Category archive: Smoky Mountains

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge: Which is Best?

If you’re planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains, chances are you’ll be choosing between two of the most popular Tennessee towns for your stay: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Both towns are great vacation destinations, and they’re right next to each other, with just a few minutes drive between the two towns. While both towns are close to the mountains, offer breathtaking views, and are full of activities and attractions, each one has its own unique personality that may influence your ultimate decision of where to stay.

Image courtesy of Gatlinburg

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Traveling With Pets to the Smoky Mountains

We have many pet-friendly vacation cabins for rent in the Smoky Mountains, with no restrictions on size, weight, numbers of animals or type, and all we ask is a deposit per each pet. Check our list of pet-friendly cabins.

Taking a trip to the Smoky Mountains is an adventure for all the family, and if you’re planning to bring your furry friend along for the ride, please take a look at the safety and comfort tips below. There are a few things to add to your travel list to help ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable journey, whether you’re a seasoned traveler with pets or this is your first outing.

Image courtesy of Lauren Guardala

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Exploring Townsend in the Smoky Mountains

Townsend is a small town located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. It’s often overlooked as visitors turn south at the Wye to head toward Cades Cove, but it has its own attractions worth exploring, from the scenic roads leading into the nearby entrance to the national park, to its own cycling and walking greenways, along with its sense of history.

This is the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, often a welcome break from the crowded areas of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

Photo by Brian Stansberry

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