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Sometimes the best way to cool off is to get out on the water. We are blessed in Sevier County to have Douglas Lake easily accessible for all sorts of summer water fun. Enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, you can't lose if you choose a scenic and sunny day playing here. Douglas Lake is actually a manmade “faucet reservoir” as a part of the Holston-Cherokee-Douglas Watershed system. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) created this hydroelectric dam system in the 1940's during World War II, and Douglas Dam and Douglas Lake is our much beloved result, which spills downstream into the French Broad River. The lake is used to control water flow, and is drawn down in the early fall, causing the water line to drop throughout the winter months. August, however, is happy summertime to enjoy all there is to offer.
Sometimes it can add extra fun to combine a little mystery into your theme park experience. As family season pass holders and frequent visitors to Dollywood, we have literally explored almost every corner of the park, watching it expand and evolve over the years. On a recent excursion, we began to collect trivia throughout Dollywood for an upcoming group gathering. Here is the resulting scavenger hunt that we compiled, along with the answers (and location if needed).
Every summer includes water play of all sorts, depending on your preferences for getting wet. Though not located on the ocean, there are still plenty of opportunities to make a splash just a short distance from your Wears Valley rental cabin. Consider these alternatives:
In our tourist area, most regulars are very familiar with all the attractions in Gatlinburg, and things to do in Pigeon Forge. But we find that many are far less familiar with our county seat city, Sevierville, Tennessee. Home to many locals, it is a destination in its own right. Here is just a starter list of locations to shop, eat, explore, and play in Sevierville.
If you are like our family, all are looking ahead to summer vacation. Regardless of your destination in the Great Smoky Mountains, preparation is key to assuring your family's comfort and that everyone has a good time. After checking into your Pigeon Forge rental cabin, most head outside for adventure. Visiting Dollywood during the hot weather months can be more enjoyable with these few specific tips while hitting the water rides. There are four seasonal rides that can quickly cool you off. Here are the details:
It is an undisputed fact that theme parks can be an expensive family activity. To maximize your fun and minimize your cost while at Dollywood, check out these ways to cut expenses on admission, dining, and parking.
You spend so much of of daily life handling problems: work issues, school project deadlines, sports activities scheduling, and maintenance and repair surprises. When it is the too short timeframe to enjoy being with the person that you love, make each moment count! Here are some ways to ensure you create great shared memories when visiting the Smoky Mountains this month.
You have already heard about outlet shopping. You may be familiar with the outstanding arts and crafts community. You might even have visited the Bavarian-styled retail spot called the Village. This blog is for the guys. Not to say that women would not enjoy these locations, but let's find some purchase opportunities that might help with the man cave. So while you map out a shopping route plan on your GPS before leaving your rental cabin in Pigeon Forge, consider these stops for your list. Some are chains, some are locally-owned, independent establishments.
Ready to try something different for Thanksgiving Weekend 2019? Come to the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area in Tennessee's Great Smoky Mountains.
Anyone familiar with down home cuisine is acquainted with both the persona and recipes of celebrity chef Paula Deen, also known as the “First Lady of Southern Cooking”. Though healthfully tempered in recent years, her rich ingredients are enhanced with farm-grown flavors and sometimes surprising seasonings. Recently opened, Paula Deen's the Bag Lady Cafe at the Island in Pigeon Forge takes Paula's cooking back to its origins.
It's time for that rare experience: a leisurely, hot pancake breakfast. Not cooked by a family member at your Smokies rental cabin, but served to you in a restaurant-where no one on vacation has to make everything and then clean up afterwards. Eat it all, and then walk (or waddle) away. Here are some out-of-the-ordinary breakfast treats you really should try while in our area. All of them are locally owned establishments. There are more locations, and some excellent chain choices available, but consider starting with these.
The downhill slide. Great fun if you're a child on a sled with a clear run ahead of you. Not so thrilling if your family vehicle is headed toward the outer edge of that hillside curve. You may be a true flatlander from the sandy coast, or have grown up with several layers of lingering snow all winter. No matter--we are all in this together when a beautiful snow comes to the mountains of east Tennessee. So why does everyone here make a milk and bread run when the forecast predicts winter precipitation? And what do you do when you need to drive in it? Here are a few key tips to get you down that hill from your Gatlinburg rental cabin to safely make it to the grocery store (or restaurant if you prefer)!
To be sure, there are so many different reasons to visit the Smoky Mountains all throughout the year. Yet those who are in the know always realize that there are special moments to savor during the off season. Let's discuss some special winter joys!
If all things locomotive interest you, there are multiple opportunities in East Tennessee to explore train history in our area. Some favorites are mentioned here, starting closest geographically to your Smokies rental cabin, and moving outward.
Enjoying a Smoky Mountains vacation in your Sevierville cabin rental affords you time to indulge in pastimes that you can't stop for in your daily routine. Don't miss these two transportation museums in Sevierville. Full disclosure: trains will be the next blog, this writing takes a spin past the airplanes and automobiles.