Visit My Smokies

There is nothing quite like Christmas time in the Smoky Mountains! The streets are lined with gorgeous lights and you can listen to your favorite holiday tunes as you make your way down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. There are also plenty of special holiday events that will keep you busy and entertained. If you have never spent the holidays in the Smoky Mountains, this is the year! Here are 6 reasons to spend Christmas in a Pigeon Forge cabin: 1. Everyone Can Celebrate Together One The post 6 Reasons to Spend Christmas in a Pigeon Forge Cabin appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Have you heard the news!? Dollywood has just been awarded 3 more awards on top of being named America's best theme park back in June of 2022. That is 4 awards this year let alone! This is fantastic news for celebration not only for Dollywood, but the Smoky Mountains in general! Dollywood's future is looking bright! Here are all the details about Dollywood's 3 new Golden Ticket Awards: Best Guest Experience Award The Golden Ticket Awards have been around since 1998 and were established by Amusement Today to The post Dollywood Wins Again: All The Details About Dollywood's 3 New Golden Ticket Awards appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

People have been visiting the Smokies for generations! The area is filled with wonderful restaurants that have a little of something for everyone! Are you wondering what are the best places to grab a bite to eat? It is time for you to eat like a local. Here are 6 can't-miss restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for first-time visitors: 1. The Old Mill Restaurant Nothing says the Smoky Mountains like enjoying a meal at The Old Mill Restaurant in Pigeon Forge. When considering some of the best The post Eat Like A Local: 6 Can't-Miss Restaurants in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for First-Time Visitors appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Mountain Mile is continuing to grow, this time with a fun attraction that will challenge your mind and problem-solving skills. Escapology is a fun interactive escape game where you will try to solve an array of puzzles and mysteries in order to “escape” the room in only one hour. Here is everything you need to know about the newest attraction at the Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge: How the Game Works The premise of Escapology is similar to most other escape rooms in the Smoky Mountains. You The post New Attraction Now Open at the Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you love to go shopping, the Smoky Mountains is the perfect vacation destination for you! Throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you will find shops where you can purchase all sorts of wonderful souvenirs for yourself and your family back home. Undoubtedly, one of the most unique shopping experiences can be found just past stoplight #6 in downtown Gatlinburg! Here is the ultimate guide to The Village in Gatlinburg: Incredible Ambiance and Scenery If you want to experience Gatlinburg shopping at its finest, you don't want to miss The post A Shopper's Paradise: Ultimate Guide to The Village in Gatlinburg appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

You may remember in 2020 when Anakeesta in Gatlinburg completed its largest expansion yet, including the opening of the AnaVista Tower! If you thought that was incredible, wait until you hear about their new expansion, which will be their biggest expansion yet! This $34 million expansion will double the size of the guest experience over the next 3 years. We've gathered all the details we know so far on the Anakeesta expansion. About the Anakeesta Expansion Anakeesta recently announced a first-of-its-kind nighttime experience, Lumina Nights, that will be The post Here We Grow Again: Anakeesta in Gatlinburg Prepares for Biggest Expansion Yet appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

There is a brand new Gatlinburg restaurant that is serving up hearty portions of southern favorites in a beautifully decorated, locally themed setting. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Cumberland Jack's LeConte Kitchen has a unique exterior design and interior decor that will remind you of a rustic mountain lodge. We've got all the details about the newest restaurant in Gatlinburg TN that you will want to visit: Details About the Restaurant When it comes to the food, your family will be treated to a true southern feast The post New Restaurant in Gatlinburg TN: Cumberland Jack's LeConte Kitchen appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Have you ever imagined yourself working on a big job site with the access and knowledge to man construction equipment? Perhaps your young child is obsessed with playing with toy construction equipment? Well, a chance to do all of that in real life is coming to Sevierville! Dig'n Zone Theme Park, a construction theme park that will allow adults and children to drive, ride and operate real construction equipment, is scheduled to open in Sevierville in spring 2023! Here's everything we know about this new attraction in Sevierville, The post New Attraction in Sevierville TN: Dig'n Zone Theme Park appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

You haven't seen the last of Dolly Parton Christmas specials! NBC recently announced a brand new Christmas musical coming this holiday season. “Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas” is a unique musical about the making of a TV special at the world-class theme park, Dollywood. We've gathered all the details we know about the new Dolly Parton Christmas special so far! About ‘Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas' Nothing goes better together than Dolly Parton and the holiday season! This year, our Smoky Mountain hometown hero is bringing us a The post NBC Announces New Dolly Parton Christmas Special Set at Dollywood appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

When you vacation in the Smoky Mountains, you will be treated to amazing views everywhere you go, including at the local attractions and restaurants. As you explore everything that Pigeon Forge has to offer, you will find some delicious places to eat that also offer unique views of the city and the natural scenery! Here are 5 of the best Pigeon Forge restaurants with a view: 1. The Old Mill Restaurant Not only does The Old Mill Restaurant serve some of the best southern food in the Smokies, The post 5 Best Pigeon Forge Restaurants With a View appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Have you already visited all the popular attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and are looking to explore the Smokies in a different way? It's time to travel like a local! If the locals love it, you know it must be good. Spend time on your visit experiencing places that the locals go on a regular basis! To help you plan, we've created a guide to some of the best non-touristy things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge: 1. Explore Hidden Trails in the Park Would you The post Travel Like a Local: Guide to the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

A brand new experience that's the first of its kind is coming to Anakeesta in Gatlinburg! Lumina Enchanted Night Walks will take visitors on a nightime journey to discount the illuminating wonder of the stars and connect to an imaginative world through the magic of projections, lighting, and music. Interested in learning more? We're telling you everything we know so far about Lumina Enchanted Night Walks at Anakeesta in Gatlinburg! Lumina Enchanted Night Walks On May 24, the popular Gatlinburg attraction announced a brand new immersive experience with The post Anakeesta in Gatlinburg Announces New Multimedia Experience appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Smokies are beautiful all year round, but there is something magical about the mountains in the wintertime! Once snow begins to fall and coat the peaks of the Smokies, it looks like something right out of a postcard. This is also a great time of year to enjoy some camping! While it may be cold, you'll never forget the experience! Here is your ultimate guide to winter camping in the Smoky Mountains: Camp Sites Lots of campsites stay open throughout the year so you can enjoy staying The post The Ultimate Guide to Winter Camping in the Smoky Mountains appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Smoky Mountain area is one of the most popular vacation destinations, and for good reason! With so much to see and do in the area, we know it can be overwhelming to plan your first trip here. That's where we come in. We've created a helpful guide for first-time visitors to guarantee you have the best time and want to return year after year. Here are 6 tips for first-time visitors to the Smoky Mountains: 1. Stay in a Smoky Mountain cabin. One of the most important The post 6 Tips for First-Time Visitors to the Smoky Mountains appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you have ever hiked the Laurel Falls Trail before, you may have been met with hundreds of other people wanting to hike the popular trail. It's understandable why so many people want to hike the trail; it's paved, there's an incredible waterfall at the end, and it's an easy hike! Unfortunately, that means there's quite a bit of congestion along the trail and at the waterfall. The National Park Service just announced a pilot program designed to lessen the congestion at Laurel Falls Trail. Learn more about The post National Park Service Implements Shuttle Service to Laurel Falls Trail appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

A new ice cream shop is coming to Pigeon Forge, and it's unlike anything you've ever seen before! The Yard Milkshake Bar creates specialty milkshakes that are over the top, in appearance and flavor! You won't find another place that serves ice cream in Pigeon Forge quite like it! Learn more about The Yard Milkshake […] The post New Ice Cream Shop in Pigeon Forge: The Yard Milkshake Bar appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you're planning on visiting Gatlinburg for the first time or you're a returning visitor, you have to spend some time downtown. With so many shopping and dining options, fun attractions, and more, it can be overwhelming figuring out where to start. Luckily, we have a few recommendations. Here is a day's itinerary of things […] The post A Day's Itinerary of Things to do in Downtown Gatlinburg appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

People love bringing their dogs with them to the Smoky Mountains! There's a dog park for all sizes and breeds in Sevierville, but a new one is coming to Gatlinburg soon! Keep reading to learn all about this new dog park in Gatlinburg: Dog Park in Gatlinburg Gatlinburg was one of the 15 cities in […] The post New Dog Park in Gatlinburg Coming Soon appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area is home to tons of thrilling adventure parks that the whole family will love! With exciting activities like go-karting, ziplining, horseback riding and more, these parks will provide you with hours of fun. Here are 5 of the best adventure park attractions in the Smoky Mountains: 1. Rowdy Bear […] The post 5 of the Best Adventure Park Attractions in the Smoky Mountains appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

A summer trip just isn't as much fun if you don't have a pool to splash around in while you're away! Luckily, there are plenty of Pigeon Forge cabins with an indoor pool, so you won't have to miss out on any of the regular summer fun! If you're not sure about staying in one […] The post 5 Reasons to Book Pigeon Forge Cabins With an Indoor Pool for Your Summer Vacation appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the United States. There's no entrance fee to enter the park, and it's within a day's drive of two-thirds of the country. It's no wonder the park is so popular to visit! If you haven't been to the Smokies, or […] The post The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

While it may be one of the country's leading tourist destinations today, Pigeon Forge has a rich Appalachian history that dates back as early as the 1700's. Next time you head towards the Smoky Mountains, make sure you stop by many of the historic sites in the area and try to imagine what Pigeon Forge […] The post A Smoky Mountains Timeline: The History of Pigeon Forge appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Smokies are known for their toe-tapping musical and side-splitting comedy shows. Many of them have come and gone over the years, and we wanted to take a trip down memory lane to remind you about some of your favorite shows you can't see anymore. Find out more about these 6 shows in Pigeon Forge […] The post 6 Shows in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg You Forgot Existed appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you're planning on spending a day in Dollywood there are certain spots you can't miss. We have a few recommendations on how to spend an awesome day exploring everything Dollywood has to offer. From rides to food and shows, there is something for everyone. Here is the ultimate itinerary for a day at Dollywood […] The post Ultimate Itinerary for a Day at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

There are always new attractions, restaurants and stores opening up in the Smoky Mountains area! From amazing foreign cuisine to Smokies specialty shops and more, there is something for everyone. Make sure you add these places to your to-do list when you're close by! Here are 4 new things to do in Pigeon Forge and […] The post 4 New Things to Do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg the Next Time You're in Town appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge is a historic landmark unlike any other in the area. People come from all over the country to watch the wheel turn on the river and tour the quaint Old Mill Square. Its age, paired with its rich history, make people want to visit every time they're in town. […] The post Discover the Fascinating History of The Old Mill in Pigeon Forge appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Black bears have to find a way to beat the heat too! Recently, a family of black bears in Gatlinburg crashed a pool party. The guests didn't seem to mind, as one caught a video of these playful bears splashing around. Check out the video here: A total of 7 black bears in Gatlinburg decided […] The post Black Bears in Gatlinburg Have a Pool Party appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Great Smoky Mountains draw people in every year with their beauty and abundance of activities. The most popular pastime in the national park is hiking. It doesn't matter if you've never been hiking before or hiking is your hobby, because there is a perfect trail for everyone in the Smokies. Check out these 12 […] The post 12 Hiking Trails in the Smoky Mountains Ranked by Difficulty appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Dolly Parton is known for giving back to her local community, as well as the global community. She has launched several different kinds of charities, but one that is probably the dearest to her heart is the Imagination Library. This was one of the first charities Dolly started, and it has grown exponentially over the […] The post Learn All About Dolly Parton's Imagination Library appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

We already know Gatlinburg is the best mountain town in the whole country, but now the city is getting recognition for it! U.S. News & World Report has named Gatlinburg TN as 2021's Best Mountain Town to Visit in the USA. We have all the details of why Gatlinburg was named the number 1 mountain […] The post Gatlinburg TN Named the Best Mountain Town to Visit in the USA appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Recently, The Island in Pigeon Forge tied for second place in the Top 100 U.S. Attractions for Web, Social Media and Brand Presence! In the 2021 Attractions Digital Customer Experience Report by LaneTerralever, The Island ranked in the top of its class, alongside The Great Wolf Lodge, Legoland in California, the San Diego Zoo and […] The post The Island in Pigeon Forge Has Been Recognized for Top Digital Customer Experience appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you enjoy playing games, then you can't miss the new attraction in Gatlinburg called Activate Games. This attraction features high-tech games you can experience as a team, each one lasting one to three minutes each. Keep reading to learn more about this new attraction in Gatlinburg: Activate Games Activate Games is a gaming experience […] The post Activate Games: A New Attraction in Gatlinburg appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Smoky Mountains have so many different kinds of cuisines in the area. If you can believe it, even more unique eateries are popping up! So many people are opening restaurants in the area, and we know you can’t wait to try them all! One of the newest selections is Chofi’s Munchies, a new restaurant […] The post New Chofi’s Munchies Restaurant in Sevierville TN Coming Soon appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Gatlin’s Fun Center is the perfect place to come play, rain or shine! Come check out all their awesome indoor and outdoor activities and experience a whole day of Smoky Mountain fun! From mini golf, to escape rooms and bumper cars, there is something for everyone! Here are 5 fun things to do at Gatlin’s […] The post 5 Fun Things to Do at Gatlin’s Fun Center in Gatlinburg appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you want to learn more about what life was like for pioneers who lived in the Smokies, you should visit the Noah “Bud” Ogle cabin along the Roaring Fork Motor Trail. This historic building is also known as Ogle Place and consists of a farmhouse, bar, and tub mill. Keep reading to find out […] The post History of Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin on the Roaring Fork Motor Trail appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you’ve been to Pigeon Forge before, you know mini golf is a popular vacation pastime! There are several places to play mini golf in Pigeon Forge, but a new one is coming to town called Toy Box Mini Golf! Find out more about this place to play mini golf in Pigeon Forge: Toy Box […] The post Toy Box Mini Golf: New Place to Play Mini Golf in Pigeon Forge Opening Soon appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

There’s nothing more exciting than when you see a black bear in Gatlinburg! Everyone wants to see at least one black bear on their vacation. Since the weather is warming up, black bears are out and about more frequently this time of year, so they are more likely to show up in the city and […] The post 5 Videos of Black Bears in Gatlinburg You Have to See appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

On May 12, 2021, Dolly Parton and Dollywood were featured on Good Morning America. Robin Roberts came to Dollywood to speak with Dolly and learn more about the theme park and charity work the country singer has done over her life. Keep reading to learn what Dolly Parton talked about on the show: Good Morning […] The post Dolly Parton and Dollywood Featured on Good Morning America appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Are you planning a vacation to the Smokies this summer? You may be wondering about things to do in Gatlinburg TN, and we want to share some of the top activities you can’t miss! From listening to live music to hill tubing, you have plenty of options! Check out these top 6 things to do […] The post Top 6 Things to Do in Gatlinburg TN This Summer appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Want to explore some Smoky Mountain hiking trails? There are over 850 miles for you to choose from! We know many people love to check out the most popular trails, but maybe you want to get out in the woods away from civilization. You can hike in the woods away from other people and just […] The post 5 Smoky Mountain Hiking Trails Off the Beaten Path appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you’ve ever been to Pigeon Forge, you’ve probably visited the Old Mill Square. This popular spot is full of rich history, including the operational grist mill that grinds corn and flour for the Old Mill Restaurant and Pottery House Cafe. If you’ve been to either of these restaurants, you’ve probably also seen the beautiful […] The post Learn the History of Pigeon River Pottery at Old Mill Square appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you’ve been to Pigeon Forge before, you’ve probably visited all the main attractions. You may have walked around The Island, taken a trip to Dollywood, or been to a dinner show. However, there are probably quite a few things to do in Pigeon Forge you haven’t done before! The next time you’re in town, […] The post Top 7 Things to Do in Pigeon Forge You’ve Never Done But Have to Try appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Are you planning a trip to the Smokies for your next family vacation? You’re probably trying to find the perfect place to stay while you’re in town. A great choice is a cabin in Pigeon Forge TN! You’ll love making memories together in a cabin, along with how close you’ll be to all the fun […] The post 5 Reasons to Book a Cabin in Pigeon Forge TN For Your Family Vacation appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge is still expanding! A new Mexican restaurant named Azul Cantina is coming to this entertainment complex soon. It will be located between Nike and the event lawn in the Tower Shops. Keep reading to find out more about Azul Cantina at The Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge: Azul Cantina […] The post Azul Cantina Restaurant is Coming to The Mountain Mile in Pigeon Forge appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

You don’t have to worry about rain ruining your fun when you’re in the Smokies! There are so many great things to do in Pigeon Forge when it rains. You could see a hilarious show, check out an interactive museum, or play games in an arcade! Check out these 6 fun things to do in […] The post 6 Fun Things to Do in Pigeon Forge When It Rains appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Sevierville is quickly becoming the city to visit if you’re a foodie. There are so many great restaurants in Sevierville TN opening, and you’ll want to try all of them! One of the restaurants you can’t miss is Leora’s Kitchen, a local chef’s table concept. Learn more about Leora’s Kitchen below: Leora’s Kitchen This new […] The post Leora’s Kitchen: A New Chef’s Table Restaurant in Sevierville TN appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you’re craving delicious, cooked-to-perfection meats, then Buddy’s Bar-B-Q is the place for you! Serving up East Tennessee’s favorite barbeque since 1966, Buddy’s has perfected their recipes to guarantee an amazing meal every time. Enjoy mouthwatering meats and classic Southern hospitality whenever you choose Buddy’s. You can’t miss this local favorite on your next trip! […] The post 5 Reasons to Stop By Buddy’s Bar-B-Q in Sevierville TN appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

The Smokies aren’t only home to gorgeous mountains, rivers, and valleys, but they’re also home to country music superstar, Dolly Parton! The queen of Appalachia herself grew up in a tiny, 1-bedroom log cabin in Sevierville with her parents and 12 siblings. After leaving her mark on Sevierville forever, Dolly lovers from all over visit […] The post 5 Things To Do in the Smokies if You Love Dolly Parton appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Looking for a fun night out on your next trip to the Smokies? Hit the town and try out some of the awesome bars after a fun day of exploring the area! From bars with outstanding views to bars with amazing live music, Gatlinburg has it all! Here are 4 of the top bars in […] The post Top 4 Bars in Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains You Can’t Miss appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

If you’ve ever been to Gatlinburg, you’ve probably seen the brightly colored chairlift along the Strip. But do you know why there is a chairlift in the mountains? There’s an interesting history behind the SkyLift in Gatlinburg TN, and we want to share it with you! Keep reading to learn more about the history of […] The post Learn About the History of the SkyLift in Gatlinburg TN appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Whenever you’re on vacation, you don’t want to wait over an hour for your table at the end of the night. Making reservations can save your evening, but finding a restaurant that takes reservations isn’t always easy. Not to worry; we’ve got a few recommendations! Here are the top 5 restaurants in Pigeon Forge that […] The post Top 5 Restaurants in Pigeon Forge that Take Reservations appeared first on Visit My Smokies.