Plus three more insider tips. Browne shared her three top tips, including the best day of the week to go to Dollywood. But there are other times on the calendar that you should be aware of, according to Browne. Credit: Courtesy of Dollywood The park has a helpful Package Pickup service that few guests seem to know about. You will be given a card with the time your items will be ready....

We sheetcaked, so you don’t have to. After tasting each cake, each tester chose their overall favorite. “Almond extract really comes through,” said one editor, and another appreciated its vanilla-y aroma. Credit:Robbie Caponetto; Stylist: Mary Beth Wetzel “I respect that the icing and filling are actually different,” said another. Several editors commented that the icing tasted the most homemade yet nostalgic. “The ‘cake’ part is fire,” said one editor. Credit:Robbie Caponetto; Stylist: Mary Beth Wetzel...

Our Test Kitchen Director shares his top choice. Like pumpkin spice latte season, but spicier. Here, we explain how to pick the best ground beef for your chili, no matter the style. Credit: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Stelling; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall When cooked, ground sirloin is drier with a heartier texture. Is Sirloin Or Chuck Better? You don’t have to choose one key in over the other....

Perfectly cooked turkey starts with an accurate temperature reading. A thermometer is essential to getting an accurate read, ensuring that your turkey iscooked to perfection. Depending on your cooking method, thermometer placement is key. Credit:Dane Tashima; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Daley The same goes for deep-fried turkeypull it out of the oil briefly to insert the thermometer. When grilling, confirm to check the temperature on the side facing away from the heat source....

Good news: everything you need is likely already in your cupboard. Fall brings us apples, colorful leaves, and all things pumpkin. Infall recipes, pumpkin pie spice is a staple in everything from breads to cookies and beyond. Credit: Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling: Torie Cox / Southern Living David Tineris the director of theLouisiana Culinary Institutein Baton Rouge, Louisiana. What Is Pumpkin Pie Spice? “I refer to them as warm spices, because they warm you up as you consume them....

An insider’s scoop on finding deals during the busy travel season. In fact,nearly halfof Americans typically plan for summer travel that requires an airline ticket or overnight lodging. However, the prime travel season can also mean more crowds and higher prices. Credit: fallbrook/Getty Images Thats why its important to book your trip plans early. But, just how early is best? We chatted with Kentucky-based travel agent Katie Kubitskey to get the insiders scoop on all thingssummer travel....

Want optimal attendance and happy house guests? Our experts all agree this is the perfect time to host your dinner. Getty Images While entertaining trends are ever-changing (remember the butter board? Credit:Getty Images ), one thing that will never go out of style is throwing a greatdinner party. Southerners are especially adept at this time-tested art. We dazzle our guests with beautiful tables set with both thegood chinaandcloth napkins. We always have asignature cocktailand a great playlist on hand to keep spirits high....

Learn the best time to plant carrots so you might make that carrot-raisin salad found on every potluck table. Understanding Carrot Varieties If you think all carrots are long and orange, think again. There are many cultivars and heirloom varieties in different shapes and colors. Credit:Getty Images The five basic types of carrots are Look for hybrid and heirloom seeds for more color variety in carrots. Heirloom carrots may offer unique tastes and help preserve carrot diversity....

Clematis are perfect along fences, climbing up a trellis, or delighting your mail carrier at the mailbox. Understanding Clematis Varieties Clematisspecies vary significantly in size. you might also find small herbaceous species that are only 2 to 5 feet tall. Credit:Getty Images Bloom times range from February or March until frost depending on your hardiness zone. This gives the plant time to get established before extreme temperatures hit. These guidelines can be followed no matter your hardiness zone....

Getty Images I am a huge fan of perennials. Perhaps it is my thrifty nature that hates to get rid of a plant after only one season. After the initial investment, I can count on them for years to come. Credit:Getty Images Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and lower humidity. Get perennials in the ground at least six weeks before the first frost. Preparing for Planting Perennials Selecting Perennials There are perfect perennials for everyone and every garden....

Of course, timing is everything. Learn when to plant sunflowers for optimal growth. Home gardens plant the ones they love. Credit:Getty Images The location should receive full sun for at least 6 hours daily. Sunflowers prefer fertile, well-tilled soil with good drainage. In the garden, remove weeds and turn over the soil with a hand cultivator and trowel. The exact date will depend on yourclimate zone. Contact your local weather service to get their recommendation on when the last frost is predicted....

Brian Brown / Getty Images In early spring, everything comes awake in the garden. We’ll explain the best times to spray weeds in spring and when to wait for a better day. Why Spray Weeds In Spring? Credit:Brian Brown / Getty Images Weeds that are more established in summer are much tougher to tackle. You may spray them only to find the plant re-sprouting from the base. In many cases, a combination of cutting, pulling, and spraying becomes necessary with well-established weeds....

Here’s the best way to hang a picture. Lucie Voves is the CEO and founder of custom frame companyChurch Hill Classics. Voves recommendshanging photos at eye level,aka, 55-60 inches from the ground. Credit: Michael J. Lee; Interior Design: Sabbe Interior Design Voves also says to “plan out your art placement before hammering any nails into the wall. Use frame-size paper templates on your wall to help you visualize the arrangement.”...