Massive expansion to Country Cascades will offer slides, spa and activity pool A brand new indoor waterpark experience is coming to Pigeon Forge in early 2025. And it could have a massive impact on travelers – especially in the off-season. It is set to have a pirate theme and offer something for younger kids and adults alike that could give the
Dolly Parton shares childhood story that is now part of her Dollywood resort As a mom of five, I understand the struggle to get dinner on the table for a hoard of hungry children. But my little brood is tiny compared to the family Dolly Parton grew up in. Dolly’s parents had a total of twelve children (six boys and
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
Local lists most interesting links to Pigeon Forge history and some can still be found around town Coming to Pigeon Forge for a long weekend or a full vacation doesn’t require a lot of planning. You can spend a day in the National Park, a day at Dollywood, a day exploring Gatlinburg and a day shopping the outlets around The
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
Local lists the best hidden secrets that are part of Gatlinburg’s rich history One of the most pleasing – and occasionally frustrating – things about life in a tourist town is the nature of change. Things can come and go quickly. Certainly, some institutions become iconic and stand the test of time (hello Pancake Pantry). That said, there seems to
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
This Smoky Mountain resort offers everything from fishing to disc golf to swimming There’s a chemistry to building just the right Smoky Mountain vacation and the biggest piece of the formula is where you’re going to stay. Choosing the right home base for the weekend or the week or the fortnight is key. Ideally, you want a spot that offers the
From coasters to heights, the Smoky Mountains can provide plenty of thrills Fear is in the eye of the beholder. There are attractions in the Smoky Mountains that aim to be scary – and to varying degrees – succeed. But then other places force us to confront our fears. As someone with a lifelong fear of heights, I understand that
Local lists bans across the National Park and beyond that you should know There’s a feeling that you get when you are deep in the Smoky Mountains, far from civilization and cell phone service. It’s a freedom, a connection to life before we were quite so linked to an interconnected society. But that freedom isn’t unlimited. There are rules to