Editorial

bucees in clute texas storefront

A Look Inside: First-ever Buc-ee’s Looks Nothing Like What You’d Think

The original Buc-ee’s will make you look twice with its pint-sized footprint in Clute, Texas Earlier this year, Sevierville, Tenn. officially became home to the country’s largest Buc-ee’s when it opened its doors to a 74,000-square-foot behemoth. As a Tennessean, I am fairly new to the Buc-ee’s phenomenon. Sure, my Texas relatives had been telling me the legendary tale (tail?)

jungle boat ride attraction in pigeon forge with mannequin in front

This is the Cheesiest Attraction in Pigeon Forge, According to a Local

Smoky Mountain native gives an honest review of Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride Growing up around the Smoky Mountains, I often saw it while riding down the Parkway. It’s too large and too cheesy lookin’ to miss. Yes, my friends, today I’m talking about the Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride. Is it an area icon? Or is it nothing more than a

Blurry shadow in the mountains and fog

5 Mysterious Smoky Mountain Disappearances That Remain Unsolved Today

Smoky Mountain native recalls some of the biggest unsolved mountain mysteries over the years As someone who has lived in the foothills of the Smokies for a number of years, I’ll be the first to tell you that the mountains are as vast as they are beautiful. But they can also be deep and unforgiving. There are hundreds of thousands

a mockup of a white car with blue tn license plate without in god we trust

The Ongoing Controversy Surrounding Tennessee’s License Plates

A Tennessee resident weighs in on the debate surrounding the state’s new license plate design Back when I was a boy growing up in Indiana (before moving to Tennessee), I remember when government officials changed the official license plate slogan from “Hoosier State” to “Wander”. It was actually the focus of a tourism campaign: Wander Indiana. People did not take

baby black bear cub

7 Surprising Safety Tips When You Spot a Black Bear in the Smoky Mountains

Tennessee native offers tips on black bear safety from Bear Wise There is a lot of wildlife to see in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. I grew up in East Tennessee, and I’ve come across black bears on several occasions. To be honest, I’m never sure that it gets old. However, it also makes me sad to

The village shops at The Christmas Place

The Year-Round Christmas Town in the Smoky Mountains You Need To See

There’s an immersive Christmas village in Tennessee that keeps it festive 365 days a year Christmas in my house starts on Thanksgiving Day. While my wife is inside preparing a traditional Thanksgiving meal, I’m outside decking the house for Christmas. We run strands of colorful lights along the eaves of our small front porch. We decorate the bushes. I’m a Christmas guy. We’re Christmas

tennessee vols at the orange bowl in 2023

The Fascinating Meaning Behind Rocky Top’s Famous Lyrics

An analysis of Tennesee’s famous fight song, Rocky Top When you grow up with the Smoky Mountains in your backyard, the mountains can become window dressing. An omnipresent decoration that fades to the background until something happens that draws it back to the fore. Such is the case, when you live in East Tennessee, with “Rocky Top” the unofficial theme

the skybridge at night illuminated

You May Both Love and Fear the Gatlinburg SkyBridge

A local offers his opinion on the famous glass-bottomed bridge in Gatlinburg In recent years, the Gatlinburg SkyPark’s glass-bottomed SkyBridge has become one of the most iconic attractions in the Smoky Mountains. As a local who has had a first-row seat to witness how the Gatlinburg skyline has transformed in recent years, I can understand why. It is not only

treetop skywalk at anakeesta in gatlinburg tn

17 Fun Things To Do in Gatlinburg That Your Family Will Love

A mom shares her favorite things to do in Gatlinburg with her family In my experience, I find that those visiting Gatlinburg for the first time are often surprised by the number of attractions competing for their tourist dollar. What seems like a sleepy mountain town can sometimes feel like an array of neon lights and eye-catching, quirky displays. But

moonshine marinated chicken

The Park Grill Gatlinburg: A Local’s Review With Photos

The Park Grill offers some of the best service and food in Gatlinburg with (slightly) less wait I see The Park Grill – the unofficial restaurant of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – as a port. It’s the perfect launching spot for an adventure in the park or the perfect destination to return to civilization after a day of