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celebrities in the smokies

Interesting Historic Figures Who Visited the Smokies

These key figures in history crossed paths with the Smoky Mountains The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited places in the world. In fact, the mountains’ natural beauty, tourist friendly towns and interstate friendly location provide the perfect destination for a quick getaway or a longer trip. As such, it makes sense that from time-to-time

Mellow Mushroom The Island Pigeon Forge

The Best Allergy Friendly Places To Eat In the Smokies

Where to eat in the Smokies if you have food allergies I got the call from the school nurse. John Paul – our middle child – had ingested one of the many, many foods to which he is allergic. Luckily for us, JP’s allergies aren’t anaphylactic. They don’t affect his ability to breathe. If he comes in contact with most

The Appalachian, The Peddler and The Greenbrier

Battle Royale: Pitting the Smoky Mountains Best Eateries Against Each Other

The Peddler vs. The Greenbrier vs. The Appalachian: Which Sevier County top end restaurant is the best? This is a contest in which – in the end – everyone walks away a winner. Whether you dine at The Peddler, The Greenbrier, The Appalachian or any of the other handful of fine-dining restaurants in the Smokies, you’re walking away with an

dolly interview carl dean

Dolly Parton Talks Grieving and Moving Forward

Speaking with the AP, Parton reveals her thoughts on faith in wake of husband’s death In early March, Dolly Parton’s husband of nearly 60 years, Carl Dean, died after what was apparently an extended illness. The death triggered an outpouring support for Parton who asked for understanding as she mourned the husband who’d spent their life together firmly outside of

cades cove cabin smoky mountains

Top 5 Can’t Miss Activities in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Beyond

From exploring the park to dining out to shopping, here are the things you can’t miss in the Smokies The Smokies and surrounding regions are massive. You could spend decades exploring the region and still not see everything. I should know. I’ve been here more than 30 years and keep finding new surprises and places I haven’t yet explored. But

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Timeless Beauty of the Smokies

Looking back over the last 90 years in the Smoky Mountains As the managing editor of an Associated Press newspaper – as my day job – I have access to the AP photo archives. They are comprised of tens of thousands of archived photos marking world history going back more than 120 years. It is a treasure trove of dozens

Now You Can See an Interactive Tennessee Fall Foliage Map

View a data-driven map with 7 fall tips from a local They say the beauty of fall in Tennessee is due to the diversity of trees in the forest. Local flora – depending on what part of the state you’re visiting – may include oak trees, hickories, maples, American beech and hobblebush – just to name a few. But where

cabin in the snow in gatlinburg tennessee

Does It Snow in Gatlinburg? 6 Snow Tips From a Tennessee Native

These are the most likely months you’ll see snow in the Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town in East Tennessee that is especially popular to visit during the holiday season. But winter weather events can complicate plans for tourists and locals alike. So, even though you won’t be likely to see much snow when you visit the Smokies,

dolly parton statue in sevier county, tennessee

Dolly Parton Reacts to Statue in Her Image in the Smoky Mountains

“That’s the only time you’ll ever catch me out of my high heels,” says Parton It can be risky to commission a monument. One day it’s a great idea, but sometimes, years later, all you have is a controversial landmark. But there are also times when creating a statue to honor a native son or daughter is a no-brainer. Such is

Ogle's Waterpark in TN

These Photos of Ogle’s Waterpark Will Take You Down Memory Lane

Local recalls everything that made Ogle’s so special in Pigeon Forge Ogle’s Waterpark in Pigeon Forge was once the largest waterpark in the area with six giant water slides, a wave pool, a kid’s play area and snack stations throughout the park. For three decades, it served as a beacon summoning tourists and locals to frolic in the East Tennessee