Christmas Wonderland of Lights Till 1/8/12 - Sevierville TN

Shadracks Stunning Christmas Light Display

Opening in Sevierville 11/11/11 till 1/8/12 

New Light Displays and Lots More this year !

Santa’s Village with a free petting zoo, pony and camel rides are available including photos and plush animals, photos with Santa, a Christmas Tree lot with gorgeous christmas wreaths (after Thanksgiving), and festive refreshments including Hot Cocoa, Apple Cider, Funnel Cakes, Christmas Cookies, Pizza, Kettle Corn and so, so much more!!! Don’t miss it!!!

NEW THIS YEAR: Kids Santa’s Train, Inflatable Slide, and Ferris Wheel!

Where:  Smokies Stadium Off  I-40  Exit 407

Dates of Operation:

November 11th, 2011 – Jan 8th, 2012

Hours: 

Dusk – 10PM* Every Night, Including Holidays!

(* = or later on weekends)

See more details at the Shadrack website

River Tubing And Rafting In The Smoky Mountains Of Tennessee

 

With all the rivers and streams in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, you will not have a problem finding a great place to go tubing or rafting there..  Less than 10 miles from Heavenly Cabins you will find "Smoky Mountain River Rat" in Townsend TN where you can choose RiverTubing on the Little River or Pigeon Forge White Water Rafting.

Tubing in the Smokies is only minutes from Pigeon Forge in Townsend (TN).  Tube the Little River on the colorful sturdy river tubes.  Smoky Mountain River Rat offers unlimited shuttle services to make your day on the Little River fun and relaxing.  Tubing in the Smokies has never been so easy. 

Smoky Mtn River Rat now has new picnic areas overlooking the Little River in Townsend, Tennessee at both outpost locations.  Smoky Mountain River Rat's Little River Tubing, and Pigeon River White Water Rafting also have combo packages.. Check out rates and info on the website.   There's no better way to cool off in the hot summer.

Smoky Mountain River Rat
Hours of Operation Open 10:00 am Last Trip in River 5:00 pm
7 Days/Week  May - September


205 Wears Valley Rd  Townsend TN
865-448-8888

Pigeon Forge - July 4th, 2011 Patriot Festival

Celebrate our nation’s independence during the 2011 Patriot Festival of Pigeon Forge. 

The 21st Annual Patriot Festival at Patriot Park in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Festivities get started at 1:00 p.m. on July 4, 2011. The Patriot Festival is FREE and open to the public. Patriot Park is located on Old Mill Street at traffic light number 7 behind the historic Old Mill. Take advantage of the city parking lot on Teaster Lane with a trolley shuttle going to Patriot Park.Listeners should bring a lawn chair (no umbrellas, please) and prepare to enjoy an outstanding lineup of live musical entertainment.

Musical entertainment will include Restless Heart as the headliner. They will perform from their long list of number one hits including, “When She Cries, “Bluest Eyes in Texas” and “I’ll Still be Loving You.” Randy Montana who just got off tour with Taylor Swift will also be performing along with The Roys a bluegrass band and local favorites Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier. The Return, a Beatles Tribute Band, will also perform along with patriotic music from the Pigeon Forge Community Choir.

INTERESTING LOCAL TIP
WIVK radio 107.7 will be attending with their beloved mascot "WIVIK the Frog." Throughout East Tennessee, this radio station is commonly known as "WIVK {weh-vik} The Frog Station."

Kids will love the free Kids’ Karnival zone with inflatables and games, and Veterans will appreciate "Veterans Salute." Visitors always enjoy a rich variety of locally prepared foods available by non-profit vending organizations.

The City of Pigeon Forge proudly presents the evening fireworks show as a thank you to our guests and citizens for supporting Pigeon Forge! After the performances, the Pigeon Forge night sky will come to life with a fantastic fireworks display! The fireworks usually start at 9:30 to 9:45 p.m., so keep your eyes on the skies, you won't want to miss this display!

For more information, call the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events at 865-429-7350  or  865-429-7350

The Miracle Theater - Pigeon Forge TN Opens For Sixth Season

The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge TN opened it's sixth   
season on March 12th to rave reviews !! Both "The Miracle" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" will be performed weekly through October..

Check out the mission statement of The Miracle Theater.

Mission Statement:


The Mission of the Miracle Theater is to present professional, faith-based family entertainment through live theatrical productions revealing the person of Jesus Christ as the Living Word of God.
 
For more information, click here for "The Miracle Theater's Website"

Great Smoky Mountain Railroad - Winter Excursions

Unless you have taken the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad December Polar Express trip, you might find a train ride an odd suggestion for the winter months. Yet the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad takes riders right into the Smoky Mountains for an up-close look at nature's beauty. Taking the train while the leaves are absent and the mountains deceptively dormant-seeming allows riders to appreciate the foundation of spring, summer and fall's loveliness.

And when the mountain is revealed without its cloak of many colors, we see the shape and texture of the land, the craggy rocks, the forest floor carpeted by years and layers of decaying leaves feeding the generations to come.

The January excursion is a four-hour trip from Bryson City to the Nantahala Gorge with a 30-minute layover. Only available on Saturdays, the trip has an 11 a.m. departure time. In March, the expanded schedule begins again. Also in March, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad will start offering first-class seating, a new perk.
 
Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Bryson City, (800) 872-4681.



From the Winston Journal

Pigeon Forge Winterfest Starts Nov 9th, 2010

Pigeon Forge Winterfest Starts Nov. 9th, 2010

Join us in Patriot Park, for the 21st Annual Winterfest Kickoff with Dollywood’s Appalachian Christmas!

Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest Kickoff is just the beginning of three and a half months of holiday music, lights and special events.

Beginning at 4 p.m., several performing groups from Pigeon Forge Middle School and High School will open the festivities. Pigeon Forge Community Chorus and Dollywood’s Appalachian Christmas will follow, while Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier will wrap up the evening’s entertainment.

Comments from civic leaders will precede the ceremonial flipping of the switch to turn on the city’s five million Winterfest lights at around 7 p.m. Free Trolley Tour of Lights, which showcase Winterfest light displays throughout the community, will be offered after the lighting ceremony.

Also the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus’ concert of holiday music with a mountain flavor from Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas. Plus the best in bluegrass music from Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier!

We’ll have games for the kids, and food vendors to satisfy every hungry appetite. But, as always, we’ll save the best for last.

Since the light displays are located throughout town, the best way to see them all is on board the Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights. Don’t miss the great opportunity to take a free tour, only available on the night of Kickoff!

Cades Cove Loop Road To Open Early - April 24th 2010

Cades Cove Loop Road is to reopen on April 24th, which is a month earlier than expected. The road was projected to be closed three months, beginning March 1, for major work, including a repaving of the loop.

The $6.7 million redo of the popular 11-mile loop inside the Great Smoky Mountains National park was slated to be completed no later than May 21. Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson credited contractor APAC-Atlantic Inc. Harrison Division and the Federal Highway Administration for the quick completion of the large project.

To commemorate the reopening on Sunday morning, April 25, the park and the Friends of the Smokies are planning a one-time-only “Cades Cove Loop Lope,” which will offer pre-registered runners a choice of the full 11-mile loop or a 3.5 mile loop course. for more info check out this link. Cades Cove Loop Lope

The loop is usually limited to bicycles and pedestrians until 10 a.m. Saturday and Wednesday from May through September. The one-time closure on April 24 will be extended to noon.

Smoky Mountain Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage-April 21 - 25, 2010

Attend the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and you just might see a dazzling display of redbuds in bloom. Attendees also will be able to enjoy a presentation on Theodore Roosevelt by Joe Wiegand.

The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be held from April 21 to 25.

Now in its 60th year, it's the largest Wildflower Pilgrimage in the country. More than 1,000 attendees, called pilgrims, will descend on Gatlinburg, Tennessee, for wildflower and bird walks, lectures on composting and on attracting insect-eating birds and strenuous hikes.

This five-day program attracts visitors from the Midwestern and Southern states and as far away as Colorado and Alaska. Started by the Gatlinburg Garden Club, the University of Tennessee, and the City of Gatlinburg, it is now managed by the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

Ken McFarland, a biology professor at the University of Tennessee, chooses the trails and leaders for the outdoor programs.
"We have lots of wildflower walks on both sides of the park (North Carolina and Tennessee). People come for at least two days and most do a wildflower and bird walk," he said.

Mr. McFarland personally will lead a hike on mosses and liverworts; he's been with the program since 1976. Other subjects include salamanders, insects, bears, and hogs

The highlight for Mr. McFarland is "talking to visitors and getting them engaged. They ask interesting questions. I like to have public understand and be more aware of the environment they live in."

Mr. McFarland explains that his challenge is finding people who are willing to come and are qualified to lead. The outdoor leaders volunteer and pay their own travel expenses. The program provides them with housing and meals.

"Leaders give pilgrims a different perspective and encourage them to take a scientific look at the environment in more depth," explained Mr. McFarland. "Walks are casual and slow-paced. We have two or three leaders per event, so they can engage with the public. We go rain or shine, so people should come prepared."

Indoor programs are also popular. This year, the headliner is A Theodore Roosevelt Salute to the Great Smoky Mountains. Joe Wiegand, who calls himself a 'reprisor' and not an impersonator, is "TR", known as our best conservation president. He'll tell stories of the early conservation movement and the growth of our national parks. Mr. Wiegand has even performed at the White House.

"I portray TR because his life and his stories speak to Americans today in a worthwhile way," said Mr. Wiegand. "TR’s dedication to family and country, his values and ideals, and his policies for conservation, a 'Square Deal' and a 'Speak Softly and Carry a Big Stick' foreign policy are very relevant to our current circumstances.

"I enjoy traveling this beautiful country and entertaining in the persona of TR, of whom his daughter Alice famously said: 'Father wanted to be the bride at every wedding, the corpse at every funeral and the baby at every christening.'"

Great Smoky Mountains National Park was created in 1934, long after TR died in 1919. During his tenure in the White House from 1901 to 1909, he designated 150 national forests, the first 51 federal bird reservations, five national parks, the first 18 national monuments, the first four national game preserves, and the first 21 reclamation projects. Altogether, in the seven-and-one-half years he was in office, he provided federal protection for almost 230 million acres, a land area equivalent to that of all the East Coast states from Maine to Florida.

Closer to Smokies history, Robin Goddard will give a performance on Ann Davis, considered the mother of the Smokies. Ms. Davis was elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in 1925 where she introduced a bill authorizing the state to purchase the first large piece of land for the park. But let's not forget, it is the Wildflower Pilgrimage, after all. So what will the bloom be like on April 21?

"The last two years, we had spectacular wildflowers. In general, flowers are coming out a week earlier than they did 50 years ago," said Mr. McFarland, who studies the phenology of plants in the Smokies, the science dealing with the influence of climate on the recurrence of annual cycles such as flower blooms and bird migrations. "But this year, the cold winter will delay the bloom so they should be on schedule."
The details:
The Wildlife Pilgrimage runs from April 21 to April 25 (Wed to Sunday). Online registration is on now until April 11 at this site. Since each session has a limit, you should register as soon as you can.

Winter Heritage Festival Townsend TN Feb 4-7,2010

Winter Heritage Festival February 4-7, 2010 - Townsend TN - The Great Smoky Mountains

A celebration of the history, people, and traditions of Townsend TN, Cades Cove, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Don't miss the Kick-Off on Thursday, Feb. 4 from 7--9pm, with Sparky and Rhonda Rucker at Tremont! Call 865-448-6709 for reservations.

The Winter Heritage Festival has received an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History, and has been designated a "Top Twenty Event" by the Southeast Tourism Society.

See below for schedules of events for 2010! Most events are free, but there are charges for the Kick Off, the Barn Dance, Miss Lily's Banquet Hall lunch programs, and the Cades Cove Heritage Tours.

Advance Registration Required! Download the schedule and form:Winter Fest Schedule 2010 Winter Fest 2010 Registration And the full program booklet:Winter Heritage Booklet 2010Call for more information or if you'd like to be sent the schedule and registration form by mail or email: 865-448-6134. Complete the registration and send to Townsend Visitors Center 7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy., Townsend, TN 37886.

jhilten@smokymountains.org Highlights of Programs at the Townsend

Visitors Center:

A "Mountain Craft Showcase" on Saturday morning in the Exhibit Room with artisans demonstrating their skills.

"The Prehistory of Tuckaleechee Cove" with Dr. Boyce Driskell, University of Tennessee Archeologist.

Mountain Music and Mountain People program by Bob Fulcher, Cumberland Trail State Park and Tennessee folklorist.
Discover Life in America's biodiversity project in the Smokies, with Director Todd Witcher.

A presentation about the Park's natural history collections, by Curator Adriean Mayor.

Programs about key people in the formation of the Park: Horace Kephart, by Butch McDade and Ann Davis, by Robin Goddard.

A performance by TNT Dulcimer Trio.

Naturalist-led hikes to Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse and Walker Sisters Homestead with Butch McDade, Elkmont with Herb Handly, and other historic and scenic places.

Friday evening Volunteer Appreciation Open House with refreshments and music by the Woodpickers

Highlights of Programs at Other Locations:
Thursday, February 4: Kick Off evening program at Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont: "Mountain Voices" with Sparky and Rhonda Rucker. Charge: $10 per person. Call Tremont for reservations, 865-448-6709.

Cades Cove Preservation Association presentations and exhibits at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.

Blount County Historical Museum open house in Maryville, TN.
Cades Cove Thompson-Brown House Museum exhibits.

Friday and Saturday lunch programs at Miss Lily's Banquet Hall with guest speakers Mary Fanslow (Friday) and Ila Hatter (Saturday). Charge: $12 per person. Call 865-448-1924.

Cades Cove Heritage Tours: guided trips around the Cove in a 19 passenger van with an expert leader. Call 865-448-8838.

Myers Lane Book-signing at Mary Tippitt Library.
Saturday, Februrary 6: BBQ Supper and Square Dance with "The Lost Hounds of Pumpkin Hollow" old time string band, at The Barn Event Center, Townsend, TN. Charge: $25 per person. Call The Barn for reservations, 865-448-3812.

Little River Railroad Museum talks and tours, Townsend, TN.
Ranger-led interpretive programs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Salamander foray and history walk at Tremont.

All programs require pre-registration. Most are free; events with food will have a charge, so call the host businesses to make reservations.

For more information, call the Townsend Visitors Center (865-448-6134 or 800-525-6834). Schedule is subject to change. Please call and check back on our website for updates.In addition to our sponsors, the Winter Heritage Festival is supported by these host businesses and organizations: Cades Cove Preservation Association, Blount County Chamber of Commerce, Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Little River Railroad Museum, Cades Cove Heritage Tours, Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, The Barn Event Center, Valley View Lodge, Townsend IGA

Click here to view our Smoky Mountain Festivals website!

2007 Smoky Mountain Convention & Visitors Bureau
7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pwy., Townsend, TN 37882
Photo from
http://www.blounttoday.com/

Wow Wilderness Wildlife Week - Pigeon Forge Jan 9-16,2010

ESCAPE WINTER’S DOLDRUMS WITH WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEK

Pigeon Forge event highlights Great Smoky Mountains National Park

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. – After the excitement of December’s holidays, you need an antidote to the inevitable winter blahs, and Pigeon Forge has the answer. It is Wilderness Wildlife Week, Pigeon Forge’s annual tribute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Dates are Jan. 9-16, 2010, for the eight-day extravaganza of seminars, workshops, photography classes, hikes and excursions that relate to the park and other outdoor topics. This is Wilderness Wildlife Week’s 20th year.

More than 150 experts—nature photographers, biologists, raptor rehabilitators, social historians and just plain folks who grew up in the Smokies—donate their time to present daily programs and a range of outdoor activities.

There are more than 230 programs and activities. Program topics vary daily, and admission is free to all activities. Topics include bears in the Smokies, the elk reintroduction project, the Smokies’ logging history, fire towers in the Smokies, close-up photography, trout fishing, fly-casting and birding by ear. Several programs are designed especially for children.

Almost 60 hikes and excursions into the national park complement the indoor programs. In 2009, more than 1,000 hikers from 18 states logged a cumulative 4,656 miles.

“The week is extremely flexible. You can attend one lecture or take one hike, or you can participate day after day,” said Leon Downey of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “It’s a great way to introduce people to the outdoors.”

Wilderness Wildlife Week began 19 years ago as a half-day program on a January Saturday. January hasn’t been the same since then in Pigeon Forge. The Southeast Tourism Society has chosen it 10 times as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast.

Wilderness Wildlife Week information, including a full list of programs and hikes, is available online at MyPigeonForge.com/wildlife or by calling toll-free to 1-800-WINTERFEST. #

78 Yr Old Man Hikes All Trails in the Smokies- THREE Times !

A 78-year-old man finished his third completion of hiking all the trails in the Smoky Mountains ! Wow, that is unbelievable.. Cecil Rowe became somewhat of a celebrity this week, he is now the oldest person to do that.

There are over 800 miles of trails in the Smokies making this a pretty big feat.. He even helps others with their hiking.. Cecil Rowe from Knoxville said of the beautiful Smoky Mountains - "Anybody who says the scenery gets old is not paying attention".

See this entire story at Knox News online.

Photo and source - Know News

Smoky Mountain Grocery - New Service Brings Groceries To Your Door !!

Wow, what could be better than vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains?

Well, getting your groceries delivered right to your door.......no more waiting in lines at the store!! Get your vacation started immediately, no wasting time !!

Smoky Mountain Grocery just opened for business last week and they are starting off with a bang! Tim and Gina Bowers are the owners and they are ready to serve you.. Rent a Smoky Mountain cabin or hotel room, call, fax or email and they will schedule your "Pre Arrival Package".. Can you imagine having the fridge stocked with anything you can think of .......and you never have to step foot in the grocery store !!

Tim Bowers has been in the grocery biz most of his life........ His parents had stores and Tim has worked for such biggies as Kroger, HEB and Frito Lay...SO - he knows his business. He even has really, cool refrigerated trucks so that your delivery is totally........ fresh. This service is just a $15.00 delivery fee plus your purchase... You can't beat that!!

Smoky Mountain Grocery wants to be a company that gives back... They love the Smoky Mountains - like so many of us. They are donating $5.00 to Friends of the Smokies for each new fan that signs up on their Facebook page - help protect our beautiful Smoky Mountains, click here and become a Fan -

Delivery Monday-Saturday 7am-7pm Local Callers 877-4-VITTLES

You may place your order 24 hours a day!!!! 865-856-5300

Toll Free (877-484-8853) http://www.smokymountaingrocery.com

865-856-2700(fax)

We will be offering this grocery service at our pet-friendly cabins - Heavenly Cabins near Pigeon Forge Go to our Facebook Page and become a Fan and .. If you book a cabin rental with us in the next 30 days(at least 4 nights-expires 9/3/09), we will offer a free grocery delivery for up to $50 plus fee.

The "Little Greenbriar School" Still Teaching in the Smoky Mountains

The "Little Greenbriar School" is Still Teaching in the Great Smoky Mountains !!




The small log structure built in 1882, housed the "Little Greenbriar School". Children from nearby families attended this school for more than 50 years..










Though formal classes ended in 1935, teaching and learning did not.... The school still serves local children and Smoky Mtn Park visitors....




The Little Greenbrier School is located in the Greenbrier area between Gatlinburg and Cades Cove of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the Wears Valley area.


The building served as both a school and the Primitive Baptist Church until 1935.


Inside you will see the types of desks the students of that time used. The Greenbrier cemetery is in front of the school, which is another interesting stop to make during your time in the Smokies.

Go to the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area either by Lyon Springs Rd in Wears Valley or from the Park. Walk across the bridge to the Metcalf Bottoms Trail - 0.6 mile to the Little Greenbriar School. You can also continue 1.0 mile to the Walker Sister's Farmstead on the Little Brier Gap Trail - starting at the barricade up the hill from the school..

See more historical aspects of the park, hike the little Greenbrier Gap hiking trail(follow signs) that is 2.8 miles round trip. The trail begins near the school and leads you by the Walker sisters cabin. The trail runs from Wear Gap road to the Laurel Creek Falls Trail.

To reach the school by car, drive on up the road close to a mile and a half and you will see a sign saying Wears Cove straight on or Little Greenbriar School right.

Turn right........ This is a small, gravel, one lane road, but not one way! So pay close attention to oncoming traffic and any wide spots you may need to back up to in order to pass. When you reach the school, about a mile and a half, the road forks take the right fork down into the gravel parking area and enjoy a few minutes at the old school house.

Slow Down in the Smokies - Part 2 Townsend TN

Slow Down in the Smokies - Part 2


If you have not been to Townsend TN yet, you will definitely want to check it out -It's been labeled the "peaceful or quiet side of the Smokies"…


I love this sleepy little town !! Take Hwy 321/Wears Valley Rd away from Pigeon Forge. Travel down the mountain(about 6-7 miles from Wears Valley; 15 miles from PF), through several curves and as the road straightens out you will look over beautiful pasture land out to the mountain peaks beyond.


As you cross the bridge over the Little River to Townsend's only stoplight. You can rent tubes and float down the river in the hot summer or just try your hand at trout fishing(check with the local convenience stores in Townsend for fishing licenses).

At the stoplight in Townsend, if you turn left - you will be headed into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and then on to Cades Cove. Also to the left, you will pass Smokin’ Joes BBQ restaurant - it sits on the Little River with a screened in porch for dining in the summer… GREAT ribs, BBQ and chicken....... Yum- and don't even get me started on the desserts ! Wonderful blackberry cobbler or the very special - pecan cobbler.




Just past here is the new Smoky Mountain Heritage Center The Center highlights the history of Native Americans and mountain life from periods 3000 B.C. (Native American) to 1930 (settlers).
The center is 17,000 sq feet on a 3-acre site and includes an additional 10 historic structures on site. The museum features displays of native artifacts showcasing the history of the Native Americans and many examples of pioneer artifacts such as tools and materials used in daily lives.

At the light in Townsend, if you turn right - there is a really nice local convenience/grocery store - The Village Market on the right - less than a mile.. They don't have a huge selection but do have a deli and bakery.. See the Townsend Visitor Center across the street....


There's a great walking or bicycle trail(wide sidewalk) all the way through Townsend across the street from the river. It is mostly flat with a few slightly rolling hills, you can rent bikes around town...

The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum is just past the Village Market in Townsend....... It tells the story of the area's logging history with hundreds of photographs, restored equipment and interpretive exhibits.


Railroad buffs enjoy seeing one-of-a-kind locomotives and logging machinery and visiting with volunteer staffers rich with the knowledge of the old railroad's operations. In the early 1900's, a busy railroad operated in the Smoky Mountains, bringing tourists to the area and taking thousands of trees out. See the website for more info Little River Railroad

See Slow Down in the Smokies - Part 1

Slow Down in the Smokies- Part 1 Wears Valley & Townsend Tennessee

I really hate to admit this but I suppose the "older" you get, the less patience you have for the crowds and traffic congestion of the larger tourist areas of the Smoky Mountains..



Granted, I do love the convenience of a Super Walmart in Sevierville, various shopping outlets, fun, entertainment and lots of restaurant choices in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area........... but I also love slipping away from all of that to relax in the Wears Valley community just outside of Pigeon Forge TN.

I have found that I truly appreciate a slower, less hectic pace - particularly during vacation and it's only about 10 miles from all the action!! That's why I wanted to enlighten some of you that have not ventured over to the "peaceful or slower" side of the Smokies into Wears Valley, Townsend or Cades Cove TN. You really need to make the trip and SLOW down just for a while!

“Wears Valley” really begins just a couple miles after turning at stoplight # 3 – Hwy 321/Wears Valley Rd off the main Parkway in Pigeon Forge. The heart of the community really begins about 7 miles out… You will begin to see cows grazing by the creek and beautiful meadows with a backdrop of Cove Mountain in all its splendor..... Yes, Wears Valley has become a hot spot for lots of new cabin rental developments but it still has that special country charm for now..

You can have a great country breakfast at Grandmothers Kitchen in Wears Valley, big fluffy biscuits and pork tenderloin. If you are an antique or “junktique” lover, stop by Wears Valley Antique & Craft Gallery about 7.8 miles out on the right or visit the website Wears Valley Gallery. There are other antique stops there also..

One of the great secrets in Wears Valley is the little known access into the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. About 9 miles from Pigeon Forge, turn left onto Lyon Springs Road, follow this road into the GSMNP (a couple miles). You will cross the Little River bridge at the Metcalf Bottoms picnic area.

This is a beautiful shady picnic spot by the river. You can also take a short hike and step back in time to the "Little Greenbrier School" and the "Walker Sisters" home place.



Park at Metcalf Bottoms and walk across the bridge. Take the Metcalf Bottoms Trail 0.6 mile to the Little Greenbrier School. If you wish, you can continue 1.0 mile from the school to the Walker Sister's farmstead on the Little Brier Gap Trail. The Little Brier Gap Trail starts at the barricade uphill from the school.

Try this Route from Wears Valley to Gatlinburg – Scenic !
***If you come via Lyon Springs Rd to the stop at Metcalf Bottoms, you can turn left and follow the River Rd for a scenic drive to Gatlinburg through the National Park(right will take you to Cades Cove-scenic/longer**). This route will bring you out at the end of Gatlinburg(stoplight #10) at the Sugarland Visitor Center, hook a left to go into town about a 25 – 30 minute drive depending on traffic.



**A shorter drive to Cades Cove from our cabins or the heart of Wears Valley is to follow Hwy 321/Wears Valley Rd all the way to Townsend (about 6-7 miles), at the light in Townsend, turn left – follow signs to Cades Cove.

Traveling on Hwy 321/Wears Valley Rd about another mile past Lyon Springs Rd, you will pass Happy Hollow Rd on the right (which leads to Glimpse of Heaven and Inspiration Point cabins).



Just a short distance further, you should surely slow down for the Rocky Top Country Store on the left, if you are a chocolate lover...... Fresh homemade FUDGE takes top billing here !! They have every imaginable flavor. They also have gifts, local jams and jellies....... but who can resist that fudge …



Just a short distance past Rocky Top Store, you will find another historical treasure, Headrick Chapel Church –See the blog entry here about Headrick Chapel Church in Wears Valley.



Stay Tuned for Slow Down in the Smokies - Part 2

Storytellers Gather in Pigeon Forge-Storytelling Festival June 4-6,2009

Storytellers Galore Ready to Spin Yarns at Pigeon Forge Festival Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival promises three days of tall tales June 4-6

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn.

Expect truth to be in short supply June 4-6 at the 18th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., but also expect a counterbalancing dose of entertainment, enchantment and, dare we say, education.

You’ll hear from a genuine possumologist, a keeper of Cherokee creation stories, a middle school principal who uses storytelling in the classroom and a cowboy poet whose Oklahoma retelling of “Ben Hur” inspires him to wear a watermelon and a bra on stage. (It’s something you just have to see to understand.)

In addition to the festival’s world-traveling, professional storytellers, you’ll also hear some of America’s budding tale-telling talent at the National Youth Storytelling Showcase. The showcase has attracted youngsters, none older than 17, from as far away as Utah, Texas, Maryland and Florida.

Many of this year’s storytellers will focus on stories that relate to Appalachia and the nearby Great Smoky Mountains. That’s one reason the festival is on the official calendar of the 75th anniversary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The festival also is on the Southeast Tourism Society’s “Top 20 Events in the Southeast” list for the fifth year in a row.

Three late-night programs (9:30-11 p.m.) augment the regular sessions. A Haunts and Haints ghost story session is Thursday, a tribute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Friday and a memorial to legendary mountain storyteller Ray Hicks is Saturday.

The Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival is co-hosted by the City of Pigeon Forge and the Smoky Mountain Storytellers Association.

Featured storytellers:

+ Lloyd Arneach—A Cherokee storyteller who learned his first legends from two storytelling uncles on the Cherokee Reservation in North Carolina.

+ Donald Davis—A native Appalachian storyteller who performs nationally and teaches workshop that focus on family-based storytelling.

+ Doug Elliott—A storyteller, herbalist and naturalist who sings about catfish, pontificates about possums and plays a mean harmonica.

+ Todd Elliott—Doug’s son and a two-time participant in the National Youth Storytelling Showcase who now is following in his father’s footsteps.

+ Andy Offutt Irwin—A Georgia public radio show host who says he used to have real jobs before becoming a professional storyteller.

+ Kent Rollins—A genuine cowboy from Oklahoma, who also is a poet, chuckwagon cook and humorist (he’s the one with the watermelon and bra).

+ Elizabeth Rose—Principal of Cherokee Middle School in Roane County, Tenn., who blends southern folklore with fairy tales, ghost stories and international legends.

If You Go:The Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival is June 4-6 (Thursday-Saturday). All sessions—concerts, the youth performances and workshops in which you can learn storytelling skills—are at the Belz Outlet Mall in Pigeon Forge.

Admission for the entire weekend is $25, and one-day admission is $10 for everyone age 18 and older (free for age 17 and younger). The three late-night programs are $5. T

he festival schedule is at www.MyPigeonForge.com/storytelling <http://www.MyPigeonForge.com/storytelling> , and complete visitor information about Pigeon Forge is available at www.MyPigeonForge.com <http://www.mypigeonforge.com/> or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.

About Pigeon ForgePigeon Forge, located in East Tennessee near Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is one of the country’s top tourism destinations, drawing more than 10 million visitors each year.

With more than 40 family-friendly attractions along its five-mile Parkway, Pigeon Forge offers family fun for all ages. The destination city is located within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population east of the Mississippi River.

# Contact:Tom Adkinson, APRoutbind://99-000000001D9B0EF5FC515043B8B4E8D140EDE71E84619100/tadkinson@bohanideas.com <mailto:tadkinson@bohanideas.com> 615-341-3640

New ZipLine At Dollywood In May 2009 !!

Wow, just read about this on InterPark.com's site I don't see anything about it yet at Dollywood's website .. How cool to zip over Dollywood !! Check it out..

Dollywood in Tennessee, US, is preparing to launch what will be the first multiple station zip-line experience in a US theme park.

Opening in May 2009, SkyZip will allow guests to travel over the 150-acre theme park, which is surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains.The hour-long adventure will include up to five zip-line treks ranging in length from 100ft to nearly 1,000ft and a 100-foot long swinging bridge perched above the trees.Each zip-line is an elevated and inclined wire from which a pulley and a seating apparatus are suspended allowing the guest to move between two points via gravity."

SkyZip is the first of a series of premium experiences Dollywood plans to launch in the coming year," said Dollywood president Ken Bell. "These high level family experiences are 'ready-to-go' meaning our guests just show up for the thrills, no previous experience or expensive gear needed." Each SkyZip tour offers a distinctive adventure with a theme.

Fliers will launch from a perch above the park's region called Wilderness Pass and soar to Dollywood's triple spiral-looping rollercoaster, Tennessee Tornado, and beyond.One trail takes adventurers close to Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. After a brief hike, the adventurers will zip above Craftsman's Valley, which houses Dollywood's artisans, to the same point where their adventure began.

Info from Interpark.com

Check Out More Info About the Smoky Mountains

It's always fun to read about one of your favorite places! Now, we have a new blog that shares our love of the Smoky Mountains.. The Go Smoky Blog not only shares news and information about the Smokies, the writer of the blog - Raymond Owens also has an online Radio Talk Show. The topic of his Radio Talk Show??? Well, of course it would be the Smoky Mountains!!

Raymond has interviewed quite a variety of people from the area.. Some of the recent topics have been: Caving in the Smokies, Skiing in the Smokies and Geochacing in the Smokies. Raymond and his wife fell in love with the Smoky Mountains many years ago, since then they visit there every chance they get. During those visits, he shares lots of great local information.

Please check out all the great stories and interviews from Raymond at the Go Smoky Blog and his online Go Smoky Radio Show

Gatlinburg TN 2009 Calendar of Events

Gatlinburg TN 2009 Calendar of Events - Come Enjoy the Smokies in 2009 !

Jan 24, 31
Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm Trolley Ride of Lights - Enjoy a guided trolley tour of spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm lighting displays. Departure is from the Ripley's Aquarium Trolley Station. Group reservations are available. Trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30.

Jan 5 - February 27
Night Magic Skiing - Purchase a $15 Lift Ticket Monday through Friday (non-holidays) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ober Gatlinburg (865) 436-5423.

February 1-27 2009
Night Magic Skiing - Monday through Friday (non-holidays) 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ober Gatlinburg (865) 436-5423.

February 1-28
Gatlinburg Winter Magic tm - The City of Gatlinburg magically lights up the winter nights with over three million spectacular lights. Special lighting displays for "Smoky Mountain Romance" in February.

Feb 2-3 Tennessee Winter Special Olympics - Winter sports competitions including ice skating, snowboarding and snow skiing. Ober Gatlinburg (800) 251-9202.

Feb 6 Southern Exposure 2009 at Ober Gatlinburg - Skiing and snowboarding competitions include slalom races (giant and parallel), jumping, and awards ceremony. Event also includes the unique Cardboard Sled Classic Race featuring homemade sleds constructed of cardboard, paper, tape and adhesive. (800) 251-9202.

TBA
Rock Gatlinburg - Aspiring high school and middle school band performers and individual musicians get the opportunity to meet and receive guidance from professional musicians during this event hosted by the Gatlinburg Recreation Department at the Community Center. Participants can learn about computer recording, explore professional work opportunities and walk away with a CD recording. For information, contact Laurence Evans or Dave Anderson (865) 436-4990.

TBA
Pirate's Ball - Mountain Hope Good Shepherd Clinic, Inc. presents its fourth annual Pirate's Ball fundraiser sponsored by Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies. Guests can enjoy a "tropical climate" and live music, dancing, food and drink, with a special party for the kids. For more information, call Elaine Miller at 865-774-7684.

TBA
Anna Porter Public Library Murder Mystery - Locally produced and cast theatrical performance is a library fundraiser. (865) 436-5588.

March 11 - June 7 2009
Smoky Mountain Springfest - A countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.

March 16-18 Celebrate Santa - Santa Claus is coming to Gatlinburg! Join hundreds of Santa Clause and Mrs. Clause as they gather at the Convention Center for their convention, trade show and gala. Imagine a town filled with Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Reindeer Owners and Breeders and even Elves. Real-bearded and designer-bearded Santas and even those who have never donned the red suit (but think they might like to) are welcome, regardless of experience, affiliation or interest. For more information or to register, visit http://www.celebratesanta.com/

TBA
Music of the Mountains - In association with the City of Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains Association, Great Smoky Mountains National Park presents its fifth annual event highlighted. This year's begins at Sugarlands Visitors Center with free, limited-seating performances by a series of acts.

April 2009 till June 7th
Smoky Mountain Springfest - Join in a countywide celebration of the season, featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.

April 4 Mountain Man March - This second annual 26.2-mile march starts in Downtown Gatlinburg at 7 a.m. as a tribute to our men and women in uniform. The course includes highway and rural road stretches in addition to rugged terrain and mountain slopes. The event honors 1LT Frank Walkup, a University of Tennessee-Knoxville alumnus, who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq in 2007. Pre-registration is required, with Military Heavy, Military Light and Civilian entry categories. Visit http://www.mountainmanmarch.com/

April 8-11 2009 Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show - Unique handcrafted gifts are made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community and placed on display as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

April 12 Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg - Early morning Easter Service at Ober Gatlinburg includes complimentary tram service to the top of the resort begins at 6:15 a.m. Service begins at 7 a.m. Breakfast buffet available. (800) 251-9202

TBA Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon - The third annual triathlon at the Community Center starts at 8:15 a.m. and is open to anyone 15 years and older capable of swimming one-half mile, biking twenty kilometers, and running five kilometers consecutively. Awards will be given in multiple age categories (men's and women's division), plus a mixed team relay event, plus a mixed team relay event. Pre-register is required. (865) 436-4990

April 22-26 59th Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage - Celebrate the 75th anniversary and enjoy the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 150 different programs, including hiking tours, motorcades, demonstrations and classroom lectures centered on the flowers, plants and wildlife in the great outdoors. For more information, call (865) 436-7318 ext. 222 or visit http://www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org/.

April 23 Ribfest & Wings - Enjoy the area's best ribs and wings as well as free entertainment during this eighth annual event. One admission allows sampling until the ribs and wings run out on River Road and Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza.

April 24-25 Gatlinburg's MountainFest: A Celebration of Our Heritage - Enjoy two fun-filled days of bluegrass and genuine mountain music along with crafters and demonstrations. Local crafters demonstrate their skills passed down from generation to generation. On Saturday, get a taste of some of the local talent with the Mountain Strings Competition. Fiddles, banjos and guitar players are invited to compete for awards and cash prizes. Festival runs from noon to 10 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday in downtown Gatlinburg.

May 1st till June 7th 2009 Smoky Mountain Springfest - Join in a countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.

May 15 Gatlinburg Scottish Festival Grand Parade - All Scots are invited to march or ride in the parade as a kickoff to the 28th Annual Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games. Parade begins at 6 p.m. at traffic light #10, downtown Gatlinburg. For more information visit http://www.gsfg.org/.

May 16-17 Gatlinburg Scottish Festival & Games - 28th Annual Scottish clans meeting at Mills Park featuring Highland athletics, bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing, border collie demonstrations, haggis hurling, entertainment and whiskey tasting, along with food & merchandise vendors. For information visit http://www.gsfg.org/

Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival - A family oriented fine arts festival at Ripley's Plaza and River Road featuring juried artists from around the country, delicious cuisine and music. Proceeds benefit Arrowmont School of Art and the Sevier County Arts Council. (GSE) (888) 240-1358 or http://www.gfaf.net/

June 1-7, 2009 Smoky Mountain Springfest - Join in a countywide celebration of the season featuring special events, local craft shows and much more.

June 12-August 8, 2009
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales tm - All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this fourth annual event!

June 19-21 Living History Civil War Reenactment at Mills Park - Visitors can witness artillery and cavalry demonstrations as Civil War period performers gather in authentic encampment. Historical portrayals, a cannon drill and music along with the recreation of the "Battle of Burg Hill" are among the festivities at this second annual event. (800) 568-4748.

July 1st till August 8, 2009 Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales tm - All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smoky Mountains on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this fourth annual event!

July 3- 4th 2009 July Midnight Parade - Saluting our valiant military services, this 34th annual showcase is the "First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!" Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin July 4th. Floats, balloons, and marching bands pay tribute to our country.

July 4 River Raft Regatta - Visitors can enjoy a fun, unmanned, floatable object race for the whole family. Free registration begins at 10 a.m. at Christus Gardens bridge. Race begins at noon and ends at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies bridge where prizes will be awarded in several different categories.

4th of July Fireworks Show - Join the celebration in downtown Gatlinburg to mark our nation's "Independence Day" with a magnificent fireworks show. The City of Gatlinburg lights up the mountain skyline downtown at 10:00 p.m. with this grand display.

July 17-26 Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair at Gatlinburg Convention Center - Art, crafts and music lovers can find over 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

August 1-8, 2009 Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales tm - Through early August, visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Storytellers, musicians and cloggers perform at different locations along the Parkway every evening during this fourth annual event!

October 8-25, 2009 Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair - Art, crafts and music lovers will find over 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, Sunday until 5 p.m. at Gatlinburg Convent

Plan your trip early to Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains and find the perfect cabin rental through Best Cabins By Owner !!

See Cades Cove In A New Way! Cades Cove Heritage Tour - Smoky Mountains-TN

If you have ever visited Cades Cove in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee just outside of Townsend, then you know traffic can be frustrating at times !

With gorgeous mountain scenery on every side, the line of tail lights in front of you might test your patience. Weekends and holidays in the Cove can be very busy with traffic abounding but now there's a solution....

You can enjoy beautiful Cades Cove in a new way. This special Cades Cove Heritage tour will be stress free! You can leave the driving to them!! Have the entire family together, learn as you go, enjoy the wildlife, scenery, and history of Cades Cove without touching the gas pedal.. Take your camera for lots of Smoky Mountain photo ops !

You can even help the enviornment, less pollution - which is a good thing.. For a fun and educational trip led by a knowledgeable guide in a comfortable, fuel efficient 19 passenger van, take the Cades Cove Heritage Tour, departing from the CCHT Depot in Townsend at various times.

The pricing is reasonable - Adults $13, Children $8, Seniors $10

To make reservations or more info, call 865-448-8838 or email Alex Roche: alex.gsmhc@cadescoveheritagtours.org

Cades Cove Heritage Tours is a private non-profit that seeks to provide a superior visitor experience, protect the natural and cultural resource of Cades Cove, and help alleviate overcrowding, traffic and pollution in the Cove. The tours are made possible by community partners, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Smoky Mountain Convention & Visitors Bureau, and the National Parks Conservation Association.