Smoky Mountains Area News, Events & Contests

01/07/2024

Tennessee baseball fans start as strangers, become friends on improvised Omaha tripDarrell Tipton of Maryville was one of the fortunate Tennessee fans who had the ticket and means to follow the Vols to Omaha, Nebraska, where they defeated Texas A&M for the college baseball national championship. Tipton, who works for Realty Executives, had the first flight out of McGhee Tyson in Knoxville at 5:30 a.m. Friday,…

Darrell Tipton of Maryville was one of the fortunate Tennessee fans who had the ticket and means to follow the Vols to Omaha, Nebraska, where they defeated Texas A&M for the college baseball national championship. Tipton, who works for Realty Executives, had the first flight out of McGhee Tyson in K...

01/07/2024

Not all Gatlinburg cabins cost a fortune. Do any of these options fit your budget?Just imagine: The sun rising between Smoky Mountain peaks and a freshly brewed cup of coffee in hand as you spy on the early birds from your wooden balcony during a Gatlinburg getaway. Why pay someone else for a weekend vacation when you could own a cabin yourself? The price is a barrier, of course,…

Just imagine: The sun rising between Smoky Mountain peaks and a freshly brewed cup of coffee in hand as you spy on the early birds from your wooden balcony during a Gatlinburg getaway. Why pay someone else for a weekend vacation when you could own a cabin yourself? The price is a barrier, of course,...

28/06/2024

U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park for ‘Poetry in Parks’GATLINBURG — The beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park has inspired artists for nearly 100 years. Ada Limón, the country’s 24th Poet Laureate, will celebrate that legacy at a special event at Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Saturday, July 20. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

GATLINBURG — The beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park has inspired artists for nearly 100 years. Ada Limón, the country’s 24th Poet Laureate, will celebrate that legacy at a special event at Oconaluftee Visitor Center on Saturday, July 20. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

27/06/2024

Dollywood’s Summer Celebration brings family-fun events to theme parkPIGEON FORGE — Stunt dogs and giant bubbles are part of this year’s lineup of entertainment at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. The summer festival, which runs through Aug. 11, features the “Gazillion Bubble Show” and “The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience.” Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

PIGEON FORGE — Stunt dogs and giant bubbles are part of this year’s lineup of entertainment at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. The summer festival, which runs through Aug. 11, features the “Gazillion Bubble Show” and “The Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience.” Continue Readi...

27/06/2024

County approves names for court facilitiesSEVIERVILLE — Sevier County Commission honored multiple people Monday as they passed a resolution naming facilities as they build the new courts building. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

SEVIERVILLE — Sevier County Commission honored multiple people Monday as they passed a resolution naming facilities as they build the new courts building. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

27/06/2024

Commission approves budget, stable tax rateSEVIERVILLE — Sevier County Commission gave its final approval Monday to a budget that keeps the tax rate stable and gives a 5% raise to all employees. The raise impacts employees from all county offices, including the Sevier County School System and the Highway Department. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

SEVIERVILLE — Sevier County Commission gave its final approval Monday to a budget that keeps the tax rate stable and gives a 5% raise to all employees. The raise impacts employees from all county offices, including the Sevier County School System and the Highway Department. Continue Reading on the...

26/06/2024

Tripadvisor names Dollywood top theme park in United StatesPIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) – On Tuesday, Tripadvisor named Dollywood to the lists of best theme park in the United States and best theme park in the world as a part of the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. Dollywood was named the number one park in the United States and the number…

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) – On Tuesday, Tripadvisor named Dollywood to the lists of best theme park in the United States and best theme park in the world as a part of the 2024 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards. Dollywood was named the number one park in the United States and the number....

25/06/2024

Gatlinburg eyes $5 million water plant expansionGATLINBURG — City Commission learned more about a $5 million proposed water plant expansion that would increase capacity but be within the footprint of the existing plant during a workshop Monday morning. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

GATLINBURG — City Commission learned more about a $5 million proposed water plant expansion that would increase capacity but be within the footprint of the existing plant during a workshop Monday morning. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

25/06/2024

Pigeon Forge Rotary Club partners with Rotary International Youth Exchange Program, sponsoring promising youth ambassadorPIGEON FORGE — The Pigeon Forge Rotary Club proudly announces its collaboration with the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program by sponsoring a dynamic and promising youth ambassador. This partnership underscores the club’s dedication to nurturing global connections and fostering cultural exchange among young people. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

PIGEON FORGE — The Pigeon Forge Rotary Club proudly announces its collaboration with the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program by sponsoring a dynamic and promising youth ambassador. This partnership underscores the club’s dedication to nurturing global connections and fostering cultural e...

24/06/2024

Black bear attacks park employee at popular Tennessee attraction, guests put on lockdownAn employee at a popular Gatlinburg, Tenn., attraction had a scare when she had a run-in with a black bear Thursday. Around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, a bear entered an open door of a concession stand called the “Bear Can” at Anakeesta, a theme park in Gatlinburg, per WVLT. The employee looked to be taking out…

An employee at a popular Gatlinburg, Tenn., attraction had a scare when she had a run-in with a black bear Thursday. Around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, a bear entered an open door of a concession stand called the “Bear Can” at Anakeesta, a theme park in Gatlinburg, per WVLT. The employee looked to be ta...

24/06/2024

Rockslide closes part of the Spur in Great Smoky Mountains National ParkGATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) – Crews are working to clear part of the Spur in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after a rockslide has closed one lane of traffic. Continue Reading on WVLT

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WVLT) – Crews are working to clear part of the Spur in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after a rockslide has closed one lane of traffic. Continue Reading on WVLT

21/06/2024

Soaky Mountain Waterpark hosts ‘World’s Largest Swim Lesson’SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Soaky Mountain Waterpark participated in the World’s Largest Swim Lesson on Thursday. Their message to kids was to always ask a parent if you can get in the water. Soaky Mountain teamed up with Morristown Landing to host the free event for kids. The waterpark said it’s not only about teaching…

SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Soaky Mountain Waterpark participated in the World’s Largest Swim Lesson on Thursday. Their message to kids was to always ask a parent if you can get in the water. Soaky Mountain teamed up with Morristown Landing to host the free event for kids. The waterpark said it....

21/06/2024

Donation to support Sevier County ministries’ charity workPIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) – In February, Sevier County bought more than 15,000 cups of soup and that helped raise thousands of dollars for two important charities. More than $11,000 was raised by the Old Mill and Citizens National Bank during the winter fundraiser. Continue Reading on WVLT

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) – In February, Sevier County bought more than 15,000 cups of soup and that helped raise thousands of dollars for two important charities. More than $11,000 was raised by the Old Mill and Citizens National Bank during the winter fundraiser. Continue Reading on WVLT

20/06/2024

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge family fun: Best things to do with kids in the SmokiesWith over 100 attractions, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are basically one giant playground, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – magical at any age – is just a short drive away. There’s plenty for families with kids to do in these East Tennessee towns, but the list can start to feel overwhelming. Knox News…

With over 100 attractions, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are basically one giant playground, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – magical at any age – is just a short drive away. There’s plenty for families with kids to do in these East Tennessee towns, but the list can start to feel ov...

20/06/2024

Gatlinburg discusses paving list at workshopGATLINBURG — Gatlinburg may be small geographically, but it’s got lots of roadways and tough terrain to keep it looking at its best. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

GATLINBURG — Gatlinburg may be small geographically, but it’s got lots of roadways and tough terrain to keep it looking at its best. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

19/06/2024

SCSO’s Haislip earns award at WSCC academyLisa Haislip with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office received the Charles Edward Baskette Memorial Award for Courage and Determination during the graduation ceremony for Class 132 at the Walters State Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy on June 6. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

Lisa Haislip with the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office received the Charles Edward Baskette Memorial Award for Courage and Determination during the graduation ceremony for Class 132 at the Walters State Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy on June 6. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

19/06/2024

Ham’N Goodys to close two locations ‘due to lack of business’Ham’N Goodys announced on social media Tuesday that two locations will be shutting down. The bakery and café said its Sevierville and Clinton Highway locations will close at the end of the month. Continue Reading on WVLT

Ham’N Goodys announced on social media Tuesday that two locations will be shutting down. The bakery and café said its Sevierville and Clinton Highway locations will close at the end of the month. Continue Reading on WVLT

18/06/2024

The Donut Friar celebrates 55 yearsGATLINBURG For 55 years, The Donut Friar has been feeding sweet treats to tourists and residents, especially neighboring school children at Pi Beta Phi Elementary. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

GATLINBURG For 55 years, The Donut Friar has been feeding sweet treats to tourists and residents, especially neighboring school children at Pi Beta Phi Elementary. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

18/06/2024

Smoky Mountain Weekend brings hundreds for fire trainingGATLINBURG — Each year Smoky Mountain Weekend Fire & Rescue Expo brings vendors sharing the latest in fire fighting and fire safety gear and equipment and dozens of training opportunities for those in the fire service. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

GATLINBURG — Each year Smoky Mountain Weekend Fire & Rescue Expo brings vendors sharing the latest in fire fighting and fire safety gear and equipment and dozens of training opportunities for those in the fire service. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

17/06/2024

Senior center brings awareness to elder abuseSEVIERVILLE — Seniors and their caregivers learned some detailed knowledge about what elder abuse is and how to prevent it during a special program hosted by Sevier County Elderwatch at My People Senior Activity Center on Friday. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

SEVIERVILLE — Seniors and their caregivers learned some detailed knowledge about what elder abuse is and how to prevent it during a special program hosted by Sevier County Elderwatch at My People Senior Activity Center on Friday. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

17/06/2024

SPD mourning loss of comfort dog, MaddieSevierville Police Department’s comfort dog, Maddie, had to be put to sleep on Tuesday because of ongoing medical conditions, the department announced on Facebook Friday morning. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

Sevierville Police Department’s comfort dog, Maddie, had to be put to sleep on Tuesday because of ongoing medical conditions, the department announced on Facebook Friday morning. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

14/06/2024

PF bumps raises to 7 percentPIGEON FORGE — As they vote on final reading of the upcoming budget, the city commission will consider bumping the raise for employees from 5% to 7%. Commissioners reviewed the proposed budget at a workshop Wednesday, marking the second they’ve held on the matter. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

PIGEON FORGE — As they vote on final reading of the upcoming budget, the city commission will consider bumping the raise for employees from 5% to 7%. Commissioners reviewed the proposed budget at a workshop Wednesday, marking the second they’ve held on the matter. Continue Reading on the Mountai...

14/06/2024

Summer in the Smokies: The best outdoor activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon ForgeAre you a nature lover? A daredevil? Looking to make the most of being so close to the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out these outdoor activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for ways to spend your summer (or any season!) under the sun. Just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the towns of…

Are you a nature lover? A daredevil? Looking to make the most of being so close to the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out these outdoor activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for ways to spend your summer (or any season!) under the sun. Just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are the t...

13/06/2024

Pink Jeeps takes guests on tour of SmokiesPIGEON FORGE — Visitors to the Smoky Mountains who want to learn more about the national park and the history of the area can ride in pink style with a company that started more than 60 years ago. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

PIGEON FORGE — Visitors to the Smoky Mountains who want to learn more about the national park and the history of the area can ride in pink style with a company that started more than 60 years ago. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

13/06/2024

SROs learn, connect at state conferencePIGEON FORGE — School resource officers are learning valuable lessons in keeping their schools safe during the Tennessee School Resource Officers Association conference this week. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

PIGEON FORGE — School resource officers are learning valuable lessons in keeping their schools safe during the Tennessee School Resource Officers Association conference this week. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

12/06/2024

Soaky Mountain Waterpark to participate in world’s largest swimming lesson June 20SEVIERVILLE — Parents and guardians with a child between 4 and 12 years of age that could benefit from participating in a group swimming lesson are encouraged to register them for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ event that Soaky Mountain Waterpark will be participating in simultaneously along with other swimming venues around the world on…

12/06/2024

New support group to address holistic care optionsSEVIERVILLE — A new community support group is aimed at helping lymphedema patients and others suffering from chronic illnesses with holistic treatment options beyond their regular therapies. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

SEVIERVILLE — A new community support group is aimed at helping lymphedema patients and others suffering from chronic illnesses with holistic treatment options beyond their regular therapies. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

11/06/2024

We Could Spend Every Weekend At This Massive Family Campground In Pigeon Forge TennesseePigeon Forge KOA will always hold a special place in my heart. This is the place where we stayed when we first visited the Great Smoky Mountains. We started to feel the pull towards the mountains and that eventually led us to move to Tennessee. It all started at this campground and every time I…

11/06/2024

County could name campus for WatersSEVIERVILLE — Sevier County commissioners managed to stun Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters last week when the intergovernmental committee voted to name the county’s upcoming new campus for the long-serving mayor. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

SEVIERVILLE — Sevier County commissioners managed to stun Sevier County Mayor Larry Waters last week when the intergovernmental committee voted to name the county’s upcoming new campus for the long-serving mayor. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

10/06/2024

State grant funds helping to improve downtown buildingsSEVIERVILLE — Some buildings in the downtown area are starting to get some external upgrades with help from a state grant program. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press

SEVIERVILLE — Some buildings in the downtown area are starting to get some external upgrades with help from a state grant program. Continue Reading on the Mountain Press