Where can you go in the Smokies for a family meal without being exposed to alcohol consumption? There have been a lot of changes over the course of my decades in the Smoky Mountains, probably the biggest change has been the availability of alcohol. We are talking by either the drink or the bottle in distilleries and package stores around
What scientists are predicting for this year’s fall colors Science! Forgetting reading tea leaves. Leave the horoscopes at home. Got a Ouija Board? Toss it out the window! Or maybe store it carefully, respectfully in the closet so as not to anger any spirits who’ve attached themselves to cheap, mass-produced board games. Honestly, if you’re in the spirit realm and
The World’s greatest convenience store chain is expanding in states across the South and beyond. Are the mountains of North Carolina on the radar? When I think of things that have taken the South by storm, the list probably starts with General Sherman. Certainly, a close second is Kudzu – the impossible to eradicate vine that devours landscapes like something
Picking which shopping mall is best for your Smoky Mountain shopping spree I remember when Red Roof was king. When It came to outlet shopping in the mountains, it started and ended with the Red Roof Outlet Mall. A wide variety of outlet shops, food and more spread over multiple levels in the heart of Pigeon Forge, it was glorious.
How to plan the perfect day at Dollywood? Let’s start with three seemingly contradictory thoughts. First, perfection is our goal. Perfection is not attainable. However, any day at Dollywood is perfect. When we first conceive of a theme park vacation – or a theme park day as part of our vacation – we must first recognize that there will be
Ranking the regional “chain” restaurants in the Smokies For years, I didn’t realize that lightning bugs were a regional thing. We grew up chasing them, catching them, keeping them in jars and releasing them at the end of the evening. I thought it was a fairly universal experience. I mean, I didn’t expect Alaskans got a lot of lightning bugs
This Iconic East Tennessee gas station and convenience store has a reputation for clean facilities, great milk and lighting people up on social media With a history that goes back almost as far as East Tennessee, Weigel’s (pronounced ‘Why-gulls’) is a thriving regional institution. Locations in Tennessee range from Bristol to Chattanooga and as far west as Crossville. The Weigel’s
Sevier County finds itself on the front line of the battle between two growing gas station chains Buc-ee’s arrived in Sevier County, at I-40’s Exit 407, one of the busiest in the country, with trumpets blazing, massive fanfare and a welcoming fit for king. Casey’s arrived in a different fashion. The Iowa based chain bought 38 Pilot stores in East
From the Vols to the Titans and beyond the best way to watch sports during your mountain vacation We were on the road, vacationing in Orlando. Our beloved Tennessee Vols were hosting Ole Miss, marking the return of prodigal son Lane Kiffin. He was the coach who stayed in Knoxville for a season and exited for greener pastures. His departure
Top five tips for getting the most bang for your buck in the Smokies Vacations are expensive. We’re not breaking new ground here by saying it. Just about any getaway to a popular vacation destination is going to put a sizeable hole in your wallet. What can you do about it? Some people will tell you go in the off-season;