Roads to drive, sights to see, things to do, places to visit, tips and interesting tidbits - all about your Smoky Mountains vacation

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Wildlife & Nature

Bugs, Bites & Mountain Life: What to Expect in the Smoky Mountains

Whether you're hiking through the national park, relaxing on a cabin porch, enjoying an evening around the fire pit, or simply exploring the wooded outdoors, you may encounter some of the small creatures that naturally inhabit the Smoky Mountains. Most are harmless, some are seasonal nuisances, and a few require sensible precautions. Understanding what to expect can help you enjoy your mountain vacation more comfortably and confidently.

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Trip Planning

"Hell Week" in the Smoky Mountains: What Visitors Should Know About Christmas and New Year's

If you're planning a Christmas or New Year's vacation in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville, there's a local term you may hear that probably doesn't appear in many vacation brochures: "Hell Week." It sounds dramatic, but among many locals and people who work in the tourism and service industries, it's a familiar nickname for the exceptionally busy period surrounding Christmas and New Year's.

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Trip Planning

Why Smart Travelers Compare Vacation Rental Prices Beyond Airbnb & Vrbo

Airbnb and Vrbo trained travelers to think they’re the only game in town. They’re not. They’re just the most expensive middlemen in travel history. 
Next time you fall in love with a vacation rental, take five extra minutes to search the property name or run the photo through Google Lens. You may find the owner's direct website  - and pocket hundreds of dollars that were never necessary to pay in the first place.

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