First Trip to the Smokies? What You Actually Need to Know
So, you're finally planning that long-awaited trip to the Smoky Mountains? You're in for something memorable. The Smokies are one of those places where you can breathe a little easier, explore a little deeper, and enjoy everything from sweeping mountain views to fun attractions you won't find anywhere else.
But if this is your first time visiting, a little local know-how can make your experience way better. Whether you're here for the hiking, the shows, or just a peaceful change of pace, this guide will help you get the most out of your trip—without the stress.
Picking the right place to stay can shape your entire trip. You don't want to spend hours driving back and forth between the park, attractions, and places to eat. That's why Pigeon Forge is one of the best places to stay if you want to be near top attractions, restaurants, and scenic routes into the national park. It gives you easy access to shows like Dolly Parton's Stampede and other fun spots without needing to spend all day in the car.
For your first visit, it makes sense to stay somewhere that feels like a retreat but still keeps you close to everything. Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals offers a wide selection of cabins throughout Pigeon Forge, with options that include private hot tubs, mountain views, theater rooms, and even indoor pools. You get the comfort of a home with the perks that make a trip feel special.
For a comfortable home base near everything you want to see and do, it's worth checking out this Pigeon Forge lodging option, which puts you right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains experience.
Mountain weather can change quickly. One minute, it's sunny, the next, there's a drizzle—or a fog that rolls in like a curtain. That's why it's smart to bring layers, even in summer.
Spring and fall can feel cool in the mornings and evenings, while summer brings the heat during the day. If you're hiking at higher elevations, expect it to feel 10 to 15 degrees cooler than it does in town.
Pack a lightweight rain jacket, comfy shoes, and reusable water bottles. If you're visiting in winter, check road conditions and dress warm—it's chilly but beautiful when the snow hits the peaks.
Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see. First-time visitors should definitely carve out time for Cades Cove, where you might spot deer, black bears, and even wild turkeys. The scenic loop is beautiful any time of year, but especially in fall.
You should also check out Kuwohi. It's the highest point in the Smokies and offers an easy paved walk to the observation tower with sweeping views.
But the fun doesn't stop at the park's edge. Pigeon Forge is full of interesting things to do, like visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge, where you can ride The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel or try local eats. The Titanic Museum Attraction is also a hit with first-time visitors—it features real artifacts and interactive exhibits that walk you through the ship's story.
Plan your days to include both natural beauty and family-friendly entertainment. It's a good way to keep everyone in your group happy, especially if you're traveling with kids or multiple generations.
Even though the Smokies feel wide open, the most popular spots and shows fill up fast. If you're planning to visit during the late spring, summer, or fall foliage season, book early.
That includes everything from dinner show tickets to your cabin rental. These spots are popular for a reason—they offer entertainment and comfort that make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Booking ahead also gives you a better choice of cabins, dates, and seat options at shows.
You don't need a strict itinerary, but having your lodging and a few key activities locked in will help your trip go smoothly.
Trying to pack in too much can leave you tired and stressed. The Smokies are meant to be enjoyed at a slower pace.
Start with one or two main things each day. Maybe a hike in the morning, lunch at a local spot, and a show or scenic drive in the evening. Leave some room for surprises—like a roadside market, a quiet creek you didn't expect, or just an extra hour in the hot tub at your cabin.
Traffic can also be a factor, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Give yourself buffer time between plans so you're not rushing around.
Here are a few first-timer tips that'll save you time and stress: Start your day early. Trailhead parking lots fill up quickly, and morning is usually less crowded.
Trailhead parking lots fill up quickly, and morning is usually less crowded. Pack your own snacks. Food options inside the park are limited, and you'll appreciate having something on hand.
Food options inside the park are limited, and you'll appreciate having something on hand. Use GPS—but have a map, too. Cell service can drop in the park and some back roads.
Cell service can drop in the park and some back roads. Wear good shoes. Even short hikes can get slippery or rocky.
Even short hikes can get slippery or rocky. Bring cash. Some local markets and roadside stands don't take cards.
A little prep goes a long way in the Smokies. These small details help you enjoy more and worry less.
Traveling to the Smokies for the first time should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With a little planning and the right home base, you can experience the best of both nature and entertainment without missing a beat.
Whether you're hiking a scenic trail, catching a dinner show, or relaxing on the porch of your cabin, this mountain destination has a way of making people feel right at home. Take it all in, go at your own pace, and enjoy the views. You'll probably be planning your second trip before the first one's even over.
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Time Business News
a day ago
- Time Business News
First Trip to the Smokies? What You Actually Need to Know
So, you're finally planning that long-awaited trip to the Smoky Mountains? You're in for something memorable. The Smokies are one of those places where you can breathe a little easier, explore a little deeper, and enjoy everything from sweeping mountain views to fun attractions you won't find anywhere else. But if this is your first time visiting, a little local know-how can make your experience way better. Whether you're here for the hiking, the shows, or just a peaceful change of pace, this guide will help you get the most out of your trip—without the stress. Picking the right place to stay can shape your entire trip. You don't want to spend hours driving back and forth between the park, attractions, and places to eat. That's why Pigeon Forge is one of the best places to stay if you want to be near top attractions, restaurants, and scenic routes into the national park. It gives you easy access to shows like Dolly Parton's Stampede and other fun spots without needing to spend all day in the car. For your first visit, it makes sense to stay somewhere that feels like a retreat but still keeps you close to everything. Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals offers a wide selection of cabins throughout Pigeon Forge, with options that include private hot tubs, mountain views, theater rooms, and even indoor pools. You get the comfort of a home with the perks that make a trip feel special. For a comfortable home base near everything you want to see and do, it's worth checking out this Pigeon Forge lodging option, which puts you right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains experience. Mountain weather can change quickly. One minute, it's sunny, the next, there's a drizzle—or a fog that rolls in like a curtain. That's why it's smart to bring layers, even in summer. Spring and fall can feel cool in the mornings and evenings, while summer brings the heat during the day. If you're hiking at higher elevations, expect it to feel 10 to 15 degrees cooler than it does in town. Pack a lightweight rain jacket, comfy shoes, and reusable water bottles. If you're visiting in winter, check road conditions and dress warm—it's chilly but beautiful when the snow hits the peaks. Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see. First-time visitors should definitely carve out time for Cades Cove, where you might spot deer, black bears, and even wild turkeys. The scenic loop is beautiful any time of year, but especially in fall. You should also check out Kuwohi. It's the highest point in the Smokies and offers an easy paved walk to the observation tower with sweeping views. But the fun doesn't stop at the park's edge. Pigeon Forge is full of interesting things to do, like visiting The Island in Pigeon Forge, where you can ride The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel or try local eats. The Titanic Museum Attraction is also a hit with first-time visitors—it features real artifacts and interactive exhibits that walk you through the ship's story. Plan your days to include both natural beauty and family-friendly entertainment. It's a good way to keep everyone in your group happy, especially if you're traveling with kids or multiple generations. Even though the Smokies feel wide open, the most popular spots and shows fill up fast. If you're planning to visit during the late spring, summer, or fall foliage season, book early. That includes everything from dinner show tickets to your cabin rental. These spots are popular for a reason—they offer entertainment and comfort that make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Booking ahead also gives you a better choice of cabins, dates, and seat options at shows. You don't need a strict itinerary, but having your lodging and a few key activities locked in will help your trip go smoothly. Trying to pack in too much can leave you tired and stressed. The Smokies are meant to be enjoyed at a slower pace. Start with one or two main things each day. Maybe a hike in the morning, lunch at a local spot, and a show or scenic drive in the evening. Leave some room for surprises—like a roadside market, a quiet creek you didn't expect, or just an extra hour in the hot tub at your cabin. Traffic can also be a factor, especially during peak seasons and weekends. Give yourself buffer time between plans so you're not rushing around. Here are a few first-timer tips that'll save you time and stress: Start your day early. Trailhead parking lots fill up quickly, and morning is usually less crowded. Trailhead parking lots fill up quickly, and morning is usually less crowded. Pack your own snacks. Food options inside the park are limited, and you'll appreciate having something on hand. Food options inside the park are limited, and you'll appreciate having something on hand. Use GPS—but have a map, too. Cell service can drop in the park and some back roads. Cell service can drop in the park and some back roads. Wear good shoes. Even short hikes can get slippery or rocky. Even short hikes can get slippery or rocky. Bring cash. Some local markets and roadside stands don't take cards. A little prep goes a long way in the Smokies. These small details help you enjoy more and worry less. Traveling to the Smokies for the first time should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With a little planning and the right home base, you can experience the best of both nature and entertainment without missing a beat. Whether you're hiking a scenic trail, catching a dinner show, or relaxing on the porch of your cabin, this mountain destination has a way of making people feel right at home. Take it all in, go at your own pace, and enjoy the views. You'll probably be planning your second trip before the first one's even over. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
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H-1 to have full closure this weekend. What you need to know
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Hamilton Spectator
15-05-2025
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Yes, the Calgary Stampede is the country's biggest rodeo. But it's also a 10-day citywide party
Only in Canada is a new travel series that acts as a love letter to the bucket-list destinations and experiences in our beautiful country. Look for the Only in Canada series every week. 'Yahoo!' It's the greeting that rings through the streets of Calgary for 10 days in early July, when roughly 1.5 million attendees (about a third of them out-of-towners) turn this modern and diverse city into a festival of cowboy dress-up, with an influx of legitimate cowboys thrown in for good measure. Officially branded as 'the greatest outdoor show on Earth,' the Calgary Stampede is a celebration of what is usually described as 'Western culture,' in the form of an agricultural fair and rodeo competition. It is also a midway carnival filled with rides and various combinations of fried foods on a stick; one of Canada's largest music festivals; an occasion to swan around the city in chic Western regalia; a parade (marshalled this year by Shania Twain) that takes over downtown streets for an entire morning; plus a big ol' party where the distinction between weekdays and weekends all but disappears. Visitors will undoubtedly spot — and perhaps even take cues from — drunken revellers stumbling around in stiff cowboy boots and cheap straw hats. But beyond the partying, the non-profit organization behind the Stampede also brings a sense of family fun and community engagement. The sun sets over the 26 tipis at Elbow River Camp on Stampede Park. Initiatives include the Pop-up Neighbours campaign (to welcome new Canadians with a literal welcome wagon), respectful Indigenous programming (such as an on-site tipi camp), and daily, free pancake breakfasts at community centres throughout the city. It's a choose-your-own-adventure, and no two visitors' Stampedes will look exactly the same. Much of the Stampede's continuing allure is the combination of its reverence for history — the event dates back to 1912 — and a willingness to evolve. This involves both the official Calgary Stampede (the entertainment, rodeo, midway and exhibitions on Stampede Park) and the more generalized Stampede spirit permeating nearly every corner of the city. On Stampede Park, recent changes include the opening of the newly expanded BMO Centre, which will be home to a retail market, cultural performances and a 'relaxation zone,' as well as the relocation of the Coca-Cola Stage, a free-with-park-admission music venue that last year hosted artists from Orville Peck to G-Eazy. A performer in 'Starslingers' by Le Cirque de la Nuit, a theatrical production at the BMO Centre during the 2024 Calgary Stampede. Defying any lingering redneck stereotypes, for over a decade the on-park Nashville North concert venue has hosted a dedicated Pride Day, complete with superstar drag performances. And to add a different kind of agricultural product to the fair, the Stampede launched an international wine competition in 2024, with winning bottles served throughout the park. A growing number of Alberta businesses are also joining in the revelry. Eau Claire Distillery, for example, makes a Stampede-branded whisky with locally grown rye, now served within the Stampede grounds and at restaurants and bars around the city. 'Whisky sales soar during Stampede,' says Eau Claire's president David Farran. 'It's like another Christmas for us.' One of the biggest off-park developments over the past decade has been the proliferation of massive event tents sprinkled through the inner city. The Stampede has always had a strong musical element, with major artists playing free stages on Stampede Park and ticketed concerts at the Saddledome, but many off-park concerts were once the domain of invite-only corporate events. These days, there are publicly accessible, temporary venues such as Badlands, the Wildhorse Saloon and, the daddy of them all, the Cowboys Music Festival (expanding to a new location for 2025). They form the heart of what some have affectionately dubbed 'Cowchella,' with headliners representing rock, EDM, hip-hop and, of course, country music. These venues have the capacity to host thousands of people every night of the Stampede. 'Stampede wasn't always something that catered to everybody. But now it does,' says Jon Molyneux, vice-president of business development, sales and events at the Concorde Group. His hospitality company, which runs the Wildhorse and National Saloon tents, has booked bands like the Violent Femmes and the Strumbellas to play this summer. 'There's a lot for people not strictly into country music.' Metric performs in front of thousands of fans at the Coca-Cola Stage on Stampede Park during the 2024 Calgary Stampede. Think of the Stampede as Canada's Mardi Gras: Tradition is certainly part of the charm, but there's more to this cultural rodeo than, well, rodeo. Even if it just means traversing Calgary's other sights with the dull roar of a party in the background, there's no other citywide celebration quite like it. 'I don't think there's anywhere in the world that a whole city gets together to celebrate for this long,' Farran says. 'Calgary basically stands still, so everyone can enjoy themselves for those 10 days.' Elizabeth Chorney-Booth is a travel writer and lifelong Calgarian who long resisted the Stampede but finally fell in love with the festival.
