Posts By: Dusty Camp

About Dusty Camp

I moved to the Smoky Mountains a few years ago from Alabama - a big change, but one I'm glad I made. I like meeting all the different types of people who visit here, and getting to know a little bit about them. I love to watch all the wildlife throughout Cades Cove, but most of all I like winter, waking up to see everything covered in snow and icicles.

The Island in Pigeon Forge

Located just a few miles up the road from Gatlinburg, TN, The Island in Pigeon Forge is an oasis of fun, food and shopping for you and the entire family. The Island in Pigeon Forge entertainment complex is made up of more than 60 retailer stores and specialty shops, along with 14 restaurants and snack bars, 19 amusement attractions and 1 large hotel.

Anchor the car at the Island for the day during your stay in the area – there’s lots to do just within walking distance. Book a cabin nearby and schedule a day for the family to explore The Island in Pigeon Forge. The amenities are all located on the same grounds: places to eat or get a snack, abundant shopping options, cool attractions – all family-friendly, convenient and fun.

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How far is Gatlinburg From Memphis?

Memphis to Gatlinburg is a 433-mile, fun-filled road trip through Tennessee to the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The quickest way is also the best, taking Interstate 40, the corridor connecting West and East Tennessee. Enjoy these cool discoveries along your way, most located just 1-to-2 miles off the interstate.

Music between Memphis and Nashville

Tina Turner fans will enjoy cranking her greatest hits on their way to tour the Tina Turner Museum in Brownsville, TN. Wild wigs and shiny dresses are optional. Many such items are in residence, donated by the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” herself – all housed in the country school house where she attended grade school.
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Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival 2016

Images courtesy of SMSF

Images courtesy of SMSF

The 5th Annual Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is on again now in Gatlinburg, TN, August 24-28, 2016. This event continues each year to gain in popularity, and fills the town with live music and the unique opportunity to meet the writers of the hit songs, to engage in workshops and co-authoring, and to hear the stories behind the legends, from the people on the inside of the music industry.

Cabins of the Smoky Mountains is proud to be a sponsor of this great event, and we’ve been covering it from its beginning. Knowing the background to a song and something about the songwriter opens up a world of appreciation that you may never have experienced before, and one that stays with you, ever after.

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Free Things to do in Gatlinburg, TN

You can find plenty of fun and free things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. Along with people-watching from the free trolley or a window-shopping stroll along the bustling Parkway, visitors enjoy free entry to every attraction inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the only national park in the country with free admission. There are multiple scenic motoring and hiking excursions nearby.

Here are some points of interest that are both free of charge and potentially some of your most splendid memories during your stay.

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Savory Solutions by Chef Jeremy: a Personal Chef for Your Cabin Vacation

One of the many benefits of staying in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains is having your own kitchen, which saves a lot of vacation time and money going out to eat. If you think that’s good, how about having a personal chef to cook dinner for you and your group, in your cabin?

It’s all possible thanks to Chef Jeremy and his Savory Solutions company. Did you know you could throw an elegant dinner party in your vacation cabin, even if you don’t want to cook? Now that’s a relaxing getaway!

image courtesy of Savory Solutions

image courtesy of Savory Solutions

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Things to do in Gatlinburg for Couples

Gatlinburg, TN is ideal for couples ready for a romantic holiday. From fine dining to local amusements and attractions, to the very best cabins in Tennessee, Gatlinburg offers excitement.  Here are just a few of the top excursions for couples in Gatlinburg.

TIP: nothing’s more romantic for accommodation than your own cabin in the mountains. Check out our Smoky Mountain Weddings page as well as our Romance Packages for getaway cabins, and call 855-91-SMOKY anytime with questions and to book your stay with us.

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How Far is Gatlinburg from Atlanta? What’s the Best Drive?

You can get to Gatlinburg, TN, in 4 hours from Atlanta, GA, on a roughly 200-mile drive through Appalachian country. And here are some nice places along the way to make a day of the trip and take in some extra sights and attractions.

Some people like to leave Atlanta on State Highway 23, citing the more scenic experience, while others head out on I-85, splitting to I-985 for a while, until Hwy 23 merges in and takes lead designation. Either way, round up the crew and get on the road to the Smokies!

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How Far is Gatlinburg From Nashville?

Gatlinburg is an easy 222-mile drive from Nashville along I-40, and with some nice adventures along the way. Just a quick jaunt off I-40 will offer sights you never knew existed. We suggest exploring a few of the scenic byways, for very little added time to your journey.

Why not budget time for some cool mini-attractions that are beautiful, amusing and teaming with wonders to satisfy any curiosity. You can see everything from a pink elephant to a dinosaur made from car parts, to quirky boutiques to state park waterfalls. (more…)

Summer Craftsmen’s Fair 2016

Images courtesy of Craftsmen's Fair

Images courtesy of Craftsmen’s Fair

The 41st Annual Summer Craftsmen’s Fair begins in Gatlinburg July 14, running through July 17, 2016. It’s summer again, and time again for one of the finest showcases in the nation of handmade arts and crafts. Designated one of the Southeast’s most popular events, the fair attracts top artists and craftspeople from across the country, joining with one of the nation’s largest communities of independent artisans right here in Gatlinburg.

More than 180 craftspeople put their latest creations on display in the ample, multi level space of Gatlinburg Convention Center. And they set up to work – you can find them displaying their skills as they actually make their wares. This is a keynote of the fair, the sheer accessibility of so many gifted artisans, sharing their craft secrets and stories with anyone who stops by to watch and chat.

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

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

Image courtesy of Gatlinburg.com

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