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Kiss My What? An Honest Review of Mel’s Classic Diner, Pigeon Forge’s Budget-Friendly Diner
A local reviews Mel’s Classic Diner in Pigeon Forge There is a reason the classic American diner has endured from its heyday in the 1950s into modern times. And it…
The Formerly Abandoned Brushy Mountain State Pen in East Tennessee Is Now a Distillery
You Can Visit This Once Abandoned Notorious Prison in East Tennessee In Morgan County, near the tiny community of Petros – right in the shadow of the Cumberland Plateau- they’ve…
Meigs Falls: One of the Best Waterfalls You Can Drive to in the Smokies
There are at least two pop songs that warn of the perils of waterfalls. The first, a Wings-era Paul McCartney dirge, may have at least somewhat inspired the second, an…
Are There Volcanoes in Tennessee? How Some of Us Got Burned
Popular April Fool’s Day article stirs rumors of volcanic activity in the mountains As a writer for TheSmokies.com, I uncover the hidden truths behind the mountains, track search trends and…
Does Calhoun’s Gatlinburg Have the Best Bbq? An Honest Review
A Smoky Mountain native offers his opinion on Calhoun’s in Gatlinburg I remember the first time I set foot in a Calhoun’s restaurant, the iconic East Tennessee dining tradition. It…
Mountain Views: These Are the Best Scenic Spots in the Smoky Mountains
The Best Scenic Mountain Views in the Smoky Mountain’s, a locals guide You could spend a lifetime searching the Appalachian mountain range for the most gorgeous views. In fact, you…
Where Is the Noah Bud Ogle Cabin? Visiting the Historic Barn
The Life and Times of Bud Ogle in Gatlinburg Tennessee William Ogle himself identified the Gatlinburg area as ripe for European settlement. He was a Delaware native who made his…
Elk vs Moose: Which Is Bigger, How Can You Tell a Difference?
How Many Elk are there in the Smoky Mountains? While black bears get most of the attention in the Smoky Mountains, elk is another notable animal that can be found…
The Rich History Behind Middle Prong Trail in the Smoky Mountains
A Local Shares Details About Middle Prong Trail a Hidden Gem in the Smoky Mountains Every so often, I completely lose my faith in Hollywood. Oh sure, I like a…
After 40 Years, This Attraction Is Bringing Polynesian Culture Back to the Mountains
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show preparing to debut its South Pacific Celebration It seems unbelievable now since decades of dust have piled around the memories and obscured our vision. But…