Advice from Smokies Experts

Maximize every single second of your visit to the Smoky Mountains with advice from area experts. As local folks who live here, they are your eyes and ears on the ground. They have an intimate knowledge and understanding of the Smokies and are here to make sure you are in the know. From the best restaurants and hotels to hikes with the most majestic views to prime trout fishing spots and everything in between, you’ll find all the information you need to have the best Smoky Mountains vacation ever.

Episode 59: Lyric Mountain and Woodsong Songwriting Retreats

Episode 59: Lyric Mountain and Woodsong Songwriting Retreats

About this Episode: Joseph is joined by our special guest Louisa Branscomb, a Grammy-award-winning songwriter, musician, bandleader, teacher, psychologist, author, and a pioneer trailblazer in the bluegrass music and clinical psychology fields. She has spent the past 33 years combining her talents and passions to lead songwriting events at her artist's retreat—first at Woodsong Farm,

Joseph Franklyn McElroyMay 17th, 2022|

Go Wildcrafting in the Smoky Mountains and Enjoy an All-Natural Snack in the Woods

Go Wildcrafting in the Smoky Mountains and Enjoy an All-Natural Snack in the Woods

Learning the leafy landscape of the Smoky Mountains is a fun activity for the entire family. Embark on a hike to see the vibrant colors of wildflowers, cool off in a hidden waterfall, or explore the ancient forests of Appalachia and you’ll discover nature’s edible bounty hiding in plain sight! Delicious and nutritious food is

Jackie TuckerMay 13th, 2022|

Top 10 Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains This Memorial Day Weekend

Top 10 Things To Do in the Smoky Mountains This Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is the official kickoff for summer with the promise of long weekends, lazy afternoons, and the freedom of the open road. Take advantage of the beautiful weather, the shimmering sunlight, and the fresh mountain air and get ready for an amazing weekend getaway in the Smoky Mountains this year! Celebrate Memorial Day in

Jackie TuckerMay 7th, 2022|

Episode 57: Forging a Blacksmithing Career in the Smoky Mountains

Episode 57: Forging a Blacksmithing Career in the Smoky Mountains

About this Episode: In this episode, you will learn about the art of blacksmithing and metalworking in the Smoky Mountains. We are joined by our special guest Matthew Shirey, an Award-winning Blacksmith and Metalworking Artist who has resided in Sylva, N.C. for over 15 years. A native of Pennsylvania, Matthew has been a full-time craftsman

Joseph Franklyn McElroyMay 3rd, 2022|

Plan a Weekend to Remember This Mother’s Day in the Smoky Mountains

Plan a Weekend to Remember This Mother’s Day in the Smoky Mountains

Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to take your mom on a special getaway that will let her know how much you appreciate her. And celebrating in one of the charming towns around the Smoky Mountains is a great way to connect to nature and each other. Whether it’s a long-awaited girls’ trip, a

Jackie TuckerApril 29th, 2022|

5 Reasons to Host Your Corporate Retreat in the Smoky Mountains

5 Reasons to Host Your Corporate Retreat in the Smoky Mountains

Why meet up in another generic hotel when you can have a corporate retreat in the spectacular Smoky Mountains? Get out of the office, enjoy nature, and reconnect as a team to the backdrop of some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. Whether you need a small meeting space or a larger

Adeel AtherApril 23rd, 2022|

The Meadowlark Smoky Mountain Heritage Center Announces Upcoming Events for 2022

The Meadowlark Smoky Mountain Heritage Center Announces Upcoming Events for 2022

Celebrate the traditions of the Smokies with an exciting lineup of unique events at the Meadowlark Smoky Mountain Heritage Center in Maggie Valley, North Carolina! The Smoky Mountains are steeped in a powerful legacy of history, music, and Appalachian folkways, and the Meadowlark Smoky Mountain Heritage Center (MSMHC) is committed to honor and preserve that

Jackie TuckerApril 14th, 2022|

Get Ready for a Soaring Adventure at These 7 Top Spots for Ziplining in the Smoky Mountains

Get Ready for a Soaring Adventure at These 7 Top Spots for Ziplining in the Smoky Mountains

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of flying through the treetops at top speeds with the wind in your face and the world at your feet. These amazing zipline adventures offer stunning vantage points, a unique perspective of the world, and fun for the entire family. Whether you’re a daring thrill seeker or a novice

Jackie TuckerMarch 23rd, 2022|

Top Motorcycle and Car Shows In the Smoky Mountains You Don’t Want to Miss

Top Motorcycle and Car Shows In the Smoky Mountains You Don’t Want to Miss

Car season is upon us here in the Smokies, and the thundering sounds of engines are already beginning to echo throughout the mountains. Gearheads and car enthusiasts from all over the country flock to the area to take part in some of the most exciting shows around. Keep reading to get the scoop on

Jackie TuckerMarch 18th, 2022|

Get Ready for the Ultimate Family Friendly Spring Break in the Smoky Mountains

Get Ready for the Ultimate Family Friendly Spring Break in the Smoky Mountains

It’s been a long winter, but spring is right around the corner. And there’s no better place than the Great Smoky Mountains to bring in a new season. With a dusting of snow still on the mountaintops and wildflowers beginning to bloom in the valleys, you can move seamlessly from winter to spring. The

Jackie TuckerMarch 9th, 2022|