Yearly Archives: 2023

What’s Happening in June in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

The month of June in the Smoky Mountains starts the bustle of summer, and opens up countless opportunities for fun in the great outdoors – from fireflies to fishing, and from festivals to free trolleys, as well as flame azaleas in the higher elevations.

The Free Trolley? Well, all the Gatlinburg trolleys are now free. We used to announce in June each year that Gatlinburg was running a free trolley up and down Parkway through summer, and that was fun news, but it’s all turned fun now, with the city’s decision to run a free system. Pigeon Forge, which covers larger distances, still charges, but the fares are still the cheapest thing in America today. See our guide to the Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge Trolleys. And read on for the insider lowdown on what’s happening in June.

The famous synchronous fireflies of June in the Smokies

(more…)

Flying Theaters in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge both host a several interactive and immersive attractions and experiences, but the Flying Theater is the latest and greatest experience, delivering a lot of WOW!

The flying theater is a big-screen experience, with movie-goers strapped into moving seats that are perfectly synchronized with the motion portrayed on the screen, offering a sensory realism that is, um, moving, to say the least! Not only that, but wind currents, mists and even scents produced within the theater offer an even greater sense of realism.

Combine all this with some of the best drone and plane aerial photography of phenomenal landscapes, and we have a winner. You feel like you’re flying through it all.

Image courtesy of SkyFly: Soar America

(more…)

What’s Happening in May in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

The month of May in the Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is alive with events, and the start of festivals from bluegrass to bagpipes! Here’s  everything happening in this merry month.

May continues the display of arts and crafts that started in April, with special events and opportunities from our huge local artisan community in Gatlinburg, and plenty happening out on the Quiet Side of the Smokies too. Car shows go crazy this month, with all kinds of motors to admire, and music is in the air from multiple sources, including two big festivals later in the month.

Weather-wise, it can be a heavy month for rainfall, but the thousands of miles of waterways are flowing strongly everywhere, and it’s a great month for fishing. May is also a favorite month for Weddings in Gatlinburg and the area.

Read on for highlights of May 2023 events in the Smokies.

Images courtesy of Bloomin’ and Scottish festivals

(more…)

Fishing Is Easy in Gatlinburg

If you’re looking for a great opportunity to relax and enjoy everything that the great outdoors has to offer, you’d be hard-pressed to find something more effective than an afternoon of fishing. It’s an especially popular activity in the Gatlinburg area, which offers everything from mile after mile of pristine waters to guided fishing tours – and in Gatlinburg itself, its own waters, and designated kid-safe fishing areas in the city parks – and more.

(more…)

Indoor Adventures in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer a multitude of indoor adventures, for those days when the weather says to be inside, or simply to explore in their own right. From indoor snow tubing and skydiving to virtual reality and immersive quests, from wildlife to nightlife, from live music to magic shows and indoor sightseeing, here are some of the top indoor attractions in the Smoky Mountains.

Image courtesy of Gatlins Fun Center

(more…)

What’s Happening in April in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

April in the Smoky Mountains around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is definitely the month of wildflowers in the millions (see below for details). April is the time when the season puts its boots on for summer, all the venues are open with special attractions, people are arriving for fun, and everything starts popping.

The snow is mostly gone by now and nights are above freezing with temperatures in the mid-forties and day times in the low seventies. The waters of Great Smoky Mountains National Park are generally rushing and giving us spectacular waterfalls, and the fishing is great. Music is in the air as festivals, fairs and other special events happen, and the sound of hot-rod engines mingles in with it all too.

April is also the time when the national park announces the viewing dates for the annual synchronous fireflies in June, and the Lottery dates for the limited parking available.

One image courtesy of GSMNP

(more…)

What’s Happening in March in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

March in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area of the Smoky Mountains is a time when the land starts to awaken after the winter, the very tip of spring. It’s a shoulder season for rental accommodations, and a good time to visit for those who like less crowds. The spring break is often a time when families can get away for a trip to shake off winter and start to welcome the warmer days.

Images courtesy of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

(more…)

Best Kids & Family Things To Do

Make sure the kids get the most out of their time in the Smoky Mountains with our quick guide to The Best Kids & Family Things To Do in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. Here are some of the notable outdoor adventures for people with energy to spare, as well as some indoor attractions that will get the kids laughing with fun. When the kids are having fun, the whole family is happy, and that’s what a Gatlinburg vacation is for!

Best Kids & Family Things To Do

Image courtesy of Rowdy Bear

(more…)