Billy Bob In Concert And Dolly Parton's Homecoming Parade!

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

In the mood to see some celebrities in the Smokies this season? Then come to Pigeon Forge where this coming week we get the rare opportunity to showcase two highly talented, world famous stars that will be in town to entertain us for free!

 

On May 3rd at The Island in Pigeon Forge, Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters will be performing a free concert in association with Ole Smoky Moonshine. You surely don't need to ask who Billy Bob Thornton is, you've undoubtedly seen him as one of the go-to actors for roles that require a Southern dialect and a raw, intense performance in Hollywood movies, Indie films, and TV shows: Sling Blade, Monster's Ball, Armageddon, Bad Santa, The Man Who Wasn't There, Princess Mononoke, The Alamo, Friday Night Lights, Fargo (the TV series) just to name a few of his roles. You also probably know he's been in Southern music behind a microphone almost as long as he's been in front of a camera, but might not know, until now, that's had his own band with The Boxmasters since 2007. We are incredibly privileged to have an artist of such caliber playing for us and for a free concert no less!

 

Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters will be playing at The Island in Pigeon Forge from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Come taste some Ole Smoky Moonshine while you're enjoying the show! And then on Cinco De Mayo, May 5th, 2017, one of our favorite Smoky Mountain citizens arrives for one of our favorite Smoky Mountain traditions of the season and year: The Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade!

 

For those who haven't been to one of our favorite traditions before, this isn't just a fun name to a big, fun parade, Dolly Parton herself returns to the city and acts as the Grand Marshal for the event. She's been doing this every year for decades as a way to show her support to her Smoky Mountain home and we always enjoy getting to see here again!

 

Following her will be more than an hour of parade fun as many businesses local and from surrounding cities and counties show up and march, drive, float or even skateboard (or something similar) down the main parkway of Pigeon Forge and provide some really creative forms of amusement and advertising. Some will be playing music as they go down the street, either blasting them from a stereo system, playing them as a marching band or even playing them as a BLUEGRASS band as they go down the street! It's every bit as fun as it sounds and of course, it would be a great event to bring the kids to!

 

These are both great reasons to visit the Smokies this week - and if you need a third great reason to come into our neck of the woods, reserve a cabin from us! No matter what or where your interests lie for a great Smoky Mountain vacation, we've got a cabin convenient to and perfectly fulfilling for your vacation needs!
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