Fiji has an earned reputation as an island paradise. Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and private island resorts are found throughout the 333-island archipelago.
22.09.2023 - 14:59 / lonelyplanet.com / Dolly Parton
The three main gateway cities to Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville – share an abiding love for the patron saint of East Tennessee: Dolly Parton.
As the country music superstar once joked, it takes a lot of money to look this cheap, so go ahead and dive into the tacky exuberance of it all.
While Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a lush wonderland of waterfalls and wildflowers, in the gateway towns, mini golf courses, moonshine distilleries and theme parks press tight against Parkway, the main drag through Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, which rolls right into the park. There’s even an enormous replica of the Titanic perched by the road.
Sensory overload and neon – and apparently fluffy pancakes – are guaranteed, but honestly, if you embrace the tackiness of the attractions and all the Appalachian kitsch, these Smoky Mountains gateway towns can be a heck of a lot of fun, especially for families.
Many attractions and restaurants are seasonal, or their hours vary by season, so call before making a special trip. Everything should be open from late May through early September.
American beauties: the best towns in the Smoky Mountains
Country music legend Dolly Parton was born and raised in East Tennessee, and she celebrates her local roots with good cheer and more than 40 Appalachia-themed rides at this busy theme park in Pigeon Forge. Dollywood is known for its roller coasters, but you’ll also find fantastic live music, regional arts and crafts, and southern fried fare.
Head to Dollywood first thing in the morning because the crowds (and lines) only get longer. Add-ons to your ticket allow you to skip the longest lines. The park offers two tiers for guests, one that allows you to skip eight lines and one that is unlimited.
While the park closes in January and February, it opens for weekends in March. Not all of the attractions are available, but it is a little less busy. Dollywood has great playgrounds and rides throughout the park for little ones if you're traveling with toddlers in tow.
Planning tip: Dollywood's Splash Country water park is next door and opens in summer. DreamMore Resort and Bear Cove Cabins are lodging options close to both parks.
Why this year is a great time to plan a visit to Dollywood
The "Chondola" swoops riders from the crowded sidewalks of Gatlinburg to the summit of Anakeesta Mountain , where the natural beauty of the Smokies is the backdrop for a tree canopy walk, dueling zip lines and a mountain roller coaster. The observation tower doubles as the highest point in the city.
Seven restaurants and eateries are scattered across two small “villages” on the summit. Brews come with views at the Tap House and the Bar
Fiji has an earned reputation as an island paradise. Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and private island resorts are found throughout the 333-island archipelago.
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Now that the summer is officially behind us, the airline industry is already looking ahead to next summer, when scores of Americans are expected to jet off to popular destinations across the world.
For decades, authors, artists and presidents have all been drawn to the Hudson Valley in New York.
Every season is a great season to visit Vermont. In addition to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike and fish in the warmer months. Year-round, the state has a thriving cultural scene with performing arts, museums and galleries.