by Gary Bailey | Jun 24, 2026 | History
Throughout its long history, the Historic Gatlinburg Inn has welcomed artists, musicians, writers, and storytellers from across the country. Among those believed to have passed through its doors was legendary folk musician and balladeer John Jacob Niles, a man whose...
by Gary Bailey | Feb 24, 2026 | Events, Music
There is something about a Saturday night in Gatlinburg that already feels a little electric. The sidewalks hum with visitors. The lights glow against the mountains. And somewhere between the river and the ridgelines, music finds its way into the air. On my last visit...
by Gary Bailey | May 16, 2025 | Music
There’s something about the Smoky Mountains that stirs the soul. Maybe it’s the way the morning fog rolls down the ridges like a slow dance. Maybe it’s the rustle of the wind through the trees, or the hush that settles over town as dusk drapes the peaks in blue....
by Gary Bailey | Jan 24, 2023 | Celebrities, History
You probably heard the news that David Crosby, the famous singer/songwriter best known for his stints in the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, died on Thursday, January 19th, at the age of 81. The world mourns the loss of a true rock ‘n roll legend and...
by Gary Bailey | Aug 24, 2022 | Festivals, Music, Reviews, Special Events
The 2022 edition of the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival wrapped up on Sunday, August 21st. Dozens of top songwriters and up-and-comers descended on our little mountain town to perform and mingle with other songwriters and artists. Visitors to Gatlinburg were treated...