Gatlinburg, a lovely town.
Category: Whats New
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The Village Shops in Gatlinburg: A European Escape in the Smokies?
A Stroll Through the Unexpected There are certain places that catch you by surprise—not because they try too hard, but because they simply are what they are: charming, inviting, and quietly unforgettable. The Village Shops in Gatlinburg is one of those places. Tucked just off the bustling Parkway in the heart of downtown, this tucked-away…
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The Best Smoky Mountains Hikes for Beginners with Big Payoffs
Easy Trails, Epic Views I still remember the first hike I ever took in the Smoky Mountains. It wasn’t a grueling summit push or a day-long adventure—it was a simple, steady walk through soft leaf litter, past whispering creeks, with sunlight dappling the path ahead. I wasn’t chasing altitude or bragging rights. I just wanted…
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Ole Red Gatlinburg: Is Blake Shelton’s Spot Just for Country Fans? A Local’s Take
Boots, Burgers, and Blake Shelton? Well hey there, friend—pull up a stool and lend me your ears (and maybe your appetite). If you’ve been wanderin’ the Parkway and caught a whiff of smokin’ brisket mixed with a steel guitar solo echoin’ down the block, odds are you’ve stumbled past the doors of Ole Red Gatlinburg—Blake…
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Spring in the Smokies: The Ultimate Wildflower Hike Guide
When the Mountains Bloom There’s something about spring in the Smokies that feels like a well-kept secret whispered through the trees. As someone who grew up in the Appalachian foothills, I’ve come to believe that there’s no better time to lace up your boots and hit the trails than when winter finally releases its hold,…
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Top 3 Gatlinburg Souvenir Shops That Aren’t Tourist Traps
Ditch the Shot Glass, Keep the Memory Now look, I ain’t one to judge—but if you’ve ever found yourself leavin’ a gift shop with a plastic bear that lights up and plays “Rocky Top” every time it sneezes, you might’ve been hoodwinked by one of them tourist traps. Don’t worry—it happens to the best of…
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Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg: A Local’s Honest Picks
Hungry Bellies and Happy Memories in the Smokies Alright y’all, let’s be honest—travelin’ with the whole family is kinda like wranglin’ a wagon full of wild squirrels. And when hunger hits? Well, things can go from “vacation mode” to “code red” faster than a dropped ice cream cone in July. That’s where I come in—Grinning…
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Wildlife Encounters in the Smokies: What to Do and What Not to Do
A Field Guide for Staying Safe—and Savoring the Wild—Like a True Explorer Into the Wild of the Smokies There’s a wild heartbeat beneath the quiet of the Great Smoky Mountains. It pulses through the dense forests, echoes across misty ridges, and stirs the underbrush where bears roam and elk graze. For every visitor drawn to…
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Top 5 Hidden Waterfalls Near Gatlinburg (Locals Won’t Tell You This)
The Secret Side of Gatlinburg Most folks who roll into Gatlinburg have a checklist—Clingmans Dome, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, maybe a moonshine tasting or two. But there’s a quieter, more elusive side to this Smoky Mountain gateway: hidden waterfalls tucked away on lesser-known trails where the only soundtrack is rustling leaves and falling water.…
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The Lodge at Buckberry Creek: Is It Worth the Splurge?
Welcome to the Lodge at Buckberry Creek: A Gatlinburg Getaway That’s Got Folks Talkin’ Now, I’ve stayed in just about every kind of place you can think of here in Gatlinburg—from canvas tents with zippers that don’t zip to cabins where the only “room service” was a bear rootin’ through the trash. But let me…
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Smoky Mountain Sunsets: Best Places to Watch the Sky Burn Gold
When the Sky Burns Gold Over the Smokies There’s something almost sacred about watching the sun dip behind the mountains of East Tennessee. I’ve stood at overlooks all across the Smokies—from the highest ridges of Clingmans Dome to the quiet valleys of Cades Cove—and I can tell you there’s no better way to end the…