Eternal Elegance: A Guide to The Best Hotels in Rome

BY  Ankita Oct 16, 2023

Pigeon Forge may be a modest town with a population of 6,500, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in any way. When it comes to shopping in particular, there are more than 300 stores spread across the town that offer gifts, handmade items, souvenirs, and a wide variety of other items. You come to Pigeon Forge, and there is no chance that you will go back empty-handed. Here are some of the best shopping tips when you are out on a spree in Pigeon Forge: Here Are Some Famous Gift Shops In Pigeon Forge While out on vacation, most people either buy gifts to take back for their loved ones or get souvenirs that can serve as a reminder of their trip. If you are looking for either of these purchases, Pigeon Forge has a plethora of gift shops that you can hit up and find the ideal items to give to almost any person, regardless of their age or gender. Here are some of the most famous local gift shops for you to explore: a. Three Bears General Store Three Bears General Store in Pigeon Forge is the ideal place to go if you want to buy something that keeps reminding you of your travels. This enormous store, which is just off the Parkway, contains whatever you can think of. Numerous products with a Smoky Mountain motif are available, including clothes, blankets, and figurines. Additionally, this business offers jewelry, snacks, accessories, and a lot more. It is by far one of the most famous Pigeon Forge gift shops to explore. b. Mountain Mile General Store Another prominent and often-visited local gift shop is the Mountain Mile General Store. Located on Teaster Lane, this shop is one that offers almost everything that you could possibly imagine as a gift. There are home décor items, magnets, buttons, Smokies-themed apparel, and a lot more besides. Whether you are looking for a birthday gift or just something to carry as memorabilia, this store has it all, making it a must-visit spot in Pigeon Forge. The Best Local Stores It’s not just Pigeon Forge, but anywhere you visit, it is important that you take a trip to some of the famous local stores. It gives you an idea of what the area is known for, what residents make and sell that is not available anywhere else in the country, as well as to get a glimpse of cultures and traditions that are upheld in the city. When talking about Pigeon Forge, some of the renowned local stores include: a. Goats On The Roof Yes, that is the actual name of a general store in Pigeon Forge, and it is exactly what the name indicates. In fact, the store is part of a larger attraction with the same name where real goats are kept on the top of the building. The location also has a mountain coaster for families to enjoy. The store has a lot of items that are related to goats, but there are local clothing, home décor, and edible items available, too. b. The Old Mill General Store The Old Mill is one of the most iconic locations in Pigeon Forge, and this store is a famous attraction within it. The 200-year-old Mill is still operational as it grinds fresh wheat and corn. You can buy a wide variety of freshly ground flours at the store. And that’s not all. You can pick up homemade pickles, jellies, and jams, all freshly produced. Then there is also the available range of toys, souvenirs, candies, and a lot more besides. Some General Shopping Tips While Traveling Shopping is naturally an essential part of every vacation. However, all that stuff you buy definitely increases your luggage, which may not be a problem if you travel to Pigeon Forge in an RV or your own car, but if you took a flight and intend to take one back, weight is something you will need to take into account. And that’s just one thing to take care of. Here are a few tips that make travel shopping significantly easier: a. Pack light There is a good probability that you will go shopping everywhere you go, whether you are traveling domestically or internationally. Since you are aware of this, it is best to bring minimal luggage. This is an important consideration if you are flying, but if you drive across the country and have room in your vehicle, you might not need to consider it. b. Browse Before You Pick There are a lot of different shops selling a wide variety of items across Pigeon Forge. At times, you may feel like buying almost everything in a store, but that’s not always practical. A great thing is that despite there being more than 300 stores, they are all located in relatively close vicinity. So, it is better to browse different places before buying anything. You can always come back to a store if you find something you like and can’t find it anywhere else. c. Be Careful With Edible Items In Pigeon Forge, the Old Mill store is not the only place where you’ll find edible items to buy. Almost every famous general store in the town offers some local delicacy that you would want to take back home. However, carrying edible items is tricky, irrespective of whether you are traveling by road or by car. Freshly ground flour, in particular, can be difficult to transport. Make sure that you get a plastic container for it, or else you run the risk of getting that white powder in various places that you’d have to clean up later on. Conclusion Pigeon Forge is a comprehensive travel destination that offers a lot in terms of entertainment and considerable shopping choices. From memorabilia to apparel, from edibles to décor products, you can find almost everything down here, but it is important not to go crazy and shop wisely. Read Also: Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers 8 Reasons To Spend Your Spring Vacation In Pigeon Forge Top Tips For A Terrific Vacation

BY  Nabamita Aug 4, 2022

“Things to do in rocky mountains.” As you are searching about this particular thing, I am assuming that you might be planning your next holiday in the Rocky mountains. We never want to ruin our vacations or trips and that is why we always search on Google and gather as much knowledge as we can. From the best seasons, to where to stay, you should know everything. But as you are particularly searching for the fun things you can do in the Rocky mountains, here we are with the solution. With majestic landscapes, with rough terrains on one side and alpine forests and lakes on the other side. The Rocky Mountains National Park is a heaven for scenic beauty, wildlife, and mesmerizing waterfalls and lakes. Fun Facts About The Rocky Mountain National Park: It was on 26th January 1915, when the Rocky Mountain National Park was first established. For about 415 square miles, the park encompasses. Just a short drive from Denver, Colorado, the national park is one of the most parks in the US. Here are a few things to do in Rocky Mountains. About 4.5 million people visited in 2016 for a “World-class recreation” opportunity. This ranged from biking, hiking, fishing, camping, mountaineering, and horseback riding. The Rocky Mountain National Park is the highest park in the Country at an elevation of about 7,860 ft to 14,259 ft. The Rocky Mountains are more than just rough terrain; it has an alpine tundra ecosystem along with a montane ecosystem. These ecosystems have the widest variety of wildlife and plant diversity. The trail ridge road of the park offers an awe-struck vision even before it was travel worthy. It was called the “scenic wonder road of the world.” Most of the park is designated to be a part of the wilderness. There are about 250,00 acres of about designated wilderness according to Congress 2009. The Rocky Mountains have an extensive collection of museums. These museums collect the artifacts of the forest that defines the park and its history. Things To Do In Rocky Mountains National Park The Rocky Mountain National Park is a large area with thousands of acres. So it is obvious that there are a lot of things to do there. But if it’s your first time visiting, then I have a list of things for you to do there.  1. Drive Trail Ridge Road If you have ever visited the Rocky Mountains or not, then let me tell you that trail ridge road is the highest in the US, not only in Colorado. The road is about 48 miles long and stretches from Estes Park to Grand Lake. The road is beautiful for a long drive through it. It is surrounded by alpine tundra, and there is a chance you might see bighorn sheep or elks. This amazing wildlife out in the open is what makes driving the trail roads the best things to do in the rocky mountains, colorado. So, this is a must when you are thinking about “things to do in rocky mountains.” 2. Forest Canyon Overlook The are many beautiful overlooks along the trail ridge road. But this one, in particular, located along the trail ridge road, is just beautiful. The overlook is about 11,716 ft high, looking the Long s Peak, Hayden Gorge, Gorge Lakes, and Stones Peak. 3. Go Hiking What can be better than hiking along the beautiful trails of the Rocky Mountains? There are a number of trails throughout the Rocky Mountains, and you can go on to any, depending on your expertise. Hiking is the most popular and one of the best things to do in Rocky Mountains, Colorado. Here are some of the best trails along the RMNP are: Alpine Ridge Trail for a short hike to a viewpoint of the mountains. It is an easy hike for beginners. Gem Lake trail is a moderate-level hike. It gives a wonderful view of the alpine lake. Ute Trail to Tombstone Ridge is an easy to moderate level hike. It is among the more popular hikes among hikers. 4. Bear Lake Another one that you can add in your “things to do in rocky mountains- list” is Bear lake. Bear lake is among the most popular shorter hike, but it's worth it. The hike is about 0.6 miles long, with a beautiful view of the lake surrounded by trees. A walk around the lake is just beautiful for your body and soul. 5. Alberta Falls There are beautiful falls all around the RMNP where you can have a relaxing afternoon and a quaint picnic. One such fall is the Alberta falls; with a beautiful scenic beauty amidst nature, you can really enjoy your time here. The hike to the falls is about 1.7 miles hike which is not too strenuous and quite easy. But I should point out that you have to walk uphill from the Glacier Gorge to reach the falls. 6. Moraine Park If you love the aesthetic of sitting on a blanket and having a beautiful picnic in the open, then Moraine Park is the best place for you. It is one of the best things to do in rocky mountains. Here, you can gaze upon the wonderful wildlife grazing in the valley, like Elks and deers. And most of the mountain trails start from the park here. 7. Holzwarth Historic Site In 1917, immigrants from Germany, John Holzworth, along with his family, built a cabin here. Gradually over the years, they built several cabins for guests. In 1974, their property was bought by The Nature Conservancy, and since then, it has become an integral part of the park. The site became a popular tourist spot for visitors to learn about the life of the Colorado homesteaders. 8. Go Mountaineering For years now, rock climbing and mountaineering have been popular adventure sports in the Rocky Mountain National Park. Numerous mountain peaks over the height of 12,000 ft have intrigued a lot of avid rock climbers from all around the world. Different types of climbing experiences, from vertical climbs, to multi-day and even easy climbs, are all available here. Even during the winter months, for experienced climbers, ice climbing is also an option.  Mountaineering is among the most popular things to do in Rocky Mountains. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Though most of the things to do in rocky mountains are listed above. To help you with further queries, here are some questions that people often ask. 1. How Many Days Do You Need To See Rocky Mountain National Park? Ideally, it would take about three days to travel and explore the whole of Rocky Mountain National Park. Within that time, you can visit all the attractions of the place. 2. Is It Worth Driving Through Rocky Mountain National Park? The ride through the Rocky Mountain National Park is beautiful and gives a wonderful view of the park. 3. How Scary Is Trail Ridge Road?  Since it is a mountain trail road, you can imagine the height of the road. So if you have a phobia of heights, then take caution in advance. However, the mountain road is less scary than most Colorado mountain roads. Wrapping Up! It is a reason why Rocky Mountain Nature Park is popular among tourists from all over the world. There are lots of things to do in rocky mountains that you can expereince. The beautiful valley road, with scenic parks and wildlife with lakes and waterfalls are really mesmerizing. Altogether these things are what make the mountain a highly popular attraction among tourists. Read Also : 10 Best Things to Do in Prague 10 Best Things to Do in Phoenix(Arizona) 10 Best Things to Do in Barcelona (Spain)

BY  Sibashree Nov 21, 2024

“People love Arizona, and our economy is growing because of it. Tourism supports critical services for Arizonans, and our work to build an Arizona for everyone translates to more visitors and more jobs for our great state.” Katie Hobbs, Governor of Arizona. You will find an echo of the governor’s words in the statement shared by Lisa Urias. She is the CEO of the Arizona Office of Tourism. She has mentioned that Arizona’s diversity, amazing beauty, and hospitality are behind the growth of the tourism industry in the state.  Now, there is enough market data to corroborate the claims of the governor and the CEO of the Arizona Office of Tourism. In 2023, 86% of the tourists in Arizona were repeat visitors, and the $1.15 billion tourism tax collected in 2023 was 10% of the state’s operating budget.  Phoenix, of course, plays a crucial role in the state’s tourism development. Along with unique desert beauty, Arizona has the best urban landscapes and the warmth of southwest culture.  In addition, the cheap and free things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, make the city a popular tourist destination.  So, do you want an overview of Phoenix, Arizona’s free and cheap tourist attractions? Let’s explore.  You Can’t Miss These Free And Cheap Things To Do In Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix, Arizona, has a pricey vibe. However, don’t be fooled by that vibe as a tourist. Participating in cultural activities is one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, for free. Also, people in Arizona are perennially in love with outdoor activities.  You just need to set your itinerary right to enjoy a mix of outdoor pursuits, cultural tours, and more.  Did You Know?Phillip Duppa, an Englishman, was a friend of Jack Swilling. Now, Jack Swilling was one of the city’s founding fathers, and Phillip Duppa named the city Phoenix.The city was named to symbolize rebirth. The idea was that  Phoenix would rise from the ashes of the natives and it would become prosperous in the land of irrigation.  1. Explore The Heritage Square https://www.instagram.com/heritagesquarephx/p/DCkFissSSXY/ Downtown Phoenix bustles with modern vibes. However, Heritage Square is a place that complements its modern vibes with its old-world charm from the Victorian era. Also, the Heritage Square is known as the “National Register of Historic Places.” Many of the buildings here are restored, and exploring the interiors of these buildings is one of the cheapest but meaningful things to do in Phoenix, Arizona.  For example, the Rosson House Museum stands here, and you just need to pay a fee of $15 for admission.  Heritage Square, Phoenix, BuildingsThe Burgess Carriage HouseThe Thomas HouseThe Stevens HouseThe Burgess Carriage HouseThe Rosson House Musuem, etc.  2. Visit Arizona Capitol Museum Open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM, Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM With an “Entry is Always Free” promise, the Arizona Capitol Museum is a big draw in the state. Let me put it directly. If you want to know about the history and culture of the state, you have to visit the Arizona Capitol Museum. The museum also offers in-depth insight into the state’s political scenario.  Further, if you plan to visit Arizona in a few days and have included a visit to the Arizona Capitol Museum as one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, you must not miss the new Merci Train Exhibition. The museum now celebrates the 75th anniversary of the train’s arrival. Some of the most prominent exhibits at the museum are: USS Arizona: Flagship of the Fleet Arizona Takes Shape The Struggle for Universal Sufferage – Voting Rights Timeline The U.S.S Arizona Artifact Collection, etc.  You can even be a part of the “Arizona Capitol Museum Guided Tour Survey” for educational purposes.  3. Hike At Camelback Mountain Before I get into the details of hiking at Camelback Mountain, I must tell you that it’s difficult and very strenuous. So, if you are not a seasoned hiker at the peak of your fitness, this is not one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, for you. Still, Camelback Mountain and its Cholla and Echo Canyon trailheads have millions of visitors every year. The current trailhead hours are from sunset to sunrise.  Further, this 2704 feet mountain gets its name from its double humps. Its terrains are uneven with boulders, and the elevation gains are difficult to cope with. However, once you reach the summit, you will get the best views of the Valley of the Sun.  Tour And Travel HighlightCamelback Culture Community, led by Jes Dobbs, is a local group of hikers. Under the leadership of Jes Dobbs, a graphic designer, the group is making an effort to make Camelback Mountain safer.They have launched a timely petition to improve the safety of the mountains in time, considering the death and rescue of three hikers from the Echo Canyon Trail. All of them died due to heat exhaustion.Phoenix experienced record heat waves this season, and the rising temperatures were additional perils for the hikers.Nevertheless, the Camelback Culture Community has made two demands in their petitions.Extension of Trail Hours ( With An Extended Timing Of 4 AM to 8 PM)Installation of Automated Gates At The Trailheads of Camelback and Other MountainsThe petition already has 1,900 signatures and in the words of Jes Dobbs,“I believe having trailheads with year-round, consistent opening and closing times will enable locals and visitors to hike in the cooler hours of the day legally and when their lives allow. Many hard-working people don’t have the option to take a midday hike. They deserve access to exercise and nature during their limited free time – before and after work.” 4. Visit Phoenix Art Museum Thanks to the "Pay-What-You-Wish Wednesday," visiting the Phoenix Art Museum is one of the cheapest things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. Your entry fee is voluntary after 3 PM.  Further, the evening sessions or AfterHours are free, and you can enjoy entertainment events and live music. You can attend these events four times a year.  Family FunDays is another great event to visit the museum for, and it happens four times a year. These events take place on Sundays, and on these days, you can enter the museum for free and attend events for all ages.  Tour And Travel Tip The Western Gallery is the highlight of this museum. Here, you will find artwork from the pioneers and some exemplary works by the modernists.  One thing is common in all these artworks. They show the prominent influence of the beautiful landscape of Arizona.  5. Visit The Historic Heard Museum https://www.instagram.com/p/C7ceBsOsGff/ Does the life of American Indian tribes in the Southwest part of the country intrigue you? The Historic Heard Museum is your go-to destination. Along with the life of the tribes, you will also get to know about their culture and art. When you are at the Historic Heard Museum, the following are going to be your highlights.  Films Ethnographic Displays Kids’ Exhibit However, for me, the main attraction at this museum is Hopi Kachinas. It is an unbelievable collection of spirit dolls. Most of the dolls are gifts from Barry Goldwater, the  Presidential nominee.  Visiting the Historic Heard Museum is one of the best things to do in Phoenix, Arizona. For free entry, you can plan a visit to the museum on the first Friday of every month (except March). The museum operates between 4 PM to 8 PM. Furthermore, Indian fairs, hoop dancing, and competitions are some popular events taking place in the museum.  6. Visit The Desert Botanical Garden Entry to Desert Botanical Garden in Arizona is free on the Community Day or every second Tuesday of the month. Spanning over 55 acres, this botanical garden has flowers, cactus, and trees from across the globe. The best time to visit the botanical garden is between March to May. During these months, you will find Mexican gold poppies and bluebells in full glory throughout the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail.  The garden is well-maintained. Also, as you visit the desert denizens arranged according to theme, you learn a lot about the desert plantation.  Tour And Travel Tip  You have to book the tickets for Desert Botanical Garden in advance if you want to pay a visit on Community Day. 7. Take A Walk In Art Walk Phoenix has the “First Friday Art Walk” on the first Friday of the month between 6 to 10 PM. It is one of the biggest self-guided art walks in the city. Further, you can take the light rail plying through downtown Phoenix and connecting to various art districts of Phoenix.  Also, as you explore the art spaces, galleries, and event venues of the city, you become familiar with the local vibe.  Artlink, a nonprofit organization, started this art walk, and it is still the organizer of the event. Today, this free art event has become the uniting space for people of all age groups.Artists, vendors, and musicians take part in this event to soak in the cultural vibe of Downtown Phoenix.  To explore the best free and cheap things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, you need to find comfortable accommodation first. The table below has the names and details of the best hotels in Phoenix, Arizona.  Hotels In Phoenix, ArizonaPhone NumberDoubleTree by Hilton Phoenix North+1 602-997-5900Great Wolf Lodge, Scottsdale+1 480-948-9653Best Western North Phoenix Hotel+1 602-395-0900Hotel Valley Ho+1 480-376-2600The Clarendon Hotel and Spa+1 602-252-7363The Scottsdale Resort and Spa, Curio Collection by Hilton+1 (480) 991-9000Arizona Biltmore, LXR Hotels & Resorts+1 602-955-6600Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Scottsdale+1 602-765-5800Fairmont Scottsdale Princess+1 480-585-4848 Also read Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.