Hello! Let me introduce myself.

Hi, I’m Lindsay! Welcome to Simply Touring.
If you’re looking for the “inside scoop” on the Smokies, you’re in the right place. I’m a writer, a traveler, and—above all—a lifelong fan of the Great Smoky Mountains. For over 35 years, I’ve been exploring every corner of Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg.
I didn’t just start Simply Touring to give travel advice; I started it because I know how overwhelming planning a family trip can be. My mission is simple: to give you the honest, firsthand, and stress-free advice I wish I’d had years ago.
Why Pull Up a Seat With Us?
A Lifetime of Memories: I’ve seen these mountains in every season—from the first spring blooms at the Flower & Food Festival to the five million twinkling lights of a Smoky Mountain Christmas. I know which shows are can’t-miss and exactly where to find the best cinnamon bread.
We Keep It Real: You won’t find “parroted” brochures here. Whether it’s a restaurant review, a hotel stay, or a deep dive into the latest Tasting Pass, we pay our own way and test everything personally. If a meal was legendary, I’ll tell you; if a wait time wasn’t worth the hype, I’ll tell you that, too.

Lindsay Harvey, Simply Touring on Treetop Tower ride at Dollywood with two kids
Lindsay Harvey Simply Touring Dollywood author



Planning for Real Families: As a mom who has navigated these parks with a large family of eight, I know that logistics matter. I specialize in the “real life” stuff—like finding quiet sensory-friendly corners or managing a big group without losing your mind (or your snacks!).
How We Keep Things Honest
Simply Touring is an independent labor of love. To make sure you’re getting the best info possible, we stick to a few “golden rules”:
Always Accurate: Things change fast in the parks! We’re constantly fact-checking prices and policies so you don’t run into surprises at the gate.
Total Independence: We don’t take “freebies” in exchange for positive reviews. Our opinions are always our own, and our loyalty is always to you, the traveler.
Safe & Secure: While I handle the stories, I have a dedicated technical team working behind the scenes to keep the site fast, secure, and easy for you to use.
Beyond the parks, I’m a travel enthusiast through and through, with a deep love for Disney and Universal, too. I truly believe in the power of a shared family adventure. I’m so glad you’re here—let’s plan your next unforgettable Smoky Mountain memory together!

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