A Mother’s Day for the Books: 10 Unique Ideas

You can always get her a gift for Mother’s Day. This year, why not give her an experience? A relaxing stay in one of our Smoky Mountain rentals is something she’ll remember for a lifetime, and while you’re in town this May, check out these 10 ideas for unique Smoky Mountain fun: A day on the Arts & Crafts Trail. Not all trails in the Smoky Mountains take you through the woods. In Gatlinburg, you’ll find the historic 8-mile loop known, designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community. Featuring the largest group

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Advice

There’s No I in Team

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Whether you’re looking to strengthen your company’s team, grow closer as a family, teach your cub scouts new skills, or find some new group activities for your youth group, the Smokies offers some great team-building activities. Getting your group to work together in unconventional ways is sure to yield great results. If you’re making plans for a youth group or kids’ team, they’ll learn valuable life skills like trusting others, stepping up as leaders, and working as a team. Families will learn more about communicating and helping each other. Coworkers will find opportunities to challenge and encourage each other, get

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Advice

7 Lessons the Smoky Mountains Have Taught Me

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John Muir once wrote, “In every walk with nature, once receives far more than he seeks.” In the Great Smoky Mountains, I’ve certainly found that to be true. I’m always learning and experiencing something new, whether I find myself on a trail, in a field of wildflowers, on a scenic drive, relaxing in a cabin, or exploring downtown. The more time I spend in the Smoky Mountains, the more I learn about life – especially when it comes to enjoying it. Stop and smell the wildflowers. With work, school, sports, hobbies, and so many things happening on a daily basis,

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Advice

Whip Up an Easy Easter Brunch in Your Cabin

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Easter brunch is a staple in many families. It’s a great opportunity to get in some quality time with the ones you love and eat some great food. But Easter brunch doesn’t have to be a big production. These Easter brunch recipes are easy enough to whip up in the cabin, and most make for great all-day snacking. You can even make several ahead of time so you can skip the work on Easter day. Or just toss them in the fridge at the cabin and enjoy leftovers while you’re hanging out and relaxing. Bacon with Citrus Glaze | Martha

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Events

Celebrate International Goof Off Day with Silly Fun in the Smokies

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You drink green beer for St. Patrick’s Day, hunt eggs for Easter, decorate the tree for Christmas, overstuff yourself for Thanksgiving, dress up like superheroes for Halloween, and set off fireworks for the 4th of July. So what do you do for International Goof Off Day (March 22)? Take off work, skip school, and find some fun and silly things to do for the day! Whether you love the great outdoors, need a laid-back day away from work, or want to find some family fun that the kids will love, too, you’ll find it all in the Smokies. Read on

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Attractions

Here’s How to Have the Most Low-Key Vacation EVER

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You’ve said it before: “I need a vacation from my vacation!” Those are the kind of trips where you’re constantly on the go and feel like you have to see absolutely EVERYTHING because when are you going to be back? Maybe never, right? But the great thing about the Smoky Mountains is how easily accessible and downright affordable it is for a family vacation this year…and next year…and the next. So when you come to the Smokies, you NEVER have to feel like you should cram it all in all at once. And trying to would definitely leave you overwhelmed!

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Attractions

2017 Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show

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The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community – a collection of talented artisans along an 8-mile historic loop in Gatlinburg – is an important part of the Great Smoky Mountains. It started in the mid-1930s when the local craftsmen decided to work from their homes – where their tools were – instead of selling along the streets downtown. Woodcarver John Cowden was one of the first, and many artists began to follow suit, opening shops and studios next to (or inside of) their homes. As word spread, more and more visitors started coming to watch the craftsmen at work and

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Attractions, Events

Celebrate Spring 2017 with Easter Events & Activities in the Smokies

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Spring is in the air in the Great Smoky Mountains! The air is warm, the birds are singing, the hillsides are green, and the community calendar is packed with fun Easter events and activities for the whole family! There is plenty to do downtown, or read on for some fun ideas for recipes and activities in the cabin – especially if you’re traveling with kids! 2017 EASTER EVENTS IN THE SMOKIES Easter Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny | Pigeon Forge Community Center | April 15 Head to Patriot Park this Easter weekend (the Saturday before Easter) for a FREE

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Events

Rev Your Engines–It’s Time for the Spring Rod Run!

Springtime in the Smokies. It’s synonymous with wildflowers, fireflies, and…hot rods? That’s right! Every spring, the Smoky Mountains play host to the biannual Pigeon Forge Rod Run! Scheduled in the spring and the fall, this Rod Run is one of the largest car shows in the South and one of the most anticipated events in Pigeon Forge. And the good news is, you’ve still got plenty of time to get your engines revving and join the action for 2017! This year, the Spring Rod Run, presented by Tennessee Moonshine, is scheduled for Thursday, April 6, through Saturday, April 8. Plan

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Attractions

30 Ways to Play in the Smokies When You’re Short on Cash

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Vacation costs add up. Between finding a place to stay, travel costs, going out to eat, souvenirs, and attractions, cash starts to get short. Thankfully, we have budget-friendly cabins that won’t break the bank, and Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have activities, attractions, shops, and even restaurants to fit almost any budget. If you’re working with a budget but want to plan plenty of fun for your vacation in the Smokies, read on. The list could go on and on, but we’ve started with 30 ways to play in the Smokies when you’re short on cash. Hike in the Great Smoky

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