Category: Outdoors

If the idea of summer vacation evokes images of adventure and breathtaking scenery, plan a visit to the Smoky Mountains. The combination of amusement parks, outdoor activities, and perfect weather conditions makes the Smoky Mountains an irresistible summer destination. Here are six compelling reasons to pack your bags and experience a Smoky Mountains summer vacation. […]

The Great Smoky Mountains are a natural wonderland and they offer some of the most captivating landscapes in the United States. With lush forests and misty peaks, the region is a haven for those seeking solace and adventure. One of the best ways to immerse yourself in this natural beauty is to explore the many […]

Saddle up and experience the beauty and excitement of horseback riding in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge! In these scenic mountain towns, there are a variety of horseback riding experiences for both seasoned riders and newcomers. There is also plenty of country-themed fun for your young buckaroos! So, embrace your inner cowboy and explore the top […]

Welcome to the Great Smoky Mountains – home to an array of wildlife, including the mighty black bear. These furry giants are a sight to behold, but when it comes to encountering them in the wild, travelers need to exercise caution. So, what do you do if you encounter a bear? First, never attempt to […]

Cades Cove is the most popular destination within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, drawing in more than 2 million visitors each year. So what’s so special about it? Less than an hour-and-a-half drive from downtown Gatlinburg, the 4,000-acre valley features rich native wildlife, spectacular mountain views, and hiking and auto trails. It is perhaps […]

Eastern Tennessee is full of gorgeous mountain rivers and streams. However, it can be daunting to navigate them all and know which ones are best suited to which activities. Plus, the only information available online is limited and scattered, which might not help if you’re new to the area. Come with us on a virtual […]

Sturdy oak trunks seem to tower endlessly upward, and their leafy branches merge to create an emerald ceiling above you. Your ears perk up to the abrupt rattling stutter of a woodpecker before the sound is lost to the serene shushing of leaves in a gentle breeze. The beauty of nature has the power to […]

Mountains or beach? It’s the age-old decision that American vacationers make every year. It’s an especially close call for Southerners, for whom the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic coastline are both viable options. If your preference leans toward water, you may be tempted to spend your summer break in a place like Myrtle Beach, where […]

An elementary school-aged boy shoves an old homework assignment into his backpack. He dashes over to his buddy on the other side of the classroom. “Your mom said you could come with us on vacation, right? It’s going to be so awesome!” A teenage girl loads a suitcase in her bedroom. She’s FaceTiming her bestie […]

Appalachia is one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, yet one section, in particular, is known for its extraordinary biodiversity and tranquil allure. Before European settlers arrived, the great Cherokee nation called this subrange shaconage, or “place of the blue smoke,” named for its misty peaks gracefully overlapping in silvery blue layers. Today, […]