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🌱 Planning a Roaring Fork drive? Here’s how to make it unforgettable

Gatlinburg, Tennessee Patch AM: a 4 min read

Hi there, Gatlinburg! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Planning a Roaring Fork drive? Here’s how to make it unforgettable
  • Want a free, world-class craft exhibition without leaving Gatlinburg?
  • How a new Gatlinburg-Pittman school could reshape local students’ futures

Also on today's calendar: Family Fest (3 Day Pass).

Today's riddle: what do you call a rabbit with fleas? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: A couple of afternoon showers, with a high of 75 and low of 50 degrees.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 67, low: 43.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 79 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. This Short Drive In Tennessee Delivers More Beauty Per Mile Than Anywhere Else (takingthekids.com) — If you’re looking for a close-to-home escape, this guide walks you through the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, starting just off the Gatlinburg Parkway and signed at 117 Airport Road. It explains the one-way scenic loop, nearby hikes like Grotto and Rainbow Falls, historic cabins, seasonal foliage, and key tips on parking, hours, and vehicle restrictions.
   

2. Arrowmont to use grant for David Ellsworth Retrospective Exhibition (themountainpress.com) — Arrowmont in Gatlinburg has secured a Tennessee America 250 grant to host a major David Ellsworth retrospective, celebrating the late woodturning pioneer’s 50-year career. The free exhibition runs June 11–July 31, 2026, at the Jerry Drown Wood Studio Gallery, with a public reception on June 25, giving locals a rare chance to explore nationally significant craft history close to home.
   

3. New school buildings part of school budget (themountainpress.com) — Sevier County Schools are planning a new Gatlinburg-Pittman Junior High School, replacing the system’s oldest active building and reshaping where ninth-graders attend. Leaders also outlined millions for other campus upgrades and confirmed that universal free lunches will end next school year, returning to traditional free and reduced-price eligibility while promising no child will be denied a meal.
   

4. Triple homicide suspects to be transported to North Carolina after waiving extradition (wlos.com) — Law enforcement tracked two North Carolina homicide suspects to a Motel 6 in Gatlinburg, where they were arrested before being held in Sevier County pending extradition. Authorities say the pair is accused in a triple homicide in Buncombe County and that the younger suspect will be charged as an adult. Transport back to North Carolina is being arranged.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Fire marshal is investigating a large structure fire in Sevierville with no reported injuries.
    8:48PM on May 11: Firefighters are called to a large structure fire in Sevier County, and the fire marshal is investigating. (Nextdoor )
  • Food City posted a job opening for Courtesy Clerk (Bagger) - Student in Gatlinburg. Apply here.
  • Ripley Entertainment, Inc. posted a job opening for Housekeeping - Aquarium in Gatlinburg. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Gatlinburg here.

Ok Gatlinburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Bugs Bunny ! (Thank you bruce A. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Gatlinburg

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Gatlinburg

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.