Gatlinburg, a lovely town.
Author: Grinning Gary McLaughlin
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Best Summer Events & Gatlinburg Summer Festivals: Don’t Miss the Hometown Fun Locals Live For!
Why Summer in Gatlinburg Is More Than Just Mountains Howdy, folks! Grinning Gary here—and lemme tell ya, if you think Gatlinburg is just about the great outdoors, you’re missin’ out on half the magic. Sure, we’ve got hiking trails that’ll make your boots weep with joy and mountain views that could stop your heart in…
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Top Smoky Mountain Picnic Spots with the Best Views
Why the Smokies Are Perfect for a Scenic Picnic There’s somethin’ mighty magical about unpackin’ a meal in the middle of the mountains, let me tell ya. Whether it’s homemade fried chicken, a basket full of Tennessee biscuits, or just a couple of peanut butter sammies and a thermos of sweet tea — food just…
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Gatlinburg’s Best Ice Cream Shops for a Summer Cool-Down
When Smoky Mountain Heat Hits, Here’s Where Locals Head for a Scoop If there’s one thing that Gatlinburg does just as well as scenic views and outdoor adventures… it’s ice cream. And let me tell ya, after spending a summer (or ten) here in the Smokies, I’ve learned a thing or two about where to…
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Why Early Morning Hiking In The Smokies is the Best Time to Hike the Smokies
Beat the Heat, the Crowds, and the Bears (Well… Sorta) If there’s one thing this ol’ Gatlinburg local has learned after decades of tromping through the Smoky Mountain trails, it’s this: early morning hiking in the Smokies isn’t just a good idea—it’s the best idea. I’m talkin’ cooler air, quieter paths, and views that’ll make…
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Taste Testing the Best Fudge Shops in Gatlinburg
The Sweetest Stroll Down the Parkway Alright folks, gather ’round and loosen your belts a notch—because we’re about to embark on a sugar-laced stroll through some of the best fudge shops in Gatlinburg. If you’ve ever wandered down the Parkway and caught that irresistible scent of warm chocolate drifting on the mountain breeze, you already…
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Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar Gatlinburg Review: Overhyped or Over-the-Top Fun?
Welcome to the Wild Side of Sweet Now I’ve seen some wild things in Gatlinburg—from bears roaming downtown like they’re lookin’ for brunch, to folks wearin’ flip-flops on a snowy trail—but nothing quite prepared me for the over-the-top spectacle that is The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar. You know that moment when your dessert arrives and…
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3 Hidden Gem Eateries In Gatlinburg You’ll Walk Right Past (But Shouldn’t)
The Best Meals You’re Missing by a Mile Let me tell you somethin’, friend—when folks think of eatin’ in Gatlinburg, they picture big flashy signs, wait times longer than a bear’s nap, and menus shoutin’ “world-famous” this or “authentic mountain” that. But lemme let you in on a little secret: the best bites in town…
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Hillbilly Golf Gatlinburg: Is This Quirky Attraction Still a Hit or Just a Tourist Gimmick?
Where Moonshine Meets Mini Golf Now let me spin you a yarn—Gatlinburg’s got no shortage of mini golf spots, but none of ’em roll quite like Hillbilly Golf Gatlinburg. Tucked right against the Smoky Mountain hillside and lookin’ like your granddad’s backyard met a moonshine festival, this place has been servin’ up Appalachian-flavored fun since…
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Is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Really Worth the Price? A Down-Home Dive Into Gatlinburg’s Underwater Wonder
Where Adventure Meets Aquarium Let me tell y’all somethin’—I’ve swam with catfish in mountain streams, been eyeballed by black bears on hiking trails, and once tried to hand-feed a squirrel a MoonPie (don’t ask). But nothin’ quite prepared me for the surreal, jaw-droppin’, jellyfish-glowin’ magic of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Nestled right in the…
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Howard’s Steakhouse Review: Does This Gatlinburg Staple Still Sizzle?
Introduction – The Sizzle and the Smokies If you’ve spent any time strollin’ through downtown Gatlinburg with a growlin’ stomach and a nose for somethin’ hearty, chances are you’ve wandered past the woodsy porch and smoky aroma of Howard’s Steakhouse Gatlinburg. Tucked right along the Little Pigeon River with its rustic cabin charm and neon…