News Around the Smokies

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Apr 16, 2026 / 12:05 PM EDT Updated: Apr 16, 2026 / 05:40 PM EDT TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — Tourism in Townsend offers visitors a look at the peaceful side of the Smokies, outside the hustle and bustle of large cities or amusement attractions. Serving as a gateway to the Smokies, shop owners say […]

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Apr 9, 2026 / 12:28 PM EDT Updated: Apr 9, 2026 / 05:25 PM EDT GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE) — Millions of people visit Sevier County each year. While many of them stop along the 441 Parkway on their way up to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are several attractions off the beaten path, from local artisans to niche museums.  “You never […]

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Apr 2, 2026 / 04:51 PM EDT Updated: Apr 2, 2026 / 05:22 PM EDT MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — With over 12 million people visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park each year, East Tennessee serves as a hub for visitors passing through, looking to stay, or carrying on family traditions.   While Sevier County may see the most visitors in […]

Welcome to your spring guide for the Great Smoky Mountains! I’m Seemore Bear, and this week we’re covering everything from historic Easter traditions to major new developments coming in 2026.

Spring has officially arrived in the Great Smoky Mountains, and with it comes a massive wave of upgrades at one of Gatlinburg’s most iconic destinations: Anakeesta.

by: Naomi Hillmer Posted: Mar 23, 2026 / 05:51 PM EDT Updated: Mar 23, 2026 / 06:06 PM EDT PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WATE) —  The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development recently announced that over $2.03 billion in state tax revenue was generated by the tourism industry in Tennessee last year.   That money goes back into communities in the form of lowering taxes for residents and funding local […]