9 Lakes, National Parks, Outdoors, Stargazing
August is the Month for Vertical Adventures
August skies in the 9 Lakes always seem to be bluer, the sunsets are more dramatic, and the night skies clearer, making it the perfect month for “sky high” adventures. Here are some of our favorite ways to get vertical: Located in the heart of downtown, the Gatlinburg SkyBridge is the longest suspension bridge in... Read More
9 Lakes, OHV, Outdoors, Trails
Go Off Road: Winter Adventures on the ATV Trails
Winter is great time to escape to the 9 Lakes for an outdoor off road adventure! The region is home to some of the best ATV trails in Tennessee and offers varying types of rides from white knuckle climbs to gentle rolling scenic experiences. Ride Royal Blue. Brimstone ATV resort and nearby Windrock Park offer... Read More
downtowns, family holidays, Outdoors, social distancing
Downtowns Not to Miss during the Holiday Season
Downtowns and Main Streets are the heart and soul of both urban and rural communities. During the holiday season, rediscover those simple sights and sounds of the season by visiting a main street to see the festive displays and decorations. COVID may have limited our ability to be together, but it cannot limit the cheer... Read More
9 Lakes, COVID Safe vacations, driving trails, fall foliage, Outdoors, social distancing
Ready for a Road Trip: Hidden Gems for Where to Stay Safe and Play Safe
Taking a road trip is one of the most popular ways to visit the 9 Lakes of East Tennessee in the fall. During this time of COVID, you have been asking us how you can still visit this region’s beautiful outdoor attractions, while keeping your family safe. To help you find an uncrowded getaway, here... Read More
9 Lakes, Lakes, Outdoors, social distancing
Public Lands Day 2020: So Much to Appreciate
Public Lands Day marks a day annually to appreciate the work of visionaries who set aside public lands for current and future generations to enjoy. Two of the most sweeping bills impacting public land access were passed almost one hundred years apart- The National Parks and the 2020 Great American Outdoors Act. The scenic beauty... Read More
9 Lakes, COVID Safe vacations, dining, Getaways, Music, Outdoors, social distancing
Late Summer Getaways in East Tennessee
COVID has impacted events across the 9 Lakes region. In your quest for pandemic-proof plans, armchair travel isn’t your only option. East Tennessee boasts a diverse landscape of lakes, mountains, and foothills. Late summer is sure to bring warm days and cooling evenings. Lace-up your shoes and find out what’s going on in the 9... Read More
9 Lakes, dining, Outdoors, social distancing
Fun Ideas for Dining Out in this Time of Social Distancing
COVID 19’s social distancing protocols in the 9 Lakes Region has generated some fun ideas for changing up your routine for dining out. Mini outdoor picnic areas are flourishing in the 9Lakes due to COVID. Take out used to be limited to pizza and Chinese food, but today, the sky is the limit. Yep, you... Read More
9 Lakes, Dude Ranch, family holidays, Getaways, Lodging, Outdoors
Dude Ranch Vacation Special July 12 – 18
Calling all Cowboys and Cowgirls!!! Have you ever wanted to visit a Dude Ranch? Well, this may be the right time. The French Broad Outpost Ranch in Del Rio, TN is offering a buy-one, get-one (buy one, get second 50 percent off) the week of July 12-18, 2020. This charming venue offers a step back... Read More
9 Lakes, Cultural Influences, history, Lakes, National Parks, Outdoors, Trails
Did You Know? Fun Facts from the 9 Lakes
We love getting out and talking to people about the history of the 9 Lakes. The region was shaped by its mountains and rivers, and by the people who settled this slice of Appalachia. Daniel Boone explored this part of Tennessee to scout land for settlements. As early as the 1840’s, speculators were buying large... Read More
9 Lakes, Area Events, driving trails, Outdoors, Trails
It’s a Spring Thing- Get Outdoors
As sure as wild onions and daffodils pop up during spring in the 9 Lakes Region, fun outdoor activities are also popping up. Spring is a great time to play in the 9 Lakes. Shake off the winter blues and get outdoors. Expect daylight average temperatures to be in the upper 60s and lower 70s,... Read More