Gatlinburg, a lovely town.
Author: Ethan Taylor
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Review: Bearskin Lodge on the River – Worth the Stay?
🛎️ First Impressions: Rustic Charm Meets Prime Location There’s something about Bearskin Lodge on the River that makes a strong first impression the moment you lay eyes on it. Tucked into the quieter end of Gatlinburg’s Parkway, this lodge manages to balance mountain-lodge charm with unbeatable proximity to the action. It’s a place that looks…
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How to Get Around Gatlinburg Without a Car: The Local’s Guide to Easy Exploring
Who Says You Need a Car? Gatlinburg has a way of slowing you down — in all the right ways. The scent of warm fudge drifting from open shop doors, the sound of a distant dulcimer echoing through the hills, and that first glimpse of the Smokies rising behind the town… it’s a place that…
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Cades Cove vs. Roaring Fork: Which Scenic Loop Should You Drive?
Two Iconic Drives, One Big Question If you’re heading to the Smokies and trying to decide between Cades Cove or Roaring Fork, let me tell you—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions I hear from first-timers and return visitors alike. And the truth is, it’s not about which loop is better. It’s…
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Most Scenic Waterfalls Near Gatlinburg (And How to Reach Them)
Chasing Waterfalls in the Smokies There’s something unmistakably grounding about the sound of falling water echoing through a mountain hollow. If you’ve ever stood before a waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountains, you know exactly what I mean. The rush, the mist, the hushed awe from other hikers—it’s all part of the experience. But here’s…
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Smoky Mountain National Park for First-Timers: What to Know Before You Go
Welcome to America’s Most Visited National Park There’s something about your first time in Great Smoky Mountain National Park that sticks with you—kind of like that first campfire under a sky full of stars or the sound of wind rushing through untouched forest. Whether you’re headed out for a day hike or planning a weekend…
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Wilderness at the Smokies vs. Westgate: Which Resort Reigns Supreme?
The Battle of the Smokies Resorts There’s no shortage of places to stay in the Smokies, but when it comes to making your trip unforgettable—not just comfortable—your resort choice matters more than you might think. Pick the wrong place, and suddenly your dream vacation turns into a logistical mess: long lines, loud neighbors, meals that…
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Where to Go Stargazing in the Smokies: 3 Top Dark Sky Spots for an Unforgettable Night Under the Stars
Why Stargazing in the Smokies Is a Must-Do Experience There’s a kind of silence in the Smokies that only shows up after the sun dips below the ridge. It’s not empty or eerie—it’s ancient. That hush rolls in with the mist, stretching across the valleys and clinging to the fir trees, as if the mountains…
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Smoky Mountains Packing List: What You Really Need (and What to Leave Behind)
The Packing Problem in the Smokies I’ve seen it more times than I can count—folks stepping onto Smoky Mountain trails with backpacks that could double as furniture movers. Overpacked and overwhelmed, they’re carrying every “just in case” item under the sun while missing the things that truly matter. And it’s not their fault. Between online…
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Is Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg Worth the Hype? A Local’s Honest Take
Can a Resort Built on Island Vibes Deliver in the Smokies? You don’t expect to hear steel drums and see surfboard decor when you roll into a mountain town like Gatlinburg—but that’s exactly the twist Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg brings to the mix. Sitting right at the foot of the Smokies, just a stone’s throw from…
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Smoky Mountain Wildlife: The Safest Way to Spot Bears and Elk
When the Forest Comes Alive There’s a hush in the Smoky Mountains that you only notice when you’re truly listening. It’s not silence—it’s the soft rustle of leaves, the distant bugle of an elk, or the almost imperceptible snap of a twig that says you’re not alone in the woods. I’ve spent most of my…