June 2016 - Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge Events

Up Late and Loving It: Gatlinburg’s 2016 Fourth of July Parade Celebration

Posted June 28, 2016 by Dusty Camp

In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, city locals and visitors intend to stay up late on Sunday night, July 3, 2016. Why? Because it’s the annual First Independence Day Parade in the Nation. The 41st Annual Gatlinburg Fourth of July Midnight Parade launches at 12:01 am, making it the earliest July 4th parade in the country.

Enormous helium-filled balloons take flight Sunday night and more than 100 floats, marching bands, and decorated vehicles begin the 1-mile parade along Parkway, joined by the hundreds of volunteers who make it happen, and entrants from regional cities and organizations.

This famous event draws a large crowd of up to 100,000 spectators, who pack Gatlinburg to honor the nation’s heroes.

Image courtesy of Gatlinburg.com

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Shine On at Ole Smoky Distillery

Posted June 25, 2016 by Dusty Camp

Images courtesy of Ole Smoky Distillery

If tasting spirits is on your list of pursuits when you travel, be sure to stop in at Moonshine Holler on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN, and discover Ole Smoky Distillery. It’s a top draw for connoisseurs and regular sippers alike, anyone who wants to try a sip of old-time East Tennessee moonshine – in fact it’s the most visited distillery in the country.

At the Holler, step into the distillery where you’ll see two copper brewing stills shining like trophies. Ole Smoky offers free tours where visitors can learn about the distilling process and the history of moonshine in the Smoky Mountains.

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Explore Gatlinburg with Free Trolley Service in 2016

Posted June 14, 2016 by Dusty Camp

Here in Gatlinburg, TN, we have more than just awesome sights, cool shopping, and nifty, family-centered attractions. We have a slam-dunk way to access all of it: by trolley bus.

Free trolley bus, that is…

Starting June 17 through August 14, Gatlinburg will be offering complimentary summer trolley service at all stops along Parkway, the city’s vibrant main strip. This is the sixth year Gatlinburg has offered the free service and, thus far, it’s the toast of the town. You’ll see these specially painted trolleys cruising up and down the thoroughfare carrying a mix of eager tourists and local residents.

Image courtesy of Gatlinburg Trolley

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Summer 2016 at Dollywood

Posted June 10, 2016 by Dusty Camp

What’s on the program at Dollywood this summer? Fun of course, and here are the details on who’s playing, and the special attractions. Summer Lives Here is the summer theme, and it starts on Saturday, June 11, 2016, running through August 7.

There will be shows every day, an evening dance party followed by fireworks every night, and extended hours for the theme park into the night. So if you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to take one of Dollywoods thrilling rides by the light of the moon and starlight, now you can find out – strap in for an unforgettable ride in the dark!

Image courtesy of Dollywood

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Tunes & Tales 2016: Summer in Gatlinburg

Posted June 9, 2016 by Dusty Camp

One of the great fun activities in Gatlinburg is to stroll along Parkway, catching the numerous sights and attractions. Summer raises the fun level for evening strollers with the city’s annual Tunes & Tales street performances, starting this year on June 10 and running through July 30, 2016 – now the 11th year of this hugely popular event.