Posts By: Dusty Camp

About Dusty Camp

I moved to the Smoky Mountains a few years ago from Alabama - a big change, but one I'm glad I made. I like meeting all the different types of people who visit here, and getting to know a little bit about them. I love to watch all the wildlife throughout Cades Cove, but most of all I like winter, waking up to see everything covered in snow and icicles.

Shine On at Ole Smoky Distillery

Images courtesy of Ole Smoky Distillery

If tasting spirits is on your list of pursuits when you travel, be sure to stop in at Moonshine Holler on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN, and discover Ole Smoky Distillery. It’s a top draw for connoisseurs and regular sippers alike, anyone who wants to try a sip of old-time East Tennessee moonshine – in fact it’s the most visited distillery in the country.

At the Holler, step into the distillery where you’ll see two copper brewing stills shining like trophies. Ole Smoky offers free tours where visitors can learn about the distilling process and the history of moonshine in the Smoky Mountains.

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Explore Gatlinburg with Free Trolley Service in 2016

Here in Gatlinburg, TN, we have more than just awesome sights, cool shopping, and nifty, family-centered attractions. We have a slam-dunk way to access all of it: by trolley bus.

Free trolley bus, that is…

Starting June 17 through August 14, Gatlinburg will be offering complimentary summer trolley service at all stops along Parkway, the city’s vibrant main strip. This is the sixth year Gatlinburg has offered the free service and, thus far, it’s the toast of the town. You’ll see these specially painted trolleys cruising up and down the thoroughfare carrying a mix of eager tourists and local residents.

Image courtesy of Gatlinburg Trolley

Image courtesy of Gatlinburg Trolley

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Summer 2016 at Dollywood

What’s on the program at Dollywood this summer? Fun of course, and here are the details on who’s playing, and the special attractions. Summer Lives Here is the summer theme, and it starts on Saturday, June 11, 2016, running through August 7.

There will be shows every day, an evening dance party followed by fireworks every night, and extended hours for the theme park into the night. So if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to take one of Dollywoods thrilling rides by the light of the moon and starlight, now you can find out – strap in for an unforgettable ride in the dark!

Image courtesy of Dollywood

Image courtesy of Dollywood

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Tunes & Tales 2016: Summer in Gatlinburg

One of the great fun activities in Gatlinburg is to stroll along Parkway, catching the numerous sights and attractions. Summer raises the fun level for evening strollers with the city’s annual Tunes & Tales street performances, starting this year on June 10 and running through July 30, 2016 – now the 11th year of this hugely popular event.

Image courtesy of Kevin Tierney

Image courtesy of Kevin Tierney

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Dollywood 2016 Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival

It’s a LUCKY Friday the 13th in May 2016, because at Dollywood it’s the date that the annual Barbeque and Bluegrass festival starts. From May 13 through May 22, it’s 10 days of awesome food and non-stop music at venues throughout the theme park. The concerts are all free, included in Dollywood admission.

Images courtesy of Dollywood

Images courtesy of Dollywood

For the food, some 50,000 pounds of BBQ meat comes to the grill over the 10 days, cooked by experts and dressed with gourmet sauces. Pulled pork, smoked sausage, ribs by the slab and smoked chicken are among the offerings during the festival.

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Beans and Cornbread Festival

beans

Image courtesy of Visit Gatlinburg

Thursday evening in Gatlinburg promises Appalachian fun, LOTS of delicious food and live music as the annual Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival starts at 5 pm, May 12, 2016.

The event is sponsored by 100-year-old Bush Brothers & Company, a native Tennessee operation headquartered close by in Chestnut Hill, a mere 25 miles away from Gatlinburg.
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Synchronous Fireflies 2016: Passes by Lottery

540x3604-2The lottery has begun for limited parking slots available to view the 2016 Synchronous Fireflies event in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The lottery began at noon today, Friday, April 29, and will last through 8 pm EST, Monday, May 2.

On Tuesday, May 10, all applicants will be notified of the results of a random system that will award parking passes. The passes are non-transferable, and only one per household may apply. The viewing period is May 31 through June 7.

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Above the Rest Featured Gatlinburg Cabin

Now here’s a comfortable cabin, made just for hanging out in. It’s Above the Rest, a 1-bedroom cabin on the edge of Gatlinburg, tucked away in gentle terrain with trees all around and also magnificent views of the Smoky Mountains.

GF-Above-Rest-ext

Above the Rest is a perfect honeymoon or romantic getaway for a couple, but it sleeps 4 people in comfort, with 2 full bathrooms and showers, a queen sleeper downstairs in the living area, and king bedroom upstairs, with Jacuzzi and private deck.

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66th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, 2016

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains means the hour of the wildflower has arrived in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. To celebrate, thousands of people from all over the world have come to the area to join in the annual 5-day Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, for a glimpse of magic.

The pilgrimage is from April 19-23, and offers more than 150 different classes, talks, evening programs, guided trail hikes, walks and even motorcades to all the best places to see the most wildflowers. Most events are by registration, with a few presentations open to the general public.

Image courtesy of Spring Wildflower Pilgrmiage

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2016 Spring Rod Run: A Pigeon Forge Party

rod4Pigeon Forge shows the world what a real American party looks like on this early weekend, Thursday through Saturday, April 14-17. It’s the 2016 Spring Rod Run, and the streets are awake all day and LATE into the night with a slow cruise of automobiles built mostly for muscle, and totally for style.

If you thought about trying to drive anywhere in town during this event, change your plans, or at least slow them down to a steady cruise in low gear. Traffic is dense during this street party, and parking can be tricky – your good walking shoes are your friend in this event, and with so much to gaze at, it’s the best way to get around anyway.

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