Spring in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a magical time of year, with blooming wildflowers, warming temperatures, and a host of outdoor activities. Here are some of the best activities to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during the spring months.

1. Wildflower and Waterfall Hikes

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants, making it one of the most diverse areas for wildflowers in North America. Spring is the best time to see the park's many wildflowers in bloom, including trilliums, violets, and dogwoods. Visitors can take guided wildflower hikes or explore the park's many hiking trails on their own to see the beautiful blooms.

1. Fishing

Spring is also a great time for fishing in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, with many species of fish becoming active as the water warms up. The Little Pigeon River is a popular spot for fly fishing, with several outfitters offering guided trips and equipment rentals. The area also has several stocked ponds and lakes for fishing, including the Gatlinburg Trout Farm.

1. Smoky Mountain Wine Fest

The Smoky Mountain Wine Fest is an annual event held in Gatlinburg, typically in late April or early May. The festival features over 18 wineries from around Tennessee, as well as food vendors, live music, and arts and crafts vendors. Visitors can sample a variety of wines and enjoy the beautiful mountain views.

Summer is a wonderful time to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With long sunny days and warm temperatures, visitors can take advantage of all the outdoor activities the park has to offer. From hiking and wildlife watching to waterfalls and scenic drives, here are some of the best activities to do in Smoky Mountain National Park in the summer.

1. Hiking

With over 800 miles of hiking trails, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker's paradise. In the summer, many of the park's higher-elevation trails are snow-free and open for exploration. The Alum Cave Trail, which leads to Mount LeConte, is a popular choice for its stunning views and well-maintained trail. Other popular hikes include the Chimney Tops Trail, Abrams Falls Trail, and Laurel Falls Trail.

1. Waterfalls

The park is home to over 100 waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible by short hikes. In the summer, waterfalls are particularly refreshing and offer a great opportunity to cool off after a long hike. Rainbow Falls is a popular choice for its 80-foot drop and colorful mist, while Grotto Falls offers a unique opportunity to walk behind the waterfall.

Whiskey tasting is a popular activity in Eastern Tennessee, where the tradition of moonshine-making has been deeply rooted for generations. The area is known for its rugged, mountainous terrain and its rich history of moonshining, which dates back to the early days of the region's settlement. In this blog post, we'll explore the history of moonshine in Eastern Tennessee and why it has become such a significant part of the culture and heritage of the area.

The history of moonshine in Eastern Tennessee goes back to the days of the early settlers. The area was remote, and many of the settlers were farmers who grew their crops, including corn, wheat, and rye. The farmers quickly realized that they could make more money by distilling their surplus grain into whiskey rather than selling it as food or feed.

The production of moonshine flourished during the Prohibition era, when the sale of alcohol was banned throughout the United States. Moonshiners were able to operate relatively freely in the mountainous regions of Eastern Tennessee, where the rough terrain made it difficult for law enforcement to reach them.

When most people think of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, they likely imagine a peaceful, family-friendly getaway in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. However, the towns also offer a surprising amount of nightlife options for those looking for some after-dark fun. From live music to karaoke and comedy clubs, here are some of the top spots for nightlife in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

1. The Comedy Barn Theater: If you're in the mood for some laughs, head to The Comedy Barn Theater in Pigeon Forge. Featuring family-friendly comedy, music, and magic shows, this venue is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

2. Ole Red: Blake Shelton's Ole Red is a country music and Southern food joint located in Gatlinburg. Featuring live music and a lively atmosphere, Ole Red is a great spot for a night out with friends.

3. The Smoky Mountain Brewery: The Smoky Mountain Brewery in Gatlinburg is a popular spot for craft beer lovers. With a wide selection of beers on tap and live music on the weekends, it's a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.

4. The Island in Pigeon Forge: The Island in Pigeon Forge is a popular entertainment complex with plenty of options for nightlife. From the Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery to live music at the Ole Red outpost, there's something for everyone at The Island.

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Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are popular tourist destinations year-round, but the winter season brings its own unique charm and activities. From winter festivals to outdoor adventures, there's something for everyone in these bustling towns. Here are some of the best activities to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during the winter season.

1. Winterfest

One of the biggest events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during the winter season is Winterfest. This event lasts from November to February and includes festive holiday lights, parades, and live music. Visitors can drive through the light displays, go ice skating, and take pictures with Santa Claus.

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels of experience, as well as snow tubing and ice skating. The resort also offers lessons and rentals for those who are new to winter sports.

1. Snow Tubing

For a fun and family-friendly activity, visitors can go snow tubing at Pigeon Forge Snow. This indoor snow tubing park is open year-round and offers a 60-foot high tubing hill with real snow.

1. Indoor Attractions

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Fall is a magical time to visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The crisp air, changing leaves, and festive atmosphere make for a perfect autumn getaway. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or cozy indoor activities, there's something for everyone in these charming towns. Here are some of the best activities to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in the fall.

1. Fall Foliage

One of the most stunning aspects of autumn in the Great Smoky Mountains is the fall foliage. Visitors can take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or hike one of the many trails in the national park to witness the vibrant colors of the changing leaves. Popular hiking trails include the Laurel Falls Trail, the Abrams Falls Trail, and the Clingmans Dome Trail.

1. Harvest Festivals

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are home to several harvest festivals throughout the fall season. Visitors can check out the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair, the Great Smoky Mountain Arts and Crafts Show, and the Dollywood Harvest Festival, to name a few. These festivals showcase local artisans, live music, and delicious fall treats.

1. Moonshine Tasting

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Fall is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park's autumnal colors are breathtaking, making it an ideal time to explore the park's hiking trails, scenic drives, and wildlife. Here are some of the best activities to do in Smoky Mountain National Park in the fall.

1. Hiking

Fall is a great time for hiking in the park, as the cooler temperatures and changing leaves make for a stunning backdrop. The park's hiking trails offer a range of difficulty levels, from easy strolls to challenging treks. The Andrews Bald Trail, which leads to a beautiful bald with sweeping views of the mountains, is a popular choice in the fall. Other great hikes include the Mount LeConte Trail, the Ramsey Cascades Trail, and the Alum Cave Trail.

1. Scenic Drives

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers several scenic drives that are particularly beautiful in the fall. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through the park, offers stunning views of the mountains and colorful foliage. The Foothills Parkway, which stretches across the western edge of the park, is another popular choice for its panoramic views.

Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a magical time. The park's stunning landscapes are transformed by a layer of snow, making it an ideal time for winter sports and other activities. Here are some of the best activities to do in Smoky Mountain National Park in the winter.

1. Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a popular winter activity in the park, with several trails offering stunning views of the snow-covered mountains. Visitors can rent snowshoes from local outfitters or bring their own. The Sugarlands Visitor Center offers a list of recommended snowshoeing trails, including the Chimney Tops Trail and the Laurel Falls Trail.

1. Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is another popular winter activity in the park, offering a peaceful and scenic way to explore the park's winter wonderland. The Cataloochee Ski Area offers several groomed trails for cross-country skiing, as well as rentals and lessons.

1. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

For those seeking more adrenaline, the Cataloochee Ski Area also offers downhill skiing and snowboarding. The ski area has several slopes for all levels of experience, as well as rentals, lessons, and a cozy lodge for warming up after a day on the slopes.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 2,000 miles of hiking trails and more than 100 waterfalls. From short and easy walks to longer, more strenuous hikes, there's something for everyone to enjoy in the park. If you're a fan of waterfalls, you won't want to miss these breathtaking destinations.

1. Abrams Falls Located on the Abrams Creek Trail, Abrams Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls in the park. The 20-foot waterfall is located about halfway along the 5-mile trail and offers a great place to take a break and cool off on a hot summer day. A hike to the falls and back generally takes between three and four hours.

2. Laurel Falls Laurel Falls is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the park. This 80-foot waterfall is located on the Laurel Falls Trail, a relatively easy 2.6-mile round-trip hike that is suitable for most hikers. Portions of the trail also have steep drop-offs so you need to watch children closely.

3. Grotto Falls Grotto Falls is a unique waterfall that you can actually walk behind. The trail to the falls is 2.6 miles round-trip and is considered moderate in difficulty. During the summer, the area behind the falls stays cool and is a great place to escape the heat. The path to the falls is beautiful too. Lots of wildflowers in the spring.

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If you're a barbecue lover visiting Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you're in for a treat. These towns are home to some of the best barbecue restaurants in the region, each with its unique flavor and style. We had BBQ twice even though we were there just 6 days. But before we delve into the mouthwatering details of where to eat, let's first take a look at the history of barbecue in Eastern Tennessee.

BBQ History in Eastern Tennessee

Barbecue in Eastern Tennessee is deeply rooted in the region's history. Many early settlers in the area were of Scotch-Irish descent, and they brought with them a tradition of slow-cooking meats over an open flame. Over time, this method of cooking meat became known as barbecue.

The region's mountainous terrain and abundant natural resources also played a role in the development of barbecue in Eastern Tennessee. The mountains provided a source of hardwoods, which were used to smoke and flavor meats. The abundance of hogs in the region also made pork the meat of choice for many barbecue enthusiasts.

Over time, different regions of Eastern Tennessee developed their unique barbecue styles, each with its sauce and flavor profile. In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, you'll find a mix of traditional styles and modern interpretations of classic barbecue.

If you're looking to take beautiful, picturesque photographs of waterfalls and streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one technique you might want to try is creating a blur effect on the water using a 35mm camera.

This technique can create a dreamy and romantic effect, and it's perfect for capturing the movement of water in a stream or waterfall. Here are some tips to get you started:

1. Choose the right camera settings: To create a blur effect, you'll need to adjust your camera settings. Start by selecting a low ISO setting (such as 100 or 200), a small aperture (such as f/22 or f/16), and a slow shutter speed (such as 1/4 or 1/8 second). These settings will allow more light to enter the camera and create a longer exposure time, which will result in the blur effect.

2. Use a tripod: When shooting with a slow shutter speed, any movement of the camera can result in a blurry photo. Use a tripod to keep your camera steady and prevent blur caused by shaky hands.

3. Find a good location: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is full of beautiful streams and waterfalls that are perfect for this technique. Look for a spot where the water is moving quickly but not too fast, as very fast-moving water may not create the desired effect.

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a popular tourist destination, especially during peak seasons. However, navigating the city can be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding parking. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the hassle and stress of searching for a spot. In this blog post, we will discuss the best places to park in Gatlinburg and how to use the trolley to avoid traffic.

First, let’s talk about the various parking options available in Gatlinburg. There are several parking lots and garages scattered throughout the city, with rates varying depending on location and time of day. Some popular options include:

1. Gatlinburg Convention Center Parking Garage - located in the heart of downtown, this parking garage offers easy access to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Rates are reasonable, with the first hour being free and subsequent hours costing $2.00 each, up to a maximum of $12.00 per day.

2. Ole Red Parking Lot - this lot is located across the street from the Gatlinburg Convention Center and offers free parking. However, it can fill up quickly during peak seasons.

3. River Road Parking Lot - located near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this lot offers FREE parking and provides access to the Riverwalk Trail.

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Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in Tennessee are popular destinations for families and outdoor enthusiasts, but they also have a surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene. From live music and comedy shows to dance clubs and bars, there are plenty of options for those who want to have a good time after the sun goes down.

One of the most popular spots for nightlife in the area is Ole Red, a country music and Southern food joint located in Gatlinburg. Owned by country music superstar Blake Shelton, Ole Red features live music, a rooftop bar, and a lively atmosphere that draws visitors from all over the region.

At Ole Red, you can catch a variety of talented acts, ranging from local musicians to well-known country stars. Some of the recent performers include:

1. Tyler Booth - Kentucky native Tyler Booth is known for his soulful voice and traditional country sound. He has opened for acts like Luke Combs and Old Dominion and has released several singles, including "In God and Trucks We Trust" and "Long Comes a Girl."

2. The Swon Brothers - This sibling duo rose to fame on season four of "The Voice" and has since released several albums, including their latest, "NASHLAHOMA." They are known for their tight harmonies and energetic live shows.

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Looking for a perfect spot to relax and have a picnic in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? You’re in luck! This beautiful area is full of stunning vistas and peaceful locations to enjoy a picnic with family and friends.

Here are some of the best places to have a picnic in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

1. Cades Cove is a popular destination within the park, offering numerous picnic areas surrounded by beautiful landscapes. You can choose to have a picnic in the shade of the trees or next to a picturesque stream. Don’t forget to pack a camera to capture the stunning views.

2. The Chimneys Picnic Area is located near the Cosby Entrance of the park and is known for its stunning views and serene environment. The picnic area features a small stream and plenty of trees for shade. This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a peaceful picnic.

3. The Greenbrier Picnic Area is located north of Gatlinburg and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The picnic area is located near the river and offers plenty of picnic tables, restrooms, and grills for cooking up a delicious meal.

4. The Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area is another popular spot for picnics, south of Gatlinburg in the park. The picnic area features a beautiful stream and plenty of picnic tables to enjoy a relaxing meal. There are also restrooms and grills available for use.

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Gatlinburg, Tennessee is known for its stunning mountain views, world-class outdoor activities, and, of course, its delicious food. One particular type of restaurant that has become synonymous with the area is the pancake house. These breakfast spots offer a wide variety of pancakes, waffles, and other breakfast items, making them a popular choice for locals and tourists alike. But what makes the pancake houses in Gatlinburg unique?

Many of these pancake houses have been around for decades, with some even tracing their roots back to the early 1960s. One such iconic restaurant is the Pancake Pantry, which opened in 1960 and is still going strong. This longstanding presence in the community has allowed these pancake houses to develop a loyal following and become a staple in the Gatlinburg dining scene.

We went to the Log Cabin Pancake House and tried the corn pancakes and really liked them. They were light and flavorful with a good cornmeal texture. When you try the pancake sampler, you get to choose four different flavors from the eleven different flavors. Service was friendly and attentive. No wait Monday morning at 8 but by 9 there was a line by the time we were done. They are busiest around 10 am.

Spring in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a magical time of year, with blooming wildflowers, warming temperatures, and a host of outdoor activities. Here are some of the best activities to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during the spring months.

1. Wildflower Hikes

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to over 1,500 species of flowering plants, making it one of the most diverse areas for wildflowers in North America. Spring is the best time to see the park's many wildflowers in bloom, including trilliums, violets, and dogwoods. Visitors can take guided wildflower hikes or explore the park's many hiking trails on their own to see the beautiful blooms.

1. Fishing

Spring is also a great time for fishing in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, with many species of fish becoming active as the water warms up. The Little Pigeon River is a popular spot for fly fishing, with several outfitters offering guided trips and equipment rentals. The area also has several stocked ponds and lakes for fishing, including the Gatlinburg Trout Farm.