Smokies Archives - Page 2 of 2

Smoky Mountains News & Info
Stay informed with all the latest news from the Smoky Mountains right here. The Smokies stretch across Tennessee and North Carolina, and we’ve got news from every region to keep you up to date. Learn about the events and activities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, discover what local environmentalists are doing to protect our area’s incredible natural resources, and get the most recent travel and tourism stories.

Infuse a Little Magic into Your Summer with Fireflies in the Smoky Mountains

Infuse a Little Magic into Your Summer with Fireflies in the Smoky Mountains

The glinting glow of fireflies on a warm summer night stirs our imaginations and the curiosity of childlike wonder. Watching their lights flicker intermittently in the darkness is an enchanting delight, but have you ever seen them light up in unison? Firefly season is upon us, and with it comes the opportunity to witness

Jackie TuckerJune 9th, 2021|

Don’t Miss These Exciting 4th of July Celebrations in the Smoky Mountains

Don’t Miss These Exciting 4th of July Celebrations in the Smoky Mountains

With more people getting vaccinated and the country starting to open up again, 4th of July celebrations are coming back with a bang in 2021! Discover one-of-a-kind things to do, and expect all your favorite patriotic festivities to return decked out in red, white and blue. Catch a parade, listen to live music, feast

Jackie TuckerJune 4th, 2021|

How Scots-Irish Music Influenced the Sounds of the Smokies

How Scots-Irish Music Influenced the Sounds of the Smokies

Listen to the new podcast, Gateway to the Smokies, hosted by Joseph McElroy, who grew up in the North Carolina Smoky Mountains and owns the Meadowlark Motel in Maggie Valley! In this episode, Joseph interviews former Simple Minds band member - and Meadowlark Motel artist in residence - Mike Ogletree. Mike talks about finding

Jackie TuckerApril 2nd, 2021|

Find a Little Magic With These Fairy Tale Destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains

Find a Little Magic With These Fairy Tale Destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains

Enchanted forests draped in thick green moss, waterfalls hidden in a foggy mist, a majestic castle built for American royalty, and a bewitching secret fairy hideaway. The Great Smoky Mountains are filled with scenes straight out of a fairy tale. Or maybe the fairy tales were inspired by the ancient and mystical Smokies themselves. The

Jackie TuckerMarch 31st, 2021|

Appalachian Smoky Mountains Wedding Traditions

Appalachian Smoky Mountains Wedding Traditions

Long before the Great Smoky Mountains became a national park and popular tourist destination, the southern Appalachian people settled here and brought with them a rich and distinctive heritage whose influence is still felt today. Take a quick glance around, and you’ll find evidence of their homesteads in restored and renovated log cabins, barns,

Jackie TuckerJanuary 23rd, 2021|

Air Quality Improves in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park During Covid-19

Air Quality Improves in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park During Covid-19

The iconic fog that hangs over the ancient peaks of the Smokies is what gives the range its name. The Cherokee called the mountains “Shaconage,” which translates to the place of the blue smoke, and people come from all around the world to see it. But more than being part of the attraction for recreational

Jackie TuckerJanuary 21st, 2021|

Have a Smoky Mountains Winter Adventure with these Cold Weather Activities

Have a Smoky Mountains Winter Adventure with these Cold Weather Activities

Need a remedy for those post-holiday blues? Head to the Great Smoky Mountains for an inspiring winter vacation. With fewer visitors and a lot less traffic, you’ll have easy access to gorgeous mountain views and exciting winter activities. Ditch the binge-watching and step outside to breathe in the crisp mountain air. From ski slopes to

Jackie TuckerJanuary 21st, 2021|

Escape to a Winter Playground at the Best Ski Resorts in the Smoky Mountains

Escape to a Winter Playground at the Best Ski Resorts in the Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains may be in the South, but these majestic peaks get plenty of cold weather and snow. A ski adventure here makes for an invigorating and awe-inspiring experience with breathtaking views to admire as you carve a path through the powder. Ski resorts in the Smoky Mountains offer thrilling winter activities for

Jackie TuckerJanuary 10th, 2021|

Smoky Mountain Polar Express and Other Festive Trolley and Train Rides to Celebrate the Holidays

Smoky Mountain Polar Express and Other Festive Trolley and Train Rides to Celebrate the Holidays

in the darkness, you begin to understand why this is called the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday season shimmers with Christmas magic, and one of the most unique ways to experience it is to take a holiday themed train ride. Climb aboard these festive trains and trolleys for a one-of-a-kind Smoky

Jackie TuckerJanuary 6th, 2021|

Smoky Mountains Winter Calendar of Events

Smoky Mountains Winter Calendar of Events

Winter is a magical time in the Great Smoky Mountains. There’s a glittering display of celebration and festive fun for the holiday season that lasts from November all the way through January. Then after Christmas is over, you can keep the post-holiday blues at bay with fun winter activities like arts & crafts festivals, skiing,

Joseph Franklyn McElroyDecember 15th, 2020|