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Make It A Summer To Remember
IN SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE
This year promises plenty of fun, new experiences in the Smoky Mountains. That’s especially true in Sevierville where new things to see and do abound.
• Hop aboard The Horizon Skyride Chairlift at SkyLand Ranch for a peaceful ride to the mountaintop farm.
• The world’s largest Buc-ee’s convenience center is set to open its doors in Sevierville this Memorial Day weekend.
• Attractions and restaurants aren’t the only reasons to visit Sevierville this year – especially when there are so many unique places to stay.
Animal Adventures Abound in
Banner Elk
The NC High Country town of Banner Elk welcomes visitors to enjoy up-close animal adventures this spring and summer.
Three different educational experiences allow people to better understand these animals and their habitats, and respect their place of importance on the planet.
Download the Blue Ridge Parkway Information Guide! Your go-to for fishing, camping and more!
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Spring Summer 2023 Issue
Warm up this Season with
Fun Things to Do
Fun Has Sprung in Pigeon Forge
Every year Pigeon Forge welcomes visitors to experience what’s new in our corner of the Smokies. With a variety of new experiences, fun for the entire family and groups of all sizes awaits travelers this year. Forge. Here’s a sampling of what’s new in 2023.
With its breathtaking scenery and vibrant downtown, Wytheville, Virginia is a destination like no other and offers a variety of family-friendly entertainment options. The most recent addition is the historic Millwald Theatre. This reinvented venue features a theatrical stage, and a state-of-the-art audio-visual system as well as seating for 500 for concerts and classic film screenings.
Embrace the Warmth
of Spring in Wytheville
Warm Weather Adventures in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
The Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, with the perfect blend of adventure for everyone! As the weather warms up, we have a variety of unique activities for everyone to enjoy.
Bordering the Southern side of the famed Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Bryson City is a laid-back, small mountain town filled with a variety of Summertime outdoor activities. They don’t call it the “Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky Mountains” for nothing! No matter what activity in the outdoors is calling your name, there is something for everyone in Bryson City.
Get Outside in
Bryson City!
North Carolina’s
Newest Planetarium
Opens in Burnsville
Farm stays, fresh ingredients, vibrant greenery, and spring scenery — Page Valley offers plenty of can’t-miss agritourism experiences, fun for the entire family.
STAY: Madeline Farms
EAT: Willow Grove Farm Market
EXPERIENCE: Wisteria Farm Vineyard
Delightful Agritourism
Experiences in Page Valley, VA
Burnsville has further established itself as a destination for star-gazers with the opening of the Glenn & Carol Arthur Planetarium.
This state-of-the-art projection dome rises 36 feet and opened last summer at the Mayland Earth-to-Sky Park. The park is also home to the Bare Dark Sky Observatory, which is North Carolina’s largest public access telescope.
highlights
Charit Creek Backcountry Lodge
Big South Fork National Recreation Area,
Scott County, TN
Editorial by Bonnie East
Photos by Angela Duthu & Bonnie East
“UNPLUG to RECHARGE”
On a recent visit to Big South Fork National Recreation Area, 200,000 acres on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky, I discovered a bounty. You can meander on foot across two state lines, horseback through five counties, drive interchangeably in and out of two time zones, and hike alternating between heights above the clouds and valleys below star-studded dark skies. Rinse (your socks), and repeat.
Alleghany County...
A Summer of
Culture & Heritage
The mountains of Alleghany ring with the sounds of the fiddle, guitar, string bands, and cloggers; heard from front porches, festival stages and town sidewalks. Families can enjoy time together at local events that have something for everyone.
May is Wine Festival Month in Yadkin Valley
North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley is the place to be in May thanks to two festivals celebrating Yadkin Valley wine country.
The 13th Budbreak Wine and Craft Beer Festival is Saturday, May 6, on Main Street in downtown Mount Airy. Two weeks later on Saturday, May 20, Elkin’s 20th Yadkin Valley Wine Festival fills that town’s municipal park.
Dahlonega, GA
Dahlonega, just north of Atlanta is an authentic, charming little Appalachian Mountain town. But don’t let the small town designation fool you – Dahlonega is full of activities for all ages to enjoy from being the official wine country of Georgia to embracing the town’s gold mining history and offering ample opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Alpine Helen/
White County, Georgia
A New Adventure Every Day!
Travel to a place that has Old World towers, gingerbread trim, traditional German foodstuffs and strasses and platzes spilling over with Scandinavian goods.
Blue Ridge, GA
At the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, you’ll find the town of Blue Ridge, Georgia. Blue Ridge has been called Georgia’s coolest mountain town, with pristine lakes, rivers and creeks, hiking trails, charming small towns, wineries, breweries, great dining, shopping and friendly people. Plan to spend a few days in Blue Ridge during your Blue Ridge Parkway journey.
Coming SUmmer 2023
More exciting things to do in the mountains!
NC's Surry County Unveils a Tasty New Culinary Trail
First in Flight: Musical Shares Untold Story of the Wright Sister • Sourwood Festival
• Blue Ridge Foodie Patrick County • Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail
Smith Farm in Madison County • Virginia Scenic Railway
Drive in Movies in the Mountains