Local weighs pros and cons of two of the most popular Pigeon Forge restaurants It seems that in the Smokies, there’s danger in diversification. The tried-and-true traditions of successful businesses in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and beyond are found in mimicry. Imitation is, after all, the sincerest form of flattery and the path to financial success in Sevier County. As someone
The real original Buc-ee’s is not destroyed, despite media reports As the self-proclaimed preeminent Buc-ee’s journalist and scholar East of the Mississippi, I pride myself on keeping up with the latest in the world of Buc-ee’s business. And so, I was shocked by the recent headlines proclaiming the original Buc-ee’s had burned to the ground. My co-worker and fellow Buc-ee’s
Pal’s Sudden Service is unlike any fast food restaurant you’ve ever seen There is a clamor for a famous burger chain or two to set up shop in the Smokies. Some want Whataburger. Some crave Fatburger. While others want an In-and-Out. But what if I told you they don’t need these West Coasters to come to the mountains? What if I told
I’ve eaten hundreds of meals in Pigeon Forge, these are the best, and the worst, I’ve ever had As someone whose culinary memory in Pigeon Forge goes back to the days of Chef Jock’s and beyond – that’s more than 30 years, I’ve had countless meals in countless Pigeon Forge Restaurants. Most of them were chiefly forgettable but pleasant experiences.
As someone who remembers when cheesiness was half the point for a Smoky Mountain tourist trap, I can attest that when it comes to underwhelming attractions, there are two that are head and shoulders above the rest. They both feature animatronics that would make Chuck E. Cheese seem cutting-edge. They both feature beat-up, under-cared-for scenery that makes you wonder if
Smoky Mountain native offers tips on vacationing with a rainy forecast Editor’s Note: The following is a new advice series where readers can write in and get personalized advice from Smoky Mountain travel experts. Do you have a question that you would like us to answer? Email us at [email protected]. Question: I booked my trip to the Great Smoky Mountains
Regardless of whether or not you’ve visited Pigeon Forge once, or a hundred times, you’ve probably made at least one of these common mistakes As someone who has been knocking around Pigeon Forge for more than 35 years, you wouldn’t think I’d be prone to making mistakes. But I still do. You get complacent and forgetful. In other words dear
Move over Tail of the Dragon here comes … The Blue Ridge Parkway? As someone who has driven large swaths of the Blue Ridge Parkway – chiefly in the Smokies – I was shocked when I found it listed as the 12th most feared roadway in America. Really? The Blue Ridge Parkway is the most fearsome road in North Carolina?
Local reveals legend of a lost gold mine hidden in the hills of the Smokies There’s a peril that comes with talk of gold. History changes with the stroke of a pickaxe and the glint of precious metals. Historically, people have done drastic things for the pursuit of gold. And so, before we go any further into talk of underground treasures hidden
Area restaurant reviewer compares two of Gatlinburg’s most popular fine dining restaurants: The Peddler and The Greenbrier Restaurant Look let’s start by peeling the curtain back a little bit. Friends, on this particular subject my expertise is substantial. I’ve been tasting quality meat up and down East Tennessee for nearly four decades now. Wait, forget it. You know what I