Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Pigeon Forge Christmas Cabin 12/14-21 Special 7 Nts-$799*
All the Pigeon Forge Outlet stores are open and full of bargains!! The spectacular Winterfest Light displays are shining from Sevierville to Gatlinburg... The Christmas tree is up and our Glimpse of Heaven cabin is just waiting for you!!
Due to a last minute cancellation, Glimpse of Heaven is now available from Friday 12/14 till Friday 12/21/07 for a very special rate of $799 plus tax. Why not come and do a little Christmas shopping, enjoy the lights and relax before all the chaos.. You can even bring along the family dog with approval & pet fee).
Glimpse of Heaven has two comfy king size beds, cozy fireplace and absolutely amazing views of the Great Smoky Mountains! Now with WIFI - you can keep a check on your work - if you must!! Enjoy a game of pool in the gameroom or hot chocolate by the fire..
See our full website Heavenly Cabins or you can email heavenlycabins@charter.net or call 828-310-6305 for other available specials..
Friday, November 30, 2007
Gatlinburg Christmas Parade Dec 7th
Enjoy lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units and giant helium balloons. Parade begins at 7:30 p.m. at Traffic Light #1A and continues through downtown to Traffic Light #10. Pre-Parade "Warm Up" Chili Supper at Our Savior Lutheran Church.
Come spend the weekend, enjoy the parade, do a little Christmas shopping! Check last minute cabin specials for the parade weekend.
Have A "Toasty" Christmas in the Smoky Mountains?
Christmas in the Smokies is always a magical time!! With the dazzling display of lights during the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration, it's hard not to get in the spirit. You do normally expect cooler temperatures and the possibility of snow then but..... we may have much "toastier" weather for the holidays this year...
With above average temps and extremely dry conditions, fall arrived much later this year in the Smoky Mountains and mild weather has continued. This makes it hard to predict the weather for the upcoming holidays... It's even harder to explain to guests - when they are planning their holiday vacation trips to Heavenly Cabins - expecting snow ! I just tell 'em - that's in the Lord's hands so just pray for some snow !!
For snow and ski enthusiasts, there is always hope for manmade snow in the Smokies... Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park is still hoping to open by mid December..
You can always pretend it's cold outsite, just take in a little ice skating at Ober's Indoor rink. You can even slide down the mountain WITHOUT snow on the Alpine Slide.
Come experience Christmas in the Smokies - whether it's toasty or chilly - it's still MAGICAL !!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Apple Barn-Pigeon Forge TN
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Glimpse of Heaven in the Smoky Mountains
My fellow blogger and low carb buddy, Jimmy Moore and wife, Christine recently stayed in our Glimpse of Heaven Cabin near Pigeon Forge, TN. They had an awesome Smoky Mountain vacation. You just have to check out the fantastic review he wrote here on his blog Jimmy Moore’s Review of Glimpse of Heaven
Jimmy was there just in time to try out the new Comcast high-speed internet connection at Glimpse of Heaven cabin. We do have to stay "connected" these days and high speed makes it a little easier to stay in touch with work and emails even on a Smoky Mountain vacation..
We also recently added a brand new high-quality king sized bed and mattress with new luxury bedding to our upper-loft bedroom - what comfort ! This king bed offers views of the Smoky Mountain skies from the massive, upper windows. Can you tell that I love home decor and interior design, just can't get enough HGTV !!
We are blessed with some of the greatest cabin guests on earth, many of them even leave us gifts !! We have a collection of plush, stuffed bears in our cabin and lots of folks love adding bears to our "Stair of Bears". Jimmy & Christine kindly gave us a gorgeous plush blue bear that I nicknamed "Livin La Vida Low Carb" Bear. The beautiful stained glass, cross window was a custom design by a well known artist from our hometown of Hickory NC - John Falcone of Aquarius Stained Glass.
Here are a couple other recent guest testimonials for Heavenly Cabins
Just can't find enough words to describe our wonderful vacation at your "Heavenly Cabin", it truly is a "Glimpse of Heaven".. Let me start with the spectacular view that goes so well with the comfort of the cabin--truly a gift. We also found so many activities in the area , from the beautiful sightseeing of mountains and countryside,to adventure in the sky( helicopter ride through the Smokies), adventure in the water (whitewater rafting and tubing on the river), watching wildlife in Cades Cove( 5 Black bear at different sightings, lots of deer, wild turkey and other species), also the history in Cades Cove was very interesting. Of course I can't say enough about all the shopping and family activities between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. All of this was so wonderful...we just can't wait to go back!! The Abate Family - Wellington, FL
Thank you for sharing your wonderful cabin, "Glimpse of Heaven". We love the peace and solitude of Wears Valley and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The cabin is so nicely decorated and the extra amenities are really appreciated. Best of all is the breathtaking view off the deck. We love eating breakfast on the deck and watching the birds. After a day of hiking, sitting in the hot tub and watching the gorgeous sunsets is so relaxing. It just doesn't get any better than that! We have been to "Glimpse" in the spring, summer, and fall and had great vacations each time. I'm sure we'll be back. Thank you for your attention to detail. Sincerely, Jim & Chris Storck, Alliance, Oh
We have been going to the Smoky Mountains for the last four years. We have always gone through a Real Estate company to rent cabins. This is the first year we have rented from Heavenly Cabins a private owner, we were so pleased with the experience that we have already booked again for November. We arrived at the cabin and were pleasantly surprised by the interior design, cleanliness and extras. There was a large basket of candy, microwave popcorn, coffee, creamer, filters and just about all of the condiments that one would need. Beverly, Jim and Abby, Severn, Maryland
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Summer Vacation Fun Pigeon Forge-Smoky Mountains
What's more fun in the summer than cooling off in the water? There are tons of great choices for water fun around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.. There's always Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park with loads of wet and wild fun but one of the most popular is in Townsend near the Great Smoky Mountain National Park border.
The Smoky Mountain River Rat offers tubing and kayaking on the Little River in Townsend. It's only about 20 minutes from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and only 5-10 minutes from our Heavenly Vacation Cabin Rentals.
This is my kind of relaxing in the Smokies ;-) just choose your sturdy, colorful tube at the River Rat - walk down to the river and just float in the cool water downstream about 1 1/2 miles.. THEN, the shuttle bus picks you up and carries you back to the "put in" place and you can do it all again!! How cool is that??
Husband and wife team - Shannon and Shannan have made the River Rat a family favorite. They are open all summer - 7 days a week from 10am - 5pm.
Photo courtesy of The Smoky Mountain River Rat
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Smoky Mountains Synchronous Fireflies Showtime
As I prepared to write this post, I found some truly interesting facts about fireflies/lightning bugs and this mating ritual. The wonders of God's marvelous creation never ceases to amaze me. Flashing Lightning Bugs are trying to attract mates. Among most but not all species of North American Lightning Bugs, males fly about flashing while females perch on vegetation, usually near the ground. If the female sees a flasher and she's ready to mate she responds by flashing right after the male's last flash. A short flash dialogue takes place as the male flies closer and closer, and then, if all goes well, they mate.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials announced the transportation schedule for visitors during the mating period of the synchronous firefly beetles at Elkmont. The City of Gatlinburg trolley service will once again operate transportation between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the Little River Trailhead at Elkmont. The trolleys will start at 6 p.m. picking up visitors from the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking area. The trolleys will continually run until the Sugarlands Visitor Center parking area is full or until 9 p.m., whichever comes first. The last trolley to transport visitors from Elkmont to the Sugarlands Visitor Center is scheduled at 11 p.m. The cost will be $1 round trip per person.
The Gatlinburg trolley service will be the sole transportation mode for visitor access during this period; no private vehicles will be allowed. In order to accommodate the public transportation, starting at 5:30 p.m. each night June 8-16, the Elkmont entrance will be closed except to registered campers staying at Elkmont.
The annual appearance of the synchronous firefly beetles in the Park has become so popular that Park officials began managing the number of visitors to the trailhead. This area has very limited parking spaces that were designed to accommodate day use for several trails.
Deep in the Great Smoky Mountains in a deserted Tennessee logging community known as Elkmont, male fireflies hover along mountainsides and open fields. At dusk, you notice a light blinking here and there. Then as more fireflies join in, their lights blink together in unison. By 10 p.m., whole glades and hillsides flash like massive strings of Christmas lights blinking in unison.
“It’s very magical; it’s unbelievable when you see it,” said Wanda DeWaard, a Tennessee field researcher and educator who leads hikes into the Elkmont area during the brief spring mating season of synchronous fireflies.
Why not plan a trip to see this Smoky Mountain magical miracle. Find a cozy cabin for your Tennessee vacation Guide to the Best"By-Owner"Vacation Rentals-Smoky Mtns of Tenn & NC
Firefly info courtesy - Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Pigeon Forge-Comedy Barn's Ugly Dog Winner?
Monday, April 23, 2007
Geocaching in the Smoky Mountains
Geo-what? Geocaching - pronounced geo-cashing and no, it doesn't have a thing to do with money or a compact car..... Geocaching is a modern day - techno treasure hunting game where you use a GPS(global positioning system-for those of us who are electronically-challenged;-) to hide and seek containers with others. The Great Smoky Mountains provide a great place for this new hobby.
Geocaching is an activity that has appeal for a diverse group of people… individuals and families, young and old, athletic and physically challenged, technological buffs and nature lovers…people from all walks of life. The activity can be done almost anywhere in the world, and requires a relatively small initial investment. There's even a Great Smoky Mountains Geocaching Club . I can't wait to check it out but since I don't have a GPS-I'll need to tag along with one of the real geocache-sters !! Anyone up for teaching a newbie cacher?
The Geocaching sport has grown to caches in all 50 states and over 100 countries. There are many variations of the game, including virtual caches, offset caches, puzzle caches, and multi-stage caches. Blount County- TN is full of a variety of these caches that will delight all that participate in this fast growing sport. There are numerous hidden caches around Townsend, the Smokies and Cades Cove.
So visit the Geocaching.com site for a full listing of all the caches in the Townsend and Blount County area and explore areas that few visitors will ever see. If any of you "geocachers" from the Smokies would like to share your favorite Smoky Mountain cache story - please email me at heavenlycabins@charter.net I would love to hear from you.
Photo by Cheryl Gilliam
Townsend TN Spring Festival 4/27-5/5/07
The 15th Annual Townsend in the Smokies Spring Festival & Old Timers Day offers a wonderful sampling of fun, food, crafts and history. Come, enjoy the festival and stay in a beautiful cabin rental just a few miles from peaceful Townsend in the Smokies.
On the Weekends of the Townsend Spring Festival:
Bluegrass Music and Jammin'
Appalachian Demonstrations and Exhibits
Antique Engine and Tractor Show, April 28
Antique Cars, May 4-5
Arts and Crafts Booths -Food Booths,Bar-B-Que May 4-5
Wildflower Walks and Hikes
Arts and Crafts Demonstrations in Exhibit Room
April 27-28
Basketry: Karen Kenst and Bonny Kate Sugg
Woodcarving: Lendel Abbott
Quilting: Ila Mae Morton and Maetta Conrad
Rug Hooking: Carol McBride
Arts and Crafts Demonstrations in Exhibit Room April 29
Woodcarving: Lendel Abbot
Arts and Crafts Demonstrations in Exhibit Room May 4-5
Charcoal and Pencil Artist: Andy England
Basketry: Bonny Kate Sugg -Woodcarving: Lendel Abbott
Quilting: Ila Mae Morton, Maetta Conrad
Rug Hooking: Carol McBride
Featured Authors and Book-Signing April 27-28
Missy Tipton and Paulette Ledbetter
Featured Authors and Book-Signing May 4
Doris Gove
Featured Authors and Book-Signing May 5
Charles Maynard
Appalachian Demonstrations April 27 and/or 28
Mountain Berry Basket Making and Poetry: Bill Alexander
Lye Soap Making: Sallie Swor - Heirloom Spinning: Esther Gray
Blacksmithing: Clayton Sharp - Bee Hive Observation: Tess Arnold
Cornmeal Making: Ronald Fowler
29th Tennessee Regiment Civil War Re-Enactment April 28
Moonshine Still and "Rivin" Shakes: Bill Leistner
Appalachian Demonstrations May 4-5
Chair Caning: Lois Parker - Heirloom Spinning: Esther Gray
Storytelling April 28
Dwight McCarter, Master of Ceremonies.
David "Buffalo Bill" and Jean Nelson, Lendel Abbott
Other Activities
Clogging Lessons April 27: Jack and Doris Patton
Knoxville “ZooMobile” April 28, 11am—1pm: Steve McGaffin
Old Fashioned Kids' Games April 28: Stacy Robinson
Spelling Bee May 5: Robin Goddard
Dowsing Demonstrations April 29, April 30, May 1, May 3: Charlie & Sandy Monday
Cades Cove Preservation Association Exhibit: both weekendsr
Cake Walk and Bake Sale May 4-5: Hearts and Hands Scholarship Fund
Wildflower Walks and Nature Hikes Friday, April 27:
9:00am—11:00am: Chestnut Top Wildflower Walk with Dwight McCarter.
Meet at the Visitor Center
1:00pm—5:00pm: White Oak Sinks Hike with Liz Domingue.
Meet at the Visitor Center
2:00pm: Hedgewood Gardens Walk with Hope Woodard.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Sunday, April 29:
1:00pm—5:00pm: Cucumber Gap/Little River Trail with Wanda DeWaard.
Meet at the Little River trailhead, above Elkmont
2:00pm: Hedgewood Gardens Walk with Hope Woodard.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Monday, April 30—Thursday, May 3:
2:00pm: Hedgewood Gardens Walk with Hope Woodard.
Meet at the Visitor Center
Friday, May 4:
10:00am—12 noon: Chestnut Top Wildflower Walk with Wanda DeWaard.
Meet at the Townsend Y
Saturday, May 5:
10:00am—12 noon: Tremont Area Wildflower Walk with Liz Domingue.
Meet at the Townsend Y
Need more info call Townsend Visitor Center 865-448-6134
Smoky Mountain Visitors Bureau
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Dogs, Dogs & More Dogs-Pigeon Forge TN
I am a real sucker when it comes to dogs......any shape or size! It's pretty evident since my husband and I have 4 dogs with at least 2 or 3 other "related" dogs hanging around most of the time. Chaotic - to say the least..... but I am NO match for Dawn Elberson of Pigeon Forge TN, not even close.....
These Comedy Canines are stars in their own right - not only are they a famous Comedy Barn act, they even competed on Animal Planet's animal talent contest series, "Pet Star." In one episode, Dallas, her 5-year-old Sheltie mix adopted from the Sevier County Humane Society, jumped over four other dogs. Several of her dogs have been in commercials, print work, and videos - talk about talent! I'm lucky if my dogs come when I call them! Dawn does also have a local training program - hey, that's a thought. Elberson has trained wildlife and done wildlife education programs for many years and has been training dogs professionally for 13 years.
Next time you plan a visit to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg or the Smoky Mountains - Have a heart, bring your pet or dog along for vacation. You will find lots of comfortable pet friendly vacation rental cabins in the Pigeon Forge area. You can even have Dawn Elberson "dog-sit" ! Her "Just Fer Paws" Dog Service includes: 1 acre fenced play area, temperature controlled kennel space, individual attention, play with other dogs-if requested, flexible schedule. Open most Sundays and holidays, baths and nail-clipping available, owners live on premises, doggie day care available or just bring your dog to play ! Be sure to call ahead for info - You can reach Dawn at 865-430-3383 or her website Comedy Canines **Just a little inside tidbit - Dawn told me today she will be adding something new to the act soon - top secret !! Here's a hint- Oink, Oink!
Let your dog enjoy the next Smoky Mountain vacation as much as you do !!!!
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Learn To Fish in The Smokies!
So if you've always wanted to learn how to fly fish or your spouse or friend wants to learn, give Little River Outfitters in Townsend TN a call. If you want to advance the sport by learning to tie flies, build rods or learn about the streams - they are the experts in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Check out the Little River website
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage April 23-29, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Catch A Ride On Dollywood’s New Roller Coaster
I thought I had heard of just about everything being auctioned on Ebay but this is a new one!! A roller coaster ride at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge TN as an Ebay auction!!! Just a few more days to bid !!
Do you want to be one of the first “official riders” on a one-of-a-kind roller coaster in America? Do you want to be sent on your way and welcomed back after your ride by Dolly Parton? You can and all net proceeds are donated to the Dollywood Foundation’s Imagination Library program !
What you are bidding on is one seat on one of the first seven cars (one of 56) of Dollywood’s Mystery Mine PLUS a limited edition Mystery Mine commemorative package AND an opportunity to meet and have your photo made with Dolly Parton herself!
The opening bid is $500. The auction closes March 30, 2007.
The winner will receive:
Tickets to Dollywood for the winner and a guest for Friday, April 13, 2007 and Saturday, April 14, 2007.
Participation and VIP seating for the Media Day activities at Dollywood at 9:00 AM on Friday, April 13, 2007
1 of 56 seats on the first official ride cycle of Mystery Mine at Dollywood on Friday, April 13, 2007
A photo with Dolly Parton
A framed display featuring an image of your ride, a signed photo with Dolly and other Mystery Mine memorabilia to commemorate your historical place as one of the first official riders of the Mystery Mine.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Dollywood Info
Speaking of Dolly Parton - she will be doing a live concert at the Tennessee Smokies Stadium on May 20, 2007.. This is a special Charity Concert for the Ft Sanders Sevier Medical Center(hospital that serves the Pigeon Forge area). This is to help raise funds to build the hospital's new facility. Dolly has already pledged a large gift for the hospital.. Find information at http://www.ConcertsintheSmokies.com *** Dollywood is not affliated with this special charity concert.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Try Llama Hiking in the Smoky Mountains
Why not try something out of the ordinary on your next trip to the Pigeon Forge - Gatlinburg TN area of the Smoky Mountains ?? Experience a Truly Unique Way to enjoy the Smokies... A Llama Trek with Smoky Mountain LLama Treks!
Smoky Mountain Llama Treks lets you enjoy the spectacular views, scenic hiking trails and the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains without all the burdens! These friendly, fluffy pack-llamas are there to lead NOT ride ! The professionally trained pack llamas carry your gear, food and supplies so that you can relax and enjoy the most spectacular scenery in the world. Each llama has a unique personality that will add a new dimension to your hiking adventure. What fun !!
You can choose from a variety of Smoky Mountain Llama Treks, 1 Hour, 2 Hour, 6 Hour, Kite Flying Treks, Nature Photograhpy Workshop Treks, Overnight Safari Treks are just of few of the choices.
Sandy Sgrillo, owner of Smoky Mountain Llama Treks is as diverse and unique as her llamas. She has successfully owned, managed and performed in a popular Miami Live-Entertainment Show, did modeling work featured in TV Shows, as well as other opportunities to meet and spend time with hundreds of famous celebrities. Yet, after 16 years of her "city-slicker" ways, her desire to live in the Smoky Mountains was strong enough to make her leave the famous, white beaches of Miami for the awesome scenery of the mountains.
Featured in countless National Newspapers, TV Shows and local TV Stations, Smoky Mountain Llama Treks has overcome all obstacles and has become the SouthEast's most sought after Llama Trekking experience. Thanks to Sandy's insight, perseverance and determination, people from all walks of life, even in wheelchairs, are now able to share the fun and adventure of llamas and llama trekking! Sandy even allows some well-behaved dogs with approval to enjoy the llama hiking experience.
Sandy is offering a special discount for a limited time for Heavenly Cabins
guests and we at Heavenly Cabins offer a free night with a paid llama trek booking - Minimum night requirements do apply, subject to availability and owners approval. See more about Sandy - The LLama Mama at
Smoky Mountain Llama Treks