Articles by Darryl Payne
Not far from Gatlinburg, TN is a unique way to sightsee. The Smoky Mountains Railroad runs year round with a variety of exciting destinations to choose from.
For over 30 years the Smoky Mountains have held a midnight 4th of July parade and other spectacular events. Come join us this summer for the time of your life.
June is an exciting month in the Smokies as teens and young adults pour into the area for Student Life at Gatlinburg.
If you're a runner looking to race for a cause, Gatlinburg's Mountain Man March should be high on your list.
Whatever your idea of romance, the Smoky Mountains brings it to life.
Just 90 minutes from Gatlinburg is Lookout Mountain. Take a daytrip and enjoy caverns, waterfalls, Rock City and more.
Don't forget to pack your clubs when you visit the Smoky Mountains. The awe-inspiring scenery and expert design of Gatlinburg Municipal Golf Course are sure to be a high point of your stay.
Planning an event or meeting? The Sevierville Events Center in TN has the location, amenities, food and accommodations to make it a huge success.
Winter, spring, summer or fall; pack your bathing suit and head for the Smokies. You and your family will have an amazing time of wet, wild adventure when you visit the indoor water park at the Resort at Governor's Crossing.
There's no better way to start your day in the Smokies! Every morning you can participate in a fun and exciting musical show complete with a home-cooked breakfast.
You don´t need to wait until December or take a trip to the North Pole to enjoy Christmas. Visit The Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge to revive your Christmas spirit any time of year.
When people think of Dollywood they come to think primarily of rides at an amusement park, but Dollywood is much more than fun-loving rides.
Make your plans to visit a quieter side of the Smoky Mountains.
Visit the Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timer´s Day in the Smoky Mountains and step back in time.
How does a bird´s eye view of the Smoky Mountains sound? It is possible, and you don´t even have to strap on a jet pack! Just grab your camera and head to Gatlinburg´s Space Needle for a view you´ll never forget.
It is called "The Ultimate Battle between Good and Evil." The Miracle Theater offers a play of Broadway proportions about the life of Jesus Christ right here in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
With over 1,000 campsites for tents, RVs and campers; the Great Smoky Mountains National Park puts you right in the heart of nature.
Be ready for an experience of a lifetime. This group will certainly change your heart forever!
With nine specialty stores, two fabulous restaurants and a homemade ice cream shop, The Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge is a fabulous place to spend the afternoon.
In fall 2008, all the world will be welcomed to the latest entertainment development in the Smokies: Belle Island Village.
No matter what types of animals you find interesting, you´re bound to see them in or near the Smoky Mountains.
You can spend hours at Walden´s Landing shopping, dining, playing Putt-Putt, or just resting on the park bench eating your favorite ice-cream cone.
If you love the thrill of the water, then pack your bathing suit and sunscreen and head to the Smoky Mountains. With so many ways to have fun getting wet, your only problem will be trying to fit them all in!
Try breathing underwater, see over 10,000 swimming creatures and more at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg.
When visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, take the short drive from Pigeon Forge to Dandridge where stepping back in time is a distinctive experience in and of itself.
From home cookin' to root beer floats and burgers, the Smokies offer several fun restaurants that deliver more than just good food. You'll enjoy the atmosphere as much as the meal.
One of the most famous artists in America has set up shop in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
February is a month filled with excitement as the Smoky Mountains remember the days of the cowboy. Pull out your boots and see what's in store during February.
This upbeat show has won numerous awards, including "International Country Music Show of the Year."
Sevierville is surely a small town with big appeal. In addition to all the activities you'll find, you'll also be centrally located to everything offered by the Great Smoky Mountains and the nearby towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
The Smoky Mountains is a great place to visit any time of year, but when Old Man Winter covers it in a blanket of white it looks simply stunning. Not only is it a beautiful place to see, but it also offers tons of wintertime adventure. If you’re the outdoorsy type, make plans to go skiing and hiki...
One of the most exciting dinner shows in the country is right in the middle of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We all want good food and good entertainment when we are on vacation, and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show surely delivers! You’ll be whisked gently back in time when you are greeted by...
One of the south’s lesser-known treasures is nestled in the hills adjacent to a popular village. What is it? The largest group of independent artists and craftsmen showing their skills. The Glades Arts and Crafts community is comprised of an eight-mile country road loop where over one hundred artis...
As the holidays draw near, friends and family begin planning time to spend together. Most families have traditions they've held fast to for years. While those are part of what makes the holidays special, many people look to add a new spark to their Christmas or New Years celebrations. This year, ...
As the chilly winter wind sweeps across your face the holidays tickle your senses, calling you to join in all the upcoming fun. Hot chocolate with marshmallows, warm, toasty fires, gatherings with friends and family, and more are just around the corner. Memories of lights and decorations as well a...
High atop Ski Mountain overlooking Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is Ober Gatlinburg: the winter vacation destination within a day’s drive of over 50 percent of the United States population. At Ober Gatlinburg you can find resort-style skiing with friendly certified instructors. All of the ski instructors a...
In the Smoky Mountains, hayrides are as much a part of fall as pumpkins, arts and crafts, and the changing of the leaves. An autumn tradition for centuries, countless kids and adults look forward with great anticipation to the coming of fall so they can participate in this time-honored activity. W...
Dolly Parton is Sevier County’s favorite daughter. Her life began deep in the Smoky Mountains and her humble beginnings didn’t stop her from the climb to stardom that she has today. Many of her best songs echo the hardships and love she has for this area.
Dolly Parton has a star on the Hollywood...
The Great Smoky Mountains, to give them their full title, are situated in the southern area of the Appalachian Mountains. First established as a national park in the 1930s the range gets its name from the natural mist or haze that forms over the top of the mountains. This natural haze is caused by a...