Download Visitors Guide

Springtime Festivals in the Great Smoky Mountains

Greening up the Mountains festival. Downtown Sylva.

Oh, spring! Who doesn’t love the new flowers blooming and the trees budding back into a season of pure lushness? After the long winter, who doesn’t crave temperatures that feel almost too pleasant to be true? If spring in general doesn’t get your motor revving, plan a visit to the Smokies and you are sure […]

Rainy Day Adventures in the NC Smokies

What to do when it rains in the Smoky Mountains.

The NC Great Smoky Mountains get just the right amount of rain to cultivate their abundant lushness, but no one wants downpours on their vacation. Here are our favorite rainy day adventures to help  chase away the rainy-day blues. Stay Warm and Dry Inside Harrah’s Cherokee Casinos Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River […]

Free Things To Do in the Smokies for the Budget-Minded Traveler – Part 2

Downtown Bryson City in the NC Smoky Mountains

Bryson City Edition This is part two of a five part series that will help stretch those vacation dollars a little further by exploring free things to do in the Smokies of North Carolina. Part one can be found here. Going on vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are our top picks for […]

Museum of the Cherokee People – A New Vision

Exterior of the Museum of the Cherokee People

Cherokee is known for many things – its many lakes, rivers, streams, fishing and beautiful mountains, and in more recent years, its casino.  It’s also home of the Museum of the Cherokee People, formerly known as The Museum of the Cherokee Indian until a recent rebranding to align more authentically with the Cherokee, as people.  […]

Free Things To Do in the Smokies for the Budget-Minded Traveler – Part 1

hiker on the Appalachian Trail at Graveyard Fields.

Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Sylva Edition This is part one of a five part series that will help stretch those vacation dollars a little further by exploring free things to do in the Smokies of North Carolina. Going on vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are our top picks for exploring the NC […]

How To Help Protect the Smokies

There are seven principles of Leave No Trace which help ensure the care and safety of the natural resources, the wildlife and our fellow visitors.

New to You – Antiquing in the Smokies

shopper walking down street in downtown franklin nc

When it comes to antiquing in the Smokies, your experiences can range from curated show rooms to flea markets to giant warehouses that require treasure hunting through mountains of uncatalogued items. The quaint town of Waynesville is home to several antique shops worth visiting. One of our favorites is Spenceberry Antiques. They offer a wide […]

Exploring 4 of Our Favorite Lakes In the NC Smoky Mountains

family looking at ducks at Lake Junaluska

Explore the lakes in the NC Smoky Mountains region for a serene and beautiful experience. Take part in water sports, hiking, or simply relax by the water. These lakes have something for everyone, and each has its unique charm and recreational activities, making them fantastic destinations for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of […]

Best Breakfast Spots in the Smoky Mountains

coffee and croissant at bent willow bakery

There is no one definition of breakfast in the NC Smoky Mountains. For some, it’s an old-fashioned breakfast feast piled high with country goodness at a no-frills diner, for others it’s the bite of an inky espresso accompanied by a flaky pastry, and for others, it’s breakfast elevated to the status of fine dining. Here […]

Living Large with Tiny Life Homes

sunset retreat exterior by tiny life homes

The mountain town of Franklin, NC lies in the heart of the Nantahala National Forest at the outermost edges of Western North Carolina. Known for extraordinary outdoor adventures, beautiful scenery, and an easy way of life, it has become a popular destination for those seeking a simpler existence. It was with that mindset that Tiny […]