Category: Whats New

  • The Donut Friar Gatlinburg Review 2025: Is This Iconic Spot Still the Best Donuts in the Smokies?

    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…

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  • Smoky Mountains Autumn Leaves: Why They Change and the Best Spots to See Them

    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.…

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  • Elk in the Smokies: Where to Spot Them and What to Know

    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…

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  • The Hummingbirds of the Smokies: Where and When to Spot Them

    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…

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  • Halloween in Gatlinburg: Spooky Events, Ghost Tours & Family Fun

    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…

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  • Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg: Your Tropical Escape in the Smoky Mountains

    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…

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  • Smoky Mountain Salamanders: The Coolest Critters You Didn’t Know Existed

    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…

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  • What’s Happening in Gatlinburg Fall Events You Can’t Miss in 2025

    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…

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  • Hidden Scenic Drives Gatlinburg You Haven’t Tried Yet

    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,…

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  • A Beginner’s Guide Tree Identification Great Smoky Mountains

    As a seasoned journalist immersed in the timeless allure of the Smoky Mountains, I’ve traversed countless fog-kissed paths in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where the ancient woodlands hold echoes of America’s rugged past. With roots deep in Gatlinburg’s heritage and a keen eye for the stories etched in bark and branch, I’m eager to…

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