You’ve probably driven past it a hundred times and never thought a thing about it. This is the untold story of Dollywood’s third historic train: The Slow Poke and Easy For most people in Tennessee, the community of Vestal in South Knox County isn’t on the way to anywhere. But for me, growing up in nearby Blount County, Vestal was
Dollywood’s only real local competition for an all-day attraction is The Island in Pigeon Forge. But how does the Island stack up to the reigning champ? As someone who has been prioritizing our family’s vacation budget for nearly 20 years, I understand the equation. You only have so much allotted and gas and food are going to take a portion
We analyzed over 200 local Google business listings to come up with this list of the best, and worst, reviewed attractions in Pigeon Forge I have lived in the area for more than 30 years and first visited almost 40 years ago. So I felt like I had a pretty good handle on the best and worst attractions in Pigeon
Dollywood recently announced a “game-changing” attraction will debut in 2026 – does this mean a new indoor coaster is on the horizon? If you’ve watched the park grow at all from the days of Silver Dollar City, you know there is one immutable fact at Dollywood: Change is coming. As someone who remembers the days before Dolly partnered with the
Now I live in the Smokies. But my first trip to Dolly Parton’s theme park surprised me My first visit to Gatlinburg was in 2011. With every trip, my family and I always vowed to go to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge. However, we would change our minds, or something would happen causing us to put it to the side yet
SkyPark officials announce new SkyBridge, viewing area, restaurants and more With its 70th-anniversary celebration approaching, Gatlinburg SkyPark is preparing for its next 70 years. Having first gone up the mountain nearly 40 years ago, I’ve personally watched and marveled at the competition to be Gatlinburg’s top dog. SkyPark is certainly firmly entrenched in a three-way competition to be Gatlinburg’s premier
Disney set to expand their empire to the mountains of North Carolina at former Ghost Town location The theme park competition in the Smoky Mountains is about to get very real and quite magical. On the heels of Universal officially announcing its Epic Universe park in Orlando and a kids-themed park in Texas, Disney officials are moving to announce their bold
These are the biggest tourist traps in the Smoky Mountains, according to a local We certainly didn’t invent the tourist trap here in the Smoky Mountains. But we’ve dang sure come close to perfecting it. For 35-ish years, I’ve given more than my fair share of money to Sevier County tourist traps. I’ve paid money to low-rent museums celebrating the
Get ready to officially say goodbye to an area icon: The Smoky Mountain Opry As someone who has knocked around the Smoky Mountains for more than 30 years, I remember the heyday of Pigeon Forge music houses. Various country stars tried to use the mountain vacation venues as a place to set up residencies – something like Sinatra or Celine
These are the best things to do in Pigeon Forge, according to a local As someone who has lived in and around the Smoky Mountains and Pigeon Forge for the better part of 35 years, you can say I’ve “seen and done” it all. And that’s quite the feat because there are hundreds of restaurants and attractions packed into the