Lost Attractions of the Smoky Mountains

by Tim Hollis

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.

Genres: Travel

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 13, 2020

Reviews

[Billie Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up only 30 minutes from the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, TN area. I’ve always had a special interest in the local history and the history of the attractions in Sevierville and the surrounding areas. This book was an easy read but incredibly informative with so many beautiful pictures! I especially enjoyed reading about where the various attractions were located and what the area looks like today. A lot of the places mentioned I remember visiting in my childhood or hearing about from my parents childhood. However, some places mentioned in the book I had never even heard of before so I learned something new too. It was an interesting, enjoyable trip down memory lane! It makes a great addition to my collection of Smokey Mountain memorabilia.

[Elizabeth]

You'll have fun exploring these lost attractions

I have visited Gatlinburg and the surrounding area in 2005, 2018, and 2021. I thought the pace of this book was fun and breezy. I really enjoyed seeing the pictures and reading about attractions from way back when. I would have liked to know about certain attractions, but overall I thought Tim Hollis did a wonderful job with this book. My only other complaint was that it ended too soon. This book is perfect for people who have vacationed in the Smokes and also for people who.like to read about roadside attractions.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who grew up in Franklin, NC and spent a good deal of time in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Cherokee growing up, this was a glorious blast of nostalgia. A wonderful little book for anyone interested in tourism history or history of this region. Great selections of photos and brochures with engaging descriptions by the author.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging, entertaining and quick tour of what’s come and gone across the mountain... I really enjoyed the section on mini golf. 💃🏽🕺🏻