Notes from the Smokies — Stay in Smokies blog

A Pool, the Parkway, and a Loft Suite Family Rhythm

Early-June heat in Pigeon Forge wants a pool break in the middle of the day. The King Queen Loft Suite at the Best Western Plus Apple Valley puts kids upstairs and parents downstairs, which is the family rhythm that survives the heat.

Pigeon Forge · Jun 2, 2026

After Memorial Day: What the Summer in the Smokies Looks Like

Memorial Day weekend is behind us. The summer season is ahead. Here is what the next ten weeks look like across the seven Stay in Smokies properties, plainly stated.

May 30, 2026

Best Western Plus

The Bunk Bed Room, a Memorial Day Walk-Everywhere Weekend

Memorial Day weekend Parkway traffic in Pigeon Forge is the worst it gets all year. The King with Bunk Beds room at the Best Western Plus Apple Valley is the room the kids want; the walk to Titanic and WonderWorks is the plan that actually moves.

Pigeon Forge · May 23, 2026

The Honest Case for Booking Direct

No marketing pitch. Here is what changes about your trip when you book through stayinsmokies.com instead of a third-party site, and what stays the same.

May 13, 2026

Best Western Plus

A Cool April Weekend, a Whirlpool Fireplace Suite

Mid-April lows in Pigeon Forge run in the mid-40s. The King Whirlpool Fireplace Suite at the Best Western Plus Apple Valley is the room that turns a cool spring weekend into the right kind of slow.

Pigeon Forge · Apr 11, 2026

Motel 6

Two Park Trails That Allow Your Dog

Most national park trails ban dogs. Two near Gatlinburg do not. Here is how to spend an April morning with the dog without leaving the park boundary.

Gatlinburg · Apr 7, 2026

How the Stay in Smokies Collection Actually Works

Seven independent hotels under one local family. Different flags, different USPs, one front desk philosophy. Here is what that actually means when you're planning a trip.

Apr 1, 2026