Blog

I-40 Reopens Through the Great Smoky Mountains After Flooding and Rock Slide The familiar hum of traffic has returned to a crucial artery of the Great Smoky Mountains. After days of closure that left travelers and locals alike searching for alternate routes, Interstate 40 through the Tennessee side of the Smokies is finally open again. […]

Clayton’s Landing: A Fresh Chapter for Gatlinburg’s Beloved Historic Attraction As I strolled through the misty morning air of Gatlinburg last week, the familiar scent of pine and mountain laurel welcomed me back to the Smokies like an old friend. Having written about these mountains for over a decade now, I thought I’d seen all

Cades Cove Named One of USA TODAY’s Best Scenic Views for 2025 There’s something magical about driving through Cades Cove at sunrise, when the mist hangs low over the valley and deer graze peacefully in the golden light. I’ve been visiting this Smoky Mountain treasure for years, and it still takes my breath away every

Summer Adventures Await: Exploring East Tennessee’s Best Summer Camps As the warm breeze sweeps through the Smoky Mountains and the sun stretches its golden rays across East Tennessee, there’s something magical happening every Wednesday this summer. I’ve been writing about the Smokies for years, and there’s nothing quite like the region during the summer months

Beyond Dollywood: Discovering the Charm of Pigeon Forge Cabin Rentals Nestled at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee offers visitors so much more than just spectacular mountain views. I’ve spent years exploring the nooks and crannies of the Smokies, but there’s something special about Pigeon Forge that keeps drawing

Experience Vehicle-Free Wednesdays at Cades Cove in 2025: A Nature Lover’s Dream There’s something magical about experiencing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park without the rumble of engines or the constraints of staying in your vehicle. As someone who has spent years exploring every hidden gem in the Smokies, I’m thrilled to share one of

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains: A Unique Camping Experience There’s something magical about waking up surrounded by mist-covered mountains, the gentle sounds of nature serving as your morning alarm. For years, I’ve been wandering the trails of the Great Smokies, and each visit reveals something new that takes my breath away. This summer, campers have

The Art of Travel Gymnastics: Navigating Complex Journeys in the Smoky Mountains and Beyond There’s something magical about making impossible travel plans work. As someone who’s spent years exploring the nooks and crannies of the Smoky Mountains, I’ve developed a knack for what I call “travel gymnastics” – those complicated, sometimes crazy logistics that get

Exploring the Smoky Mountains: Nature’s Majestic Wonderland Have you ever stood at an overlook, watching the mist curl around ancient peaks, feeling like you’ve stepped into a dream? That’s the magic of the Great Smoky Mountains – a place I’ve been fortunate enough to write about and explore for years. The name “Smoky” comes from

Exploring the Great Smoky Mountains: Exciting Summer Camp Activities with Tremont Institute There’s something magical about summer in the Great Smoky Mountains. As someone who’s been writing about these misty peaks for years, I still get excited when I hear about new adventures happening in my favorite mountain range. That’s why I was thrilled to