Getaways, Lodging, motorcycles, National Parks, road trip, travel planning
A Smoky Mountain Summer Vacation- Plan for Fun
The Smokies are a popular summer destination for families and for outdoor adventurers. One of the questions we often answer is “where should I stay?” To answer this question, you need to know what activities you want close by. Are you someone who wants to be close to shopping and restaurants? Or are you someone
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9 Lakes, Area Events, moonshine, motorcycles
2022 Hot Rod and Car Shows Revving Up
The legacy of moonshine and hot roads is on display most weekends during the spring and summer months. Fast cars in the 1950’s and 60’s were needed to haul illegal spirits out of the hollows and mountains of East Tennessee to waiting customers. Prohibition in the 1920’s killed a thriving legal industry, and it wasn’t
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9 Lakes, driving trails, family holidays, Getaways, motorcycles
Road Trips: Big Adventure, Small Budget
Who doesn’t remember those fun family or weekend road trips? Packing the car, choosing a destination, and letting the open road wash over you. The thrill of a road trip is half-scenery and half-chance. Immersed in the scenery, visitors can discover new stops and attractions. If you’re lucky, a seemingly inconvenient detour leads us into
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9 Lakes, driving trails, Getaways, history, motorcycles, National Parks, Trails
Three New National Scenic Byways to Discover
On January 19, 2021, the US Department of Transportation announced that three roads in the 9 Lakes Region have been designated as National Scenic Byways. Many travelers are already familiar with Newfound Gap Road through the Smokies and the Norris Freeway in Anderson County. The third and much lesser known route to discover is the
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9 Lakes, Area Events, COVID Safe vacations, driving trails, fall foliage, Getaways, motorcycles, Water Trails
Fall in Love with Autumn in East Tennessee
Saying goodbye to summer means welcoming the beautiful colors of fall. Autumn is traditionally a time to hunt and gather the bounty of the land. Hunters are “in the woods,” while gatherers are harvesting the bounty of apples, pears, and nuts that hang heavy on the trees ready to be picked. Others are awaiting the resplendent
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fall foliage, Getaways, motorcycles, OHV
Haunts, Heights, and Haints
October’s brilliant autumn hues serve as the back drop for events all across the region. In Appalachian tradition, this is the time to get out and celebrate the bounty of the harvest and the beauty of the season. It is also a time of pumpkins and goblins. Plan your adventure by haunting artisan craft shows;
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9 Lakes, driving trails, Lakes, motorcycles, National Parks, Outdoors
Abundance by the Numbers
When Spanish Explorer, Hernando DeSoto set out on his expedition in modern day southeastern United States seeking riches and a passage to China, he may not have realized the abundance of natural beauty that he was seeing in the 9 Lakes region. What he did recognize was an abundance of food, fresh water, pearls, precious
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9 Lakes, driving trails, motorcycles, National Parks, Wine
Welcome Wing Ding Riders
Welcome to the 9 Lakes Region, home to the some of the best motorcycle touring roads in the East. While most riders think about Cherohala Skyway and Tail of the Dragon, there are some rides that locals consider to be on a short list when touring the region. Each of these 7 “Long and Winding” rides
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9 Lakes, Area Events, downtowns, motorcycles
Find your way Downtown: 3 Not-to-be-Missed Main Streets
Exploring the downtowns of the 9 Lakes Region is a fun way to experience local culture, and hospitality. Main Streets range from the exciting nightlife of Knoxville to the quaint charms of Historic Dandridge. The great downtowns in the region are preserving and celebrating their stories through local architecture, food, and street events. Three spotlight
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9 Lakes, driving trails, motorcycles
Motorcycle Rides Not to Miss
Riding a motorcycle on the back roads of the 9 Lakes Region is a spring pastime. Each road, curve, and byway offers a visual tapestry of colors woven by budding trees, greening grass, roadside wildflowers, and the striking backdrop of mountains and lakes. As beautiful and pastoral as the landscape is, the thrill is in the
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