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Check out these trending topics, area news, editorials & reviews in the Smokies
The Root (Beers) of Appalachia: A Review of Buddy Dave’s
Buddy Dave’s in Sevierville: An honest review Buddy Dave’s has a drive-thru. Of course, that’s not really shocking as most fast food places have a drive-thru. But as I sat…
Veterans Day in the Smokies 2026: Free Park Day, Ceremonies and Military Discounts
Free parking in the national park, the Gatlinburg ceremony, Sevier County tributes and the military discounts we could confirm for Veterans Day 2026 in the Smokies.
Sevierville Rising
A longtime local explains why Sevierville, once just the town you drove through, is now a destination of its own for dining, shopping and easy Dollywood access.
Are the Smokies becoming too popular?
Crowds, traffic, parking fees and permits: are the Smokies becoming too popular? A longtime local weighs in and shares quieter places to go instead.
5 Top Things To Do in Wears Valley in 2026, According to a Local
A Smoky Mountain local shares his favorite things to do in Wears Valley, Tennessee Growing up, I mostly treated Wears Valley as a negative space. It was a scenic drive at…
Pigeon Forge Winterfest 2026: 11 Best Sights To See in the Smoky Mountains
Local lists favorite Winterfest activities in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg The Smoky Mountain Winterfest celebration is Sevier County’s annual holiday festival, shared by Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Also, here’s a…
Is a Dollywood Season Pass Worth It in 2027? What You Should Know
Have you considered buying a Dollywood season pass for 2027? If so, you may have run across a few questions. How many times do I have to visit to get…
8 Things You Need To Try This Winter in the Smoky Mountains
Local lists the best things to do in Gatlinburg this winter Most people don’t know that Gatlinburg has five seasons. There’s spring, summer, fall and two winters, one pre-Christmas and…
Dollywood After Dolly
Dollywood after Dolly Parton’s death: a chapel waterfall memorial, a new Dolly Parton Experience portal and plans through 2036. Park leaders share what’s next.
![Dollywood at Christmas, Your Guide to This Year’s Festival [2026]](https://i0.wp.com/www.thesmokies.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/dollywood-christmas-2021.jpg?fit=1200%2C600&ssl=1&resize=1000%2C1000)
Dollywood at Christmas, Your Guide to This Year’s Festival [2026]
Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas has long been one of the park’s most cherished traditions, and Dolly Parton has said Christmas at Dollywood has a way of bringing cherished family memories…