by Andrew Doughty | Mar 28, 2026 | Blog, Great Smoky
America set aside its national parks to preserve the best of what it has. That does not mean they’re interchangeable. Lumping them together because they all have a sign, a fee booth and a gift shop is like saying Maine, Hawai‘i and Minnesota feel the same. They don’t....
by Andrew Doughty | Oct 4, 2025 | Blog, Great Smoky
Hiking in Lake Mead isn’t just a walk in the park–it’s desert theater, served up with epic views, solitude, and that “wow” factor you didn’t even know you needed. And yes, we’ve logged miles out here at ungodly hours so I can bring you the honest-to-gods trail...
by Andrew Doughty | Apr 19, 2025 | Blog, Great Smoky
Today starts the annual celebration known as National Park Week. If you ever needed an excuse to get out and explore America’s backyard, this is a great time to do it. The writer and historian Wallace Stegner famously called the national parks “…the...
by Andrew Doughty | Dec 21, 2024 | Blog, Great Smoky
When you think of spending Christmas time in the Great Smoky Mountains, what’s the first thing you think of? No, not winding, icy roads (but that is something to be on the lookout for). If you’re like us, you’re thinking of ways to spend quality time...
by Andrew Doughty | Dec 4, 2024 | Blog, Great Smoky
The Polar Express Train Ride in the Smoky Mountains is a magical experience that brings the beloved holiday story to life. Hosted by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, North Carolina, this holiday adventure transports passengers to the “North Pole”...
by Andrew Doughty | Sep 11, 2024 | Blog, Great Smoky
From September 20th to November 3rd the Smoky Mountain Fall Festival at Ober Mountain is basically the ultimate fall playground in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s like autumn came to life, put on a cozy sweater, and invited you to party! The colors? Spectacular. The...
