HIT THE ROAD TO THE SMOKIES AND REFUEL AT LOGAN'S ROADHOUSE

     The Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee offer so many fun and exciting options to couples, families and groups going on vacation, and if you can schedule a trip before or after the summer or fall season, you can take advantage all of the options that the mountains present, the attractions and the shopping and dining with smaller crowds and less traffic.

     Dolly Parton kicks off the Dollywood season with the 31st Annual Dolly's Homecoming Parade that goes up the Pigeon Forge Parkway the first Friday in May. Yes, Dolly is the Grand Marshall and her smile, good nature and welcoming spirit make you glad that you are standing on the side of the road in Pigeon Forge. Her parade is a grand event with marching bands, floats, appearances by area theater entertainers, Shriners, equestrian clubs and more. Speaking of Shriner's, they have their own FunFest Parade Saturday morning on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. You can also drive over to the Smoky Mountain Antique Toy & Pedal Car Show at Country Cascades, or join in the Annual Yellow Mustang Registry Cruise In at the Diner in Sevierville.

     There is always good shopping at either the malls, like Tanger Outlet, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community outside of Gatlinburg, or the hundreds of unique shops throughout the Smoky Mountain cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Kodak. The same goes for dining, with hundreds of options for restaurants and types of food.

     For example, Logan's Roadhouse offers down-to-earth food like burgers and ribs, plus your choice of beers, ales, wines and cocktails. There is always something new cooking at Logan's along with their signature steaks, American food options,seafood, salads and desserts.

     So do you need any more reasons to visit the Smokies? Book your trip now and for additional information, maps and coupons click on www.bestreadguidesmokymountains.com/ and let the Best Read Guide magazine help you plan your Smoky Mountain adventure.

A TASTE OF ITALY IN THE TENNESSEE SMOKY MOUNTAINS

The Great Smoky Mountains are known for many things and great dining is one of those things. You don't normally think of Italian food when you come to the mountains, but diversity is one of the great dining options that you have when you come to the Smoky Mountains.

The Olive Garden Italian Restaurant is family style dining with endless bread sticks and salad, and an ever changing menu of Italian-style appetizers, entrees, wines, drinks and desserts. They serve lunch and dinner and also provide take-out meals. They offer specials, catering, lighter fare options and coloring sheets and games to keep kids busy. Their decor is tastefully Italian with comfortable booths and tables and offset nooks, but it is the food that makes the experience.

After a day of riding rides, hiking or shopping in the Smokies, there is nothing better than sitting down for a good meal. If its lunch the Olive Garden offers their endless soup, salad and bread sticks, the create your own pasta bowls and lunch combinations, and several options of lighter fare meals.

In the evening you can try traditional Italian dishes like Chicken Parmesan, Fettuccine Alfredo, and Shrimp Alfredo, or try one of the specials that Olive Garden offers. There are 9 chicken options, 8 seafood offerings and 4 beef entrees in additional to the delicious specials that keep the menu fresh and exciting. Relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy conversing with friends and family over a fabulous meals prepared and served with style and grace.

Chicken Parmesan

Shrimp Alfredo

The Olive Garden is conveniently located on the Parkway in Sevierville, across the street from Tanger Outlet, and close to attractions, theaters, movie theaters and accommodations. If you would like to win a gift Certificate to the Olive Garden in Sevierville, TN, please go to the Best Read Guide Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BRGSmokyMountains. Simply Like the photo and Share it with  your friends or Comment if you want.

For more Smoky Mountain information and coupons for dining, attractions, theaters, outdoor attractions and deals on accommodations, go to www.bestreadguidesmokymountains.com/.