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.

10 Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice in the Smoky Mountains

10 Ways to Celebrate the Winter Solstice in the Smoky Mountains

Winter is upon us. December 21, 2021 is the winter solstice, the day of the year with the shortest amount of daylight. On this day, the earth has its maximum tilt away from the sun in the Northern hemisphere. In the United States, today is also considered the first official day of winter! In many

Jackie TuckerDecember 7th, 2021|

There’s Nothing Like Winter in the Smoky Mountains (And We’ve Got the Pics to Prove It!)

There’s Nothing Like Winter in the Smoky Mountains (And We’ve Got the Pics to Prove It!)

Winter in the Smoky Mountains is truly something to behold. The iconic smoke that gives the range its name is imbued with a new layer of mystery as a blanket of snow covers the peaks. The mountains are transformed into a magical winter wonderland with plenty of cold-weather activities and things to do both indoors

Jackie TuckerDecember 3rd, 2021|

Top 6 Fun and Festive Places for Christmas Shopping in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Top 6 Fun and Festive Places for Christmas Shopping in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Twinkle lights, holiday music, warm scarves and mittens, snow on the mountains…these are a few of our favorite things about strolling down the streets of Gatlinburg as we squeeze in a little Christmas shopping on our Smoky Mountain winter vacation.There are so many delightful shops where you can find unique gifts for that special person

Jackie TuckerNovember 25th, 2021|

10 Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains That Will Take Your Breath Away

10 Scenic Drives in the Smoky Mountains That Will Take Your Breath Away

Now is the perfect time of year to hit the open road and take in some awe-inspiring mountain views. Hop into your car, roll down the windows and feel the wind in your hair as you cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in the US. With over 270 miles of road to

Jackie TuckerNovember 4th, 2021|

Discover One of the Best Kept Secrets in the Smoky Mountains – Cataloochee Valley!

Discover One of the Best Kept Secrets in the Smoky Mountains – Cataloochee Valley!

Nestled in a picturesque valley and surrounded by some of the most rugged mountains in the entire southeastern United States, Cataloochee Valley is a true hidden gem. It is steeped in rich history, from its use as a Cherokee hunting ground to becoming an 1800s homestead to the majestic wild elk herd that roams the

Jackie TuckerOctober 29th, 2021|

Rekindle Your Love for the Outdoors and Each Other with a Romantic Fall Getaway in the Smoky Mountains

Rekindle Your Love for the Outdoors and Each Other with a Romantic Fall Getaway in the Smoky Mountains

Love is in the air in the Great Smoky Mountains. Breathtaking vistas, sprawling valleys, cascading waterfalls, colorful foliage, and awe-inspiring sunsets create a spectacular backdrop for you to connect with each other and with nature. Steal a kiss and exchange adoring glances surrounded by exquisite natural beauty as you explore one of the most scenic

Jackie TuckerOctober 20th, 2021|

Enjoy Crisp Mountain Air and Autumn Colors on the Best Fall Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

Enjoy Crisp Mountain Air and Autumn Colors on the Best Fall Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

Hiking in the Smoky Mountains is a fun outdoor adventure any time of the year. But something really special happens in autumn. A refreshing chill rolls into the mountains, bright colors begin to emerge as the leaves start to change, and the Smokies are transformed into a vibrant fall playground. It’s the perfect time

Jackie TuckerOctober 13th, 2021|

Top 10 Spots to See the Eye-Popping Colors of Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains

Top 10 Spots to See the Eye-Popping Colors of Fall Foliage in the Smoky Mountains

Change is coming. You can feel it as subtle drops in the temperature bring a crispness to the air. A new season is upon us, and the Smoky Mountains are feeling it too. This time of year, Mother Nature transforms these ancient mountains, and they explode with fantastic fall colors. Deep greens turn to a

Jackie TuckerOctober 6th, 2021|

Taste Nature's Bounty with these Delicious Edible Plants in the Smoky Mountains

Taste Nature’s Bounty with these Delicious Edible Plants in the Smoky Mountains

Take a hike through the forest, cool off in a waterfall, or explore the majestic birds of the Great Smoky Mountains and you’ll discover delicious food hiding in plain sight! Nature’s edible bounty is right at your fingertips…if you know what you’re looking for. You’d be amazed at the nutrition that is ripe for foraging

Jackie TuckerSeptember 29th, 2021|

Immerse Yourself in the Sweeping History of the Cherokee Nation on Your Next Visit to the Smoky Mountains

Immerse Yourself in the Sweeping History of the Cherokee Nation on Your Next Visit to the Smoky Mountains

You can’t talk about the Smoky Mountains without including its most ancient residents. Tracing their ancestral homelands all the way back to 11,000 BC, the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians Nation has inhabited these mountains with pride, inventiveness, and resiliency for centuries. Home to around 9,000 members of the Cherokee Nation, the Qualla Boundary

Jackie TuckerSeptember 23rd, 2021|