Smoky Mountain News

Ice cream is the perfect sweet treat any time of year, and you’ll have plenty of choice of where to get it when you visit Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! If you’re looking for a frozen treat that’s unlike anything you’ve ever had before, then we have some great suggestions on where you should go. Here are the top 6 unique ice cream shops in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:

Everyone loves saving money while on vacation! Whether you’re on a budget or just want to save some extra cash, you’ll be happy to hear you don’t have to spend a ton of money to have fun in Pigeon Forge. To help you save, we’ve made a list of 7 fun cheap things to do in Pigeon Forge!

A brand-new VR experience just broke ground in Pigeon Forge! Answers in Genesis, along with Mindscape Creative, the expert team of creators and designers behind the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter, have set their sights on the Smoky Mountains for their newest project called the Truth Traveler. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on everything we know so far about this new virtual reality Pigeon Forge attraction coming soon!

Fireflies, or lightning bugs, can be found all over the eastern parts of North America, but the Great Smoky Mountains is one destination that attracts thousands of visitors year after year to see the Elkmont fireflies. But why?

Pigeon Forge has a ton of great activities the whole family can enjoy, including riding go karts! People of all ages can enjoy the thrill of zooming through the curves and straightaways of a race track. If you and your family are experienced racers, you’ll want to visit the very best places to race go karts in Pigeon Forge TN. Here's where you can find the best go karts in Pigeon Forge:

Are you ready to get away in the Smoky Mountains? With all sorts of scenic beauty and unforgettable adventures to take part in, the Smokies are rightfully a popular vacation destination. If you’re hoping to escape some of the hustle and bustle, particularly during peak seasons, there are several less popular spots to check out. Breathe in that refreshing mountain air and soak up the serenity of the great outdoors! Here are 5 picturesque places to escape the crowds in the Smoky Mountains:

The Alum Cave Trail is one of the most exciting trails you’ll find in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Multiple different spots featuring mountain views and gorgeous geological formations make this a favorite among visitors looking to find the perfect mix of adventure and peace and quiet. Considered to be of moderate difficulty and registering as a 5-mile roundtrip hike to the Alum Cave Bluffs and back, it offers a challenge that includes some of the most rewarding views around! Along the way, you’ll notice some iconic spots you don’t want to miss. Here are 5 special sights to see along the Alum Cave Trail:

Dolly Parton fans, rejoice! Coming to Dollywood next year, the Dolly Parton Experience will be a brand-new attraction that celebrates the incredible career of Southern country icon Dolly Parton. If you want to learn more about this upcoming attraction, you’re in the right place! We’ve got everything you need to know about the Dolly Parton Experience, from what you can expect when you visit to when it will be opening its doors. Read on to learn more about the upcoming Dolly Parton Experience!

If there’s one type of cuisine you absolutely have to try in the Smokies, it’s got to be the BBQ! The area has a long history of smoking delicious meats full of mouth-watering flavors sure to put a smile on your face. BBQ joints across Pigeon Forge put the “smoke” in the Smoky Mountains with a range of dishes including ribs, pulled pork, brisket and more, served alongside your favorite sides! Here are the top 5 restaurants for BBQ in Pigeon Forge:

Two things visitors love most about Gatlinburg are the gorgeous views and the food. So, why not enjoy them both at the same time? There are so many delicious restaurants in Gatlinburg TN with a view! You can have your favorite meal while admiring views of mountain vistas, rivers and creeks, and downtown Gatlinburg. To help you decide where to eat, we’ve made a list of 10 of the best Gatlinburg restaurants with a view.

On Thursday, March 28, the new Jake Thomas Connector finally opened to through traffic in Pigeon Forge, TN! Construction on this multi-million dollar road project began in April 2022 and is now open to give visitors and locals a more direct route between the Pigeon Forge Parkway and Veterans Blvd. Keep reading to find out more about the new Jake Thomas Connector and how it can help you avoid Pigeon Forge traffic.

The Smoky Mountains contain an abundance of fantastic activities, attractions, and more, that can make any vacation to the area fun and memorable. Although you may be wondering if there are many handicap-accessible things to do in the Smoky Mountains, you do not need to worry! There are plenty of handicap-accessible things to do in the Smoky Mountains, meaning that everyone can enjoy the fun this area has to offer. Here are some of our top recommendations for handicap-accessible things to do in the Smoky Mountains:

Newfound Gap Road is one of the most popular scenic drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and for good reason! This gorgeous road winds through forests, passes mountain overlooks, and has plenty of great places to stop along the way. And now, there are exciting improvements coming to Newfound Gap Road, thanks to an $11 million allocation from the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act. Read on to find out more about the improvements coming to Newfound Gap Road:

Next time you come to visit the Smoky Mountains, don’t worry about having to leave your pet behind! Instead, check out some of the best pet friendly Pigeon Forge cabins and bring your furry friend along on your next Smoky Mountains getaway. There are tons of benefits of staying at these pet friendly Pigeon Forge cabins, from the ability to explore the area together to saving money on pet care, and more. Read on to learn more about the fantastic benefits these pet friendly Pigeon Forge cabins offer:

It’s springtime in Pigeon Forge, which means it’s time for the annual Music in the Mountains Spring Parade! This family-friendly celebration is completely free for visitors and the best way to celebrate spring in the Smoky Mountains. We’ve got all the details for you below: