There is no better way to celebrate the holidays than with Christmas Shows in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Pigeon Forge makes a wonderful family vacation with events and activities to all members of your family throughout the year. It is extra special during the Holidays with Christmas lights along every street and decorated buildings it is as close as you can get to a Christmas town South of the North Pole! From comedy to rock and roll oldies and country music, nothing compares to the music flowing around Pigeon Forge at Christmas! From dinner shows to musical extravaganzas, everyone will enjoy this time of the year at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.Read More
Top 5 Family Attractions in Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, Tennessee, located in the picturesque Smoky Mountains, is a small town that offers a wide range of family attractions with activities for people of all ages. Both indoors and out and at any time of the year, Gatlinburg provides entertainment venues and outdoor fun for families from around the country.Read More
2012 Winterfest in Gatlinburg
The holidays are quickly approaching, and so is Winterfest in Gatlinburg an annual tradition that transforms the city with an array of twinkling lights! You’re in luck if you’re planning to visit Gatlinburg between November and January because the calendar is packed with exciting events!
To kick off the holiday season, join the city of Gatlinburg for the annual Chili Cook-off which will be taking place on November 7th.Read More
Top Hiking Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains are filled with beautiful hiking trails, wildlife, and history. Each hiking trail has its own beautiful sites and rich history. Some hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains are longer and more strenuous than others, so finding the perfect hiking trail is key to a successful hike.
One hiking trail option is the hike to Alum Cave. This hike is 4.4 miles roundtrip. The trail follows Alum Cave Creek to Arch Rock. Arch Rock was created by the thawing and freezing of ice each year, which eroded the softer rock. About two miles into the hike, you will reach Inspiration Point, which has amazing views of Little Duck Hawk Ridge and Myrtle Point. At 2.2 miles, you will reach the Alum Cave.
The Baskins Creek Falls is 3.0 mile hiking trail. This trail offers great views of the mountains and of Gatlinburg. While on this hiking trail, you will cross two creeks and past Baskins Cemetery. At the end, you will reach Baskins Creek Falls, a 40 foot, two tiered waterfall.
Brushy Mountains is a 6.8 mile hike. This hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains has many wildflowers, especially during the month of May. There are four stream crossings on this hiking trail, and you will walk past Grotto Falls. Grotto Falls in the only waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that you can walk behind. After checking out the waterfall, you can continue on the Brushy Mountain hiking trail to the summit.
The Bullhead Trail is a 5.9 mile hike. This hiking trail offers spectacular views of the mountains and wildlife, as well as different trail options along the way.
Chimney Tops is a 4.0 mile hiking trail in the Smoky Mountains. This trail is short, but don’t think that makes this trail an easy hike. Because it is shorter, this hiking trail is very steep. However, the reward for making it to the top is a beautiful view of Mount LeConte, Mount Kephart, and the Sugarland Mountain. The summit of this hike is bare rock, and the climb to the top is very steep, so be careful as many injuries occur here.
Huskey Gap is a 4.2 mile hike. The best time to hike this trail is in the spring when the wildflowers are in full bloom. This trail can be crowded during this time of year, but the wildflowers are the main attraction of this hiking trail, and they are too beautiful to miss.
Mount LeConte has many trails that lead to the summit, and one of them is the trail via Trillium Gap. This hiking trail is 13.9 miles long. As you walk this trail, you will pass many waterfalls on your way to the High Top, or the summit. Once at the top, there are two great locations for panoramic views. Myrtle Point is the best location if you want to see the sunrise, while Cliff Top is the best location to see a sunset.
Rainbow Falls is a 5.4 mile hike to the highest single drop waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. This waterfall was given its name because when the sun shines on the mist from the waterfall, it produces a rainbow. To reach the waterfall, hikers walk through a beautiful old growth forest.
The Boulevard Trail to Mt. LeConte is a tough trail, but you will see the North Carolina Smokies, Mount LeConte, and Myrtle Point on the way up. On this trail, you will come across and unofficial hiking trail called the Jump-off. This trail is great for panoramic views, and is definitely worth the extra hiking.
Another trail to Mt. LeConte is the trail via Alum Cave Trail. After passing Alum Cave, you will reach Gracie’s Pulpit, named after Gracie McNichol. She hiked this trail on her 92nd birthday! The next few miles you will pass several waterfalls and walk along rock ledges. Most of these rock ledges have hand rails, but they can be very slippery and icy in the winter months, so caution is advised. The top does not disappoint, though, with amazing panoramic views.
These are just some of the hiking trails that you will find in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains are definitely worth a visit, as they are filled with beautiful views, wildlife at every turn, history all the way back to the civil war, and adventure at every bend.
Vacation Packing List for a Smoky Mountain Trip
Enjoying your trip without stress of forgotten items is easy when you plan ahead with your own vacation packing list for any vacation and we have some tips for a Smoky Mountain trip vacation packing list.
The Smoky Mountains are a beautiful outdoor wonder with year round opportunities to take a vacation and see the beautiful views. However, depending on how rugged your Smoky Mountain vacation is going to be, packing might become a hassle. Here are some vacation packing lists for cabin stays and more rugged backpacking in the Smoky Mountains.
If you are staying in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, the first thing you should do is see what is already provided in the cabin. Some cabins will provide fully stocked kitchens, bed linens, and towels. If your cabin does not provide these things, then you will need to add them to your packing list. Make sure you have enough sleeping bags, bed linens, and towels for everyone. For example, if you have more people staying in the cabin than normal, you might have to bring extra bedding then what is provided. See if your cabin offers outside grills or if there are places nearby to buy charcoal, lighter fluid, and other cooking items that you might need. If your kitchen is not fully stocked, make sure you bring plates, cups, spoons, forks, knives, pots, pans, and any other kitchen supplies that you might need. Bring all toiletries, hair dryers, curling irons, bug spray, sunscreen, and other personal items as these will not be provided. Make sure you bring warm clothing no matter what time of year as it can get cold during the night. Also rain gear and broken in hiking shoes are needed if you plan to do any hiking.
Make sure to plan out each meal that you will be eating on your trip so you don’t forget anything. Sometimes it is the most basic things that you will forget, such as plates, forks, spoons, cups, knives, aluminum foil, paper towels, and ingredients for cooking. Don’t forget bug spray, sunscreen, soap, trash bags, and a first aid kit. When it comes to clothing, layers is the best way to go. One travel packing tip to always follow is to wear synthetic materials. Synthetic materials dry faster than wool, so you will be more comfortable if you get wet. Bring a couple of basic synthetic short sleeve shirts and a few synthetic long sleeve shirts to wear as layers. Bring a pair or two of shorts, but also make sure you bring long pants for cold nights. Don’t leave for your Smoky Mountain vacation without wool socks, gloves, a rain jacket, a light sweater, a warmer coat, and hiking boots that have been broken in for at least a week. Another travel packing tip is to bring along snacks for your day hikes. As this is your Smoky Mountain vacation, only you know how rugged and outdoorsy you plan to get. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so if you plan on doing long hikes into the mountains, bring a map, compass, and emergency supplies (extra food, a flashlight, extra clothes, extra water) just in case.
The Smoky Mountains is a great place to vacation, whether it is only for a weekend or for a few weeks in the back-country It is important to be well prepared for anything while staying in the mountains, and with these tips for vacation packing lists you will be on your way to a great trip!
Cades Cove Let’s Go For A Bike Ride
Cades Cove, Tennessee, is a hidden gem in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This cove, or valley surrounded on all sides by mountains, was first settled by Cherokee in the late 1700s and later became home in the early 1800s to European settlers. The cove attracts millions of visitors each year, and is in fact the most popular section of the extensive national park. During three seasons of the year, visitors can enjoy the scenery and wildlife abundant in this preserved early Appalachian community by biking around the 11-mile one-way Cades Cove Loop road.
Top 15 Gatlinburg TN Restaurants
When deciding what to do in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, individuals are interested to check out the “latest and greatest” in dining amenities that this town has to offer so we have compiled the top 15 Gatlinburg TN Restaurants. Located in the heart of the majestic Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg presents with an array of fare from traditional American to Italian cuisines. Ranked as one of the most beautiful towns in America by Forbes Magazine, there is no doubt that individuals receive the most scenic and fulfilling dining experiences in this pristine location. Provided below is a descriptive overview of the top 15 restaurants that Gatlinburg, Tennessee has to offer.
The Best 15 Places to Eat in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
1. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que: Established in 1991, this reputable smokehouse is well-known for its amazing smoked ribs, chicken, beef, and pork. This restaurant also possesses an excellent soup and salad bar, breakfast buffet, and plentiful children’s menu. Ranked as having the best ribs and the best barbecue by the Mountain Press, Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que is also a Gatlinburg Goes Green Bronze Member.
2. Alamo Steakhouse and Saloon: Since 1999, this restaurant has been known for providing its guests with the best steaks and seafood around. Alamo Steakhouse and Saloon also features a children’s menu and a full bar.
3. Pancake Pantry: For the best breakfast and lunch fare, individuals are encouraged to check out Pancake Pantry. Its doors are open every day of the year.
4. Flying Saucer Italian Bistro: From delicious pizzas to homemade custards, the Flying Saucer Italian Bistro offers the best.
5. Dolce UVA Wine Bar Cafe: Dolce UVA Wine Bar Cafe features wines from around the World. In addition, this restaurant is not only kid-friendly, it also features a variety of Italian and American dining options.
6. Crystelle Creek: Crystelle Creek Restaurant is surrounded by flowing creeks. Their menu includes chicken, trout, and steak dishes.
7. Crawdaddy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar: This restaurant is known for its delicious seafood options and nightly karaoke. One of the highlights of Crawdaddy’s Restaurant and Oyster Bar is that kids eat for free every night.
8. Best Italian Parkway: Best Italian Parkway is well-known for its garlic rolls, pizzas, and other Italian favorites. This restaurant is a Gatlinburg Goes Green Member.
9. The Cherokee Grill: The Cherokee Grill is known to locals as “Gatlinburg’s Great Steakhouse,” and its specialties include steak, ribs, and rotisserie chicken.
10. The Cheese Cupboard and Hofbrauhaus Restaurant: Started in 1969, this restaurant and deli features a large assortment of German foods to indulge in. Bratwursts, reubans, and domestic beers are some of its most popular items.
11. Calhoun’s Restaurant: Calhoun’s Restaurant possesses a diverse menu that satisfies individuals of all food preferences. Their specialities include baby back ribs, catfish, and specialty sandwiches.
12. The Cabin Cafe: As a Gatlinburg Goes Green Silver Member, this charming eatery features an open kitchen and an array of satisfying soups, salads, and sandwiches.
13. Best Italian Cafe and Pizzeria: For some of the best pizza and Italian dishes that Gatlinburg has to offer, individuals are encouraged to check out Best Italian Cafe and Pizzeria. This restaurant has been around since 1976, and its biggest attribute is its reputation for producing some of the best, homemade cheesecakes in town.
14. Atrium Pancakes: This breakfast “hotspot” has been featured in Taste of Home Magazine, and it features over 25 varieties of delicious pancakes and homemade syrups.
15. The Wild Plum: Guests of this restaurant are treated to outstanding views of the Smoky Mountains as they dine in an Austrian-style, log cabin setting. This restaurant is a Gatlinburg Goes Green Bronze Member.
With over 100 places to choose from, the rather small town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee possesses an array of quality dining options. Even better, most of them are locally owned, and they acquire the quality and diversity that are essential to their reputations both locally and nationally.
Family Vacation on a Budget in the Smoky Mountains
Family Vacation on a Budget in the Smoky Mountains
If you want to have a budget friendly family vacation, if you are looking for alternatives to the costly attractions that can quickly add up in breaking your budget guidelines you might want to think about a family getaway to the mountains. Visiting the Smoky Mountain area on a budget may mean passing up many of the flashy attractions and make it a point to focus on the natural elements of the mountains; check out these 5 tips for ideas. Yes it is still possible for kids and a family to take a break from the everyday electronics that are relied on for constant entertainment and social interactions. Sometimes a mountain getaway is just what is needed for true quality time with your family to bond and connect. It can be the simplicity of nature and quietness that is the perfect backdrop to let your family conversations take center stage without interruptions.Read More
The History of The Great Smoky Mountain National Park
The idea started in the late 1890s to create a national park in the mountains. There was a mission of the people with a goal for the creation of the Smoky Mountain National park and that was for the public land to be preserved in the southern Appalachians. An unsuccessful bill even entered the North Carolina Legislature. By the early 20th century, many more people in North and South were pressuring Washington a public preserve in the Eastern United States.Read More
The History of Dollywood
Dollywood theme park was opened in 1986 in Pigeon Forge, TN by Dolly Parton. Dolly famous as an entertainer in the music and film industry was originally from the Sevier County, TN area and her love of the area is represented through the history of Dollywood. The land that Dollywood is located on had already been long known and enjoyed as a theme park formerly known as Silver Dollar City.
As of 2011 Dollywood hosts over 3 million guests continually increasing from 2.5 million guests in a typical season, as of 2009, up from 1.3 million visitors in 1986. It is an amusement park that entertains guest of all ages from toddlers, teens to grandparents and is definitely a family friendly experience with a true Smoky Mountain Heritage experience. If you are looking for thrill rides there is a great selection of roller coasters that will impress those with a love for excitement and speed. And the smaller thrill seekers will be just as happy with all the park has to keep them busy with the Country Fair area having most rides with the minimum height requirement.
With Dolly’s talent in music it is a natural fit that she made music a large part of entertainment in Dollywood as well. With many styles of musical shows as entertainment in the park it is Southern Gospel that is the primary focus. Not only is Dollywood know for the great Southern Gospel shows that you will find it is also the site to the Southern Gospel Museum and Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Southern Gospel Music Association. With several theaters throughout the park ranging from intimate
The Smoky Mountains is also known for the art and crafts created and this is a prime spot to see it in action, and to shop for a piece of the art to take with you. In Craftsman Valley and you will find items often made on-site where you can catch a glimpse of the artist in action if your timing is good. With many of the crafts being made while on-site lets you not only watch some being made but also gives you an opportunity to have items customized or let you be hands on yourself. With a wide assortment from candles, jewelry, blown-glass, carved wood, leather and iron crafts the Smoky Mountain Heritage of arts and crafts is widely represented at Dollywood.
Dollywood is open from mid-March through January first annually. The hours and days of operation vary with the season. Each season at Dollywood has become known for each of the festivals held: The Festival of Nations in the Spring; Kids Fest in the Summer; Barbeque & Bluegrass and then National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration in the Fall; and Smoky Mountain Christmas in late November through January. When planning your Smoky Mountain vacation you can view hours of operation and special events by going to the Dollywood website.
Smoky Mountain Ziplines
If you are considering Smoky Mountain ziplines for the first time we have covered some general questions you may have and made a quick comparison of facts for the top ziplines in Sevierville, TN, Gatlinburg, TN, and Pigeon Forge, TN. A zipline is a suspended steel cable rigged to allow a harnessed rider to travel the distance between the ends. Ziplining is a great way to see the amazing views of the Smoky Mountains from a different angle with speed, excitement, and a little daring fun. While soaring above nature you may be going over tree tops, rivers, streams, valleys, and right past other sightseers it gives you a bird’s eye view of what makes the Smoky Mountains so unique. The course that you select will vary but each will give you a great view of the Smoky Mountains with adventure in the outdoors.
You will be grouped with a guide that will be with you for your Smoky Mountain ziplines tour to help with any needs such as positioning your harness, helmet, and gloves that will be provided. Safety instructions will be covered at the beginning before you start with an explanation of using all equipment that you will be provided. All that you really need to bring with you is good comfortable and secure closed toe shoes. Also you will want to avoid wearing dangling jewelry and no skirts (you will be wearing a climbing harness). The temperature can drop when you’re going on a zip line during the winter months, so make sure that you dress appropriately. Thick socks, a warm jacket that can zip up, a warm winter hat, thermal underwear, and even a face mask can be helpful if you’re going to be on a zip lining adventure in the winter months.
While ziplining in the Smoky Mountains is a great activity for almost everyone there are some physical restrictions to keep in mind, these excursions are designed for persons in good physical condition. Participants must have full use of their limbs, and must be comfortable with heights. Pregnant women, guests with existing injuries and/or seizure disorders are not allowed. Guests with current or re-occurring medical conditions should not take this type of tour. You must be able to hike short distances, climb stairs, walk/stand for long periods of time for an average amount of 200. Extreme fear of heights or panic attacks is factors to consider.
| Age / Weight requirements: | Cost: | Length : | Time to anticipate: | Number of zip-lines: | Hours of operation: | Reservations contact: | |
| Foxfire Mountain | 8 + years old / Maximum275 lbs | $89.95 | 600 to 1500 feet | 2 hours | 7 lines | Call for times | 865-453-1998 |
| Adventure Ziplines of Sevierville | Maximum 275 lbs /tandem for < 70 lbs | $69.99 to $94.99 | 450 to 2,500 feet | 45 min to 3 hours | 9 lines | 9am-Midnight | 865-453-8644 |
| Climb Works Canopy | 8 + years old / Maximum270 lbs/ tandem for <80 lbs | $79 to $89 | 3 hours | Monday – Saturday | 865-325-8116 | ||
| Smoky Mountain Ziplines | 8 years old + / between 60 lbs and 250 lbs | $24.95 to $124.95 | 1 to 3 hours | 24 lines | Call for times | 865-429-9004 | |
| Adventure Zip Lines of Pigeon Forge | 3 years old + / between 100 and 275 pounds | $69.99 | 450 to 3,400 feet | 2 1/2 to 3 hours | 6 lines | Call for times | 865-774-3330 |
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair in Gatlinburg, TN
Walking down the tree-lined street at the Gatlinburg Craftmen’s Fair of Gatlinburg, TN a quaint town nestled in the mountains is a perfect place to see an artist painting a portrait you would love to hang in your home. Take time to watch a craftsman making a pottery bowl that you would enjoy having in your home to serve your guest from. Pick out a stained glass art masterpiece to transform your own space with the rainbow prism that you see the inspired artist has created piece by piece. Listen to the sounds of country and bluegrass music filling the air as you smell the sweetness of fresh fudge, candy apples and caramel corn being made nearby. This is the experience that you can have if you visit the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair.
Unique, handmade, personalized, and one-of-a-kind arts and crafts are set up throughout 200 booths in the Gatlinburg craft fair. With artisans and craftsmen from near and far coming from all over the United States to display, demonstrate, and sell their talented pieces. The biannual event in Gatlinburg held July 20 thru 29 and October 11 thru 28 not only features arts and crafts but also offers daily entertainment for things to do in Gatlinburg with Country and Bluegrass music shows alongside the Gatlinburg craft show.
The Great Smoky Mountains has always been known for the arts and crafts that you can find and this is the largest and widest offering in one small area bringing together the most arts and crafts to experience at once. It is more than just a Gatlinburg craft show it is an experience that you will remember. The greatest treasures that you can purchase to fill your home or share with loved ones is those with a special meaning or story behind them, and being able to watch the artisan or craftsman create it with their infinite skill and talented touch brings the pieces to life with memories. Searching for things to do in Gatlinburg is easy for those that enjoy arts, crafts, and the Gatlinburg area – this is an event to plan your trip around with a summer and fall option annually July 20 thru 29 and October 11 thru 28.
