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

Hidden In The Shadow Of The Great Smoky Mountains Is A Quaint Tennessee Suburb Surrounded By Outdoor Fun

staff@islands.com (Melanie Johnson) — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:45:00 +0000

As the most visited national park, the Great Smoky Mountains can get busy and hectic. This nearby suburb provides a quiet, yet accessible escape.

Not Everglades, Not Olympic: This Popular National Park Is The Most Biodiverse In America

staff@islands.com (Sarah Salisbury) — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:45:00 +0000

This area's geography and diverse landscapes have made it a biodiversity hotbed for millennia, although visitors may miss some of the most interesting animals.

10 Dollywood Restaurants, Ranked From Mouth-Watering To Meh

staff@islands.com (Rebekah Winters Barton) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Dollywood is a lot bigger than many people realize, and that extends to its many eateries. Not all of them are worth your precious time, though.

Between Chattanooga And Knoxville Is Tennessee's Growing City Renowned For Fishing And Downtown Fun

staff@islands.com (Megi Canco) — Sun, 31 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000

This Tennessee town saw many tourists in 1925, thanks to the Scopes Trial, and it is still a popular spot today, with both fishing and a historic downtown.

This 2026 Award-Winning Fishing Lodge Is Tennessee's Tucked-Away Lake Resort With A Rustic Seafood Restaurant

staff@islands.com (Madeleine Bee) — Sun, 31 May 2026 13:25:00 +0000

This remote fishing lodge has wide-ranging of reviews, proving it's not for everyone. But for those looking for a fishing getaway, it has a lot to offer.

Tennessee's Newest State Park Is A Historic Destination With Stunning Mountain Scenery Above Hidden Caves

staff@islands.com (Bridget Gleeson) — Sun, 24 May 2026 12:00:00 +0000

Tennessee has just officially designated its 64th state park, and it's located near prominent caves. Here's everything you need to know about it.

Not Yellowstone, Not Shenandoah: This National Park Has The Most Black Bears

staff@islands.com (Joseph Richard Francis) — Thu, 21 May 2026 13:45:00 +0000

This park is not only home to many animals, but it's also easy to get there and see them thanks to its convenient location and unique scenic drives and trails.

The Underrated, Scenic Road In Great Smoky Mountains National Park That Most Tourists Miss

staff@islands.com (Jenna Busch) — Wed, 20 May 2026 02:45:00 +0000

Great Smoky Mountains National Park might be the most visited national park in the United States, but there are still some secret spots that demand attention.

After 3 Years Of Renovations, Nashville's Oldest Enclosed Shopping Mall Is Better Than Ever

staff@islands.com (Kala Barba-Court) — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:00:00 +0000

This historical Nashville shopping center is back after a multi-year renovation, and you can now shop and dine at both fresh and familiar establishments.

Between Atlanta And Nashville Is Tennessee's Outdoor Adventure Hub And 'Gateway To The Sequatchie Valley'

staff@islands.com (Sam Scott) — Thu, 14 May 2026 18:45:00 +0000

This Tennessee mountain town offers waterfall hikes, forest trails, cave adventures, off-road parks, and sweeping overlooks across the Sequatchie Valley.

Tennessee's Scenic Mountain Waterfall In Gatlinburg Sits Along A Lovely Nature Trail

staff@islands.com (Stephen Hanson) — Wed, 13 May 2026 15:25:00 +0000

Near Gatlinburg in Tennessee's Smoky Mountains, this unusual and picturesque waterfall spreads across dark rock ledges beside a forested driving trail.

Just Outside Gallatin Is Tennessee's Wild Retreat For Paddling, Camping, And Birdwatching

staff@islands.com (Audrey Simons) — Tue, 12 May 2026 22:00:00 +0000

This quiet Middle Tennessee escape near Gallatin offers lakeside camping, peaceful paddling routes, wooded trails, and standout birdwatching.

Nestled Between Norris Lake And The Powell River Is A Tennessee State Forest For Fishing And Mountain-Biking

staff@islands.com (Danno Wise) — Tue, 12 May 2026 19:45:00 +0000

Between a pristine lake and a river sits one of Tennessee's lesser-known forest areas, an underrated gem for camping, mountain-biking, and fishing enthusiasts.

Unwritten Rules You Should Know Before Visiting Nashville

staff@islands.com (Rosheda Stephenson) — Mon, 04 May 2026 12:30:00 +0000

Nashville's rowdy reputation is well earned, but knowing a few unwritten rules can turn chaos into charm when you hit the bars along Broadway.

Tennessee Has The Best New Hotel In The US In 2026

staff@islands.com (Robert Isenberg) — Sat, 02 May 2026 20:45:00 +0000

If you're headed to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, you can head to this new hotel which was just voted the country's best new one by USA Today readers.

Hidden On North Carolina's Border Is A Scenic Mountain Lake With Trophy-Sized Catches And Forested Peace

staff@islands.com (Chris Tharp) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0000

A scenic mountain lake is a fisherman's paradise, with trophy-sized catches in a secluded area on North Carolina's border with Tennessee.

This Tennessee Road Trip Between Nashville And Memphis Is A Music-Lover's Dream Drive

staff@islands.com (Anna Robinson) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:00:00 +0000

Drive Tennessee's music corridor from Nashville to Memphis, with stops for country, blues, and rock 'n' roll history, museums, and iconic landmarks.

Between Knoxville And Roanoke Is A Breathtaking Mountain Lake For Fishing, Trails, And Paddling

staff@islands.com (Ishaan Arora) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 01:45:00 +0000

For those who love what mountain lakes have to offer, this beautiful park between Virginia and Tennessee is a must visit.

Forget Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Visit This Old-Growth Forest For Scenic Hiking And Fewer Crowds

staff@islands.com (Rachel Means) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 02:45:00 +0000

Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn't the only protected public land in its region. This park has scenic mountain views, hiking trails, and fewer crowds.

America's Hands-Down Best Breakfast Restaurants, According To Reviews

staff@islands.com (Jenna Intersimone) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Breakfast is often considered to be the most important meal of the day and it just may be the tastiest -- especially at these U.S. hot spots.