TRAVEL JOURNAL

There is something undeniably romantic about a Smoky Mountain wedding. Misty ridgelines, winding country roads, wildflower-filled meadows and spectacular fall color create a backdrop that is difficult to recreate anywhere else. For couples searching for a destination wedding in the Smokies, one small Tennessee town deserves a closer look: Townsend, Tennessee. Known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend sits at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, sur

Not long ago, pickleball was considered a niche pastime played mostly in retirement communities. Today, it's one of America's fastest-growing sports, bringing together players of every age and creating an entirely new category of leisure travel. From weekend tournaments and group getaways to couples looking for an active vacation, more travelers are choosing destinations where they can play while they explore. That shift has hotels paying attention. Across the country, pickle

Travel is better when the whole family comes along, including the four-legged members. If you're looking for a peaceful mountain escape where your dog is just as welcome as you are, Townsend, Tennessee is one of the best destinations in the Great Smoky Mountains. Known as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies," Townsend offers scenic walks, pet-friendly patios, quiet roads, and plenty of fresh mountain air without the crowds of neighboring gateway towns. At The Parkman, we make i

A Driver’s Weekend in the Smokies, Based out of Townsend, TN There’s something about waking up in Townsend that feels different. It’s quieter. Slower. The kind of place where the morning air is crisp, the roads are empty, and the day ahead feels wide open. That’s exactly what makes The Parkman Hotel such a strong home base for a car-focused getaway. You roll out early, coffee in hand, and within minutes you’re entering Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No traffic, no stopl

The great Smoky mountains Forgotten Places (and Why They’re Worth Finding) At The Parkman Hotel, the closest hotel to Cades Cove, you are not just near the Smokies. You are positioned to uncover the stories most visitors never even re alize exist. Beyond the scenic overlooks and well-known trails, the Great Smoky Mountains are layered with remnants of a past that quietly lingers if you know where to look. Start with what is no longer there. Tucked deep in the woods near Sugar

Hidden Corners of Cades Cove You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner Everyone knows Cades Cove for its iconic loop, open meadows, and wildlife, but beyond the well-traveled road lies a quieter, more intriguing side of the Smokies. Start with the unexpected. Just off the main drive, subtle landmarks like Mollie’s Butt, a uniquely shaped ridge visible from the loop, offer one of the most overlooked photo moments in the Cove. Nearby, the Pearl Harbor Tree stands as a quiet tribute planted d