Labor Day on the Water at Douglas Lake, Tennessee

This Labor Day, rent jet skis, waverunners, sea doos, canoes, kayaks, and peddle boats at H2O Sports at Swann’s Marina on Douglas Lake. There are jet skis for all skill levels of riders, and all the rentals are performance or luxury models. Prices start as low as $30 a day, but vary depending on equipment and number of hours rented. They also have pontoons for rent, which are great for a relaxing ride around the lake or fishing. Douglas Lake is beautiful and great for spending this Labor Day out on the water & away from the crowds. Visit the website for a $10 off coupon.

Directions to the marina: From I-40, take the White Pine-Dandridge exit #424. At the bottom of the exit ramp take a right. Then take the first left onto HWY 25/70. The marina is .8 miles on the right.

Great Smoky Mountain Vacation on a Budget

Over the summer, the average American’s budget grew a little tighter. With many free things to do, the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee can be an inexpensive vacation for young couples, retirees, and families. One tip to making your trip to the Smokies more economical is to visit the park. There are over 800 miles worth of hiking trails ranging from simple walks to strenuous climbs. You will be able to see sights of nature that are very unique to this particular area. Cades Cove is a great place to see wildlife in their natural habitat. And, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the only national parks in the U.S. that offers free admissions. You could spend days seeing all the historical sights in the park, playing in the river, and picnicking. Bring your own tubes and fishing supplies and you won’t have to spend money to rent them! Just be creative and careful, and the park could be your playground for the entire vacation.

Amazing River Retreat, Jackson Mountain Homes, Gatlinburg, TN

The Amazing River Retreat Cabin is 3-bedroom, but can sleep up to 10. This house is a perfect spot for a relaxing vacation. The hand-crafted cabin overlooks the Little Pigeon river, which you can hear in every bedroom. The river is stocked with trout for all the fishermen in your life as well. This cabin is pet-friendly, and approximately 15 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg.

Smoky Mountain Angler: Specialty Shop in Gatlinburg, TN for fly-fishing

Fishing in the Smoky Mountains can be a great way to spend a summer afternoon. For your fishing needs while in Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountain Angler is there to help make your fly-fishing experience an excellent one! They have a complete inventory of tackle, flies, clothes, and other accessories for your trip. The employees will even tell you the best places to fish for wild mountain trout, and they also offer guided tours. If you do not own your own equipment, you can rent from the Angler. The shop is located in the Winery Square just minutes from trout streams and stocked waters. Click here for places to stay during your fishing vacation.

Why Visit the Smoky Mountains? A Relaxing Vacation in Townsend, TN

The number one reason to visit the Smokies is to relax by enjoying the serene nature around you. Renting a cabin in Townsend, Gatlinburg, or Pigeon Forge is a great way to enjoy time with the family and be able to relax. If you do not want to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of all the activities and entertainment that Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge have to offer, then stay near Townsend. It is on the peaceful side of the Smokies. If you do want to go out, you will still have access to many restaurants and more low-key forms of entertainment, such as tubing and mini-golf. When you think of vacationing in the Gatlinburg area, do not let all the traffic and options intimidate you. Townsend is a great place to relax and enjoy the Smokies, but still gives you convenient access to all the fun that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have to offer!

Mojitos in the Mountains- Bar, Grill, & Market! Gatlinburg, TN

Mojitos in the Mountains is your one stop shopping for groceries, gourmet, coffees, fresh baked bread, and pastries. They are open up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Try one of the traditional Cuban Mojitos, or any other cocktail of choice. Located right on Ski Mountain Road, it is a convenient place for any meal. They have a wide selection of menu items from Cuban inspired dishes to classic Smoky Mountain platters.
They also are stocked with basic groceries you may need while on vacation. So whether you just need some fresh bread for breakfast, or a full kitchen stocking, Mojitos has what you need!

Don’t get lost on your way to Gatlinburg, Tennessee: driving directions

Traffic on your way to the Smokies can be congested, especially along highways 66 & 441 through Sevierville & Pigeon Forge. Here are some less-traveled scenic routes to Gatlinburg. It may be a little longer drive, but during peak times you can save at least an hour by avoiding traffic.

From Chattanooga: Take Exit 81 on I-75 North and follow Highway 321 North through Maryville and Townsend and Highway 73 to Gatlinburg. Approximate driving time from interstate: 70 minutes.

From Nashville: From I-40 take I-75 South to Exit 81 and follow Highway 321 North through Maryville and Townsend and Highway 73 to Gatlinburg. Approximate driving time from interstate: 70 minutes.

From Virginia: From I-81 South take I-40 East to Exit 435 (Newport) and follow Hwy 321 South to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes.

From Lexington: Take I-75 South to I-640 East, then I-40 East to Exit 435 (Newport) and follow Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes.

From Ashville: Take I-40 West to Exit 443 and follow Foothills Parkway to Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes.

From Atlanta: Take I-85 North to I-985 North to US 23. Take US 23 to Highway 23/441 to Highway 74/441 through Cherokee, NC to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from Atlanta: 4 hours 10 minutes.

Chimney Tops Trail, Newfound Gap Road, Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Gatlinburg, TN

Whether you are looking for a warm summer afternoon hike, or a cooler fall hike to look at the fall colored leaves, the Chimney Tops Trail is beautiful. As you wind along Newfound Gap Road in Gatlinburg, you can see twin peaks; however, you cannot fully appreciate them until you reach the top. The hike is considered strenuous, you ascend over 700 ft per mile until you get to the top of the peaks. Once you get to the top, there are 360-degree views at the top of the 4730 ft. pinnacle. Although the views are magnificent, the climb can be dangerous and you should use extreme caution on your way up. The trail is 4 miles round trip, and will take about 2.5 hours. Starting in late September/early October, the leaves and view from the top will be amazing! If you can climb a rockface with a camera, do it! The pictures will be well worth it.

Directions to the Trailhead: 1-40 Exit 407 follow Hwy 66 South 8 miles to 441 South to Gatlinburg; 441 South on Newfound Gap Road about 6.5 miles past the Sugarlands Visitor Cener. There is a small parking lot on the right side of the road with trailhead sign. The trailhead does not begin at the Chimney Tops Picnic Area, this can be easily confused.

The Little River & the Townsend Y, Tennessee – Swimming in the Smokies

The Little River flows through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As summer comes to an end & school starts back, your family should enjoy a vacation or afternoon in the park before life gets busy again. A great way to stay cool in the beautiful National Park is by enjoying the mountain streams. About midway between Gatlinburg and Townsend is Metcalf Bottoms, which is a great place for picnics and wading in the river. The Townsend Y is the joining of Little River and Middle Prong of Little River. This is a popular swimming hole, and on really hot days is known to be a little crowded. Many tubers use the Y as a starting point before floating downstream, usually to the first mill dam (above the Hwy 321 bridge). Don’t let the summer end without one last trip to the Smokies.

The Lollipop Guild in Gatlinburg, TN

The Lollipop Guild is a unique specialty shop in Gatlinburg. It are a great place to go if you are looking to personalize your next gift. Whether it’s a personalized CD, cartoon, books, or towels, the shop has just what you need to give that perfect gift for your child. Is your daughter in love with all the fairy princesses that you read to her about? You can give her a personalized book where she is the princess in the book. Now, her favorite book will be the one where she is the princess living happily ever after. The store is such a fun place to visit, the kids will not complain. There is a place for them to color, read, play with stuffed animals, and watch personalized videos. The shop is growing and just moved into the lower level of Baskins Square.