Posts By: Carrie Waxler

About Carrie Waxler

I've worked for Gatlinburg Falls since March 2011. Lived in TN since 1996. I have now hiked Mt. LeConte three times. I've been on every trail that leads to the top. The last one we hiked up the Boulevard. I have walked my first 2.7 miles on the Appalachian Trail. Only 2176 miles to go. I plan to hike the Appalachian Trail when my children graduate. I also love lake kayaking on Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake. We take our kayaks camping to middle Tennessee as well for river kayaking. I love talking to guests from the places I've visited or lived. Brings back many good memories. I love to be where people are having fun.

Andrews Bald in the Smoky Mountains

Posted May 31, 2013 by Carrie Waxler

Andrews Bald is a short, moderate hike from Clingmans Dome, and it’s a great place with a fantastic view. Balds are high-elevation grassy meadows. Most of the trail is shaded, but here’s an open part of the trail, followed by a taste of the view, in a couple of pictures shot by Kelseah Lawson. (more…)

Rhododendrons Blooming in Smoky Mountains

Posted May 31, 2013 by Carrie Waxler

Ah the rhododendrons are blooming – it must be summer! Taken by our favorite Smoky Mountains photographer, Dean Brown. (more…)

Smith Family Theater

Posted May 30, 2013 by Carrie Waxler

image courtesy of Smith Family Theater

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are bursting at the seams with talented performers and high-quality entertainment, and you can prove this to yourself any evening with dinner theater in Pigeon Forge, at the Smith Family Dinner Show.

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Dollywood Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival 2013: May 25 – June 09

Posted May 23, 2013 by Carrie Waxler

Willis Clan image courtesy of Dollywood

Once again it’s time for Dollywood to host its 16-day Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival, starting this Saturday, May 25 and lasting through June 9. The festival features over 50 bands in 250 shows staged daily and nightly throughout the park, free for Dollywood patrons and included in admission. (more…)

Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass 2013 – Sevierville May 17-18

Posted May 15, 2013 by Carrie Waxler

This Friday and Saturday, join the street fair in downtown Sevierville and revel in two days of world-class bluegrass music. Mix that up with a barbecue competition that draws experts and cook teams from across the region and the country, competing for cash and the state champion title with their best recipes and award-winning barbecue dishes. (more…)

RiverRush at Splash Country Mother’s Day 2013 – First Water Coaster comes to TN

Posted May 9, 2013 by Carrie Waxler

image courtesy of Splash Country

Dollywood’s Splash Country water park launches its most ambitious new water ride this Mother’s Day. It’s RiverRush, one of the country’s few water coasters and a first for Tennessee. It promises to be a fantastic ride! (more…)

Dolly Parade 2013 – Dolly Parton in Pigeon Forge Friday, May 10

Posted May 8, 2013 by Carrie Waxler

Last year’s parade with Dolly and her Wild Eagle float.

Tennessee’s favorite daughter Dolly Parton is coming home to the Smoky Mountains again this Friday, in time to be Grand Marshal of the 28th Annual Dolly Parade in Pigeon Forge. (more…)

Where Eagles Dare – Great View

Posted April 29, 2013 by Carrie Waxler

Here’s a picture taken last week from our Where Eagles Dare cabin. It was shaping up to be a fine day in the Smoky Mountains! (more…)

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage 2013 – April 23-27

Posted April 23, 2013 by Carrie Waxler

image courtesy of the Great Smoky Mountains Association

Spring means flowers, and in the Smoky Mountains it means a festival of color and beauty as a fantastic carpet of wildflowers springs up all around us. The 63rd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is here! (more…)