Our Blog
Check out these trending topics, area news, editorials & reviews in the Smokies
Clash of the Titans in Tennessee: Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop Is Open
Dolly Parton’s answer to Buc-ee’s is open on I-65 It’s Ali vs Frazier. Yankees vs. Red Sox. It’s Godzilla vs Mothra. And now, it’s Tennessee vs. Texas. Yes, there’s a…
Fall Foliage in the Smokies 2026: When Will the Colors Peak?
2026 Fall Color Update (updated Oct. 10, 2026) What scientists are predicting for this year’s fall colors Science! Forgetting reading tea leaves. Leave the horoscopes at home. Got a Ouija…
Tennessee Fall Foliage Map 2026: Peak Dates by County + 7 Local Tips
View a data-driven map with 7 fall tips from a local They say Tennessee’s fall beauty comes from the diversity of trees in its forests. Local flora – depending on…
Dolly Rebecca Parton (1946-2026) Now “In the Arms of Jesus”
We, at TheSmokies.com, are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dolly Parton. She was beloved by us, and by the world as a whole. I want to tell…
The Smokies Still Have Secrets
Unique and different places to visit in the Smokies While the broader world thinks of the Smokies as the neon glow of Pigeon Forge, of moonshine distilleries and go-kart tracks…
On the Open Roads in the Smokies
Summer is upon us and the seasonal roads through the backwoods and the high country are (mostly) open for exploration Spring is all but gone and summer is upon us? What’s…
Is Delauder’s BBQ Shining in Sevierville?
An honest review: Has a change of scenery had an effect on Delauder’s BBQ? There is exquisite beauty in the world, and I’ve been lucky enough to see some of…
The Best Burgers in the Smoky Mountains (Ranked by a Local)
“I’d gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today…” – and these are the ones worth it. When you think about the Smoky Mountains, I suspect the first foodstuff that…
BJ’s Wholesale Club – Travel Benefits for the Smokies
Can Sevierville’s largest wholesale store help save on your next trip to the mountains? Had I been born in another time, I might have become a travel agent. Before the ubiquity…
Dolly Parton is Back!
After a season of rest, Dolly Parton steps back into the spotlight as Dollywood opens for its 41st season The walk might have been a little slower than in years…