A highlight of visiting the Great Smoky Mountains is the chance to get back to nature. The Smokies have everything from waterfalls to beautiful picnic spots overlooking the Appalachian Valley to—everyone’s favorite—a wide variety of wildlife! When you visit the Smoky Mountains, be sure to take some time for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—the best place for you to see and experience this wildlife in person. The park itself protects 65 species of mammals, more than 200 varieties of birds, 67 native fish species, and more than 80 types of reptiles and amphibians! You can see this diverse mix

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July is an exciting time in Gatlinburg, with fireworks, parades, art shows, and more! There is something going on all the time, with events for all ages and interests. As you plan your vacation to Gatlinburg, consider these fun summer events in July! First Independence Day Parade in the Nation July 3-4, 2015 The first 4th of July parade in the nation kicks off at midnight in Gatlinburg! This year will mark the 40th year of the parade that honors military veterans and U.S. heroes. More than 100,000 people are expected to be in attendance, watching and cheering on the

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Are you planning to visit the Smokies this summer? Be sure to reserve at least one Saturday morning of your vacation for a trip to the Gatlinburg Farmers Market! With a variety of local, fresh produce, homemade gifts, and special summertime events, this local event is sure to add some hometown flavor to your Smoky Mountain getaway! What The Gatlinburg Farmers Market is now in its sixth season, featuring homegrown Tennessee produce, locally made products, and downright delicious food in a friendly, mountain-town environment. Visitors will enjoy a variety of fruits and veggies, depending on what’s in season, as well

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An area with a long and rich history in the arts, Gatlinburg in the Smoky Mountains is home to dozens of local artists who have spent decades finely tuning their crafts. From woodworking and photography to painting and pottery making, these artists represent the best of the best. You will be completely amazed at the pieces they create, and if you spend a day in the arts, you’re likely to watch them at work. Next time you head to the Smoky Mountains, check out the local galleries, the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and the Great Smoky Arts &

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Gatlinburg’s history finds its roots in the turn of the 19th century, when settlers first noticed the grandeur of the Smoky Mountains and decided to move there. William Ogle, one of the first to decide to build his home in the area, called Gatlinburg the “Land of Paradise” in the mountains of East Tennessee. Today, we invite you to join this rich history by visiting some or all of these historic sites on your next vacation to the beautiful city of Gatlinburg. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts—Open since 1912, the Arrowmont School first began as a general education school

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What’s worse than counting down the days to your Smoky Mountain vacation only to be stuck indoors? Rainy days are usually something to dread … but when you vacation in Gatlinburg, it’s a whole different story! With a variety of indoor activities and fun-filled cabins to boot, Gatlinburg has plenty in store even on those dreary afternoons. In Gatlinburg For hours of indoor fun, check out these Gatlinburg events and attractions. The Hollywood Wax Museum is a unique attraction where you can get up close and personal with your favorite Hollywood stars. At Ripley’s Mirror Maze, you can test your

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A visit to the Smokies is not complete without venturing into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With hiking, biking, bird-watching, rafting, horseback riding, and so much more, this park has all the stops to make your Smoky Mountain vacation truly unforgettable! But before you get out on the 800 miles of trails, you need to make sure you have all the right gear. No need to shop around before you come to town. Instead, check out these great outdoor outfitters conveniently located right in heart of the Smoky Mountains for all your hiking gear this year. Little River Trading

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One of the best times of year to visit the Smokies is springtime. As the winter weather slowly makes its exit, spring arrives and brings warm air, blooming wildflowers, lush greenery, flowing streams, rushing waterfalls, and stirring wildlife. It's a beautiful sight to behold, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect place to enjoy this stunning display of nature. But Gatlinburg offers even more for those looking to spend spring in the Smokies. A jam-packed community calendar provides plenty of entertainment for the entire month of April, with events for the whole family. If you're headed to

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When Christmas rolls around, I'm always reminded of “Oprah's Favorite Things.” It makes me think of my favorite things in the bustling city of Gatlinburg. From food to activities, here are a few of my favorite things in this charming Smoky Mountain town! Breakfast – The Pancake Pantry One of Gatlinburg's long-standing establishments, the Pancake Pantry always draws me in. When I want a hearty breakfast, I stop in for a big stack of pancakes with a side of bacon, sausage, or hashbrowns. They have pancakes for every taste, including sweet potato, wild blueberry, old-fashioned buttermilk, banana pineapple, peach, Swiss

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October 13, 2014 After a cold spell hit the Smokies during the first weekend of October, Newfound Gap and Clingmans Dome are boasting vivid reds and yellows! The cold spell, however, also brought some high winds, so many of the leaves along the last half of Clingmans Dome Road fell. Higher elevations are still showing a good amount of green, so that means there’s a chance for much more color throughout the coming weeks of fall! Waiting on the low elevations While the higher elevations are beginning to change, the lower elevations still have several weeks before they transform. The

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