9 Amazing Things To Do In East Tennessee
9 Amazing Things To Do In East Tennessee
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
GETTYFor a family-friendly destination that has it all, look no further than east Tennessee. Nature lovers can celebrate Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday with a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, thrill seekers can ride rollercoasters at Dollywood or challenge themselves to a round of laser tag, and multi-generational comrades can play mini golf, try duckpin bowling, visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, or ride a chairlift to the top of a mountain for panoramic views. Keep reading to learn about top attractions and sites in the beautiful mountain towns of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge, which are all chock-full of exciting adventures and good ole family fun.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Cherokee people called this area the “Place of Blue Smoke” and it’s easy to see why when you’re on an early morning hike featuring a blueish mist surrounding the mountain tops. Top nature hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park include Charlies Bunion, Alum Cave Bluffs, Andrews Bald, Rainbow Falls, and Chimney Tops. Home to more than 1,500 black bears, waterfalls, historic architecture, and beautifully twisting roads, this forest-covered playground is definitely worth a visit.
Pro Tip: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most popular national park in the U.S. so it would behoove you to visit in the off season. Plan to hike at first light when possible. Also, while there’s no fee to enter the park, parking passes must be purchased at the visitor center.
American black bear cub in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee.
GETTYPink Jeep Tour
Let someone else navigate and drive while you join a Pink Jeep Tour, leaders in guided excursions in east Tennessee. If this company sounds familiar, it’s because they also operate excursions in Sedona, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, and Branson. Rest assured that you’ll be in good hands while on your Smoky Mountain adventure. You’ll buckle up and ride in the back of a custom-built Jeep Wrangler while a knowledgeable guide fills you in on the region's history as well as the flora and fauna of the area’s natural landscapes. And, yes, you’ll do a little off-roading as well to see what those Jeeps can really do!
Pro Tip: Popular tours in the Smoky Mountains include Newfound Gap, Foothills Parkway, Elkmont Ghost Town, and Roaring Fork.
Anakeesta
For an award-winning experience that offers a little bit of everything, make time for one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions. Anakeesta is home to live country music, plenty of food and beverage options, souvenir shopping, two mountain coasters—Rail Runner and Hellbender, a 16-bridge Treetop Skywalk, and incredible bird's-eye views atop the Anavista Tower. Your adventure begins with the Condola, a scenic chairlift ride to the summit, where you should keep your eyes out for black bears and other wildlife. The Ridge Rambler adventure vehicle is great for those who prefer wheeled transportation to the top.
Pro Tip: Make sure you visit when the park opens, as early as your schedule allows, to avoid crowds. This is a popular attraction and will likely have many tourists, especially in the high season.
The popular resort town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee nestled in the shadows of the Great Smoky ... [+]
GETTYAmazing Mirror Maze
Fun for everyone, Gatlinburg’s largest maze, Amazing Mirror Maze, is located right on the Parkway. You’ll wander through each section while the lights, music, and designs of this wild labyrinth aim to lob you off track. When you’ve finished you can play a round of Circus Golf in Blacklight 3D.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes so you can explore the area on foot. There’s a trolly that operates every day of the year, which makes it easy and fun to get around.
Hillbilly Golf
Choose your lucky golf ball and hop on the funicular that will take you 300 feet straight up to the top of the mountain, above the hustle and bustle of the city below. Pick from two different 18-hole mini golf courses at Hillbilly Golf and try not to lose your ball on one of the mountaineer hazards. Billed as the world’s most unusual golf course, you’re likely to log some fun memories here.
Pro Tip: Make sure you use the bathroom before heading up the mountain—there are no restrooms at the top.
Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show
While exploring the area, you’ll see that dinner shows are quite the event here. Treat your family to the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show where you’ll see the most amazing acrobatics and theatrics while being entertained by Blackbeard and Calico Jack. Enjoy a four-course meal at this pirate-themed outing that has many immersive opportunities to join in on the fun.
Pro Tip: Other dinner shows in the area include Dolly Parton’s Stampede, Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, and The Comedy Barn Theater.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
GETTYSkyland Ranch
For good ole family fun, visit Skyland Ranch. Situated on a 100-acre farm in Sevierville, this serene enclave is a bit of a respite from all of the buzzing action in Gatlinburg. Ride the Horizon Skyride chairlift to the top, where you’ll find bunnies, miniature horses, and fluffy calves. Dance to live music; ride the Wild Stallion, the longest mountain coaster in the area; and pick up a new cowboy hat from the Williford Mercantile.
Pro Tip: Come hungry and sample delights from the food trucks or the café and bakery.
Dollywood
If you’re a Dolly Parton fan, you can’t visit east Tennessee without making a stop at Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge, just seven miles north of Gatlinburg. From live shows and musical entertainment to incredible thrills for all ages to great food and shopping opportunities, there’s something for everyone here. Top rides include Big Bear Mountain, FireChaser Express, Lighting Rod, and Tennessee Tornado. Be sure to see the Calico Falls Schoolhouse, a replica of Dolly Parton’s mountain home, and the Robert F. Thomas Chapel. The Dollywood Express, a 110-ton coal-fired steam engine, takes passengers on a journey along the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying the famous cinnamon bread at The Grist Mill.
The Pines
Located in Sevierville, The Pines Theater is full of history and charm. Once the go-to locale for live entertainment, including the musical stylings of Roy Acuff, June Carter Cash, Chet Atkins, Archie Campbell, and hometown hero Dolly Parton—she had her first-ever paid performance here at the age of 10, The Pines is now the place to go for good food, quality time with friends and family, and fun activities like duckpin bowling.
Pro Tip: Be sure to see other highlights in historic downtown Sevierville like the Reds Café mural, Sevier County Courthouse, Dolly Parton statue, Birdie the Birddog sculpture, and Old Kilpatrick’s Drug Store (located next to the Sevier County Heritage Museum). Sevierville restaurant recommendations include Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ, The Appalachian, and Roma Table Italian Kitchen.
Scenic Drive in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
GETTYWhere to Stay
Well located to all of the action in east Tennessee, Camp Margaritaville RV Resort & Lodge in Pigeon Forge is perfect for kids and multi-generational families. Whether you’re traveling with an RV or staying at The Lodge, you’ll love the amenities like the Fin City Entertainment Center, complete with an arcade, billiards, duckpin bowling, and darts. Splash around in the swimming pool or relax in the Lazy River or hot tub, play a round of pickleball, and have a relaxed morning with the Fins Breakfast Buffet. Here, there’s something for everyone.
I graduated at the top of my class from DePaul University and I've been in the travel industry, writing and exploring the globe, ever since. I've worked at a luxury
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Read our community guidelines .7 Cyber Safety Tips To Outsmart Scammers
By Nicole Beaudoin, Marketing Manager
Welcome to the wild west of the digital world where cyber scammers lurk around every pixelated corner. Cybercrime isn’t just a futuristic Hollywood plotline, it’s a real threat that targets everyone—from wide-eyed kids to seasoned adults and wise grandparents.
And guess what? It’s on the rise faster than your Wi-Fi connection during peak hours (okay, maybe not that fast, but you get the gist). So, hoist the sails as we cruise through the seven seas of cyber safety.
WEBROOT
Identifying scams
Before we dive headfirst into the cyber safety tips, let’s equip ourselves with the ultimate weapon: knowledge. Scams are the digital equivalent of a snake oil salesperson peddling miracle cures. They come in all shapes and sizes, lurking in the shadowy corners of the internet.
Let’s embrace the golden rule of scam detection: skepticism.
Whether it’s a promise of untold riches, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, or a free Caribbean cruise courtesy of a Nigerian prince, approach with caution and a healthy dose of skepticism.
Now, let’s take a quick tour through the terrain of common cyber scams:
- Phishing scams: Ah, phishing scams, the bane of our digital existence. These sneaky scams involve fake emails posing as messages from familiar faces or reputable companies. They’ll try to sweet-talk you into clicking on suspicious links or divulging sensitive information like passwords or credit card details. Remember: real companies don’t ask for your personal data via email.
- Sweepstakes and awards scams: Congratulations! You’ve just won a brand new car, a tropical vacation, and a lifetime supply of unicorn-shaped cookies—all you need to do is pay a small processing fee. Sound too good to be true? That’s because it is! These scams offer you instant wealth but are really just clever ruses to empty your wallet faster than you can say “jackpot.”
- Investment scams: Picture this: a golden opportunity to double your money with zero risk. Investment scams lure unsuspecting victims with the promise of sky-high profits. Don’t let these offers cloud your judgment. Always do your due diligence before investing your hard-earned cash.
- Lawsuit or tax scams: Lawsuit and tax scams thrive on instilling fear and panic, claiming you owe urgent payments. When in doubt, verify the legitimacy of any claims before reaching for your wallet.
- Romance scams: Romance scams prey on the trusting hearts of hopeful romantics, weaving elaborate tales of love and devotion before swooping in for the financial kill. Remember: anyone who asks for money online is more likely to break your heart than mend it.
- Tech support scams: These imposters offer remote assistance to fix nonexistent problems with your laptop or devices while gaining access to your sensitive data. Remember: legitimate tech support doesn’t come knocking unsolicited. If in doubt, just delete the email and seek help from trusted sources.
Equipped with this knowledge, you’re ready to navigate the digital minefield with confidence. You can also be a good internet citizen by forwarding these scams to the U.S. government’s Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) at phishing-report@us-cert.gov.
Your 7 tips to stay safe online
- Use strong passwords: Let’s kick things off with the basics. Your password is the digital key to your castle, so make sure it’s not something as flimsy as ‘123456’ or ‘password.’ Get creative! Mix uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters like a mad scientist concocting a secret potion. And don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts unless you want to throw a welcome party for cybercriminals.
- Keep your devices updated: Newsflash: Cybercriminals love exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated software like it’s Black Friday at the cybercrime emporium. Stay one step ahead by keeping your devices and applications updated. Those pesky software updates aren’t just about adding a new emoji, they often contain vital updates to fix security issues.
- Lockdown your privacy settings: Your online profiles are like open books to cyber snoops unless you lock them down. Take a few minutes to review and adjust your privacy settings on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Limit who can see your posts, tag you in photos, or slide into your DMs without an invitation.
- Safeguard your privacy with a trustworthy VPN: In the digital-verse, protecting your online privacy is paramount, like guarding the secret recipe to your grandma’s famous carrot cake. That’s where a virtual private network (VPN) swoops in like a digital superhero to save the day. By encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address, a good VPN shields your online activities from prying eyes, hackers, and nosy advertisers.
- Use two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security for your account logins by having you not only enter your password but also provide a second form of verification, such as a one-time code texted to your phone. It’s like having two bouncers screening out any shady characters trying to hack into your accounts.
- Backup your data: Picture this nightmare scenario: Your laptop is suddenly hijacked by a malware infection or a ransomware attack encrypting all your files and holding them hostage. But fear not! By regularly backing up your data to the cloud or an external hard drive, you can rest easy knowing that your digital treasures are safe and sound.
- Safeguard your loved ones: Internet scams can be devastatingly effective when targeting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, or those less tech savvy. So it’s crucial to designate someone as the cybersecurity leader within your family. One of your top priorities should be to ensure that everyone’s devices are equipped with robust identity protection and antivirus software. Think of it as fortifying your digital fortress, shielding your loved ones from the threats lurking in the internet world.
Congratulations, you’ve just leveled up your digital defense game! Implementing these 7 tips into your digital life is only the first step in combating cybercrime and staying safe online. Identity protection and comprehensive antivirus software will provide you with peace of mind.
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