Disruption: The Museum of the Cherokee Indian Exhibit
The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is a leader in the museum Disruption movement, aiming to return art and cultural artifacts to its rightful place and people of origin. The Disruption exhibit features the contemporary work of tribal artists. These pieces replace the culturally sensitive and funerary objects previously on display. Some of the removed […]
Heads Up: New Parking Fee at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
A new “Park It Forward” program has been implemented for visitors wishing to park within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (GSMNP). As of March 1, 2023, parking tags are being sold for $5 per day, $15 per week, or $40 per year per car. Passes are for sale online at Recreation.gov or Smokiesinformation.org for […]
Farm to Fork in the Smokies
The Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina are known for their outdoor adventures; vibrant arts and crafts; and exceptional food scene. What makes for this outstanding food and drink landscape is readily available and locally grown and sourced food products. The Fork-to-Table movement, also known as Farm-to-Table, means that the food is obtained directly from […]
Explorer’s Guide to Scaly Mountain
Deep in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains lies a hidden gem that is slowly but surely being discovered by nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Scaly Mountain in the Highlands of Western North Carolina has it all, and it is quickly becoming a national vacation destination. Here are the can’t-miss experiences waiting there for […]
Plan A Romantic Date In The Smokies
Many places can be considered romantic destinations, but few of them compare to the adventure and allure of the NC Great Smoky Mountains. Outdoor hot tubs, couple’s massages, candlelit dinners, and sweets for your sweet all add up to one very romantic getaway. Take Your Love To New Heights Start your day with an exhilarating […]
Smoky Mountain Arts and Eats Itinerary
Beyond the stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, you’ll find western North Carolina has an incredible cultural arts scene. Combine that with delicious farm-to-fork dining options and you’ve got yourself the makings for a perfect extended weekend vacation. Need some inspiration on what to do? Here’s a three-day itinerary to help guide you during your […]
Wellness and Mindfulness Retreats in the Smokies
The mountains of Western North Carolina have long been a destination for those looking to improve their health and wellness. Ever since the days when Tuberculosis was ravaging the nation, the fresh mountain air was seen as a way to help heal and rejuvenate the body. Today, the Smoky Mountains still call to those looking […]
John C. Campbell Folk School Offers Folk Craft Immersion
Imagine yourself immersed in an art school experience that specializes in the study of more than 50 forms of historic folk craft. Picture a place with expert instructors who teach in a small-classroom setting with joy and encouragement. Now visualize a school where you can spend either a full week or just a weekend engaged […]
Exploring the Highest Peaks in the Smokies
The NC Great Smoky Mountains boast some of the highest peaks on the eastern seaboard. Some of them provide long-range views, including across several states. Others have distinct features that make for an exceptional and unique visit. Here are some of our favorite highest peaks in the area and what you can expect to find. […]
Smoky Mountain Winter Adventures
One of our favorite times to visit the NC Great Smoky Mountains is in winter! Explore outdoor sports and adventure in the beautiful snowy landscape, hike the trails without the crowds, and relax by a cozy fire in a resort or secluded cabin. Visitors will find plenty of fun activities all season long – both […]
Discover the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center
The NC Great Smoky Mountains, known for their unparalleled beauty and outdoor adventure, is also home to the Appalachian Highlands Science Learning Center. Sitting at an elevation of 4,900 feet at Purchase Knob in Haywood County, this learning center supports scientific research and education in our national parks. What that means to you is that […]
Nearby Neighbors of the NC Smokies
The most fascinating thing about Mountain Folk is that they are all kindred spirits, linked by the heritage of the NC Great Smoky Mountains. Regional and state borders don’t define their Appalachian culture, and there are a few places outside of the westernmost NC area and just over the border that you definitely will want […]
Winter Adventures at Highlands Outpost
Highlands Outpost, formerly the Scaly Mountain Outdoor Center, offers all-day, winter fun for the whole family in Scaly Mountain, NC! Snow tubing, ice skating, and The Screamer are open all season and ready to take you on a snowy escapade you won’t soon forget – and all in one place. The Screamer Aptly named, The […]
Exploring the Primitive Outback of Otto NC
Vacationers seeking an ultimate, one-stop adventure in kayaking, gem mining, and yes, even fainting goats, should check out Primitive Outback in Otto, NC. Here is everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit. Kayaking the Little Tennessee River Imagine yourself kayaking down the Little Tennessee River, sharing space with beavers, […]
Celebrate Smoky Mountain Holiday Traditions
Enjoy a cozy and festive holiday escape in the North Carolina Smokies. There are plenty of gorgeous winter-time mountain views to go around. Wander among dazzling light displays, ride the Polar Express, enjoy a small-town parade on main street, and support local small businesses as you check off the gifts on your shopping list. Take […]
Rustic Luxury Rentals at Buffalo Creek Vacations
Whether you are looking for an exciting family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a perfect gathering place for a large group, Buffalo Creek Vacations has something for everyone. The accommodations are stellar, but the setting is what draws people from across the country to this bucolic destination. Located in Clyde, NC, Buffalo Creek Vacations comprises […]
Where to Find Beautiful Fall Color in the Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina offers stunning natural beauty year-round, but fall is an extra special time to visit the region to see autumn’s colorful quilt covering the ridge tops. Thanks to the extreme variations in elevation, the Smoky Mountains enjoy one of the longest leaf-peeping seasons in the country. The first […]
Where To Hear Smoky Mountain Music
Westernmost North Carolina is celebrated for its rich tradition of Appalachian music and is a renowned destination for music enthusiasts. Old Time mountain music is a melting pot of religious hymns, Scottish ballads – including the origins of bluegrass – and African blues. It’s down home, toe-tapping tunes meets Appalachian heritage. However, there’s more to […]
Apple Harvest Adventures in the Smokies
Nothing says fall like flame-colored leaves, a light snap in the air, and apples! And there is no place in the NC Great Smoky Mountains that celebrates apples better than Apple Harvest Festival 2022 in the beautiful, historic town of Waynesville, NC. This year’s festivities take place on October 15, 2022 and promise to remind […]
Five Fave Hikes for Fall Colors in the NC Smokies
The brilliant fall foliage of the NC Smoky Mountains rivals the changing leaf colors anywhere in the country. But, because of our steep elevations and lower rolling foothills, the leaf-looking season here lasts longer than most. Beginning in mid-September and continuing through early November, the NC Smokies offer you plenty of weeks to plan your […]