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Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg celebrate the holiday season with the starts of Smoky Mountain Winterfest. Over five million lights are aglow on the Parkway, from Sevierville to Gatlinburg. Plenty of magical Christmas scenes and seasonal spirit fill the atmosphere, creating a unique and truly memorable Smoky Mountain Christmas.
This is a great time of year to enjoy southern hospitality with spectacular holiday shows & entertainment steeped with tradition. Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas turns into a winter wonderland, complete with Christmas shows, holidays foods and thrilling rides. Back by popular demand is the Babes in Toyland production, a fascinating and beautiful show featuring acrobatics and seasonal music. They offer several musical and theatrical productions as well as their famous "Carol of the Trees." This show is a pyrotechnic and light show synchronized to holiday music. The Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival at Dollywood is a celebration treasures tradition and invites your family to create a treasure of your own.
Spectacular holiday shows and entertainment can also be found in Pigeon Forge Theaters. The Smith’s Christmas Show, Country Tonite Christmas Show, and Rock and Roll Christmas Show provide an atmosphere of song and dance that is sure to get every member of the family in the Christmas spirit. Whether country tunes, gospel hymns or old time rockin’ songs are your favorite, these show will have something to please you!
The attractions in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are a great way to relax, explore and have fun. They’re also a great way to see the dazzling lights displays. A Holiday Tour of the Lights can be had at Scenic Helicopter Tours in Pigeon Forge, while guests in Gatlinburg can get an aerial view of the lights on an Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway. Gatlinburg attractions include a variety of Ripley’s Believe It or Not attractions, including a museum, haunted house, mini-golf and movie rider. They make a great escape for families in need of some quick fun!
There is a Trolley of Lights that can also be takes advantage of. The trolley will take you on a magic tour of the twinkling lights and festive displays. Also be sure to check out the incredible deals at the Pigeon Forge Shopping Malls. The outlet stores are a great place to stock up on gifts and the quaint, boutique shops will allow you to purchase that something special for that special someone.
Lodging in the Smoky Mountains is also a favorite part of the Smoky Mountain experience. A cabin in the forest can create the perfect environment for memories that will last forever. Between the scenic views and luxurious amenities, you and your family will feel right at home. There are plenty of Pigeon Forge hotels and Gatlinburg lodging properties to choose from too, so everyone can find something to fit their budget.
A holiday getaway to the Smoky Mountains is a treasured trip that will create memories that last a lifetime. Begin your holiday planning today!
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Winter, formerly the quietest time of year in the Smoky Mountains resort town of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., now is one of the most vibrant because of Pigeon Forge Winterfest. The 18th edition of the four-month celebration runs from Nov. 8-Feb. 29, 2008.
More than five million Winterfest lights that are spread throughout the city are most conspicuous element of Pigeon Forge Winterfest. Elaborate displays depicting everything from Mother Goose rhymes to patriotic themes attract visitors who view them from their own vehicles or get guided tours on the city's Fun Time Trolleys.
One of the more elaborate displays depicts the city's most significant historic site, the Old Mill. The actual mill was built in 1830 and still is in operation. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
During the first two months of Pigeon Forge Winterfest, another 3.5 million lights add a special glow to the Dollywood theme park and its special holiday season.
Also during November and December, Pigeon Forge's theaters—there are more than a dozen—add special holiday segments to their productions. All theaters operate through the end of the year, and many offer shows year-round.
After the excitement of Christmas and New Year's, the city continues Pigeon Forge Winterfest with three festivals in January and February:
- Wilderness Wildlife Week, Jan. 12-19, is the first. It began the same year as Winterfest as a Saturday afternoon activity and now offers eight days of programs and activities to spotlight Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More than 100 experts on nature and outdoor life present programs on many topics, and there are daily hikes and excursions into the national park. AppalachiaFest, a musical component of Wilderness Wildlife Week on Jan. 15, is hosted by Grammy-Award winner David Holt and features bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley.
- The 17th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival is on tap Feb. 7-9 with some of America's top storytellers, who offer both performances and workshops. The 2008 schedule includes cowboy poet and storyteller Waddie Mitchell and Bil Lepp, five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest.
- Saddle Up!, a celebration of the American West, returns for the eighth year, Feb. 21-24. It brings some of the best western musicians and cowboy poets to the Smokies for a rare visit east of the Mississippi River. Featured this year are Wylie & the Wild West, Sons of the San Joaquin, Jean and Gary Prescott, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Sourdough Slim, Chris Isaacs, Kent Rollins and Jeff Gore & Silver Valley.
Info courtesy of TravelVideo.TV
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It has definitely been an abnormal year as far as weather goes throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, which has left many people questioning the fall colors and when the leaves will start changing colors in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and surrounding areas. The extremely dry & hot conditions throughout the summer are not exactly the right ingredients for a vibrant autumn season. The good news, though, is that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park consists of 100’s of species of deciduous trees in a variety of elevations. What this means is that there will still be an abundant amount of color to see…there is no such thing as a “bad” fall in the Smokies!
The colder weather has finally started to arrive, which accelerates the leaves changing color. This has already begun to happen in higher elevations with a number of tree species. Throughout the middle of October, you’ll see mostly golden yellow colors mixed with some orange. These colors will slide their way down the mountains into the valley as the vibrant reds will slowly follow and mix in. If the cold weather sits in and the weather continues as it is now, the colors will peak in the mountains and valley around the last week of October and into early November.
I’d highly suggest keeping track of the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website to follow the fall foliage changing color.
They even have a page dedicated to fall foliage at:
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm.
Also, take a look at their webcams:
http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams/parks/grsmcam/grsmcam.cfm
http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams/parks/grsmpkcam/grsmpkcam.cfm
Finally, be sure to check out the Park’s tips for fall hiking and scenic drives:
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fall-suggestions.htm
Once again, the best time to see the fall colors in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will be the last week of October and into early November. This is my favorite time of the year in the Great Smoky Mountains…I hope you enjoy it as much as the locals do!
Information courtesy of Inside Pigeon Forge
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Tennessee in the fall is a brilliant patchwork of red, yellow, rust and orange. More than 400 species of deciduous trees paint the fall scenes of Tennessee’s landscape from the Mississippi River to the Great Smoky Mountains.
Cooler night temperatures, flocks of migrating birds, and natural bouquets of lavender and yellow wildflowers along the roadsides are sure signs that fall in Tennessee is right on schedule. Tennessee’s peak colors typically appear the last two weeks of October. The leaves change first in the mountains of Northeast Tennessee. The fall colors then sweep westward across the state peaking around Memphis by late November.
Autumn is becoming visible in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with some areas above 5,000 feet in full color, such as Clingmans Dome Road, which leads to the highest elevation in the Park.
The majority of the deciduous forest, at 4,000 feet elevation and below, is still predominantly green. Trees in the high country that are now showing bright color are the yellows of American beech and yellow birch, and different shades of reds on mountain ash, pin cherry and mountain maple. In the lower elevations, a few early color changing species, such as sourwood and sumac, are showing bright reds. Some dogwoods and maples are beginning to turn different colors in some areas as well. Fall wildflowers, such as goldenrod and asters, are colorful throughout the park, and some blueberry and blackberry shrubs are changing color, as well as the Virginia creeper plant.
Because the Great Smoky Mountains provide a range of elevations between 875 and 6,643 feet in the Park with differing moisture conditions and habitats, many trees will still produce significant color as the Park moves into its peak autumn season.
In lower East Tennessee (Cleveland and Ocoee Region), the weather has been very pleasant, but the leaf color remains unchanged. The beginning of the 2007 fall color season is predicted to be about a week away. The weather prediction this week is for lows in the40s and highs in the 60s starting on Wednesday. The lower temperatures this week should bring some color change very soon.
Farther south, many of our trees in the Chattanooga Valley are starting to turn slightly at their tops. The Poplars are showing a touch of yellow, with a bit of bronze on our Elms. It is too early for red or orange on the great Oaks or Sweet Gums.
Scenic Highway 27, Lookout Mountain and Interstate I-24 west toward Nashville are still green. This area is still a few weeks from any major color change. However, the weather is beautiful and a great time to take in the area’s outdoor festivals. The wildflowers are beautiful and still abundant along roadsides. Now is a great time to hike the beautiful mountain trails or paddle the Blue Trail along the Tennessee River.
Recommendations: High elevation trails such as Sugarland Mountain Trail and Appalachian Trail, accessed at Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap, would be the perfect hiking area for this time of year. Roads leading into the high country, including Newfound Gap Road, Heintooga Ridge Road, Foothills Parkway West and East, and Rich Mountain Road out of Cades Cove, are the best options for leaf seekers. The weather is beautiful in middle and west Tennessee, with fall still a few weeks away
Information courtesy of Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
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The era of Detroit’s wildest horsepower years will be displayed for one weekend only at the Sevierville Events Center on October 26-27, 2007. Some of the rarest Chevrolet, Ford, and Chrysler performance street cars and racecars of the 1960s and 1970s have been selected for admission to the 5th Annual Forge Invitational Musclecar Show, the only event of its kind.
These authentic, invitation-only vehicles include the tire-blazing 427-inch Camaros and Corvettes, 426 Hemi-powered Plymouth Barracudas and Dodge Chargers, special Pontiac GTOs, Ford Shelby Mustangs, and much more.
The public is invited to enjoy the show during the operating hours of 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. , with a general daily admission fee of $10.00 per person.
The once-a-year invitational event, promoted by Tim Lopata, completely outgrew its former location in the Pigeon Forge area and Nashville area and this year Sevierville has been selected to expand the show. The ability to move the cars into Sevierville’s premiere Events Center at Bridgemont, ensured that the multi-million dollar assembly of horsepower would be protected from the elements.
Cars will be coming from all over the country for the 2007 Forge event, and each example has been carefully selected on the basis of its rarity and condition, including a group of rare but unrestored “barn finds” many auto enthusiasts dream of locating. Many other cars are pristine restorations that have never before been seen on public display.
Of special note to racing fans there will again be a tribute to the late Dick Harrell, a professional drag racer responsible for many specialized Chevrolet performance cars of the 1960s era. Harrell, who died in a racing accident in 1971, will be represented by his daughter Valerie, friend Dale Pulde, several employees, friends and several very rare Chevrolet vehicles whose development Mr. Harrell was involved in. There will be a special display of Hemi 426 and Six Pack powered cars from 1964-1971, one of the largest ever in this type of venue.
In addition to the cars, there will be several other racing personalities from the past, a select group of specialized parts vendors, a display of rare automobile dealership memorabilia, new Pro-touring cars and other attractions.
The American musclecar has come back to the forefront of automotive interest recently, primarily due to high-visibility auction sales in the 100K-and-up range, the revival of the breed itself through late-model cars like the 2007 Shelby Ford Mustang, and a fresh resurgence in performance development from the major manufacturers. The 5th Annual Forge Invitational Musclecar Show will give residents of the Knoxville area a chance to actually see the cars that made history from Detroit when horsepower ruled the streets. The show has been featured in HOT ROD, SUPERCHEVY, MUSCLE CAR REVIEW, MUSCLECAR ENTHUSIAST, MOPAR COLLECTORS GUIDE, COLLECTORS GUIDE TO MUSCLECARS, MUSTANG MONTHY, MOPARMAX.COM, MAXCHEVY.COM, DRAGLIST.COM and more.
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Gatlinburg, Tennessee… Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is celebrating its 9th annual Fright Nights show by bringing back a crowd favorite- “Carnival of Screams”! “Out of all of our themed Fright Nights shows, this one is the one that we have the most requests for,” says Ryan DeSear, General Manager. Those squeamish at the sight of clowns need not enter! A ring-master will greet those guests brave enough to go into the realm of psychotic clowns and side-show oddities. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, best known for its year-round haunting, will become even scarier during this time as the number of performers multiplies and themed surroundings play on your sight, sound, touch, and even smell. There is no extra charge for the special Fright Nights shows which run every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October as well as October 29, 30, and 31. Shows are kicked off nightly at 6:13pm with a character parade.
And what would a Ripley’s event be without a celebrity guest? This year’s main event will be a visit from Bill Moseley better known as Otis Driftwood from the Rob Zombie flicks “House of 1000 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Rejects”, Chop Top from “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”, as well as an appearance in the 2007 blockbuster remake of “Halloween”. Mr. Moseley will be appearing for two nights only, October 26th and 27th from 7pm until midnight.
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is a year round haunted house that was opened in 1999 by Ripley Entertainment on the site of what was once the Grimsby & Streaper Casket Company. The old casket factory was abandoned under mysterious circumstances during the early 1900s shortly after residents started disappearing. Until Ripley’s can decide the most beneficial development for the area, they continue to conduct tours of the facility.
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is one of the few haunted houses in the nation that is open 365 days a year. No one under the age of 6 is allowed due to the graphic nature of the facility, and those under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian.
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If you love bluegrass music, then it doesn’t get much better than Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN during September! If you also love barbecue, then it definitely doesn’t get better than Dollywood’s BBQ & Bluegrass going on from September 14-30. The park will be filled with numerous bluegrass entertainers playing your favorite hits as well as some tunes you probably haven’t heard before! When you get hungry, you can chow down on some of the finest BBQ the Great Smoky Mountains has to offer. The BBQ action takes place at Market Square where visiting chefs will be cooking up some of the tastiest barbecue your mouth will ever taste. They’ll even be giving demonstrations on cooking BBQ so that you can be the king of the grill in your own neighborhood!
The list of performers for the bluegrass festival this year looks great! They have a great mix of big names as well as up-and-comers that are sure to leave the audiences beggin’ for more.
Dollywood BBQ & Bluegrass Schedule
Information courtesy of Inside Pigeon Forge
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It's hard to say what is the bigger honor for Dollywood - hosting the annual Golden Ticket Awards that spotlight the best in the theme park industry or winning the Publisher's Pick Award for Park of the Year. Nearly 90 professionals in the amusement industry made a visit to the Smoky Mountains Wednesday for the annual event, which Dollywood was tapped to host.
"It's a great honor for us to be asked to host these awards," Dollywood spokesman Pete Owens said. "We've worked really hard to give these amusement professionals a great experience while they've been here. This has been a great opportunity for us to showcase Dollywood."
The awards, which are in their 10th year, are organized by Amusement Today, a newspaper dedicated to theme and amusement parks. Amusement Today Publisher Gary Slade said the awards were created "to honor the best of the best in the amusement industry."
In addition to receiving the Publisher's Pick Award, Dollywood was also named as a finalist in more categories - from friendliest park to best new attraction for the Mystery Mine - than any other park. That standard of excellence played a role in the park being selected to host the event, Slade said.
"Dollywood is doing a great job," he said. "We wanted to show that off and, of course, they were excited to host us. They've been wonderful to us."
This year's event drew the largest crowd ever, which Slade also attributed to Dollywood's continuing effort to remain at the front of the amusement industry. Representatives from parks from Indiana to California to Florida were part of the event.
The awards are given based on surveys sent to amusement park fans around the world. For the first time in three years, Dollywood's Thunderhead roller coaster didn't take the prize as the top wooden coaster in the poll, with The Voyage at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Ind. claiming that award.
Information courtesy of The Mountain Press
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If you’re looking to get away for Labor Day, consider the Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. These two beautiful cities are tucked into the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offer an exciting mix of indoor and outdoor activities. With a splendid selection of shopping, shows, attractions and outdoor adventures, a quick trip to the Smokies is the perfect way to enjoy your time away from work.
When you first arrive in Tennessee, you’ll notice the rolling mountains and blue skies that go on forever. You’ll also notice several signs pointing your way to shows like the Dixie Stampede, Country Tonite and Fiddlers Feast. Shows in Pigeon Forge are very popular, and with good reason. Whether you enjoy dinner and a show, a little bit of rock ‘n roll or a bit of country, there is a show to fit your style. New additions to the show line-up include Legends of China, Shaolin Kung Fu and Mulan. These Chinese productions have quickly made a name for them selves and continually amaze guests with their acrobatics, showmanship and quality productions.
Attractions in Pigeon Forge offer a mix of fast paced excitement and interesting exhibits. For those looking for speed this Labor Day, visit Lazerport Funcenter, NASCAR Speedpark and Speed Zone Go-Kart Tracks. Be sure to visit Dinosaur Walk Museum, Helicopter Whirl’d Adventures and RainForest Adventures for an inside peek into these exciting worlds. A more leisurely way to experience the area is by visiting Scenic Helicopter Tours. This Pigeon Forge attraction takes visitors up, up and away, where they soar above the clouds to beautiful areas such as Douglas Lake and the Foothills.
Gatlinburg is home to a myriad of Ripley’s Attractions, including Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium, Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini-Golf, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, Ripley’s Aquarium and Ripley’s Moving Theater. These exceptional attractions offer a little bit of something for everyone, and something no one will want to miss. Other things to do in Gatlinburg include playing a round of golf at Bent Creek Golf Course and a thrilling white water rafting adventure, courtesy of Appalachian Outdoors.
With the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you’ll certainly want to explore your beautiful surroundings. Several outdoor activities and scenic spots are at your doorstep, including Clingman’s Dome, Laurel Falls, Newfound Gap Overlook, Cades Cove and Grotto Falls. You can also go horseback riding in the Smokies and visit historic homesteads and mills.
Of course, when you get away for Labor Day it’s important to have a nice place to stay. With two great cities so close together, you’ll have your options wide open. Lodging in Pigeon Forge and lodging in Gatlinburg provide quality yet affordable facilities. There are motels, hotels, cabins and condominiums to choose from. Cove Mountain Cabins, Shular Inn, RiverStone Resort, Rocky Top Village Inn, Park Place Condominiums, Comfort Inn on the River and Quality Inn are just a few of the places to stay in the Smokies.
This Labor Day Weekend, treat your self to something a little bit country and a little bit city. With such a great combination of activities to choose from, you’ll be glad you visited the Gateway to the Smoky Mountains for your Labor Day Getaway!
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In China, Chinese acrobats are held in the same esteem as movie stars are in this country. It takes years of training to achieve the excellence demanded by this ancient art form. Children who decide they want to dedicate their life to learn the skills needed to become an acrobat, some as young as four years old, will leave their home and spend up to five years in training and practice before they are allowed to perform on stage. Daily practice is part of the routine.
The Smoky Mountain Palace (formerly known as the Governor’s Palace) has assembled the finest group of acrobats that China has to offer to introduce the culture to the United States in their Legends Of China performance.
The Smoky Mountain Palace is a state of the art theater with a 1,700 plus seating capacity located in Sevierville/Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
The company behind this theater extravaganza was formed in Shanghai, China. The Shanghai production realized that many Americans didn’t understand Chinese culture, the history of the Chinese people and how they lived their lives and the respect the Chinese hold for tradition.
The theater production owners decided to do something to introduce the real China to the American people so the New Shanghai Circus troupe was formed.
In 1998, the New Shanghai Circus began to perform in Branson, Missouri under the production name the "Incredible Acrobats of China".
In 1999, the New Shanghai Circus realized the dream of all acrobatic troupes from China as the first Chinese acrobatic show to be invited to perform on Broadway in New York City. Their record-breaking 28 sold-out shows at the New Victory Theater won the "Best Foreign Production on Broadway" title that year.
A couple of years ago, Lizhi Zhao, owner of the group, visited the Pigeon Forge area and fell in love with it. He felt it was similar to Branson with its mountains, beauty and lifestyle.
This year, Mr. Zhao undertook an expansion of bringing Chinese culture to new American friends by embracing the Smoky Mountains with a new show called “The Legends of China.” It is a Chinese variety show of family oriented entertainment which features Chinese artistries such as Magic Folk Dance, Kung Fu, acrobats in death defying acts, the internationally known Thunder Drum Ensemble and a lady magician who is the gold metal winner from the 2004 International Magicians Competition.
The Shanxi Thunder Drums of China were featured in the Jet Li movie “Fearless.”
Shanxi Province has a population of over 36 million. From these 36 million, 11 girls were chosen for the Thunder Drums.
After the girls qualified, they went to school for one year before they were allowed to play with the Thunder Drums. They practiced eight hours a day.
The local performance features a cast of 44, with a support crew of 16. The performers are chosen from the best of other troupes and shows in China, some having performed in the Olympics and others are international award winning acrobatics. They are assembled and trained at the company’s theater in Shanghai. The best of that group are the performers at the Smoky Mountain Palace.
Information courtesy of Sevier County News
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The Smoky Mountains are a beautiful vacation spot, whether you have a few days or an entire week to explore. The natural, refreshing outdoor activities combined with the great restaurants and shops create an exciting yet relaxing trip for those of all ages.
- The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is wondrous outdoor mecca providing a myriad of activities for those who enjoy long hikes or short hikes, picturesque views, wildlife watching, waterfalls and the occasional bear sighting.
- On my recent trip to the Smokies, I ventured to The Sinks, a waterfall that can be spotted from Little River Road. This waterfall is easily accessible for viewing and allows for visitors to explore the waterworks up close and personally. The road The Sinks is located on is also a great connector road, leading to U.S. 441, which goes directly through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park as well as to Cades Cove, a nature loop that’s very popular.
- Meigs Falls is located very close to The Sinks, and is also easily accessible. This waterfall is created by Meigs Creek joining the Little River. The dramatic combination creates a plunging water source perfect for those who enjoy waterfalls but are unable to hike for long amounts of time.
- US Highway 441 is a beautiful road to travel, as it goes directly through the Smoky Mountains. This is a perfect time to slow down, relax and enjoy the picturesque setting that surrounds you. There are plenty of scenic overlooks, nature trails and quiet walkways to explore. This highway also offers the occasional wildlife discovery. On my trip through, I spotted a black bear roaming through the connecting forest. Many cars were able to pull over and capture this unusual moment.
- Newfound Gap Overlook is also located on this stretch of highway. It offers the roads highest viewing point, with an elevation of 5,048 feet. A stop here allows visitors to peer into Tennessee as well as North Carolina’s Oconaluftee Valley.
- Clingman’s Dome is the parks highest point, with an elevation of 6,643 feet. The 7 mile stretch of road leading to the hike entrance gradually climbs the dome, with the resulting hike being a very steep but short half mile. The uphill hike offers amazing views along the way, as well as a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains. Whether in a hazy mist or on clear day, the sights are beautiful and well worth the hike.
- Traveling on US Highway 441 will lead visitors to the town of Cherokee, North Carolina. Approximately 2 miles outside of this Indian town, is Mingus Mill. It was originally built in 1886 and the turbine mill ground corn into meal and wheat into flour for over fifty years for the mountain community near Mingus Creek. The historical structure was restored when the National Park was created and is an interesting look back in time.
- Once you arrive in Cherokee, NC there are several areas to explore. There is an 18th Century replica of an Indian Village as well as unique shops. This area also has several outdoor activities to take advantage of, such as tubing, horseback riding and fishing.
- Located near the Cherokee area is Mingo Falls. This waterfall is approximately 120 feet high, making it one of the tallest and most spectacular in the southern Appalachians. The hike to the waterfall is only a half-mile but is considered moderate in difficulty due to the steep set of stairs required and the earthy terrain that leads directly to the falls overlook. This breathtaking waterfall is a great picture opportunity and is also well worth the climb.
- From Cherokee, you can easily access the Three Falls loop. Comprised of Tom Branch Falls, Juneywhank Falls and Indian Creek Falls, this area provides three fabulous waterfalls. The hikes to Tom Branch and Indian Creek Falls are combined and easy in difficulty. Juneywhank Falls is moderate in difficulty, but at a height of 90 feet, is about 60 feet taller than either of its nearby counterparts.
- Fontana Lake was a wonderful discovery that provided beautiful mountain scenery while also being home to the clearest emerald green waters I’ve frequented in recent years. This mountain lake was a water haven, especially with the easily rentable boats offered at Fontana Marina. The opportunity to cruise this lake as well as swim its fresh waters was a welcomed one!
- The Fontana Lake area also offers several spectacular scenic spots. The dam itself offers great picture taking opportunities and is the tallest concrete dam east of the Rocky Mountains. The road leading west from the dam takes visitors through Deals Gap. The stretch, which is largely in Tennessee, is roughly 11 miles in length and contains 318 curves, making it one of the curviest roads in the nation. Located on the southwestern corner of the Park, the area is largely forested with several scenic overlooks and pull-off points.
- There are plenty more scenic opportunities in and around the dam. The Foothills Parkway leads to Thunderhead Mountain, the highest point in this section of the park, and provides beautiful vistas. Look Rock Tower does as well, and it is a perfect place to view sunsets as well as panoramic views of the Smokies.
- Cades Cove, a popular nature touring area, is located near the Townsend area and is a great place to unwind and wrap-up your Smoky Mountain Experience. Cades Cove offers the widest variety of historic buildings of any area in the national park. Scattered along the loop road are three churches, a working grist mill, barns, log houses, and many other faithfully restored eighteenth and nineteenth century structures. Cades Cove also offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the Park. White tailed deer and turkey are often seen, with the occasional black bear sighting also possible.
There are so many things to do in the Smoky Mountains, it is impossible to cover all of the waterfalls, hikes, scenic drives and outdoor activities in one trip. The Smoky Mountain experience, however, can be accomplished in a matter of days. I was only able to explore for three days and still experienced all that is listed above. A trip to the Smoky Mountains, near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, is a must for all outdoor enthusiasts as well as those who have an explorer’s spirit. The breathtaking views, the enthralling scenery, the flowing waters…it’s all at your doorstep when you enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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From crafts to live entertainment, during the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area transforms itself through fun times, vibrant leaves and hospitality of the locals. Come visit this magical time in Tennessee as you explore the Smoky Mountain region, taking in all of the special attractions of the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival.
This county wide celebration, held in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, features an array of craft shows, a decorating contest and other "artistic" special events that are sure to keep everyone's energy level lively. If you're in to knick knacks and friendly faces, then the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is sure to keep you entertained throughout your entire stay in the area. The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival continues on from September 14 - October 31 with many events to enjoy.
2007 Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival Events:
September 14 - October 31 11th Annual Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival.
September 13 -15 Fall Grand Rod Run: Grand Resort Hotel and Convention Center.
September 22 - 23 18th Annual Mustang and Ford Show.
September 28- October 27 Dollywood's National Gospel and Harvest Celebration.
September 29 B.J. Thomas and Billy Jo Royal performing at Country Tonite Theatre.
October 1 -28 Dollywood's National Music and Harvest Celebration.
October 1 - 29 Browse and shop the Rotary Club Crafts Festival at Patriot Park.
October 15-? Visit the Pigeon Forge area to see colorful leaves in the fall. Depending on the weather our area has, leaves will begin to change some time in October. For more information and to see webscams of the Smokies, Click Here! You can also call the Fall Color Hotline at 1-800-697-4200 for updated color information.
Sevierville Harvest Festival Events:
September 14 -16 Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival. Great bluegrass near the Great Smoky Mountains. Camping hook-ups available. Call 1-888-377-9888 or 865-397-7942 for tickets. Click here to visit their web site!
September 29-30 Great Smoky Mountain Auto Fest at Smokies Stadium. See vehicles from 1974 and before. Registration limited to 1,500 cars. Call 865-368-9013!
October 6 Tennessee Museum of Aviation Warbirds. Weekend includes a weekend full of impromptu flights. For more information, call 866-286-8738.
October 7-8 Robert Tino's Smoky Mountain Homecoming includes the unveiling of Tino's latest mountain print and features mountain craftsmen, roving storytellers, mountain music, and antique games for kids. Call 865-453-6315 for more information.
October 13-14 Spurin' "S" Rodeo at the Sevier County Fair Grounds.
Gatlinburg Harvest Festival Events:
September 14 - October 31 Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. Celebrate with old fashioned hay-rides, special events and entertainment, and local craft exhibits
September 28 9th Annual Taste of Autumn! This United Way fundraiser will take place from 5-8 p.m. in the Gatlinburg Convention Center. For a $25 donation, attendees may sample from countless amazing restaurants and bid in a live auction with all proceeds going to the United Way.
September 30 – October 8 October 8 Gatlinburg Art & Crafts Heritage Days Festival! Come tour Gatlinburg's crafts community to celebrate the history, culture, and arts and crafts of this area. This festival takes place along an 8-mile loop with more than 90 shops and restaurants. It is located off of Highway 321, just a few miles outside of downtown Gatlinburg.
October 5-22 Gatlinburg Craftsmen 's Fair. Located in the Gatlinburg Convention Center! Call 865-436-7479 for more information.
Come and relax in the beautiful colors of fall and breath in the fresh autumn air. There are many opportunities for participation in the arts and crafts festivals of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
Information courtesy of SmokyMountainHarvestFestival.com
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Starting in 2008, Dollywood will be the scene of a battle.The park's next featured ride will be the River Battle, a water raft ride that will give passengers a chance to soak targets along the way - or each other.
The $5 million attraction will be in Timber Canyon, alongside this year's new ride, the Mystery Mine roller coaster. Its nine rafts will hold up to eight passengers at a time as they ride around a 500-foot channel. Each of those passengers will have access to a water gun they can aim at more than 100 targets, including some that can shoot back at the rafts - as well as other riders and at observers on the shore. The ride will have an hourly capacity of 800 passengers.
"When I was a kid, me and my brothers and sisters used to sneak away and start up a river battle of our own, but I never dreamed that kind of childhood fun would end up creating a great ride like my new River Battle," said country music superstar and park owner Dolly Parton.
Park spokesman Pete Owens said they hope the ride will be ready to go when Dollywood opens March 21. Construction on the new ride hasn't started yet.
Plans at the park also include a 750-foot walkway that will connect Timber Canyon to Craftsman's Valley. The project will entail moving 170,000 cubic yards of soil and rocks. That represents the park's largest earthworks project since the track bed for its steam train was completed in 1960.
"The addition of River Battle continues to expand on the award-winning attractions we offer in the Timber Canyon area," said Ken Bell, senior vice president. "In addition to creating a fun new ride for our guests, we will improve the flow of traffic as guests will be able to access two vital areas of our park via the new connector."
Construction on the walkway has already started - with the size of the project, they felt like it had to, Owens said.
When it's finished, he said, people will be surprised how short the trip is from Timber Canyon to Craftsman's Valley. "It is surprising to see from the air how close those two valleys are," he said.
The announcement of the River Battle ride comes shortly after the Mystery Mine was named 2007 Best New Attraction by themeparkinsider.com.
Owens said each year the park tries to add some new, different activities - from thrill rides like Thunderhead and the Mystery Mine to family attractions like the additions at Country Park and the Timber Tower.
"This is getting back to the family attractions, and adding a bit of an interactive element to Timber Canyon, as well as a way to just cool off," he said.
Information courtesy of The Mountain Press
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The 5th Annual StringTime in the Smokies Bluegrass and Americana concert series, co-sponsored by the City of Pigeon Forge and WDVX radio, returns to Pigeon Forge Aug. 10-12. The weekend kicks off on Friday with a special noontime concert from Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson & Buell at Walden's Landing in Pigeon Forge.
Entertainment, sponsored by Accommodations by Sunset Cottage, will continue beginning at 7 p.m. at Old Mill Square with performances by The Hackensaw Boys, Jack Pearson and William Howse.
On Saturday and Sunday, the activities continue at Patriot Park. Performances on Saturday will feature the Tony Rice & Peter Rowan Quartet and King Wilkie, and taking the stage on Sunday will be the Claire Lynch Band, Grasstowne and Tim O'Brien with his band. Entertainment will begin at 1:00 p.m.
Other artists scheduled to perform during the weekend include Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier, Forge Mountain Diggers and the Steel Drivers. Immediately following the Saturday and Sunday StringTime concerts, festivities continue across the street at Old Mill Square with the popular Jammin' at the Old Mill. Attendees are encouraged to bring their musical instruments, dancing shoes or lawn chairs to enjoy the open jam session.
StringTime in the Smokies is free of charge. Seating is not provided in Patriot Park, so visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Musicians, singers and songwriters and families will gather in the beautiful foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains for the City of Pigeon Forge's 5th annual StringTime in the Smokies. Held at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge, Tn., StringTime is a family-friendly outdoor festival celebrating East Tennessee's rich musical heritage and wholesome quality of life.
For this year's StringTime event, the City of Pigeon Forge has again partnered with, WDVX Community Public Radio. Thanks to this community partnership, StringTime will present back-to-back live performances by premier bluegrass and Americana musicians, all in a picnic-perfect setting with free admission, less than an hour from downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.
What better spot to enjoy two days of great American music than Pigeon Forge's Patriot Park. Festival goers can bring blankets and chairs for this festival-seating event, and can enjoy the food and drink available on site or bring their own picnic baskets and coolers.
StringTime is a celebration of tradition, togetherness, and terrific entertainment set in East Tennessee's heartland. Start or continue your own family tradition by joining the City of Pigeon Forge and WDVX Community Public Radio for StringTime in the Smokies.
Enjoy live performances by world-class bluegrass and Americana artists in a family-friendly setting. Food and refreshments available on site. Coolers OK. Free admission.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Noon Special noontime concert from Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson & Buell at Walden's Landing.
7:00 p.m. Jack Pearson and William Howse, and The Hackensaw Boys perform at Old Mill Square.
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Noon. - Free entertainment at Patriot Park, Hackensaw Boys, The Steel Drivers, King Wilkie, and Peter Rowan/Tony Rice Quartet.
7:00 p.m. Jammin' at the Old Mill - bring your own instrument or simply enjoy listening. Old Mill Pottery House Cafe will be the location for various jam sessions.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Noon - Free entertainment at Patriot Park will include New Harvest, Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier, Grasstowne, Claire Lynch Band and Tim O'Brien Band.
7:00 p.m. Jammin' at the OldMill - bring your own instrument or simply enjoy listening. Old Mill Pottery House Cafe will be the location for various jam sessions.
For more StringTime information, contact the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events at 865-429-7350.
For more StringTime 2007 information, call WDVX at 865-544-1029, visit WDVX.com or Pigeon Forge Special Events at 865-429-7350.
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Dolly Parton's Dollywood theme park will be adding a new $5 million raft ride equipped with water guns to soak targets, other riders and bystanders.
Scheduled to open in 2008, the River Battle sends eight passengers on rafts down a 500-foot channel lined with more than 100 targets. The targets include large-scale talking animals such as beavers, skunks, otters and bears, some of which shoot water back at the riders. Riders can also aim at other passengers on their raft or park guests along the edge of the ride.
The Great Smoky Mountains venue will also build a new connecting walkway between two areas of the park. The project is the park's largest earthworks project since a train track bed was completed in 1960.
"In addition to creating a fun new ride for our guests, we will improve the flow of traffic as guests will be able to access two vital areas of our park via the new connector," said Ken Bell, senior vice president.
Dollywood, Tennessee's top tourist draw with more than 2 million guests annually, opened a new $17.5 million roller coaster called Mystery Mine in April.
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