There Are Secret Messages Hidden in These Dollywood Signs IN THIS ARTICLE American amusement parks have taken to creating little scavenger hunts for their guests. I don’t know why, but many do. Sometimes it’s organized like the Wilderness Explorer program at Animal Kingdom. Other times, it’s a bit more random, like the ongoing hunt for hidden Mickeys across the Disney
The little-known story of how the Smoky Mountains nearly had two theme parks, instead of one There are many great figures who shaped the path of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge over the years. Some are well-known and some mostly forgotten. From Dolly Parton, to the first Ogles who set foot in White Oaks Flats, later known as
The real story behind the legend of the Gatlinburg BMW There is a mystery in the mountains of Gatlinburg. But it doesn’t have anything to do with haints, haunts, or wild people. We won’t be talking about Big Foot or spooky hollers. This mystery is much deeper than any of those fly-by-night mountain legends. It involves something at the very
A local offers his opinion on the lesser well-received aspects of Ghost Town in the Sky Up in the high mountains of North Carolina sits the rusting remains of a dream. The ironically named Ghost Town in the Sky opened in Maggie Valley, North Carolina in 1961. It was a charming – and originally thriving – Old West theme park
Dollywood has big things planned for the future. Here’s what we know so far If the 40-year history of Dollywood has taught us anything, it’s that the park’s leadership does not believe in allowing the park to stagnate. When Dolly Parton partnered with Herschend Family Entertainment, Silver Dollar City, as the park was known, received an instant investment infusion of
A local reviews the World’s Only Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg Ready to shake up your vacation or add a little spice to your day? In the Smokies, there are several attractions along the Parkway competing for your attention and tourism dollars. But the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is not only unique to Gatlinburg. It claims to
A Local Reveals Some of Dollywood’s Best Kept Secrets The thing about a place with a legacy like Dollywood is that even as progress rolls through, and even as things change, little snippets of the past survive. Sometimes these little slivers of what was remain purposefully, a little tribute shared among the knowing. Other times it’s more practical. It might
A Smoky Mountain local shares his favorite spots to visit in North Carolina As someone who’s been to Gatlinburg hundreds of times over the past 35 years of living in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, I’ll admit it will always hold a special place in my heart. Especially when it comes to magnificent views of the Smokies. But some
A Local reviews Forbidden Caverns one of America’s most spectacular caverns If you think the Great Smoky Mountains are beautiful above ground, you should see what’s below. Tennessee’s vast network of caves is hardly unknown. There are tourist locations all through East Tennessee promising underground adventure and sightseeing, but it is often, I think, under-appreciated. Forbidden Caverns – located near
A local’s honest review of Pirates Voyage in Pigeon Forge There are certain obligations that come with writing about Dolly Parton’s pirate-themed dinner and show, located just a cannon blast or two away from Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. The obligations are: So, with those rules out of the way, let’s get down to business, shall we? When did