Howdy, folks! Grinning Gary here, your trusty Gatlinburg guide from traveltogatlinburg.com, grinnin’ ear to ear as I serve up my fresh 2025 review of The Donut Friar—that beloved sweet haven nestled right in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg. With over two decades roamin’ these Smoky Mountain streets and tastin’ my way through every bakery from…
Hey there, leaf lovers! With a lifetime of chasing autumn’s golden glow across America’s treasures, I’ve got a special place in my heart for the Smoky Mountains. Nestled around Gatlinburg, Tennessee, this misty wonderland explodes into a riot of reds, oranges, and yellows each fall, drawing me back year after year like an old friend.…
As a seasoned traveler who’s marveled at wildlife spectacles from the African savannas to the Scottish Highlands, I’ve found the reintroduced elk herds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to be one of America’s most rewarding natural encounters—blending raw Appalachian beauty with a success story of conservation. These majestic creatures, once vanished from the…
Deep in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, where fog weaves through ancient peaks, the rapid whir of hummingbird wings adds a fleeting melody to the wild. As a journalist rooted in Gatlinburg’s rich heritage, I’ve wandered countless trails in this 522,000-acre national park, captivated by the jewel-like brilliance of its hummingbirds. The Ruby-throated…
As a seasoned traveler who’s wandered through fog-shrouded castles in Scotland and festive All Hallows’ Eve markets in Salzburg, I’ve come to appreciate how destinations like Gatlinburg infuse Halloween with a uniquely American twist—blending Appalachian folklore, mountain mists, and family-friendly thrills. Nestled at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg transforms each…
As a seasoned traveler who’s savored the laid-back vibes of island paradises from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean, I’ve found a surprising slice of that “no worries” spirit right in the heart of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg. This isn’t your typical mountain lodge—it’s a breezy, Jimmy Buffett-inspired oasis on its own private…
As a seasoned journalist with deep roots in the Smoky Mountains, I’ve wandered countless mist-shrouded trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where the land hums with stories of resilience and wonder. My passion for American history and Gatlinburg’s natural heritage drives me to uncover the hidden narratives woven into this ancient landscape. Among its…
Howdy, folks! Grinning Gary here, your seasoned Gatlinburg guide from traveltogatlinburg.com, smilin’ wider than a harvest moon as I share the scoop on what’s brewin’ in Gatlinburg this fall 2025. With over 20 years explorin’ these Smoky Mountain trails and rubbin’ elbows at local festivities, I’ve witnessed firsthand how autumn transforms our town into a…
Hey there, fellow explorers! With countless miles of winding roads under my wheels and a heart full of Smoky Mountain magic, I’ve uncovered some of Gatlinburg’s best-kept secrets on four wheels. Tucked at the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this Tennessee gem is my go-to for soul-stirring drives that blend misty vistas,…