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
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,
“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
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
Remembering attractions that no longer exist in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Maggie Valley The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, with an estimated 12.5 million visitors annually. So it’s no surprise that entrepreneurs come to the area with high hopes of building the next big attraction to entice visitors on their way
Local declares winner between two best BBQ spots in the Smokies As a travel blog writer, there are times when I find myself facing an impossible task. I’m often asked to choose the best in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. The best what? Best restaurant or best attraction? The best go kart track, pancake house or mountain coaster? And so, I
The short-lived State of Franklin and how it reshaped Tennessee In the early days following the American Revolution, a handful of counties that had belonged to North Carolina petitioned the U.S. Government to become the 14th state, eventually seceding from the United States. The State of Franklin is an odd and strangely impactful episode of North Carolina, Tennessee and U.S.
Officials are seeking input on a new phase of the major Foothills Parkway project. Are changes coming to the spur connecting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg? Yes, probably. Eventually. Growing up on the quiet side of the Smokies, the Foothill Parkway was little more than a rumor for most of my life. There was an on-ramp over by Wears Valley. However,
The Smoky Mountains are a popular destination for celebrities, these are some of the locations where they’ve been sighted I’ve lived in the area for more than 30 years. So I’m not surprised at this point when I hear about a celebrity visiting the Smokies. Over the years massive stars like Channing Tatum, Jason Momoa, Katie Perry and Nicole Kidman
The Civil War divided many residents of Cades Cove. It also cost the Gregory family their patriarch. When you grow up around Cades Cove, you learn the names almost by accident. You hear about places like Gregory’s Bald and Gregory’s Cave before you learn the history of the people who lived there. But then as you visit the Cove and