Celebrate St. Patty's Day with a Visit to One of Our Local Breweries

What could be better than celebrating St. Patty’s Day than sharing a pint or two at your favorite watering hole. A trip to Ireland and Guinness on tap? Well, that might be fantastic, but on a more realistic note, why not try some of the craft beers made right here on the “Peaceful Side of…

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Top 5 Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Spring

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park…just its name alone inspires all kinds of visions and thoughts. There are, of course, the mountains, but there are also the 100+ waterfalls, the miles of trails, the scenic drives, the historic buildings and settlement areas, the wildlife…there is so much to see and do! Naturally, that is why…

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Plan a Quick Weekend Getaway to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies with These Tips

Perhaps you know that the Smokies is a hugely popular travel destination. More than nine million visitors pass through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year alone, and that means it has a lot to offer. Yet, it also means there are areas more prone to crowds than others, and if you are eager…

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Learn About the History of the Region with a Tour of Cades Cove

If you are coming to the Townsend, TN area for a vacation, a trip into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must. And if you really want to learn all about the history of the region, then the best place to do so is by taking a tour of Cades Cove. A First-Hand…

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Stargazing in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Whether you are a casual stargazer, an amateur, or a professional astronomer, the one thing you need more than anything else is a clear sky and minimal light pollution. Living in a big town or city makes it almost impossible to see the stars, let alone truly enjoy them. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park…

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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,…

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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.…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Why You Should Get Married in the Smokies

If you are planning to take the plunge and get married in 2019, you should be looking for somewhere spectacular for your wedding ceremony and honeymoon! After all, you only get one wedding day; why not celebrate your special day surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery in the country? The Smokies are considered…

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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…

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