9 Lakes, bird watching
Beach Shorebirds in East Tennessee?
If you love watching shorebirds, East Tennessee has some of the best “beach” locations to watch for the many species that migrate and nest in the area. When the high summer lake water levels begin to recede, birding season becomes a bit more fun for birders and photographers in the 9 Lakes Region. Gulls, egrets,... Read More
9 Lakes, Area Events, fall foliage, family holidays, National Parks, things to do
Sky High Adventures in the 9 Lakes
August skies in the 9 Lakes always seem to be bluer and the sunsets are more dramatic. making this 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 North America. It spans... Read More
9 Lakes, caves, family holidays, Lakes, things to do
Family Fun on Rainy Days
Sometimes it rains at the lake during your summer vacation. While we love our rainy days to read and relax, we also know that the kiddos may not be thrilled at staying inside. So, here are some family, fun suggestions of places to check out on a rainy summer day Go Retro– An ice cold... Read More
9 Lakes, Area Events, family holidays
Light Up the Night- Your guide to the July 4th Holiday Firework Displays in East Tennessee
The traditional July 4th festivities will light up at firework shows scheduled across the 9 Lakes Region of East Tennessee. You can choose to go by car or by boat to see fireworks displays near to where you are staying. Many of the events also feature food vendors and live music leading up to the... Read More
9 Lakes, dining, downtowns, history, moonshine, National Parks
Newport, TN – A Smoky Mountain Culinary Legacy and Adventure
Adventure abounds in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. Wild rivers, majestic mountains and dense forests lure millions of people to the region each year. One often overlooked gateway community to the Smoky Mountains is Newport, a town steeped in an culinary history that transcends time and the imagination. Moonshine, the moon pie, canned... Read More
9 Lakes, COVID Safe vacations, road trip
Tips and Ideas for Awesome (Affordable) Outdoor Vacations
As we begin to see some the clouds lifting from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is time to begin enjoying life again, even if that means being more cautious than we used to be. The good news is that even if you still want to be socially distant, there are many great vacation ideas that you... Read More
9 Lakes, Area Events, bike trails, National Parks, Trails
Peddling Your Way to Adventure
May is National Bike Month and the 9 Lakes Region is a top bike destination for road to mountain gravity riders. Pedaling through the region is a great way to explore the countryside and scenic overlooks, not to mention a less expensive way to travel. For the cycling adventurists, the beauty and terrain of the... Read More
9 Lakes, downtowns, history, Trails
Wartburg’s Tanner Historic Building and Café to Re-Open on April 22
In the spring of 2015, a small group of citizens took on a project to secure and renovate a historic building on the main square of downtown Wartburg. The challenges would have deterred many, but not this group! Countless small rural county downtowns are blighted with dilapidated vacant buildings, and county budgets that don’t extend... Read More
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... Read More
9 Lakes, Cabins, family holidays, Getaways, Lodging
Ancient Lore Village- Celebrating Folklife
Whimsy and the spring season beckon in the 9 Lakes Region. Like our forbearers, we are drawn outdoors to watch spring unfurl. Ancient Lore Village is a whimsical nod to the deep connection between people and the heritage of early settlers to this region. The first pioneers in the 9 Lakes region were German, Scots-Irish.... Read More