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
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
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
This unassuming Gatlinburg steakhouse is a favorite among locals I made assumptions. I’m not happy about it. I’m not proud. Mistakes were made but we can all learn from them. After all, I’m as human as anybody … at least as far as you know. For years, coming the back way through Cosby into Gatlinburg, we’d drive past Alamo Steakhouse and the exterior
The Park Grill offers some of the best service and food in Gatlinburg 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 wild exploring. The Park
Anakeesta vs SkyPark: A Side-by-Side Comparison While both Anakeesta and Gatlinburg SkyPark (formerly SkyLift Park) offer fun ways to soak in gorgeous views of the Great Smoky Mountains, it can be hard to choose just one. So let’s compare some of the differences between Anakeesta and SkyPark to help you plan your next Gatlinburg vacation. Note: Prices mentioned in this
Finding the right cabin rental for your Smokies vacation can feel like a daunting task with so many options out there, especially when you’re in need of a cabin with plenty of top-notch amenities, like amazing private hot tubs or a jacuzzi tub, for instance. Whether you are enjoying a vacation by skiing the slopes, walking the trails, paddling the
The fascinating history of Fannie Farkle’s plus what to order from a local I’ve eaten in some fine places in my time. But perhaps my favorite meal would be served by a carnie at a county fair. I suspect there’s a certain level of nostalgia in my love of carnival food. There’s something about sausages, cheesesteaks and corndogs. It’s all
Gatlinburg sits on the Western edge of the Smoky Mountains. That means there is a significant change in elevation moving East to West from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park toward Pigeon Forge, Knox County and the rest of the Tennessee Valley. Since an average of 85 inches of rain falls in the high country each year, the elevation and
A locals take on the Best Mini Golf Course in the Smoky Mountains Hillbilly Golf is an “I’ve been to Gatlinburg” checklist item. If you haven’t been there, have you really been to Gatlinburg? Locals may think it plays up our Appalachian heritage in the wrong way. However, Hillbilly Golf is my favorite outing when my out-of-town relatives visit. There may