Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival – Free Event

Enjoy Free Music, Find Unique Gifts at the 7th Annual Fine Arts Festival – May 14-15

Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival

The Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival (GFAF) is a free outdoor family event that features quality artists from around the country along with Appalachian music from the area. Volunteers from the community produce the festival to benefit the Sevier County Arts Council, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, and the Gatlinburg Boys & Girls Club.

2011 will be the seventh year of the festival and large crowds are expected. Gatlinburg is a thriving tourist destination and a gateway city to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with over 9 million visitors annually.

The festival is being held in the center of the city at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts Campus adjacent to Arrowcraft Shop at Light # 5.

For more fun things to do in Gatlinburg, TN, visit GatlinburgConcierge.com.

Free Mountain Music this weekend

The 7th annual “Music of the Mountains” festival will be held this weekend, April 8th through the 10th. Come out and experience the rich musical traditions of the Southern Appalachians.

The schedule of events includes:

Friday, April 8

Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center, Townsend

Admission: $ 5

7 p.m. – Celtic Music by “The Good Times Ceilidh Band”; come early to enjoy Art on the Porch with members of the Townsend Artisan’s Guild

Saturday, April 9

Sugarlands Visitor Center

Admission: Free

10 a.m. – Mountain Strings

11 a.m. – Boogertown Gap Band

12 p.m. – Tony Thomas

1 p.m. – The Roan Mountain Hilltoppers

2 p.m. – Ted Olson

3 p.m. – The Roan Mountain Hilltoppers

4 p.m. – Brien Fain

Sunday, April 10

Smoky Mountain Visitor Center, Cosby

Admission: $4

2 to 4 p.m. – Heritage, harps and hymns – traditional offerings from Cocke County

For more information, click here.

Spring Wildflowers in the Smokies

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is often referred to as the Wildflower National Park because of the great diversity of flowers found in the park. A group of flowers known as spring ephemerals appear above ground only in late winter and early spring.

Included in this group are flowers such as lady slipper orchids, showy orchids, crested dwarf iris, fire pink, columbine, bleeding heart, phacelia, jack-in-the-pulpit, little brown jugs, and violets.

The Deep Creek Trail, Gregory Ridge Trail, and Oconaluftee River Trail are great trails for viewing spring wildflowers. For more information on these walks, visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/wildflower-walks.htm.

Gatlinburg Ranks in Top 10 Best Family Destinations

Gatlinburg, TN - A Top 10 Family Award-Winning Great Destination to Discover.

Today, TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, today announced the winners of its inaugural 2011 Travelers’ Choice® Family award-winning best family destinations. Gatlinburg, TN ranked #6 in the top 10 Great U.S. Destinations to discover.

Winning destinations were identified based on the greatest number of recommendations from reviewers who traveled with family.  Unlike any other honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of real and unbiased reviews and opinions from travelers around the world. Winning destinations offer a myriad of opportunities for families, including first rate attractions, restaurants, and vacation rentals.

Come experience for yourself why Gatlinburg, TN made the Top 10 list. For things to do in Gatlinburg, TN visit GatlinburgConcierge.com

Experience the Magic of Winter Lights

There’s still time to experience the holiday magic in Gatlinburg, TN. The annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic event is going on now through February, 28. The lights are on every evening during the wintertime in Gatlinburg, and now every display is environmentally friendly, using LED lights.

Over the past 22 years, visitors have enjoyed dazzling displays featuring animals indigenous to Great Smoky Mountains National Park such as deer, foxes, squirrels and rabbits as well as branches and scrolls that light up the entire length of the Parkway. Most recently, fanciful snowmen, dancing fountains, a group of international children and a shiny rocking horse joined the lineup.

Come and experience the Magic of Winter Lights in Gatlinburg, TN through February 28th. This annual event will be the start of a new holiday tradition for you and your family.

Winter fun for the whole family

Ober Gatlinburg is a ski resort and an amusement park that guarantees a good time for the whole family. Great winter activities at Ober Gatlinburg include skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating and tubing. There are many attractions designed just for kids such as the wildlife encounter, carousel, mini golf and an arcade.

For the times when it is just too cold to be outside, visit a museum or one of the many haunted houses in Gatlinburg. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has educational presentations, exciting dive shows, and hands on stations where kids can pet a stingray or hold a horseshoe crab. Not to mention the 12-foot sharks and thousands of exotic sea creatures.

Cocoa for a Crowd recipe

Hosting a party? Need a lot of hot chocolate? Look no further, here is a recipe that will serve a large crowd and keep everybody happy.

Ingredients

• 5 cups baking cocoa
• 3 cups sugar
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5 quarts water, divided
• 10 quarts milk
• 1 quart heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• Whipped cream and additional baking cocoa

Directions

• In each of two large stockpots, combine 2-1/2 cups cocoa, 1-1/2 cups sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually stir 5 cups water into each pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Whisk in the milk, cream and remaining water; heat through. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Garnish with whipped cream and additional cocoa. Yield: 65 (1-cup) servings.

Visit http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cocoa-for-a-Crowd-2 for more information.

Wilderness Wildlife Week

This week is Wilderness Wildlife Week, a weeklong celebration of the wildlife here in the Smokies. This is just one of many events held during WinterFest. Wilderness Wildlife Week features 9 days of nature seminars, interactive exhibits, guided hikes, and music by legendary performers. All events during Wilderness Wildlife Week are free of charge and open to the public. This year, the Music Road Hotel Convention Center will serve as headquarters. For more information, please visit mypigeonforge.com/wildlife.

Do black bears hibernate in the Smoky Mountains?

Contrary to popular belief, black bears living in the Smoky Mountains do not truly hibernate. They enter long periods of sleep but occasionally leave the den for short periods if they are disturbed.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of just a few locations in the eastern part of the United States where black bears can live in wild, natural surroundings.

During winter, bears find shelter in hollow stumps, tree cavities, and other safe places. Bears in the Smoky Mountains are unlike bears in other regions in that they often den high above the ground.

Check out this site for more information: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/black-bears.htm.

Smoky Mountain National Park Sign

There are just a few days left in your vacation from work and school, and before you head back you should take a day to relax in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A great place to take an individual or group shot photo is by the old style entrance signs as you enter the park from any direction. They are uniform in appearance, and pictures are a great way to remember your day of activities. This is a fun way to start a new tradition, every year when you visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park you can take your picture by the entrance signs to show how you and the park change year to year.

New Year’s Eve Extravaganza

Grab your family and head over the Pigeon Forge for the 28^th annual New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. Located in the Grand Resort Hotel and Convention Center, the celebration includes fireworks, dozens of lights, and its own New Year’s countdown.

Southern Spoon Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

* 3/4 cup cornmeal, stone or water ground, if possible
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup boiling water
* 3 tablespoons melted butter
* 2 large eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 2 teaspoons baking powder

Preparation:
Combine cornmeal and salt in a mixing bowl. Stirring constantly, gradually add boiling water, keeping smooth; stir in the melted butter. In a small mixing bowl, beat eggs until pale in color and thick. Add milk and beat to combine. Add milk and egg mixture to the cornmeal mixture with baking powder. Beat with an electric hand-held mixer or whisk to blend thoroughly. Turn into a generously greased 8-inch square glass baking dish or 1 1/2-quart casserole. Bake at 350° for about 30 to 35 minutes, until set and lightly browned. Serve the spoon bread hot, with plenty of butter.
Serves 4 to 6.

Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN

In 2007, Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que was voted Reader’s Choice Best Family Dining in the Smokies. If you’re a little tired of all that turkey and ham after the holidays, take a break and have some delicious ribs, chicken, pork, and beef. Need some catering for your New Year’s event? Bennett’s is great for large and small groups dining with a menu full of Americas’ favorites. In Gatlinburg, it is located off River Road, and off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

Winter Magic in Gatlinburg

Visitors of all ages can marvel at the traditional mountain scenes, colorful winter displays which have been converted to LED. The north end of Gatlinburg received an injection of fresh exhibits and subtle enhancements, while most of the timeless displays visitors have grown accustomed to over the past 17 years were converted to LED.

Adjacent to the famous Parkway, River Road features a “magical” touch along the popular Riverwalk area, where the romantic arched walkway is enhanced by a pair of graceful 40-foot swans and several ornate floral representations to set the tone for romance in lovers of all ages.

The convergence of the Parkway and River Road forms the landmark downtown triangle that is transformed into a cluster of tall evergreens swirled in color, certain to become a popular photographic backdrop as visitors enter the above two sections on foot or via the Parkway. Smoky Mountain Romance touches are added in several display areas after the holidays, with wild animal scenes, winter forests and swirling trees accenting the season.

“With Gatlinburg Winter Magic, we will continue to glorify the winter landscape of Gatlinburg and the beauty of the mountains,” said Mr. Michael Anderson, co-owner of Jackson Mountain Homes. “You’ve not experienced winter until you see the lights of Gatlinburg again.” Gatlinburg Winter Magic has been named a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society.

Christmas at the Cabin and driving through Winterfest Lights in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Merry Christmas! Christmas is the time of the year to spend with family, and be thankful for everyone you have near to you in your life. Spending time with your family in a rental cabin, tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains, is cozy and affordable this holiday season. The Birdsong Chalet in Gatlinburg is an original cedar chalet, newly renovated. You will have amazing views, and can have Christmas dinner in front of the stone fireplace. The house sleeps 12, so there is plenty of room for everyone!

And at night, before cozying up beside the fireplace with some hot chocolate, take a drive through the Winterfest lights in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The animated lights are a fun way to end  Christmas vacation in the Smokies.

Winter Day Hiking in the Smoky Mountains National Park

 

Some people may not see hiking in the winter as a fun activity because of the cold weather, but every season has something new to offer and something new to reveal. During the winter, you will see stone walls, chimneys, foundations, and other bits and pieces of the early settlers that are normally covered during the warmer months. There may not be anymore colorful leaves filling the tops of the trees, but this time of the year nothing is covering up the remainders of the past. You can still choose the trail you wish to hike depending on what you want to see. Even if the waterfalls are frozen, they are still beautiful! The backcountry roads off of Cades Cove are closed, but there are many other beautiful places to visit.

The Caldwell Fork Trail is recommended for winter hiking. It is a moderate trail by a mountain river, and it goes through an old poplar forest.

Hollywood Star Car Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

If you’re visiting the Gatlinburg area this holiday season and need to get out of the cold, visit the Hollywood Star Car Museum in downtown Gatlinburg featuring some of the best cars from Hollywood movies, TV, and real life music superstar cars that you are sure to remember! They have classics from The Dukes of Hazzard and the Beverly Hillbillies, as well as new Blockbluster hits, such as The Fast and the Furious and Gone in 60 seconds. This is a great activity for the whole family, and a great way to spend time together this holiday season.

List of Old Timey Photo Shops

Old Timey Photos By Renee

716 Parkway Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3240

(865) 436-4411‎

Miss Dee’s Old Fashioned Photos

174 Old Mill Ave
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863-3516
(865) 429-0111

Dixie’s Old Time Photo
529 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-0055

Garters & Guns Old Time Saloon Photos
602 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-4455

Miss Sadie’s Old Time Photos
1001 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-4120

Old Town Photos
651 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-430-7660

Tennessee Aviation Museum

Built in 2001, the  Museum of Aviation is located in Sevierville near Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge airport runway. This unique location allows for the history of aviation to be brought to life by the vintage aircrafts flying overhead for the visitors. The mission of the museum is to honor the history of aviation and to advance aviation education. The museum offers daily tours, children’s programs, school field trips, an in-museum theater, lecture series, a modeling expo, and more. A few exhibits you will find in the museum are the artifacts gallery, a huge aircraft hangar, and a PBY-5A 104 wingspan aircraft. Warbirds Weekend is once every spring and every fall, which attracts numerous visiting airplanes providing extra photo opportunities and exciting flyby formations. This is truly a place that everyone must see to appreciate.  

Getting through Winter in the Smoky Mountains

Winters in the Smokies can be long and gray, so what did the early settlers do to pass their time and keep warm in the winter? In the mid-19th century, the farm homes were usually small, and the families themselves were rather large. Frequently there would be multiple generations living in one house, and a family had anywhere between 5-12 kids! Dorie Woodruff Cope, spend her childhood in the Smokies. She describes her winters by saying, “So we waited. Snow came two or three times a week to add inches to the blanket already on the ground. Silence hung over the mountains like a misty fog…Wind whistled around the corners of the cabin and down the chimney, causing the fire to reach out of the fireplace and fill the room with ashes. Ma kept beans and meat boiling in a kettle.”

 

Other ways to pass the time was by making folk music with the family. Some of the well- known ballads included “The Drunkard’s Last Drink” and “Young Hunting”.

 

In the mid 1800s, there was a Smoky Mountain winter fare, which sometimes lacked fresh produce in the winter; however, it was better than having nothing to eat. The menu would include things such as corn break, salted pork, pickled vegetables, chestnuts, butter, molasses, corn mush, chicken, squirrel, sulfured apples, and stack cakes.

 

Since there was the least amount of farm work to be done during the winter, it was the prime time for the children to attend school. Most students finished 3-5 years of schooling. There are two schools preserved in the park: Little Greenbrier and Beech Grove School. While in the park, visit the two schools and see how the children would spend their winter days in the log schoolhouses. 

It’s Christmas in the Smokies: Dollywood’s Christmas Festival

Dollywood celebrates Christmas with the annual Christmas Festival. This year the festival lasts from November 8th until January 3rd. Shows this year will include: Christmas in the Smokies, Babes in Toyland, Appalachian Christmas, Carol of the Trees, Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs, O’ Holy Night, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Other events and sites: Santa’s Workshop, Christmas Pyramid, Christmas Chapel, Parade of Lights, Scrooge (Roving Character), and Victorian Melodies. You don’t want to miss all of these exciting events at Dollywood and to top off your trip to the Smokies stay in a mountain cabin with an excellent view.

Local Churches in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area

Here is a list of some of the local churches in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. If you want to attend a service while on vacation, be sure to call the church of your choice to confirm service times. For a complete listing click here.

1. First Baptist Church
111 Oglewood Lane, Gatlinburg
(865) 436-4685
2. Fist United Methodist Church, Pigeon Forge
742 Parkway
(865) 436-4691
3. Gatlinburg Little Mountain Church, Gatlinburg
Reagan Drive
(865) 436-7773
4. Our Savior Lutheran Church, Gatlinburg
Historic Nature Trail – Airport Road
(865) 436-5641
5. St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Gatlinburg
Historic Nature Trail- Airport Road
(865) 436-4907
6. Trinity Episcopal Church, Gatlinburg
Historic Nature Trail – Airport Road
(865) 436-4907

Video Rental Stores in Pigeon Forge, TN

After a long day of playing in the Smokies, it is nice to curl up with your loved ones and watch a good movie by the fire. Here is a list of local video rental stores in the area so you can find just what you are looking for.

1. Movie Star Video - (865)453-0006

3518 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge

2. Movieland Video Company of Pigeon Inc - (865)428-2504

335 Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge

3. M & M Movies - (865) 453-1748

1124 Oak Cluster Dr, Sevierville

4. Blockbuster Video (865) 908-7535

699 Parkway Street, Sevierville

5. Glades Video and Electronics - (865) 908-4205

116 Roaring Fork Rd, Gatlinburg

Cherokee Grill

For good food, a good time and good service, visit the Cherokee Grill in Gatlinburg. Referred to as “Gatlinburg’s Great Steakhouse” by their website, the Cherokee Grill offers fresh fish, seafood, chicken, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, and mouth-watering steaks. Along with great food, the Cherokee Grill offers a great view of the mountains as well. For more information, visit their website: http://www.cherokeegrill.com/

Go see the Stars: Hollywood Wax Museum, Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The Hollywood Wax Museum in Gatlinburg is one of three in the United States. The sets and stars of the museum are so realistic and magical, that you will want to touch the figures! You will be able to stand beside and have your picture taken with stars such as Julia Roberts, Katherine Hepburn, Tom Hanks, and the celebrity list (both old and new) goes on. These wax figurines are so detailed and life-like you can’t help but wonder how difficult they are to recreate. It can take up to four pounds of wax from 56,000 bees just to make one head! And the final product would not be complete without the help of sculptors, hair stylists, eye and teeth specialists, make-up artists, costume and set designers, and special effects technicians. The museum is located on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, call (865) 430-1800 to plan your visit. This is the only Hollywood Wax Museum on the east coast, so while your visiting be sure to make a point to go see the stars!

Corn Bread Recipe

There are many East Tennessee traditions that are still practiced today. The heritage of the Smoky Mountain community is legendary and is continued to be passed down the family tree. One recipe that is well known in Cades Cove is the Smoky Mountain Skillet Corn Bread. We want to share this traditional recipe with you:

2 cups self-rising corn meal less 2 Tbs.

2 cups buttermilk

1 egg

¼ cup shortening

 

Instructions: Preheat Oven to 400 degrees. Place a 10-inch iron skillet on burner and melt the shortening. Coat the pan and set aside. Mix the meal, buttermilk and egg in a bowl. Add melted shortening from skillet and stir in. Pour mixture in heated iron skillet. Bake at 400 degrees until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Top 10 Restaurants in Gatlinburg

 

While vacationing in Gatlinburg here are just a few places you should eat. Inside Gatlinburg has provided the following list of top 10 restaurants in Gatlinburg voted by both visitors and locals:
#1) The Peddler Steakhouse
820 River Rd
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-5794

#2) Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria
968 Parkway # 9
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 430-4090
(865) 436-3600

#3) Log Cabin Pancake House
327 Historic Nature Trl
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-7894
Restaurant Reviews and Directions

#4) Smoky Mountain Brewery
1004 Parkway # 501
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-4200

#5) Calhoun’s BBQ
1004 Parkway # 101
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-4100

#6) Cherokee Grill
1002 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-4287

#7) Pancake Pantry
628 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-4724

#8) Wild Plum Tea Room
555 Buckhorn Rd
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-3808

#9) Donut Friar
634 Parkway # 15
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-7306

#10) Park Grill
1110 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-2300
(865) 436-3800

A Great Southern Home cooked Meal at the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant

One of the locals favorite places to eat in the Smokies is the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this restaurant is sure to meet your hunger needs. All breakfast meals come with Applesauce muffins, Applewood Julep, and Apple Fritters with Homemade Apple Butter. Most lunches come with homemade vegetable soup, mashed potatoes, choice of vegetable, buttermilk biscuit, Applewood Julep, and Applewoods Apple Fritters with homemade apple butter. Most dinner entrees include homemade vegetable soup, garden salad, mashed potatoes, homemade dinner roll, choice of vegetable, choice of dessert, Applewood Julep, and Applewood’s Apple Fritters and homemade apple butter. All of this food is provided with your reasonably priced entrée. Applewood is a must go if you are in the Pigeon Forge Area.

Shopping Outlets for the Holidays near Gatlinburg

If you are looking for that perfect gift at a perfect price try the outlet malls in the Gatlinburg area.
Beltz Factory Outlet World
2655 Teaster Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN – (865) 453-3503

Tanger Factory Outlet Center
161 E Wears Valley Rd, Pigeon Forge, TN – (865) 428-7002

Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall
2850 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN – (865) 428-2828

Vanity Fair Factory Outlet
24 Collier Dr, Sevierville, TN – (865) 429-2882

Tanger Factory Outlet Center
1645 Parkway # 960, Sevierville, TN – (865) 453-1053

Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

Try a taste of Tennessee’s finest home cooking, with fried green tomatoes, from the Smoky Mountains. This recipe is about impossible to beat with its simplicity, delightfulness, and down-right southern twang. Tennessee has some of the nations best selection of green tomatoes, especially locally in east Tennessee.

For further instructions on this recipe and how you can get started, get to cooking at http://www.mountains.org/cookbook/twice-baked.html .