🌿The Internet Has Rediscovered Kudzu Again - Is It a Menace or an Opportunity? 🍔


Arby's in South Knoxville, a viral kudzu post

Once thought a miracle cure for erosion, kudzu is thriving in the mountains whether we want it to or not.

We moved to Tennessee in 1990. At the time, we settled into a house in rural Blount County, not far from the Sevier County line. It was an immersive introduction to all things Volunteer State. The nearby farm bred and raised Tennessee Walking Horses while tobacco and hay grew in fields across from our tiny, one-lane country road. Our house was high on a bluff and as the valley dropped off down below, you could see on the front porch and take in a perfect view of the Smoky Mountains

But the most Tennessee thing in our neighborhood wasn’t the mountains or the horses. It wasn’t the ‘backer or the hay. It was the massive patch of Asian deciduous perennial vine that overtakes almost anything it touches and is nearly impossible to kill.............

Quote of the day

I have pretty good skin considering my age, and I think a lot of it is mineral oil and bacon grease.

🦋Dolly Parton🦋

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Area Coupons & Discounts

Special packages available through Tripster

Save up to 14%

Save up to 14% when you bundle Dollywood tickets with other area attractions including Lumberjack Feud, Dolly Parton's Stampede, Pink Jeep and more.

Discounts & bundles available through Tripster

Save up to $2 per ticket

Save up to 18% when you bundle Anakeesta tickets with other area attractions including Dollywood and Rafting in the Smokies.


Discounts & bundles available through Ripley's

Save up to 25%

Save up to $25 with the Ripley’s Gatlinburg Aquarium + 2 attraction combo! Discount is offered directly through Ripley's Believe It Or Not!


Discounts & bundles available through Ripley's

Save up to 35%

Save up to $35 with the Ripley’s Gatlinburg Aquarium + 3 attraction combo! Discount is offered directly through Ripley's Believe It Or Not!

Discounts & bundles available through Tripster

Save up to $7 per ticket

Save up to 17% when you bundle Titanic tickets with other area attractions including WonderWorks and Anakeesta.

Area Coupons & Discounts

Check out our full discount, deals, and coupons page for even more ways to save on these and other popular area attractions including (but not limited to):

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