Islands - Expert Travel Info & Tips: From Islands, to Mountains, & Everything In Between

Before Retiring In Chattanooga, Spend A Weekend Testing Its Mountain Trails And Neighborhoods

staff@islands.com (Christy Nicholson) — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:45:00 +0000

Planning to retire in Chattanooga, Tennessee? Use this weekend itinerary to explore neighborhoods, hiking trails, housing options, and local amenities.

Everyone Thinks About Broadway When Visiting Nashville, But They Miss Out On Its Wildly Chic, Walkable Neighbor

staff@islands.com (Atoosa Ryanne Arfa) — Sat, 24 Oct 2026 02:45:00 +0000

Discover this walkable neighborhood in downtown Nashville with chic boutiques, rooftop bars, live music venues, and Michelin star restaurants.

Minutes From Downtown Knoxville Is Tennessee's Scenic Nature Preserve Packed With Mountain Trails And Biking

staff@islands.com (C. M. Ramsburg) — Sun, 18 Oct 2026 09:45:00 +0000

With 100 acres for hiking and biking, this scenic nature preserve in Knoxville, Tennessee, offers a fun way to get active and enjoy nature in the big city.

9 Common Customer Complaints About Dollywood

staff@islands.com (Rebekah Winters Barton) — Tue, 13 Oct 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Dollywood is iconic. What else would you expect from Dolly Parton? As with any attraction, it does have some flaws, but we're here to help you navigate them.

'The World's Longest Yard Sale' Is 690 Miles Of Antiquing Fun That Stretches From Michigan To Alabama

staff@islands.com (Reannon Muth) — Sun, 11 Oct 2026 15:45:00 +0000

Thrift shoppers, antique collectors, and general road-trip lovers will revel at this 690-mile long yard sale that spans across six states.

Between Chattanooga And Lynchburg Is Tennessee's Serene State Forest With Trails, Wildlife, And Scenic Views

staff@islands.com (Melanie Johnson) — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 16:45:00 +0000

Franklin State Forest in Tennessee offers waterfalls, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and quiet backcountry camping across more than 8,800 acres.

This Nostalgic American Theme Park Took Home The Most Gold In 2026, Including Most Beautiful Park

staff@islands.com (Hillary Louise Johnson) — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 01:00:00 +0000

The Golden Ticket Awards reveal the best theme parks for 2026 across the globe, and one classic American destination stands out at the top.

Less Than An Hour From Knoxville Is Tennessee's Stunning Lakeside Park With Swimming, Camping, And Trails

staff@islands.com (Christy Nicholson) — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 16:45:00 +0000

There are few better outdoor finds than a peaceful state park that's a short drive from a major urban center. This getaway near Knoxville is one of them.

This Airport Is Getting Renamed In Honor Of Dolly Parton

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Dolly Parton's influence has been felt throughout the country, but one airport will be renamed to continue the country music star's legacy.

10 Tips From Park Rangers For Enjoying Great Smoky Mountains National Park

staff@islands.com (Rebekah Winters Barton) — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most widely visited national park. To make the most of your experience, check out these ranger tips.

The Best Scenic Drives With Idyllic Nature Views In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

staff@islands.com (Tosh Bene) — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:45:00 +0000

Whether you're looking to hike along babbling creeks or explore historic structures, these are the most beautiful drives in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Tennessee's Historic District Was Nearly Abandoned In The '80s — Now It's A Must-Visit For Music Lovers

staff@islands.com (Ben M Stower) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Memphis, Tennessee's historic Beale Street has been home to some of the greats of music and thrives today - but this iconic area was nearly lost to history.

The Best Burger Spots Worth Visiting In Every State

staff@islands.com (Tess Kazenoff) — Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Nothing feels as American than grabbing a delicious, juicy burger and fries. But what makes the best burger? We've pinpointed top contenders in every state.

7 Search And Rescue Hotspots To Beware Of In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

staff@islands.com (Kate Mothes) — Sun, 06 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

While there's a lot to see and do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are precautions you should take. These spots in particular pose dangers.

These US National Parks Are Sitting In Tick-Borne Disease Hotspots

staff@islands.com (Ian Jackson) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 16:30:00 +0000

Unfortunately, tick-borne diseases are on the rise. There are a number of precautions that can keep you safe, like being on high alert in these spots.

10 Common Tourist Complaints About Nashville

staff@islands.com (Rebekah Winters Barton) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Avoid common Nashville tourist complaints with tips for navigating crowds, parking, hotel prices, transit, restaurant waits, and the city's party scene.

Forget Dollywood, visit Nashville's Museum Destination That Shows A Hidden Snapshot Into Dolly Parton's Life

staff@islands.com (Kristin Conard) — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 03:45:00 +0000

Dolly Parton's fans can visit a colorful Nashville museum filled with personal memories, treasured keepsakes, dazzling costumes, and behind-the-scenes stories.

Unwritten Rules You Should Know Before Visiting Dollywood

staff@islands.com (Rebekah Winters Barton) — Tue, 01 Sep 2026 12:30:00 +0000

One of the lasting legacies of Dolly Parton is her popular theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: Dollywood. Here's what you should know before visiting.

One Of America's Most Highly-Anticipated Music Festivals Is Not Returning In 2027. Here's Why

staff@islands.com (Rene Bennett) — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:45:00 +0000

The popular music and arts festival draws tens of thousands, but has faced years of difficulties resulting in last-minute cancellations and safety concerns.

You Can Spend The Night In Dolly Parton's Retired Tour Bus At This Tennessee Resort

staff@islands.com (Atoosa Ryanne Arfa) — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:45:00 +0000

Fancy spending a couple of nights in Dolly Parton's retired tour bus? Head to Tennessee, because anything is possible when the Queen of Country is involved.