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 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
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
I’ve lived in the Smoky Mountains for over 30 years, these are the best, and worst, meals I’ve ever had in Gatlinburg, TN As someone who has been dining in Gatlinburg for more than 30 years, ranking best and worst is somewhat difficult. First, there aren’t THAT many worsts. In honest the floor for Gatlinburg dining to me is OK
I’ve eaten hundreds of meals in Pigeon Forge, these are the best, and the worst, I’ve ever had As someone whose culinary memory in Pigeon Forge goes back to the days of Chef Jock’s and beyond – that’s more than 30 years, I’ve had countless meals in countless Pigeon Forge Restaurants. Most of them were chiefly forgettable but pleasant experiences.
Area restaurant reviewer compares two of Gatlinburg’s most popular fine dining restaurants: The Peddler and The Greenbrier Restaurant Look let’s start by peeling the curtain back a little bit. Friends, on this particular subject my expertise is substantial. I’ve been tasting quality meat up and down East Tennessee for nearly four decades now. Wait, forget it. You know what I
A local reveals his picks for the best wings in Pigeon Forge, TN I’ve dined in Pigeon Forge eateries for nearly 40 years. I certainly know the nature of the beast. Change is the buzzword in the mountains. Except for the rare few, popular restaurants come and go. One day, a restaurant can be in high demand, it’s impossible to
I’ve dined at dozens of eateries in Gatlinburg, these are the best mom-and-pop restaurants in the area Nowadays, the term “mom and pop” is code for a restaurant that isn’t a chain or is owned by a single restauranteur or family instead of a restaurant group. But we’re still attached to the idea of a certain kind of place. Take,
Come for the food, stay for the … singing animatronic chickens? I’ve been around these mountains for a long time. I’ve seen the hooks, the gimmicks, businesses use to entice tourists to spend their dollars with them. Usually, I get it. Our go-karts are faster. We’ve got Pirates. Hey, remember the infamous Kentucky family feud that caught national attention 160