The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is among the most visited national parks in the country, and countless attractions around its borders have tried for decades to siphon some of those valuable tourist dollars. From ersatz western towns and concrete dinosaurs to misplaced Florida-type attractions and celebrity theaters, you will find them all preserved in this book. Author Tim Hollis showcases those businesses that no longer exist, from Hill-Billy Village in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg's theme parks on the Tennessee side to the motels of Cherokee and Ghost Town in the Sky on the North Carolina side.

The Great Smoky Mountains and Sevier County, in particular, have been major tourist destinations since the 1920s. Since then, many attractions, motels, restaurants, and other businesses have come and gone, including Jolly Golf, Magic World, Archie Campbell's Hee Haw Village, the Rebel Railroad, Goldrush Junction, and dozens more. This book collects and preserves the memories of these "lost attractions" that formed the foundation of today's Sevier County tourism economy.

"Many people have never stopped to realize how many of their fond memories involve advertising signs. Although these neon spectaculars, billboards and even signs painted directly onto brick walls were created expressly to persuade customers or tourists to patronize businesses, many church signs remained in place for so long that they became landmarks in their own right. Signs like the Shoney's Big Boy towering over the area and the iconic Bilmar Motor Inn sign are now a part of history. Author Tim Hollis has scoured various archives to compile some of the best remembered, or most obscure, signs to dot the Tennessee landscape, whether for tourist attractions, restaurants, department stores, gas stations or many other roadside fixtures." --

FATAL BULL'S-EYE

Fatal bull's–eye! For archery expert Hannah Riley and her daughter, nowhere on her Smoky Mountain ranch is safe with someone aiming to kill her. She's not sure why they want her dead, but with the help of her best friend, Sheriff Ben Whitman, she won't give up until she knows –and stops them. Hannah's comeback in competitive mounted archery is looming, though, and time is running out to uncover the truth. Years ago Ben promised Hannah's late husband he'd watch over her. But guarding her proves more dangerous than the stalker when Ben is forced to confront his growing feelings for Hannah. He can't lose another woman he loves...but if Ben wants to save her and her little girl, every move he makes must be on target.

As you follow the trails described in this easy-to-follow guide, you'll discover the natural and historic wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, including

This travel guide to the Great Smoky Mountains is packed with information about places to stay, where to eat, the best shopping districts, fun things to do with the kids, recreation, day trips, education and childcare, relocation tips, retirement information and local history. The Great Smoky Mountains and their environs have been one of America's most popular vacation destinations for more than half a century--and for good reason. From the awe-inspiring natural beauty and peaceful tranquility of the region's wilderness areas to the world-famous craftspeople and attractions that make East Tennessee a first-rate family destination, this authoritative guide shows you how to take full advantage of the many wonders of "the Smokies." Inside you'll find: Countless details on how to live and thrive in the area, from the best places to shop and dine to neighborhoods and real estate ; The inside scoop on the real Smokies, including mountain crafts, music theater, and Dollywood ; Comprehensive listings of annual events, accommodations, and recreation opportunities ; Sections dedicated to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the arts, children, and much more.