As an extension of the southern Appalachian Mountains, you'll find over 800 square miles that cover the North Carolina and Tennessee border known as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated this national park on September 2, 1940, “for the permanent

Although not located directly in Washington DC, many visitors to our nation’s capital make plans to stop by one of our country's most honored sites: Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.  For anyone with a link to the American military or those with a strong sense of patriotism

If you're an American history buff, Alexandria, VA is a city that should be high on your must-see list.  The childhood home of our nation's first president, George Washington, Alexandria, VA offers keys into the life and legacy of a man that led this country to greatness during its fledgling

When most people think of the Smoky Mountains, visions of snowcapped peaks, ski slopes, whitewater rafting and horseback riding come to mind. But when you've got a group of adventure seekers who have a need for speed, you'll want to hit some of the many racetracks in the area. 

Whether you're a newlywed or you've been married for years, it's important for couples to get out of their routines and spend quality time together.  The hustle and bustle of family life, combined with all the pressures from work, often make it difficult to do that at home.  If you're l

The Smoky Mountains is a great place to visit any time of year, but when Old Man Winter covers it in a blanket of white it looks simply stunning.  Not only is it a beautiful place to see, but it also offers tons of wintertime adventure.  If you're the outdoorsy type, make plans to go sk

One of the most exciting dinner shows in the country is right in the middle of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We all want good food and good entertainment when we are on vacation, and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show surely delivers! You'll be whisked gently back in time when you are gre

One of the south's lesser-known treasures is nestled in the hills adjacent to a popular village. What is it?  The largest group of independent artists and craftsmen showing their skills. The Glades Arts and Crafts community is comprised of an eight-mile country road loop where over one hundr

Grab your poles and your bibs!  Pack up the skis and snowboards!  Just as exciting as Christmas itself is the ski season at Ober Gatlinburg.  Vacation rentals begin filling up fast when the snow starts to fall because ski enthusiasts know Tennessee is one of the best places to hit

They started a revolution about 25 years ago.  Filling a niche the major chains left void, boutique hotels launched in the mid-1980s with trendy themes and innovative concepts.  Originally garnering attention for their more intimate settings and their restaurant and nightlife hotspots,

As the holidays draw near, friends and family begin planning time to spend together.  Most families have traditions they've held fast to for years.  While those are part of what makes the holidays special, many people look to add a new spark to their Christmas or New Years celebrations.

Everyone enjoys the sights and sounds of the holidays.  This is the time when each rooftop is outlined in lights and ornately decorated trees are found everywhere.  Christmas wreaths garnish doors and the whole world seems to smell like evergreen and cinnamon.  Many families, espec

By Darryl Payne

If you haven't had a chance to visit the Smoky Mountains yet this year, there is still time to make mountains of memories in 2007!

The benefits of visiting the Smoky Mountains late in the year are numerous beginning in mid-October with the spectacular show of autumn leaves splashing their

High atop Ski Mountain overlooking Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is Ober Gatlinburg: the winter vacation destination within a day’s drive of over 50 percent of the United States population. At Ober Gatlinburg you can find resort-style skiing with friendly certified instructors. All of the ski instructor

Every year, with the changing of the seasons, the Smoky Mountains come alive with a host of festivals, fairs and food cook-offs. When you add to that the excitement of skiing, hiking and other Smoky Mountain adventures, you get a special time filled with family fun and romance that leaves y

In the Smoky Mountains, hayrides are as much a part of fall as pumpkins, arts and crafts, and the changing of the leaves.  An autumn tradition for centuries, countless kids and adults look forward with great anticipation to the coming of fall so they can participate in this time-honored acti

Dolly Parton is Sevier County's favorite daughter. Her life began deep in the Smoky Mountains and her humble beginnings didn't stop her from the cli