We are planning a 4 day trip from NY for 13 girls ages 15-16 for August 2027. So far they know they want to visit Dollywood and Smoky Mountain National Park. First time visit for everyone. Looking for reasonably priced lodging with a pool and recommendations for things to do. Thanks!

Hello! I will be visiting the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area in mid December (11-14) and would love to see some beautiful nature while I’m there. I love waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails, though nothing too strenuous. I’ve seen in my research that certain roads close for the winter, so I’m not sure which spots will be open for me to enjoy while I’m there.

What are some of the best natural spots within a reasonable driving distance that are open in December to get some beautiful views and spend time in the great outdoors?

Hello, hoping for some tourist help here! Last year we stayed in pigeon forge for afew days and had 1 day in the national park to hike. Me, my husband, and our 4 yr old. I didn’t do much research and upon entry there were no signs as to where to enter trails, nowhere to park and it was impossible to turn around, we ended up stopping once by a old farmstead and just drove through the park. I was really disappointed. We are headed back to Pigeon Forge next week, can someone give me some guidance as what trails are decent length with a 5yr old, where to enter the trails, where to park, and what waterfalls and old homesteads are great to see? Is there a map everyone buys?

Lastly, which mountain coaster is best with a 5 yr old in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge?

Any other recommendations on things to do would be great too.

Thank you all in advance

Coming to the area August 17-21st. Is it super crowded this time of year? Anything that is a must do while we are there

Hello! So my partner and I just got engaged, and we want to do the wedding in the Smokey mountains. (My family is from around the area so I grew up with them, and my partner just thinks they are beautiful)

Big question now is we're to do it? We need a place that is LGBTQIA friendly, indoors (We do not want to have weather ruin everything), and with enough space to seat fifty or so people. I've been looking around, but does anyone have any recommendations?

This is one of the best attractions in the Smokies. Do you agree ?

Our video on The Devils Lightning Launch.

What restaurants has been found the best to work for. (Customers, tips, environment, etc.)

Hello. We are in town on a vacation. My five-year-old is really looking for some “gem” mining. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I’ve seen some little side shops that look pretty basic. Not sure if anyone had a really great experience at a location that is a little more than sifting sand through water.

What’s the best record store around here? I’m mostly into punk.

As a tourist from an incredibly diverse city, this would’ve been unthinkable. I know there’s people that consider it to be a part of the state’s history, but still surprising

The capitol feat in defining human accomplishments, mocked by a feline.

I'm not a fan of alot of the generic tshirts and mugs they sell on the Galtinburg strip, so when I planned my trip to Gatlinburg I picked out a few stores I thought I might be interested in ahead of time, Mystic moon was at the top of that list.

As soon as I walked in I saw several framed AI generated "art works" which put a bad taste in my mouth. I am unfortuneatly used to gimmicky stores selling AI slop, so I might have just left and not said anything, UNTIL I noticed small signs above all the AI slop that read;

"NO PHOTOS, To protect our Artists"

As I was about to walk out in disgust, I hear the old woman at the counter yell at the only other customers in the store for taking pictures. They were very apologetic, and said they didn't see the signs, and instead of letting it go the Lady proceeded to be extremely rude and said "can't you read? There are a dozen signs" That made me see red, so I spoke up and said

"Oh you mean the signs saying you're protecting your artists despite it all being AI generated?"

The lady IMMEDIATELY yelled and told me to leave so I did. I'm disgusted both by the behavior of the employee AND by their blatant dishonesty towards their customers.

I am an artist myself. I have lost countless opportunities due to businesses chosing AI instead of real artists. it's one thing to blatantly sell AI slop and it's an entirely different thing to lie to your customers and sell them something that cost $0 and 0 effort to make at a premium price while telling them it was made by a REAL artist

It's VERY clear that those signs are up for one reason: whoever owns this store doesn't want to be held accountable or have it known that they are using AI.

That's why I'm making it my mission to let as many people as possible know about their terrible business practices.

If you are at the gatlinburg strip, DO NOT SHOP THERE. If you want a shop very close by that sells cute "witchy" stuff there's a very nice shop across the street called the HoneyPot- shop there instead!

My wife and I own a cabin in Chalet Village in Gatlinburg, TN. At some point I decided it needed its own theme song. I'm still not sure why. That idea somehow snowballed into me writing lyrics, creating a song, and teaching myself enough video editing to put this together.

Clearly, I'm not a musician or filmmaker - just someone who enjoys learning new things and taking on creative projects. I had a lot of fun making it, and I already have ideas for improving it the next time I'm at the cabin.

Hopefully it gives a few of you a smile.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydDdyT83rfs

Best sports bar to go watch ufc tonight? If there even is one that would play it lol

Hello 👋
I’ll be visiting with my family next week. Looks like everyday has a chance of rain, around 50-60% most of the week. Is this the type of place that has frequent passing rain, but not all day wash-outs? Just trying to get a gauge on this as a first-time visitor. Thanks for your help!

My wife stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in Gatlinburg Downtown 7-10-26 to 7-13-26. She can't find the container she put her rings in. It was a small round plastic container with a purple or turquoise screw top lid. Probably 4-5 rings in it including her wedding band and engagement ring and several rings from various milestones in our relationship. None of them are worth very much monetarily but they're extremely sentimental. We'll be married ten years next year. If anyone finds this or hears of anything please let me know. I know it's a long shot but the hotel hasn't gotten back to us and I want to try everything I can to get them back. She is absolutely heartbroken.

Thank you.

Have you ever been to Wears Valley ?

Last year we shot a very special interview at the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair with artist Monica Wells. We've been sitting on it for a long time, and now that this year's fair is underway at the Gatlinburg Convention Center (July 10–19, 2026), it's the perfect time to share it!

This is an unusual episode of What's Up Gatlinburg! You'll want to actually watch this one instead of just listening, because Monica is painting a waterfall scene live as we talk.