A wildfire has torn through Eastern Tennessee, destroying acres and acres with homes, churches, hotels, cabins, etc. But tourists are welcome; visiting this time of year is wonderful, and this year, keeping money in town will help support the communities in and around Gatlinburg. Want to help with a donation? Dolly Parton is accepting donations through her Dollywood Foundation. She's done amazing things to help this community, creating a tourism town from very little. I love what all she's done for them! Plus you can go and visit. The towns are expected to have an opening on December 7 to welcome tourists. According to Tennessee Tourism: "Gatlinburg Mayor Mike Werner, who lost his home and business, expressed the heart and resilience of this community during the daily press conference, stating, “If you want to help Gatlinburg, come back and visit us. We’re gonna be back…we’re gonna be better than ever.” Pigeon Forge businesses were not damaged during this week’s fires and are operating as usual. The city’s Winterfest festival continues, including several Christmas shows at various theaters. Dollywood theme park reopens on Friday, Dec. 2. Restaurants and lodging properties are operating on normal schedules. Businesses in Sevierville, Dolly Parton’s hometown, are open and operating as usual, including Wilderness at the Smokies and Tanger Outlets. The National Park Service announced today the Townsend, Tennessee entrance into Cades Cove, the popular Great Smoky Mountains scenic drive, is now open to the public. Townsend tourism sites and attractions are welcoming visitors."