSWF) in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, August 2018. If you’ve never heard of this melodious festival before, the short story is

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What is the most popular thing to do when driving long distance (or any distance for that matter)? Perhaps it’s chatting with friends or listening to informative podcasts…but most people simply enjoy a good song. When bobbing your head to the beat, tapping your fingers to the rhythm, or singing at the top of your lungs, it’s easy to get lost in the music and forget about the words. Alright, let’s try something. Take a moment to think of your favorite song…okay, maybe one of your top 5 (we know it’s hard to choose). Can you recall the awesome lyrics

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Barbecue cooking in the back yard, cool summer breezes passing by, refreshing iced tea in hand…the 4th of July is a classic American holiday typically spent at home with family and friends. But what if you took things up a notch? What if you brought your loved ones and Independence Day traditions to the Great Smoky Mountains? Attend the 1st Independence Day parade in the nation, witness the Gatlinburg fireworks finale, check out local attractions, shop for souvenirs in town, and grill holiday dishes at your private cabin with a stunning mountain view! Start planning today and make this 4th

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