By: cotsm

Ole Red Gatlinburg: Restaurant, Bar and Live Music Good Times

Ole Red was a hit the day it opened in Gatlinburg, and has stayed that way ever since. A restaurant, bar, live music, dance floor and all around fun spot on Parkway, Ole Red offers an upbeat and lively experience. Built on country music and Southern food, this entertainment venue was created by country music… Read more »

Smoky Mountain Christmas Lights in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Smoky Mountain Christmas Lights in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

The Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area of the Smoky Mountains puts on a fabulous light show each Christmas, with many millions of lights to see, marking the time of Winterfest and Winter Magic. From driving tours through the towns to stage shows to spectacular fireworks, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get in… Read more »

Cherokee Grill: a Prime Gatlinburg Steakhouse

Cherokee Grill: a Prime Gatlinburg Steakhouse

Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Cherokee Grill is just what you’d expect for a well-rounded American steakhouse. The menu features steak, seafood, burgers and a mouthwatering array of appetizers. Serving wine and microbrews also, the restaurant also offers a generous kid’s menu and gluten-free options – everyone in the group should be able to… Read more »

Hands-On Gatlinburg: Expert Tuition in an Arts and Crafts Weekend

Image courtesy Hands-On Gatlinburg

Hands-On Gatlinburg is an arts & crafts event that offers individual tuition by the artisans of Gatlinburg to small groups of people who want to learn a new skill or improve their existing one. Studios along the Arts & Crafts Community Trail offer more than 40 classes by registration to limited numbers of attendees…Read more »

Golf in the Smokies – Top Courses Near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Golf in the Smokies – Top Courses Near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

If you’re planning a golfing adventure in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, you’re in for a treat.  The golf courses in and around the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area offer a uniquely rich environment that ranges from flat to mountainous with all shades of topography in between. Many golfers come here to improve their… Read more »

The Greenbrier Restaurant: Chef-Driven Dining, Wine & Spirits

The Greenbrier Restaurant: Chef-Driven Dining, Wine & Spirits

The Greenbrier Restaurant in Gatlinburg is a chef-driven dinner house, well known for its steaks, chops and seafood. The restaurant also offers an impressive wine selection and cocktail menu. Many people enjoy the secluded feel of the restaurant’s location and the staff’s high attention to detail. The restaurant is the perfect blend of a modern… Read more »

Junction 35 Spirits: Distillery and Restaurant in Pigeon Forge

With a trip to Junction 35 Spirits, you can enjoy a unique distillery and restaurant dining experience in between all your Pigeon Forge adventures. You’ll find this venue conveniently located in the Tower Shops at Mountain Mile, making it easy to stop by as you travel around town. A stop here lets you explore this… Read more »

The Day Hiker: Hiking Gear in Gatlinburg

Image courtesy of the Day Hiker

The Day Hiker is a locally owned shop in Gatlinburg’s Village shopping area. Open 7 days a week, it’s a great destination for hiking equipment and supplies, including clothing, packs, trekking poles, maps, guides, books, and more. Prices are affordable, and the generous advice and hiking recommendations given cheerfully by the knowledgeable staff is free…. Read more »

Antique Shops & Malls in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

American Sideshow

Some people enjoy nothing better than to get lost in an antiques shop, peeking and poking about in hot pursuit of that hard-to-find standout piece that adds a layer of depth to any home or office: a conversation starter for years to come. And during a visit to the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, you can… Read more »

Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park

Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park

Among the most popular reasons for visiting the Great Smoky Mountains are the incredible views of the surrounding area and the chance to get outdoors and enjoy the environment. At Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park you have plenty of opportunities for both, with ziplines, bridges, and scenic overlooks that will let you peer down over Lost… Read more »

Bent Creek Golf Course: Closest to Gatlinburg

Bent Creek Golf Course: Closest to Gatlinburg

Bent Creek Golf Course lies at the very foot of the Great Smoky Mountains. A par 72 course, the Bent Creek Golf Course was designed by Gary Player and opened in 1972.The course is closest of all to Gatlinburg, and provides a challenging and relaxing experience. Divided into two distinct segments, this very challenging golf… Read more »

Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant For Breakfast

With a light and friendly atmosphere, Sawyer’s Farmhouse Restaurant is a great breakfast (and lunch) option in Pigeon Forge. Offering a wide range of delicious breakfast offerings – that also include crepes – from hardy to sweet to savory, the kitchen adds many extra touches. Lunch options include burgers, sandwiches, and chicken tenders. Something on… Read more »

Smoky Mountain Winery in Gatlinburg

Smoky Mountain Winery in Gatlinburg

Smoky Mountain Winery is Gatlinburg’s oldest winery, established in 1981, and the winner of numerous awards. Located just off of East Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN, it’s a hidden gem and great favorite for many people who like to sample the varieties of wine that the area offers. Wine lovers of all experience levels will enjoy… Read more »

Alewine Pottery in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Alewine Pottery of Gatlinburg

There’s plenty of Smoky Mountain spirit to be found in Alewine Pottery of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This much loved, family-run shop knows how to roll out the welcome mat and  provide friendly, individual service. The Alewine family plies its visitors with free complimentary popcorn, coffee and apples, provide rocking chairs and a checkers table, with live… Read more »

Adventure Tree Tops Ropes Course – Fun in the Air

Being outdoors doesn’t mean you have to stay on the ground. Get in the air and stay there throughout the Adventure Tree Tops Ropes Course, fully harnessed and traversing a mix of ziplining, climbing, rope walking, and numerous other elevated platforms that make up the course…Read more »

Hit the Rocky Top Wine Trail

Hit the Rocky Top Wine Trail

Have you explored the Rocky Top Wine Trail? The trail is made up of 5 wineries located from the heart of Pigeon Forge to Sevierville, just up the road. All locations along the trail are open 7 days a week, and each winery offers free samples. As a bonus, some also offer tours of the… Read more »

Gatlinburg Golf Course Is Actually in Pigeon Forge

Gatlinburg Golf Course Is Actually in Pigeon Forge

Gatlinburg Golf Course has some of the most dramatic mountainous holes and views found anywhere. This unique and long 18-hole course has lots of elevated greens with Bentgrass, vertical drops and tight fairways with Bermuda grass. There’s not one flat fairway to be found, and golfers will be challenged to play their best. If you’re… Read more »

Sevierville Golf Club: Just North of Pigeon Forge

Sevierville Golf Club: Just North of Pigeon Forge

Recognized as one of the top public courses in Tennessee, this course was opened in 1994 by the City of Sevierville as Eagle’s Landing Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 golf course offering golfers different sets of tees to intensify the challenge. It received a 4-star rating by Golf Digest, and was nominated for the “Best Public… Read more »

Laurel Valley Is Now Wild Laurel Golf Course

Laurel Valley Is Now Wild Laurel Golf Course

Laurel Valley Golf Course changed its name in 2018 to Wild Laurel Golf Course, and new ownership has instituted excellent upgrades to this full-service, 18-hole, par 70 course originally designed by Ed Ault. In Townsend – a short and very scenic drive from Gatlinburg – the course is located in a secluded and highly picturesque… Read more »

River Islands Golf Club in Kodak on the French Broad River

River Islands Golf Club in Kodak on the French Broad River

Located just north of Sevierville, about 30 minutes from Gatlinburg, the daily fee River Islands Golf Club is set in the beautiful scenery of the French Broad River. This course is rated four-star by Golf Digest and is the highest-rated public golf course in the state of Tennessee. Four exciting holes actually rest on natural… Read more »

Dandridge Golf & Country Club: Just East of Kodak

Dandridge Golf & Country Club: Just East of Kodak

The Dandridge Golf & Country Club has 27 holes comprising three nine-hole courses that can be played all 27 holes, or in eighteen-hole combinations. The original 18 holes were built in 1980 and designed by Dan Maples, with 9 more added in 1991 for the first 27-hole course in the region. The Red and White… Read more »

Baneberry Golf and Resort on Douglas Lake

Baneberry Golf and Resort on Douglas Lake

Baneberry is a 6,700 yards course in a relaxing, country setting. Built on gently rolling terrain it features streams, ponds, and grass mounds that come into play on several holes. Built in 1972, the Baneberry course was designed by Bob Thompson with bent grass greens and Bermuda grass fairways. Most of the greens have been… Read more »

Winter Tour of Lights in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Winter Tour of Lights by Trolley and Car in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

During the Winter Magic and Winterfest celebrations, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge sparkle with millions of colorful, animated lights. Here’s how to catch the best light displays in the region. Gatlinburg Winter Magic Tour of Lights To experience the festive lights in Gatlinburg, simply stroll along Parkway in the evening and be amazed. However, to find… Read more »

Hot Air Balloon Rides in Gatlinburg

Image courtesy of Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures

High atop the Great Smoky Mountains, you may even be able to see your Gatlinburg rental cabin or your Pigeon Forge rental cabin from the air, depending on which way the wind blows – Smoky Mountain Balloon Adventures offers the exhilarating chance to climb high in a hot air balloon, breathe in the peace surrounding the… Read more »

Public Parks in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Public Parks in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

UPDATE 2021 – Mills Park now has an excellent dog park where your four-legged family friend can run free and socialize! With Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the doorstep, it’s often overlooked that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge both have some fine public parks to enjoy. These are great places to get out of the… Read more »

Pigeon Forge Weather

Pigeon Forge Weather

Here is a breakdown of weather through the year in Pigeon Forge, with each month described in detail and with a handy, at-a-glance-chart of the whole year at the bottom for reference. Fun in the Smoky Mountains is a year-round thing, as each season and even each month has its own particular attractiveness for different… Read more »

Gatlinburg Weather

Gatlinburg Weather

Hi this is Tony again, and here’s my take on Gatlinburg Weather for each month of the year. At the bottom you’ll find a handy table of average temperatures and precipitation in Gatlinburg, but I wanted to offer my own experiences to flesh out the story a little. Gatlinburg stays open year-round, and so does… Read more »