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 | Nov 29, 2025 | Blog, Uncategorized
Ah, the holidays. Travel, family and over the top meals. Every year I try to tell myself I’ll stick to just one plate of food at Thanksgiving dinner. Two rounds of gravy-smothered mashed potatoes later and the next thing I know I’m waking up from a turkey...
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 | Aug 14, 2024 | Blog, Great Smoky
The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival, set for August 17, is a captivating event that merges the breathtaking scenery of the Smokies with the timeless allure of hot air balloons. Held annually, this festival has become a favorite for locals and tourists...
