TC Getaways Travel Blog

Let me start with a preface. I have a confession and probably an unpopular opinion: I'm not a fan of Pigeon Forge. Sorry, not sorry. First, I have the patience of a 3 year old. Probably, to be even more specific, I have the patience of a hungry, sleepy, 3 year old. So waiting in traffic is not something I do well and we all know that no matter when you visit the Pigeon Forge area, traffic is horrible. Then, once you finally do get settled in, everything is so expensive!! It's just not how I like to spend my time. So when someone recommended we visit Helen, Georgia and then, unknowing of my opinion, described it as a "mini Pigeon Forge", I internally cringed. But thankfully this person kept giving us details about Helen and as if they could read my internal cringing on my face, he followed up with "...there's not as much traffic and the food is amazing" - and now cue my full, undivided attention.  The first thing you will notice if you google Helen, GA ar...

  When most people think about the words "getaway" or "vacation" they probably picture themselves on a nice, sandy beach with palm trees blowing in the wind. The smell of saltwater in the air and the sound of waves crashing in the background. Or, maybe for others, its an image of them waving goodbye to the green landscape as they disembark on a cruise headed to the Caribbean. According to a study conducted by Harvard, taking a vacation "...results in improved productivity, lower stress and better overall mental health." However, with inflation and gas prices, the thought of affording a getaway may have you feeling down.  Good news is - GETAWAYS DON'T HAVE TO BE EXOTIC OR EXPENSIVE My husband and I recently visited a couple state parks for a weekend trip and had an amazing time. Our first stop was Jenny Wiley State Park in Prestonsburg, KY . Here you can find a lodge, cabins, a campground, hiking trails, marina, amphitheater, and a restaurant with live ...