Blount County is Breaking Records — Come See Why

When you look at the numbers for tourism in Blount County, TN, they have hit record highs recently, with yearly revenues of $378 million. What is it that brings so many tourists to Tennessee and Blount County in particular? Blount County has so much to offer that you truly have to come see for yourself,…

Read More

Vacationing on a Budget? Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Free to Enjoy

Did you think that it was only the “Free Entrance Days” in the United States National Park system that let you get into the 400+ parks and enjoy it all for free? This year, National Park Week is April 20 through April 28th, when you can get into all of the parks entirely for free.…

Read More

Considering Spring Break in the Smokies? Here are 5 Great Reasons to Make Reservations on the Peaceful Side

Ask travel experts and they’ll tell you that “spring break” is a season that can start as early as late in February and run into the middle of April. Typically, March is the peak of the season, and while it is often seen as a time of crazy parties for college kids, a lot of…

Read More

5 Blount County Restaurants Perfect for a Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and this year you can get a jump start on the rest of the world by booking your romantic dinner out right away. After all, it is shocking how quickly the tables at the area’s most romantic spots fill up and waiting until a week or two ahead…

Read More

Stay Warm Inside These Smoky Mountains Antique Stores and Unique Shops

Is Old Man Winter breathing down your neck, making you want to stay inside where it’s toasty warm with a cup of hot cocoa? What if we told you there is a way for you to go shopping without freezing? Would you take the bait and ask for more information? What if I added the…

Read More

Take in the Smoky Mountain Winterfest by Making Reservations to Stay on the Peaceful Side

‘Tis the season for fun, snow, holiday lights, and, of course, shopping for that perfect gift for friends and family. Now imagine going out shopping under more than 5 million tiny sparkling holiday lights! If you can’t picture what this feels like, you need to head over to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville for the…

Read More

Explore These Frozen Waterfalls in Great Smoky Mountains National Park This Winter

Millions of people pay a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, and they don’t limit their visits to the spring, summer or fall. It is a year-round destination, full of beautiful and unmatched scenery, lots of native flora and fauna, and many things to do. After all, you can enjoy visits…

Read More

The Best Breakfast Spots in the Smoky Mountains to Get You Going

Any visit to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies is a good time to explore the many amazing dining options. But, if you are paying a visit in the winter months, you have every excuse imaginable to indulge in a hearty breakfast. Known as the most important meal of the day, this is particularly true…

Read More

Learn About the Peaceful Side's Native American Heritage

A recent article out of Maryville, TN asks a very simple question: “Do you know who lived in your house before you did? How about what stood a century ago on the land where your house now sits?” And it is a good question to ask anyone since few of us could explain who may…

Read More

Getting Married in the Smokies this Year? Consider these Outdoor Wedding Venues

A wedding day is such a significant event, and it is so easy to get caught up in the planning and accommodating of everyone’s wishes that you might neglect your own. While you may find yourself stuck with a larger bridal party than you wanted, or inviting a lot more guests than you intended, you…

Read More

Spend a Day Exploring Maryville, Tennessee

Tucked into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the town of Maryville, TN dates far back in America’s history. Beginning as an 18th century fort, it officially became a town before the turn of that same century. Just twenty short miles from the bright lights and fun of Knoxville, it retains a small-town feel…

Read More

Enjoy the Quiet and Visit the Smokies in the Off-Season for a Stress-Free Vacation

In all honesty, it can be said that there is not a bad or wrong time to visit the Smokies. You can find a long list of indoor and outdoor activities at any time of year, and just paying a visit to a woodland cabin and enjoying a crackling fire may be all you need…

Read More