Escape to the Mexican Caribbean
Courtesy of BPT Escape the chill this winter and discover the signature paradise of the Mexican Caribbean. This stunning region boasts endless experiences to suit every type of traveler in 12 distinct destinations, from popular spots like Cancun, Tulum, and the...
Biltmore Estate to Reopen
By Marissa Jamison, Biltmore Senior Public Relations Manager Biltmore Estate announces its intention to reopen on Saturday, November 2, marking the beginning of its beloved holiday season, Christmas at Biltmore. The estate temporarily closed in response to the...
Scenic Byways & Parkways Within a 2 Hours’ Drive of Knoxville
Scenic roadways are a wonderful way to see the beauty of our area without ever needing to leave the comfort of your vehicle. These roadways are all within a two-hour drive of Knoxville - great for a day trip or for adding some extra scenery on your next visit to...
Summertime at Cheekwood
A summer season of art, gardens, music, classic cars, and more The summer calendar is heating up at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, with a lineup of activities and programs visitors won’t want to miss. From exhibitions by world-renowned artists, to captivating evening...
New Experiences for Your Next Vacation in Myrtle Beach
Courtesy of BPT Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is known for its 14 unique communities and more than 60 miles of beaches that have delighted travelers of all ages for generations. This year, the Grand Strand is premiering a host of all-new activities, experiences, and...
Planning the Perfect California Road Trip Adventure
Courtesy of FFE With near-endless sunshine, world-class theme parks, and abundant outdoor experiences, California is an ideal destination to embark on an unforgettable adventure. To make it easy for travelers to plan their trips, the 2023 California Road Trips guide...
European River Cruises
Offering Comfort with Your Exploration Courtesy of FFE Travel for pure enjoyment is on the rise, so this may be your year to plan the ultimate dream vacation. According to Sports and Leisure Research, 80% of people surveyed believe a vacation does wonders for mental...
National Parks Within a Day’s Drive of Knoxville
In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed the act that created the National Park Service to help protect natural and historic lands and phenomenons for future generations. The U.S. national parks showcase our country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage for visitors...
Springtime Fun & Adventure in Atlanta
Atlanta, our closest “big” city, is only 3 easy highway hours away. Coined the “New York of the South,” Atlanta has a very dynamic, multi-cultural feel with beautiful homes and more than a handful of lovely public parks. If you haven’t been lately, there are certainly...
Looking for a Hidden Gem for Your Next Winter Getaway?
Meet Rapid City, South Dakota Courtesy of BPT If you love winter, there’s a vacation destination you’d find amazing that you may have overlooked: Rapid City. You may think of South Dakota as the perfect summer locale, with its famed national parks and monuments, but...
There’s More to Christmas at Biltmore
This time-honored tradition dates back more than 125 years when George Vanderbilt celebrated the first Christmas with family and friends in his new home in Asheville, North Carolina: Biltmore House. Guests are invited to enjoy the enchantment of the holidays on the...
Autumn Adventures in the Great Smokies
By Kristi Parsons As summer comes to an end, autumn hues begin to cover the stunning rolling ridges of the Great Smoky Mountains. They begin in the higher elevations and slowly make their way to the base of mountains for one last hurrah, just before the hills fall...
Dollywood
Something for Everyone? Yes, Everyone! If you haven’t been to Dollywood in a while, now is the time to plan an excursion! Dollywood ranked number one in the Travelers’ Choice Top 25 Amusement Parks in the United States and the number eight theme park in the world...
Destination: Damascus
A land of adventures, a dearly loved trail town on the Appalachian Trail, a perfect place along the Virginia Creeper Trail, all things Appalachia, a charming small town, home of Trail Days, and one of my most favorite destinations. All of the descriptions listed came...
Finding Beauty, Healing, and Friendship in Franklin
Article and Photos by Kristi Parsons “My husband just retired from the military, and after being stationed in Southern California for 20 years, we made a crazy decision to move across the country, buy a farm, and build a nature-based glamping retreat.” That was my...
Fishing Tips So You’re Ready to Start Catching
Courtesy of BPT You can smell it in the air. A warm, fresh breath of spring. And to you and millions like you, that can mean only one thing... fishing! Here are 10 tips from the fishing enthusiasts at Rapala, the world's best-selling fishing lure for the past 50...
Discovering Manteo
By Kristi Parsons Mountains to the Sea For as long as I can remember, I had heard stories of the Outer Banks, the oceanside end of North Carolina, a state that begins with mountains and ends at the sea. I was intrigued by the fact that though the islands are...
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Open 9 am to 5 pm every day from March 12 to April 10 There’s no place more beautiful than Cheekwood in the spring as tulips, daffodils, and spring blooming bulbs spill from our gardens, creating a colorful, showstopping experience you won’t forget. Magnolias,...
Evins Mill: A Hidden Gem
Article and Photos by Kristi Parsons Evins Mill is a tucked away oasis that sits beneath a forest of majestic Eastern Hemlocks in Smithville, TN. The privately owned resort is a place of tranquility, fine dining, history, and an abundance of natural features. Once a...
12 Short Walk Waterfalls
2.5 hours or less drive from Knoxville For those of us who are more than ready to get out of the house, go for a drive, and see that spring has indeed sprung, we have found twelve “road side” (or close to it!) waterfalls in our area that can be enjoyed by everyone in...
Get the Most Out of Your Bourbon Trail Visit in Bardstown, Kentucky
Courtesy of BPT, additional content added Known as the cultural cross point between the South and Midwest, the Bluegrass State attracts novel tourists worldwide. With its rich history, breathtaking scenery, and delectable bourbon, Kentucky is one of the most...
Winter Wonderland Fun for Everyone
5 hours or less drive from Knoxville We tend to not get a lot of snow here in Knoxville (understatement!), so if your friends and family are longing for more of the white stuff, here are a few ideas of where to make that happen. Whether it’s a day trip or an extended...