tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4301033024441242282012-05-18T01:03:48.613-05:00Kevin Weidemannnoreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-44658114910967858852012-05-11T09:33:00.000-05:002012-05-11T09:33:00.054-05:00

Celebrate the 4th of July in Gatlinburg, Tennessee to be a part of the “First Fourth of July Parade in the Nation.”  For the 37th annual year, Gatlinburg kicks off America’s celebration with the nation’s first parade, which takes place at 12am on Wednesday, July 4. More than 100,000 spectators are expected to attend. The 4th of July Parade will feature a special tribute to our military

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-3288052297963863222012-05-07T09:45:00.000-05:002012-05-07T09:45:00.172-05:00

June 2-10:  Synchronous Fireflies in the Smokies For one week only a rare species of fireflies blink in unison, creating quite the light show in the Smoky Mountains. The viewing area is located at Elkmont and the show begins around 9:30pm. June 15 – August 11:  Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales This annual event is a summer-long street performance with musical performances, storytellers, and

Marjiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01361963663778874874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-59315951522967357032012-05-02T10:38:00.000-05:002012-05-02T10:38:01.598-05:00

Tennessee’s hometown girl, Dolly Parton, returns to Pigeon Forge for the 27th annual Dolly Parton Homecoming Parade May 11, 2012.  The popular event attracts around 50,000 spectators so arrive early! The parade begins at 6pm.  Make sure to bring a lawn chair, drinks and snacks, too, so you’re comfortable and can enjoy the parade. Marching bands, floats, baton twirlers, live animals and

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-36886465264804882472012-04-27T10:04:00.000-05:002012-04-27T10:04:00.552-05:00

This summer you can experience a true wonder of nature in the Smoky Mountains of Gatlinburg. For one week only, June 2 through 10, a rare species of fireflies blink in unison, creating quite the light show. The viewing are is located at Elkmont and the show begins around 9:30pm. The Great Smoky Mountains are one of only two places in the world where you can witness this phenomenon. It is

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-51220931992722357662012-04-25T10:43:00.000-05:002012-04-25T10:43:00.122-05:00

Enjoying the great outdoors should be a part of every Gatlinburg vacation.  Many people head to the Pigeon River for a Gatlinburg rafting trip.  The river is divided into two sections – Upper and Lower.  Rafting companies in the area offer trips on both sections, each perfectly suited to the level of adventure you’re seeking.  Rafting on the Upper Pigeon River Here’s what you need to know

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-50384707487698777262012-04-23T13:50:00.000-05:002012-04-23T13:50:09.471-05:00

Summer visitors are in for a treat in Gatlinburg as Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales returns to celebrate Smoky Mountain heritage.  From June 15 through August 11, visitors will be able to enjoy street performances featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as the 1800s. The event highlights the walkability of downtown Gatlinburg and provides

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-41926222049959429682012-04-20T12:05:00.000-05:002012-04-20T12:05:37.159-05:00

Get your green on during Earth Week in Gatlinburg.  Scheduled for April 22 through April 28, Earth Week will feature a variety of events, including an Earth Day 5K, Earth Day Festival, Wildflower Pilgrimage activities, the Ribfest, BBQ and Wings Festival, plus much more.  The complete schedule of Gatlinburg Earth Week events includes: Sunday, April 22: Earth Day 5K with the Chamber at

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-79118626486468953962012-04-07T08:35:00.000-05:002012-04-07T08:35:00.588-05:00

May 5:  Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon The fourth annual triathlon is open to anyone 15 years and older. The event begins at 8:15am and entails a one-half mile swim, biking 20 kilometers, and running 5 kilometers. Awards will be given in multiple age categories. Pre-registration is required. May 5:  Cinco de Mayo Celebration Gatlinburg is teaming up with Ripley’s Entertainment to host the 2nd

Marjiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01361963663778874874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-62383121377221142782012-03-30T13:21:00.000-05:002012-03-30T13:21:00.406-05:00

Starting June 15, Gatlinburg visitors  and locals alike will have access to the city’s trolley FREE of charge.  The Parkway has a route up and down the Parkway and is a great way to see the area, get from one destination to the next and explore the things to do in Gatlinburg.  You can board one of three designated trolleys at numerous stops along the Parkway.  The trolley service route

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-59337598261779009102012-03-29T09:30:00.000-05:002012-03-29T09:30:00.551-05:00

Biltmore Estate welcomes Spring with Festival of Flowers, a special event touting the beauty of thousands of blooming tulips, acres of azaleas, and blossoming irises and peonies.  The festival begins April 7 and lasts until May 20.  Over 100,000 tulips, in a variety of colors, bloom at Biltmore Estate Asheville during the Festival of Flowers. The Walled Garden is home to a stunning array

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-87314682245728914082012-03-28T11:01:00.003-05:002012-03-28T11:04:07.086-05:00

One of the best things about a visit to Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the walkability of the small mountain village.  The quaint yet naturally beautiful atmosphere is best enjoyed by getting out of your car and strolling the Parkway in Gatlinburg.  The shops, eateries and fun things to do in Gatlinburg are all at your footsteps. On the fourth weekend of every month from April through

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-48066305141401500132012-03-19T10:21:00.001-05:002012-03-19T10:21:00.399-05:00

One of the most beautiful places to welcome Easter is at Ober Gatlinburg.  They host an Easter Sunrise Service led by the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association, which is enhanced by the beauty of the surrounding mountains.    The service is on April 8, 2012. This is the 12th year this Gatlinburg attraction has hosted the Easter Sunrise Service.  Perched atop a mountain in downtown Gatlinburg,

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-59811367575230814902012-03-16T14:42:00.000-05:002012-03-16T14:42:00.859-05:00

Attention all athletes!  Get ready to run, swim and bike your way to victory during the Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon, set for May 5.  The 4th Annual Triathlon is hosted by the Gatlinburg Community Center and will begin at 8:15am.  Competitors in the triathlon challenge will have to complete: ·         ½ Mile Swim ·         20k Bike Race ·         5k Run The Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-15529040655734838592012-03-10T10:25:00.019-06:002012-03-10T10:25:00.053-06:00

There is still time to enjoy a limited time discount at Biltmore Estate.  Now through March 31, you can visit Biltmore for only $33.75 per adult – a savings of 40%!  Plus, kids 16 and under receive FREE admission during this time.  But wait…there’s more!  During this special limited time event, your Biltmore Estate ticket also grants you access to the Fourth Floor of the Biltmore House,

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-75864156661840550512012-03-09T12:31:00.000-06:002012-03-15T15:17:31.606-05:00

If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg this April, check out what’s happening around town. With the warmer spring temperatures, there are great events going on in the Smoky Mountains as well as in town. Below are upcoming events for April: April 5-7: Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community hosts their annual craft show at the Gatlinburg Convention

Marjiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01361963663778874874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-980631552884554542012-03-07T10:51:00.002-06:002012-03-07T10:54:30.027-06:00

Spring is almost upon us and with it we welcome the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, an annual five-day event in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Gatlinburg is a great place to make your headquarters as you take part in this outdoor festival as it is located at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  During the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage you’ll be able to explore wildflowers and

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-54781303504292968472012-02-20T11:02:00.003-06:002012-02-20T11:12:11.347-06:00

I consider myself to be epicurious. I love to eat and my taste buds are in constant pursuit of great food and drink. That’s part of the fun of traveling – trying new flavors and eating at new restaurants. You never know what you might find and you may be surprised at the variety of flavors that will tempt your palate, even in a small town like Gatlinburg, Tennessee. One of the hidden gems of

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-79345831050391210172012-02-18T12:07:00.021-06:002012-02-20T09:29:59.775-06:00

If you want an authentic taste of the Appalachian Mountains, make sure you include a visit to the Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery to your vacation plans. Ole Smoky Moonshine is a family business, paying homage to the whiskey making made famous in the backwoods and mountains of the Gatlinburg area. As the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee, they have the

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-37132453429030302562012-02-17T15:46:00.008-06:002012-02-17T15:52:11.566-06:00

Are you the outdoorsy type? I most certainly am. When I visit a destination like Gatlinburg, the first thing I pack are my hiking shoes. With over 800 miles of hiking trails available, the best way to see the Great Smoky Mountains is hitting the trails and experiencing their beauty yourself. The area offers a variety of trail types to, from easy to strenuous, so you’re sure to find one that

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-66033286367732839672012-02-10T11:33:00.001-06:002012-02-10T11:34:37.937-06:00

The delicious aroma of barbeque, groovy tunes and plenty of entertainment highlight the 11th Annual Ribfest, Wings & BBQ in Gatlinburg,Tennessee.  The downtown area turns into a street fair on Thursday, April 26, and the tasty festival promises to be bigger and better than ever in 2012. The festival will be located at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies plaza, and the immediate area

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-45023420116568846502012-02-09T14:05:00.000-06:002012-02-09T14:05:23.352-06:00

The Gatlinburg area has a rich heritage of craftsmanship deeply rooted in the Southern Appalachian Mountains.  The Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community calls the area home, and is the largest group of independent artisans in the North America.  Established in 1937, this community is located on an eight-mile loop on the northeast edge of Gatlinburg and strives to preserve the craft heritage of

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-10319571969826867152012-01-24T13:24:00.002-06:002012-01-24T13:26:49.304-06:00

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has been voted the #1 Aquarium in the United States by TripAdvisor.  The recognition comes on the heels of Ripley’s Aquarium opening a an all-new Shark Attack exhibit, an innovative, educational exhibit that explores the oceans’ top predators with a variety of live sharks and over 30 hands-on interactive displays. The Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg may be

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-5039166220642312842012-01-24T11:43:00.001-06:002012-01-24T11:44:20.104-06:00

Hit the Slopes of Ober Gatlinburg to enjoy a variety of winter sports now through March 15.  The weather is perfect for skiing, snow tubing and snowboarding and snowmaking is in full force at Ober Gatlinburg. Ober Gatlinburg features nine trails serviced by two quad lifts, one double lift and one surface lift. The Resort offers terrain for all abilities, from a beginner experiencing the joy of

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-41992248143211495472012-01-13T13:13:00.001-06:002012-01-13T13:20:48.260-06:00

It may be cold out now, but Gatlinburg is already prepping for the annual Smoky Mountain SpringFest.  The three-month long festival takes place March 9-June 3 and features a variety of events that entertain and educate.  Plus, the beauty of the area is in full bloom during spring, with flowers, foliage and beautiful waterfalls creating amazing sights to see. Here are some of the events

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-430103302444124228.post-29793032638818635002012-01-13T12:30:00.000-06:002012-01-13T12:30:26.456-06:00

Ready for some great comedy? Make plans to attend the Gatlinburg Improv Fest, from February 23-26, for some hilarious improvisational comedy. The Gatlinburg Improv Fest is geared towards both performers and spectators. It will feature a variety of improve groups and instructors participating in a series of shows and classes over the four day event. The Improv Fest is presented by and

Ashleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05352517509476633484noreply@blogger.com0