Gatlinburg TN Live

Winter Magic Tunes and Tales

2009-12-07T15:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas is right around the corner and 'tis the season to be jolly! The best way to get you and your family into a great Christmas spirit is heading to Gatlinburg TN for the 2009 Winter Magic Tunes and Tales celebration. Christmas kicks off with Winter Magic Tunes and Tales on November 27, 2009.

Award winning designer DeWayne Kirchner's Whimsical Elves transform the Parkway into a winter wonderland for eight nights of live entertainment during the Winter Magic Tunes and Tales. Every Friday and Saturday night, starting November 27, Gatlinburg comes to life with Christmas magic. Gatlinburg's downtown area will be almost like one large stage for musical performances with singing, dancing and storytelling from the area's performers.

The Elves at Winter Magic Tunes and Tales come from the magical Land of Elfdom and come specially to Gatlinburg TN to help kick off the Christmas holiday celebration. Children and adults of all ages will love the performances by the magical Elves. Don’t miss the chance to meet up to 20 jolly Elves from places like Jolly Town, Gum Drop Lake and Nutwood Forest. These Elves from far away lands will amaze you with their stories, songs and dancing performances. Stroll the streets of downtown Gatlinburg TN and stop to hear some of your favorite classic Christmas song along with stories about life in Elfdom.

Magic is waitng for you at the 2009 Winter Magic Tunes and Tales that will be going on this year in Gatlinburg. The only thing missing from the show is you so pack your bags and grab the kids and start making your way to Gatlinburg. This annual event will get Christmas started the right way and have to you in a holly jolly mood all season long.

Christmas On Ice

2009-11-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

It may feel like winter and look like winter but Gatlinburg’s annual winter event, Christmas on Ice, will really get you into the Christmas spirit. Christmas on Ice gives you and your group or family the chance to get in complete Christmas spirit by watching some of the area’s best amateur ice skaters perform for you.

The local amateur ice skaters that perform for you at “Christmas on Ice” are some of the best around. The show will include all the traditional Christmas. These amateur ice skaters perform fantastic routines that are choreographed by their rink instructor, Devon Harman. Each performance will leave you refreshed.

Make plans to attend the 2009 “Christmas on Ice” at Ober. The show starts on Saturday December 6 at 7:00 and the last performance for the weekend is Sunday December 7 at 5:00. The indoor ice skating is in the middle of Ober Gatlinburg’s fun and entertainment area so there is not a bad seat in the place to catch the wonderful performances. Go ahead and start getting ready for it…it will be a blast!

Holiday Arts and Crafts

2009-11-12T13:04:00.000-08:00

Gatlinburg will hold a Christmas Arts and Craft show beginning November 30th - December 7th. It is to be held in the Gatlinburg Convention Center. It will be open at 10am daily, and as always, admission is free. What a perfect way to shop for the holidays! Each item is 100 percent original and handcrafted.

Each year, the artisans get together to display their carefully crafted merchandise. The convention center is decorated with tinsel garlands, wreathes and bows, perfect to the season. Then, tables and booths are set among the center. Each one, containing the works of over 100 artist.

Most of the artist have been doing this their entire lives with some generational skills dating to roughly the early 1800's. Some of the items in the shoe will include: paintings, homemade candles and soaps, baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, baskets and other woven items, wood carvings, and ceramics.

Gatlinburg TN is the perfect place for a gathering such as this. One thing Gatlinburg has been noted for is it's arts and crafts. And they really do support that theory by pulling together one of the largest groups of independent artist in the entire nation. If you want to be a part of the show, applications can be printed from the Gatlinburg Crafts website, or they can be sent to you via email.

Make a trip to Gatlinburg this winter and enjoy the Holiday Arts and Craft show. I am sure you family will enjoy the purchased items.

Chili Cook Off

2009-10-26T14:25:00.000-07:00

Fall and winter are two very popular times to take a vacation to Gatlinburg TN and this year is no different. Throughout the fall and winter months in Gatlinburg many family activities will be planned for you to enjoy. Each month kicks off with something new for you to enjoy. Although winter is not the busiest time of the year, it might be the most exciting time.

If you have taste buds for chili and are in the mood for some great food then Gatlinburg is the place for you to be on Wednesday, November 4. At the 20th Annual Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff chili vendors from all over the Southeast are coming to the area to show you what they do best ... make chili. The vendors at this year's chili cookoff in Gatlinburg will be cooking and mixing up some of their favorite recipes.

There are over 25 vendors and all you need is $7 and a spoon. At each booth you visit you can try the chili and vote for your favorite recipe. The Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff runs from 5:00 to 8:00 PM and at the end of the chili tasting winners from the contest will be announced.

The 20th Annual Chili Cookoff kicks off the month of November. These chilies range in taste from mild to extremely hot so whatever your taste is the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff is sure to have something just for you. After the chili tasting is done and the judging is complete get everyone together for the lighting of downtown. The Gatlinburg community also kicks off their winter magic by lighting the winter lights in downtown.

Celebrate Veterans Day in Gatlinburg

2009-10-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

This year, 2009, Gatlinburg will host the 7th annual Veterans Day. Enjoy an afternoon of fun while paying tribute to the ones that serve our country.

Gatlinburg has now been announced as the official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day by the Veterans Day National Committee and the US. Department of Veteran's Affairs. Gatlinburg is now one of two cities in Tennessee, the other being, Nashville, to obtain this honor. There are only forty official sites in the United States that have received the designation.

Gatlinburg began it's original celebrations in 2002. The Southeast Tourism Society was so impressed by the event that they named it one of the Top 20 Events!

On the 11th hour of the 11th Month of the 11th day, Gatlinburg pulls out a huge celebration as a way of saying "thank you" to the men and women that have so bravely served our country. The festivities will be held at the Ripley's Aquarium.

The party begins with the flying of jets overhead. In addition, some of our finest veterans will deliver speeches. There will be a period of remembrance for our those who served and lost their lives. There will be loads of patriotic music, some of which will be performed by the Gatlinburg Pittman High School marching Band.

What a great way to celebrate our troops and service men and women. Come on out to the annual Veterans Day in Gatlinburg TN.

Hayrides in Gatlinburg

2009-10-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Old Fashion Hayrides are a popular event for tourists and locals alike. It’s a hayride that so many of us enjoyed as small children but this hayride takes you on a tour through some of Gatlinburg. The hayrides begin in September and last through December so if you’re in town be sure to stop by and take a ride.

They begin at 5pm and run until 9pm. The hayrides run in 45 minute intervals starting at traffic light number 6 in Gatlinburg. You will be picked up at Mountain Mall and your ride will take you down side streets on a scenic tour. Proceeds from these rides go to benefit United Way. If you travel during the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival you will get to see the storefronts decorated to celebrate the fall colors and season. It continues through some of Winterfest as well. You’ll get to see the light displays and maybe some snow while you’re riding around. This unique ride is a great way to enjoy the scenery of fall or winter.

Bring back the old memories of hayrides from your childhood back and share it with others you’re traveling with. The Old Fashion Hayrides are a great way to see the city and scenery without having the same view from your car window. Remember to bundle up if you’re planning on riding the hayride in the winter months. Remember to have fun and bring your camera!

Fishing Tournament in the Smoky Mountains

2009-09-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is back for the 11th year. The dates are September 26-27. If you don't want to fish then come to watch. The 20+ miles of streams in the Smokies have been stocked with over 10,000 trout for this event. If you want to participate in the Trout Tournament be sure you register before 7am on September 26th at the Rocky Top Outfitter store.

On Saturday the tournament will be from sunrise until 4pm and on Sunday from sunrise until 2pm.The trout must be weighed at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge by 4pm on Saturday and 2pm on Sunday. There are rules that must be followed for this event:

Single hook, 1 hand held rods with a limit of 5 fish.
No fishing on the Friday before the tournament and no fishing after tournament hours on Saturday and Sunday
Only trout will be weighed and must be 7 inches long.
The only people who can fish are those who registered.
Total weight of the trout for the two days will determine the winner.
In order to win you must register and also be present to win.

For more rules visit http://www.rockytopoutfitter.com/tournament.htm.

If you participate in this tournament you could win a trophy, fishing equipment, passes to certain attractions, gift certificates, etc. If you have the largest trout there will be a $500 prize. It's a fun event and great for fishermen. If you'll be in town for these dates and want to participate then don't forget your rod and reel.

For more information about accommodations or Gatlinburg cabins, please browse are website. Although September is a relatively slow month, most accommodations will not be available.

Fall Foliage in Gatlinburg TN

2009-08-26T11:51:00.000-07:00

October is right around the corner! It’s time to start planning your trip to Gatlinburg TN to see the fall foliage. The reds, oranges, browns, and yellows are really vibrant starting in mid October. The mountains and the storefronts are alive with color in Gatlinburg. Fall foliage brings in many visitors wanting to view the scenery. Leaves start changing in September, progress during October and the first of November the leaves begin to fall off the trees.

Towards the end of September the leaves begin to change in Gatlinburg TN. As Fall progresses the colors become more noticeable. The leaves will begin to change colors at higher elevations but most of the different colors are from the flowers. You’ll see color change begin in the Sourwood trees, maple trees, and birch trees because they change before the rest of the trees. However, the main color at this time is still green.

October is a much cooler month than September and the chemical processes are sped up by cooler weather. The color of the leaves start to creep down the mountainside. The leaves in the trees on the mountains start to show the reds, oranges, and yellows. As the month progresses the colors become more vibrant giving the Smoky Mountains a beautiful glow. At the end of October there are very few green leaves still on trees.

November brings colder weather but some of the fall colors are still on the leaves during the first week...possibly the second. Frost starts to take the coloring away and the leaves fall to the ground. Old Man Winter has come to town and most trees have shaken the remaining leaves off.

Fall foliage is one of the best times to visit the Smoky Mountains. A great way to experience the colors is to hop in the car and go for a drive. The Smoky Mountain National Park has many trails to take hikes on. The views along the trails and at the tops of trailheads will provide you with breathtaking views of all the colors.

The easiest way to take part in Fall Foliage is to reserve one of the many Gatlinburg TN cabins that the area has to offer. The views from some of the cabins are great all year, but they peak during October. A cup of coffee, a cool morning, and a great cabin can relieve a lot stress.

America's Best Documentary

2009-08-12T10:15:00.000-07:00

World renowned filmmaker Ken Burns has been working on a documentary of National Parks in the US for the past 6 years. The documentary is named "The National Parks: America's Best Ideas". He has finally finished and will be showing a 26 minute preview in select cities. Gatlinburg TN was chosen to be one of those few cities!

This preview is a small glimpse into the hard work and dedication that Ken has put into the documentary these past few years. The actual length of the movie is 12 hours long! PBS will be airing the whole thing in 2 hour segments. The first segment will begin on September 27.

Gatlinburg Office of Special Events and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies welcomes Ken and his documentary to be viewed in the lobby at the Aquarium. Showings will be held between July 21-September 26. These showings are being held at a time that is a milestone for the Smoky Mountain Area. The Smokey Mountains National Park has reached it's 75th anniversary this year. The area has come a long way since the Smokies were first dedicated.

If you'll be in the Gatlinburg area between July 21 and September 26 you should stop by Ripley's Aquarium to catch the sneak peek at "The National Parks: America's Best Ideas". It's educational and also gives a little history about the area you're visiting.

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales 2009

2009-05-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

One of the highlight events of the summer for Gatlinburg TN is Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales. This year’s Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales will start on June 12 and end August 8. During those dates you can catch local performers riding into downtown Gatlinburg TN via horse drawn carriages. The actors will ride into town in the evenings dressed in full costume. Their dress will reflect the time period of the 1800’s, the century in which most of their stories date back to. The performers will start into town at 5pm and will leave around 10pm. If you’re walking along the strip during those times try to find a performer and listen to their stories.

There will be at least 8 performers along the strip telling stories, singing songs, performing magic tricks, dancing and much more. Some of their stories date back to the 1800’s and some are from when Gatlinburg started to become a tourist town and the Smoky Mountain National Park was dedicated. Those dancing, singing and doing magic tricks might invite you to perform with them! Watch as they entertain you and once they tell their story, sing their song or show you a trick walk a little farther down the Parkway and you’ll see another performer. Even Zeno the Gatlinburg bear will be strutting his stuff along the Parkway. The kids will love to see him and take pictures. Say hello if you see him!

From June 12-26 the performers will only come into town on Friday and Saturday nights. After June 26th the sidewalks will become their playing grounds at 5pm every evening until August 8th when there last performance is scheduled. If you’ll be in Gatlinburg this summer make sure you get to downtown Gatlinburg and walk along the strip and listen or watch as they perform for you. They’ll give you a good laugh. Thee best part about all this is that they perform for free! All you have to do is be walking down the strip while they’re there! If you just so happen to be walking along the strip during their “show” times then be sure you stop and watch or listen. They’ll be walking along the Parkway and stop at a crowd of people, they have no set performing areas.

Browse our site for more information about lodging and available Gatlinburg cabins.

Family Fest in the Smokies

2009-05-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

If you’ll be in Gatlinburg TN between May 23-25 a great event to attend is Family Fest in the Smokies. This family centered Southern gospel event is a highly anticipated event. They have been doing Family Fest for 18 years and will be celebrating this year at the W.L. Mills Conference Center in downtown Gatlinburg TN. This event is brought to you by Bill and Gloria Gaither and is great for all ages!

This 3 days event starts on Friday, May 23, with services at 7 pm. Saturday and Sunday’s services will be at 10am and 6pm each day. There will being singing and speakers spreading the God’s message through music and worships. Talented singers such as the Gaither Vocal Band, Gordon Mote, Lynda Randie, Janet Paschall, and Jeff and Sherri Easter will be there along with several others! Be sure you listen to the messages from Steve Brown and Paul Young while you’re there as well!

Bill and Gloria Gaither, along with all their talented friends, invite you to join them for this year’s Family Fest in the Smokies. This year’s Family Fest is expected to draw in approximately 4,500 people. Tickets can be purchased in advance for this event or you can purchase tickets at the entrance. Be sure you make it to one of their services if not all of them. Schedule a visit to Family Fest on your trip to the Smokies and Gatlinburg TN.

Old Timer's Day 2009

2009-05-06T13:43:00.000-07:00

Many elderly residents from Gatlinburg TN are gathering together on June 6 to reminiscence on the days when Gatlinburg was still a “sleepy town”. They will tell you stories of how Gatlinburg came to be a tourist town and when the National Park was dedicated. Nobody can tell a story like someone who actually lived it!

“Old Timer’s Day” celebrates those who have been in Gatlinburg long enough to see it evolve into what it is today. The Pi Beta Phi School started this event to bring everyone together to share stories and sing or make crafts together. These people grew up on the land where there are now amusements and watched as Gatlinburg grew and tourists started visiting. Their stories will take you back 75 years when Gatlinburg was a farming town and not many people had even heard of it. They watched as childhood friends moved away and buildings moved in. Many can recount when the National Park was dedicated.

The elderly people will meet at the Inn at Gatlinburg. Stop in for a visit and listen to the stories they have. They’ll answer many of your questions and tell you things you wouldn’t be able to hear from many people that live in the area now. The stories are very interesting! Some even have pictures to show you. Their memories are great and will their stories will leave you wanting more. Visit Gatlinburg to hear the stories of how it grew into the tourist town it is today.

Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival

2009-04-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival. This is a free admission family event that highlights art and music of artists from all around. Many vendors will have tents set up along River Road at Ripley’s Aquarium. There will be plenty of food from local vendors available as you walk through all the display tents as well. You’ll find many things to buy as souvenirs or gifts while at the Fine Arts Festival.

There will be over 50 artists displaying, making and selling their crafts at the fair. You can watch and even custom order souvenirs. Take a look at all the goods the vendors are offering and listen to the music that will be performed by a live band. Enjoy some of the bluegrass, jazz, Celtic, rhythm and blues songs that will be played by Kevin McGuire and DownStream. There will also be food stands serving hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, corn dogs, etc. throughout the festival. Many of the food vendors are from local restaurants.

The Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival is scheduled to be held on May 16th and 17th this year. There will also be $5,000 in prizes up for grab. If you’ll be in Gatlinburg TN during those dates make your way down to River Road and check out the Festival. Proceeds will help the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and Sevier County Art Council.

Scottish Festival and Games

2009-04-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

May 15-17 2009 is the date for this year Gatlinburg Scottish Festival. The weekend will include a fun-filled packed weekend. There will be athletic competitions, entertainers, vendors, pipes & drums, highland dance and more!

The activities will begin Friday at 9:30am at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. At 3:00pm there will be the Scotch Whiskey Tasting at the Quality Inn on the creek. Everyone is invited to join in on the Gatlinburg Highland Festival games and wine tasting. The tickets to this event are $10 and you must be 21 years or older to attend.

At 6:00 pm is the GSFG Parade. It will begin at stop light number 10 in Gatlinburg TN prior to the games. Wave your family crest and colors proud as you walk with your clan through the downtown lights, shops and sounds of the beautiful Gatlinburg. The march is about a mile long and will also include a trolley coming behind the parade for those who would rather or need to ride.

On Saturday the gates open at 8:00am and the day is jam packed with activities. From dancing to border collies to athletics, Saturday will be a day you do not want to miss.

Sunday will start the competitions and the parade of Tartans and the mass band tribute to the veterans. The pipe band competition, clan challenge, and bonniest knees and Haggis Hurl will all lead up to an evening of Trophy presentation on the main field.

Even if you are not Scottish, you will want to join in on the fun. So plan your vacation to Gatlinburg TN today!

Wildflower Pilgrimage 2009

2009-04-19T13:47:00.000-07:00

The annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is right around the corner. It will be celebrating it’s 59th year of this 5 days celebration occurring on April 22-26 this year. The Wildflower Pilgrimage is a truly unique way of experiencing the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg TN. It’s a celebration of the beauty of the wildlife by holding demonstrations, hikes, and many programs and seminars.

The area that the Smoky Mountains is on is protected land to preserve the wildlife. Take a walk for some fresh air as your guide takes you on trails in the Smoky Mountain National Park. You’ll stop and enjoy the wildflowers all along the trail as well. Art classes will be offered so that you can capture the colors and beauty of wildflowers in paintings. One of the classes will take you through the Smoky Mountain National Park to let you try out your photography skills.

The day the Pilgrimage starts, there will be a luncheon held at the W.L. Mills Conference Center located in downtown Gatlinburg TN. Until the pilgrimage ends, you will be able to take advantage of as many classes as you can handle. They will be offering over 150 programs to choose from. The teachers and guides for each program are professionals and many are employed by the National park Service. Morning, afternoon, evening and all day classes are available. Classes, locations and the descriptions of each class are listed on their website by date and time at www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org. Some of the popular classes are held more than once. Some classes are held indoors and some have admission fees.

Early registration is available if you want to sign up in advance. You can do this by going to their website or calling their phone number. On site registration will be held at the W.L. Mills Conference Center where available programs will be listed. Transportation is not provided so be sure you have a way to and from your trailheads. No refunds will be issued for those who are unable to make their program date. All funds do benefit the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage expenses.

If you are coming in from out of town, please be sure you plan for crowded streets and accommodations. Please view our Gatlinburg cabins page for more information about accommodations in Gatlinburg TN.

Mountain Man March

2009-04-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

The second annual Mountain Man March will be taking place on April 4 this year in Gatlinburg Tennessee. This march is a tribute to the men and women in uniform and honors 1LT Frank Walkup who was killed during his tour in Iraq in 2007. 1LT. Walkup was a Tennessee Native and graduated from the University of Tennessee. Once he graduated he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He was deployed to Iraq and was killed on June 16, 2007 by an explosive device that detonated near his position during a patrol. This march honors him and has become a tribute to the rest of the soldiers who didn’t make it home from their deployments.

The Mountain Man March starts at 9am on Saturday, April 4 in downtown Gatlinburg TN and goes up Highway 321 to Pittman Center Road. The march cover 26.2 miles in the Smoky Mountains with stretches of roads and includes off road terrain and mountain slopes. This march drew in thousands of participants last year. It’s become a tribute to all members in the military by fellow military personnel, veterans, and civilians. The motto of the event is “Honor Through Actions” and those who participate walk 26.2 miles in the military boots.

There are categories for the Mountain Man March: Military Heavy, Military Light and civilian. There is an entry fee of $50 per person or $200 for a group of five. The entry fee does include light breakfast on the morning of April 4, snack foods and water at any of the 12 water points along with a BBQ meal at the finish line and awards for those who participated.

This event is sponsored by UT-Knoxville Army ROTC Ranger Company. Anyone is able to join the event and proceeds do go to support the Ranger Company and also to the Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Fund in the name of 1st LT Walkup.

Music of the Mountains

2009-03-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

If you’re a music lover then a great time to visit Gatlinburg TN would be Saturday March 28! The 4th Annual Music of the Mountains festival will be held on that day hosted by the City of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountain Association. Many of the festival’s performers will be performing for you at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Music of the Mountains celebrates the many musical traditions of the mountains. The performances will be singing many different genres to show how much the mountain music has evolved over the years.

Performers such as Tony Thomas, Lost Mill String Band, Matt Morelock and Brian Vollmer, Boogertown Gap, etc. will be singing for you! You can go to the visitors center and hear these great musicians for no cost! That’s right! They are performing for you free of charge. There is limited seating at the auditorium so be sure you get there to get a seat! You’ll get many different types of music to sing and dance along to. Listen to the banjos, bass, fiddles, and guitars. There is everything from bluegrass to folk music. It’s a great festival to go to and a great way to spend your day.

This festival starts it’s concerts at 10 am and will end later in the night. Jimbo Whaley and Friends will be performing at the W.L. Mills Auditorium starting at 6:30 that night. You must purchase tickets for this performance. Jimbo is a local bluegrass and gospel musician. He’s played all over the nation with many big name bands. The tickets are offered at the door or you can order in advance and save $5. Those who purchase tickets will receive Jimbo’s newest gospel recording and a book entitled “The Back of the Book”. You will also be entered in a door prize and many other giveaways for purchasing the ticket.

If you’ll be in Gatlinburg be sure you check out the Gatlinburg cabins. Staying in one of these cabins will keep you closer to enjoying the Music of the Mountains festival.

Celebrate Santa

2009-03-18T12:56:00.000-07:00

Santa Claus is comin’ to town! The town of Gatlinburg TN that is. Yes, even the big jolly man takes a vacation and he knows where the best place to go! Celebrate Santa will be in Gatlinburg from March 16-18 this year. Hundreds of Santa Clauses and Mrs. Clauses will be heading to the Gatlinburg Convention Center for the 2009 Santa Central convention. If you’re in town the same time they are you might get to see them and some of their elves and reindeer as well! Look closely because the real Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be there as well! Can you figure out which ones are them?

Santa’s from all over gather together in Gatlinburg TN to hold workshops on how to be better Santa’s. It’s not easy being the big man! They learn how to dress, act and all the Santa techniques so that they will be better Santa’s. Those who are interested in being Santa can join as well. You can’t learn from a better instructor!

If you are in Gatlinburg at the same time as Celebrate Santa then you won’t be seeing just how beautiful the Smoky Mountains are. You’ll get to shop through clothing and many other gifts that Mrs. Claus’s make! It’s a great gift and unique story to tell your family. Who else gets to shop from Mrs. Claus? The Holly and Shamrock Gala will be a time where many Santa goods are available to you. There will be art, food and crafts at the Santa’s Showcase along with jewelry, clothing, belts, boots and even the beards Santa is famous for! There will also be plenty of gifts you can buy for Christmas presents as well! As for the reindeer, breeders will be bringing them in so all can see. Take a second to see how gorgeous these animals are and learn a thing or two about them.

It wouldn’t be Celebrate Santa without a parade! Santa’s will be strolling through Gatlinburg ho-ho-ho’ing and waving as they ride or walk by. There will be many sleighs riding through downtown as well as a band full of Santa’s! Local marching bands will also be in the parade. Be sure you get a good seat to see the Cyber Sleigh as it rides by! The grabs your attention with all it’s lights, hydraulic system and “sheer crowd-stopping mega-wattage”.

For more information regarding Gatlinburg cabins or Gatlinburg hotels! Don't miss Celebrating Santa this year!

Srpingfest 2009

2009-03-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

It’s time for Gatlinburg Springfest again! This year, 2009, Springfest will begin on March 11 and last through June 7. This 3 month long event celebrates Spring time. Colorful flowers, budding trees and warm weather welcome you to Gatlinburg TN. There will be pansies, tulips, Mandeville’s, petunias, sunflowers, lilies, and many other colorful flowers to brighten the strip in downtown Gatlinburg TN. The weather is warm and makes the Spring time the perfect time to visit!

There will be plenty of activities for you and your loved ones to do while in town. Since the weather is warming up more outdoor activities can be enjoyed. Hiking, kayaking, bicycling, sightsee, outdoor race tracks and mini golf courses, etc. can be enjoyed. Many Gatlinburg cabins have pool access and that’s one of the perfect amenities to make sure your cabin has while visiting! Just a short drive down the road is the Smoky Mountain National Park. Drive through the park and see all the wildlife and beautiful colors of the Spring. You can not get bored while vacationing at this time! There are too many activities you could do to make your vacation to Gatlinburg memorable.

There are many events that will take place during Springfest as well. The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community hold one of their many shows from April 8-11. Stop by the Gatlinburg Convention Center and see all their unique handcrafted goods. Watch them as they make new ones or see the ones they have on display. These goods make perfect gifts to remember your trip to Gatlinburg by. On Easter morning join locals and vacationers at Ober Gatlinburg for their 12th annual Easter Sunrise Services. Tram rides start at 6:15 a.m. and last until 7:00 a.m. in 15 minute intervals. It’s a beautiful way to spend your Easter Sunday overlooking the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. On April 23 the Gatlinburg Ribfest and Wing celebration begins. The smell of barbeque will fill the air and please your senses as vendors from all over gather to give you a sample of their scrumptious treats. This celebration turns into a street party filled with live entertainment, fun and plenty of barbequed ribs and wings.

Don’t miss the 59th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage from April 22-26. This is perfect for those who love to hike and enjoy nature. You’ll go on hiking tour to see all the wildflowers in bloom. They will have many demonstrations for you to take part in. Over 150 hiking tours will be available to take part in. Many demonstrations, exhibitions, lectures, etc. are available for you to take part in as well.

This is the perfect time to visit Gatlinburg TN. The weather is great, activities are endless and memories are waiting to be made! Find a Gatlinburg cabin rental and take your vacation in the Smoky Mountains this Spring!

New Exhibit at Ripley's Aqaurium

2009-02-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg Tennessee is a very popular attraction for tourists coming to the area and it seems like Ripley’s just keeps getting better and better. With a new exhibit and plenty of new visitors, Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg TN is promised to have a great year in 2009.

The new exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium that is promised to send chills up your spine. The “Lethal Weapons” exhibit features dozens of the oceans most deadly creatures. Also new to Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg TN are plenty of hands-on and interactive displays that will leave you with a unique and very memorable experience.

The Lethal Weapons exhibit will take you well beyond the traditional jaws survival story as you take a walk through the aquarium to view a tank full of the most dangerous animals of the sea. For years the ocean has been explored by sea divers but beneath the calm surface there is a struggle for life going on between the deadly creatures of the sea. Every creature must protect itself, because under the water it is either kill or be killed.

The Lethal Weapons exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is packed with examples of the top survivors of the sea. From a Portuguese Man of War that will sting everything it touches to the crown of thorns starfish. The new deadly exhibit displays a golf ball sized warrior packing enough poison to kill 26 humans, a boxing shrimp, a lethal snail that devours food in an instant and experience 500-volts from an electric eel.

This new Lethal Weapons exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has been specifically created for this aquarium and is totally free with aquarium admission. Go ahead and start planning your next trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. The deadly animals of the sea will be on display throughout 2009.

For more information regarding accommodations in Gatlinburg, visit our Gatlinburg TN cabins.

75th Anniversary of the Smokies

2009-02-10T16:04:00.000-08:00

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of the South’s top vacation destination spots and with so many fun attractions, with the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains surrounding you ,its no wonder this small Tennessee town is so popular. One local, and natural, attraction that you cannot miss when visiting Gatlinburg TN is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national parks in the USA. Since it’s establishment this Gatlinburg, Tennessee national park has seen millions of visitors annually. 2009 marks the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park so this is the special year to visit Gatlinburg TN.

June 15, 1934 was a special day for the national park. On this day Congress marked 400,000 acres of land around Gatlinburg and the idea for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park came alive. The following years would never be the same for the tired town of Gatlinburg. The national park quickly gained popularity from people from every state and was dedicated by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on September 2, 1940. In 1941 its one-millionth visitor passed through. Gatlinburg is at one of the main entrances to the national park so it is no wonder why this Tennessee town is so popular. The 1940’s brought about more land for the park and a road was added to make it more accessible for the visitors in the area.

Out of the 1940’s and in to the 1950’s Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park received even more popularity. With shows being performed and exhibitions going on the Park’s 2 millionth visitor passed through. The National Park gained even more popularity when Disney Productions used the Park for the filming of their movie “Davy Crockett”. As the 1950’s progressed, more attractions started being built in and around Gatlinburg TN. Building more attractions brought in more tourists and Gatlinburg continued to become popular. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park made a large amount of progress in under 30 years and in 1962 National Geographic came to the Gatlinburg. National Geographic featured Cades Cove in their “People of Cades Cove” edition. Gatlinburg was turning into a flourishing Tennessee town and was in need of plenty of lodging for the new visitors coming to the area.

Environmental awareness was strong in the 1970’s and Gatlinburg Tennessee was supporting this cause in full swing. Endangered species were watched in the National Park and local streams running through downtown Gatlinburg and in the National Park were marked off and were preserved. The first Earth Day took place in the 1970’s and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was declared an area of high air quality. The 1980’s brought more change to Gatlinburg with the celebration of the National Park’s 50th anniversary. When The World Fair came to the area in the 80’s Gatlinburg grew even more popular.

1990 brought about more change for the endangered animals inside the National Park. The 1990’s can be known as the time period for protection of the animals in the area. Bears were rapidly coming to the area and visiting downtown Gatlinburg TN. With a blizzard in 1993 and the Olympic torch running through the area in 1996 the 1990’s was a turning point for the residents of the Gatlinburg.

At the start of 2000 Gatlinburg was booming with business and now, on its 75th anniversary in 2009, Gatlinburg is a very popular and busy vacation spot for people from surrounding Tennessee towns all the way to California. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is still protected for many animals and fish and people still have a great time when visiting the park. The Great Smoky Mountains National has continued to be a popular place for vacationers and local residents. 75 years is a special accomplishment and we can only hope that tourist will continue to give Gatlinburg and the National Park 75 more years.

The Pefect Gatlinburg Cabin

2009-01-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

There are many different things to take into consideration when you are looking to book a cabin for your Gatlinburg vacation. There are approximately one hundred cabin rental companies between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN with fair estimates of cabins reaching close to 20,000. So how do you know which property will best accommodate you? This article will give you ideas on how to find the perfect Gatlinburg cabin for you.

When looking for a cabin, you will need to find a cabin that will best accommodate the number of guests that will be traveling with you. Some Gatlinburg cabins are set up to sleep more people than the number of bedrooms would allow. In example, there are a many cabin rentals that are two bedrooms but can sleep 10 - 12 people. Each bedroom in the cabin may have more than one bed or bunks which allows the cabin to sleep more. In addition to the extra beds in the bedrooms some cabins also have sleeper sofas in the living rooms and game rooms.

Location, Location, Location! Even in Gatlinburg TN there are several different cabin communities. One possible community is Chalet Village near traffic light 10. This is an old community but has terrific mountain views. Another very popular spot is the Little Pigeon River located in downtown Gatlinburg. Gatlinburg cabins located here are very close to town and walking to Gatlinburg is very possible from these cabins. Although there are more, I would recommend one of these two areas. Would you prefer to have a breathtaking mountain view or would you prefer to be closer to town?

Now that you have figured out what size cabin you will need and what location, you can start going a little further into your search for the perfect Gatlinburg cabin. Each individual cabin offers many different amenities. Some Gatlinburg cabins have various game tables or hot tubs that are either indoor or outdoor. Some cabins even have private in-ground pools or have pool accessibility.

With so many different Gatlinburg cabins available the possibilities are endless. After choosing the perfect cabin with the wanted amenities and desired location, you should be set to book. Once you have booked your cabin you can begin planning your Gatlinburg vacation. There are tons of attractions and activities for you to enjoy!! So begin planning your vacation to the Smoky Mountains today!

Southern Exposure Competition

2009-01-20T15:33:00.000-08:00

Are you coming to Gatlinburg TN or the Smoky Mountains look for a little adventure and friendly competition? While you are visiting the area you may want to take the time to visit Ober Gatlinburg and enjoy the annual Southern Exposure Competition.

The Southern Exposure Competition will be held on February 6th, 2009. Many tourist and locals gather to compete in skiing and snowboarding competitions. If your not much of an adrenaline junkie you could just simply watch from the sidelines because the cost is free. Not only does Ober Gatlinburg host the skiing and snowboarding competitions, they also host a high flying ski and snowboard jumping contest. After the high flying contest, the awards ceremony begins.

Each ranking individual will receive a medal according to their placement in the competition. After the awards ceremony there will be a cardboard sled race. Anyone is welcome to join the fun!! But you might want to sign up in a hurry, because only 45 sleds are able to enter the race!! Sleds of all types and shapes are welcome to compete in the friendly race. While enjoying the competition you may want to check out some of the other activities that Ober Gatlinburg and Gatlinburg TN has to offer.

Tennessee Winter Special Olympics

2009-01-06T15:16:00.000-08:00

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is always booming with different activities to enjoy throughout the entire year and January is a special time with many more activities to enjoy. Start making special plans to visit Gatlinburg on January 25-28, 2009.

The 2009 Winter Special Olympics will be held on top of the snowcapped mountains at Ober Gatlinburg. The opening ceremonies for the Winter Special Olympics in Gatlinburg Tennessee will be held on Sunday, January 25. The fun begins there and does not stop until January 28. All event competitions will be fun and exciting and everyone will enjoy a great time together at Ober Gatlinburg. For any additional questions that you may have about the 2009 Winter Special Olympics at Ober Gatlinburg in Gatlinburg, Tennessee please contact Meg Takahashi at 1-800-383-8502 or by going to their website at www.specialolympicstn.org.

The Special Olympics movement got its start on July 20, 1968 at Solider Field in Chicago, Illinois. Ever since the start of the Special Olympics Tennessee has been registered as a non-profit organization that has been proudly serving Tennessee.

Gatlinburg During Fall

2008-09-29T18:33:00.000-07:00

To see nature at it’s best in Gatlinburg the perfect time to visit would be fall. Not only can you enjoy the cool Smoky Mountain weather, you get to see the leaves change colors creating a beautiful fall foliage. There are so many things to do in Gatlinburg you’ll have to stay longer than a weekend to get everything covered. However, you could make vacationing in the Smoky Mountains an annual family trip. The scenery is not the only thing going on in the fall though. There are a lot of events, performances and attractions you’ll want to see before leaving.

The fall foliage brings many people into Gatlinburg TN. The foliage starts to change colors during the first week of October and gradually changes throughout the month. The best time to see the fall foliage is the middle part of October. The beautiful reds, oranges, yellows and browns can be seen all around and even in the mountains of the Smokey’s. The best way to enjoy the foliage is to rent a cabin in the mountain so that you have a front row seat of the beauty of God’s country.

Of course there is more to do in Gatlinburg during the fall then just looking at the scenery. The Gatlinburg event planners make sure that there is something for the tourists to see while they are on vacation. They have annual competitions that even the tourists can get in on such as the Gatlinburg United Way Shark Race that is held in September. They also have a Run For the Hills 10K Race that is a lot of fun to watch/participate in. For things to do while strolling around town they have the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, the Smokey Mountain Harvest Festival, Winter Magic Cookout and Chili Cook-off, they also have a n Old Fashion Hayride for you to enjoy. They have craft shows through out September, October and parts of November.

There is always something to do in Gatlinburg TN during the fall. Whether you’re wanting to take in the fall foliage, check out some of the events or just visit the attractions you will definitely have a great time and memories to take home with you. Plenty of people have discovered the beauty of the Smokies during the fall months. Make your family trip to the mountains during the fall.