Serenity Brook Cabin - Smoky Mountains

05/16/2026

05/08/2026

🔥 We’re officially ONE WEEK AWAY from the Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Festival in Sevierville, Tennessee!

The countdown is on for two days of bluegrass, BBQ, and nonstop good vibes in Historic Downtown Sevierville.

🎶 40+ live performances
🍖 Championship‑style BBQ
🛍️ Arts, crafts, and local vendors
🎉 Free, family‑friendly fun

Get ready, Sevierville — the Smokies’ biggest spring celebration is almost here! 🌄💛

04/16/2026

New Tennessee Law Makes Feeding Bears a Crime Statewide Starting July 1

If you’ve spent time in the Smokies, bear encounters are just part of the experience. Starting July 1, feeding black bears anywhere in Tennessee where posted notices prohibit it will be a Class B misdemeanor.

Governor Bill Lee signed the bill into law this week after it passed nearly unanimously in the state senate.

Here’s what to know:

🐻 Intentionally feeding a black bear — a minimum $250 fine.

🗑️ Leaving food or garbage unsecured — a written warning on your first offense, but a $250+ fine after that.

Until now, Gatlinburg was the only city in Tennessee where feeding bears was illegal, with fines and court costs topping $100. And inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, federal law already carries penalties up to $5,000 and six months in jail.

The new law also allows the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency to partner with local law enforcement to help enforce wildlife safety rules.

Point blank: respect the bears, secure your trash, and never feed wildlife. It’s safer for you and for them. 🏔️

04/11/2026

Spring Break 2026

04/03/2026

03/09/2026

We are proud to introduce the 2026 lineup for Bloomin' BBQ Music & Food Festival! Who's joining us this year?

03/05/2026

02/16/2026

Come join me and a dozen amazing regional authors and over 80 book vendors on Saturday Feb 28. I'll be signing books from 1-2 and speaking after that. This event is getting bigger and better every year. Don't miss it! appalachianwordfest.com