Posts

Randy Watson's grandparents lived in the Smokies before the national park existed. Now, after 48 years at Gatlinburg SkyPark, he shares family history, his life as a bluegrass musician, and how the 2016 fires reshaped the mountain forever. ...

Ho-ho-hold up a minute. After the excitement of fall football season melts into the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and after the holidays bring us to the precipice of a new year, it’s easy to hit a proverbial wall that smacks us in the face with the winter blues. After months of high energy and endless celebration, suddenly...it’s January. It’s cold. It's often gray. It's usually quiet. No wonder we can easily start to feel down in the dumps! ...

Mark Adams came to Gatlinburg from Atlanta and was "baptized by fire" within months, leading tourism through the 2016 wildfires and COVID. Now CEO of Ober Mountain, he shares the story behind its nostalgic rebrand and new attractions. ...

For 28 years, Jackie Leatherwood has led Greystone Lodge — but her Sevier County roots run generations deeper. She shares family history, her heart for hospitality, and how Gatlinburg's people carried the community through the 2016 fires. ...

Corey Wagner visited Gatlinburg so many times he eventually moved there. He built the 159,000-member Gatlinburg Now page along the way — and now works at Anakeesta, greeting the same kind of first-time visitors he once was. ...

Mountain Laurel Chalets has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the top places to stay near Gatlinburg. Our diverse range of cabins, from cozy retreats to spacious lodges, offers the perfect home base for your Smoky Mountain adventure. With fully-equipped kitchens, hot tubs, and fireplaces, our properties provide comfort and convenience while keeping you close to the natural beauty of the mountains and the excitement of local attractions. Discover why Condé Nast recommends us! ...

Chad Netherland went from a wide-eyed kid visiting Gatlinburg's Guinness World Records museum to an 11-time record holder — and, full circle, the president of Visit Gatlinburg. He shares how the town balances growth with keeping its mountain village character. ...

For nearly five decades, Cindy Cameron Ogle helped shape Gatlinburg — from assistant city manager in 1978 to a 35-year run as City Manager. She talks candor, resilience, and what it took to lead this town through the 2016 wildfires. ...

In this episode, we speak with Mike Werner, the longtime Mayor of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, who shares his journey from visiting the town in 1976 to becoming a community leader. His passion for Gatlinburg and its people is evident throughout the conversation, leaving listeners with a profound appreciation for the town's enduring spirit and hospitality. ...

Discover the top things to do in Pigeon Forge during the winter, from festive holiday events and winter hiking to cozy cabin getaways and exploring Pigeon Forge. Plan your perfect winter escape! ...