Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival

Come out to Patriot Park to celebrate the 4th of July! Admission is free, but get there early. All of the seating and parking goes quickly!

What: Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival
When: July 4
Time: Entertainment starts at 1 p.m.; fireworks about 9:45 p.m.
Where: Patriot Park
Entertainers (partial list): John Berry; Sarah Darling; The Temptations Revue; Classic Rock All-Stars: Homer Hart
Admission: Free
Web: www.MyPigeonForge.com/patriot

Spa Treatment in Sevierville, TN

Your Smoky Mountain vacation will not be complete without a relaxing day at the spa. Sevierville spa’s offer group treatments for that girlfriend get away and in-room massages for a romantic couples treatment. Utopia Day Spa captures everything a relaxing mountain vacation is all about by offering massage treatments outdoors in the midst of breathtaking views. They are a full service day spa and salon, so you can get everything from facials to pedicures. What better way to end or begin a wonderful vacation. For more information on the spa please click here.

A Wedding in the Smokies

Sugarlands Visitor Center

 

During your vacation around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to stop by the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Before you decide on what trail to hike or where to picnic, you can pick up a park map and have your questions answered by a ranger. There is a 20-minute orientation film that provides an in-depth look at the diverse plant and animal life within the Smokies. Inside the visitors center you can also view historical exhibits about the wildlife you may see in the park. During the summer, the visitor center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The center is located 2 miles south of Gatlinburg on US- 441. For more information about the visitor center and others throughout the park click here.

Mills Park in Gatlinburg

Want to make your family vacation as memorable and fun as possible? Mills Park, off of Mills Road, has a variety of amenities to help make your vacation one to remember. They have a playground area for the kids, football and softball fields, horseshoe pit, jogging trails, basketball court, a track, 9-hole disc golf course, and a skate park. And after a long day at play, enjoy a family picnic dinner right in the park. Everyone in your family will be able to find something to entertain at this great location. This is a great place for your family to enjoy the outdoors!

Douglas Lake

Douglas Lake, located outside Sevierville, has more to offer than you may expect. The Lake offers activities such as camping, swimming, and boating. For the fisherman in your family, Douglas Lake is perfect. It is ranked top 5 in the nation for Crappie and top 10 for Large Moth Bass. If fishing is not for you, then spend the day just relaxing on the water. Houseboats, ski boats, and pontoon boats are all available to rent from the marina. Douglas lake will surely provide you and your family a weekend of fun. If you’re not a family of campers, click here for lodging around the Douglas Lake area.

New Found Gap Road

Newfound Gap Road is a 33-mile drive from Gatlinburg, TN to Cherokee, NC. It makes up the largest drivable pass through of the entire park. It is the perfect way to see everything the park has to offer. Along the way, don’t forget to pack a picnic and pull over by the river, or take advantage of the great photo opportunities. You can call the National Park at (865) 436-0120 for a Newfound Gap Road Auto Tour Booklet that will tell you all the great pull-offs and hiking trails along the drive.

Parkway to the Park Giveaway

From now until July 15^th, you can get registered to win an exciting prize pack from the town of Pigeon Forge. To celebrate the 75^th anniversary, the “Parkway to the Park” campaign will give 75 families a $75 fuel card, a $75 parkway attraction pass, a list of 75 fun activities in Pigeon Forge, Dolly Parton’s new Smoky Mountain Tribute CD, and two tickets to Dollywood. To register, click here.

Water Rides at Ober Gatlinburg

Ober Gatlinburg offers guests a lot more than just winter activities. In the summer, there is plenty to entertain you and your family as well. With offerings like a year-round amusement park, a high bank go-cart track, and tree water raft slides who wouldn’t love it? One of the rides is the Alpine Slide, an 1800 ft twin slide! Ober is perfect year-round for those who enjoy photography, or would just like to see an open view of the mountaintops. For all you winter lovers the ice skating rink is still open year-round. Click here for other attractions and lodging in the Gatlinburg area.

The Maddron Bald Trail

The Maddron Bald trail in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park provides the perfect two-night camping trip for those who love the outdoors. The Trail begins on an old logging trail and continues through an old virgin forest, streams, and historical homelands. The Baxter Cabin has been refurbished to exhibit what a typical home looked like in the 1800’s. The plant life on the trail is so diverse and old. There is a buckeye tree that is over seven feet around. After three miles on the trail, you will come to Albright Loop, which is a side trip through an open forest displaying huge trees. Albright Grove is one of the most secluded areas of the Smokies. Halfway through the grove will be a place with a remarkable 360-degree view of the forest. The loop is short, after only .7 miles it intersects with Maddron Bald Trail. If you want an extra challenge, continue on the Bald Trail for 15 miles and it will intersect with the Snake Den Trail. If you do not continue on the trail and return as you came after the loop, the hike is 7 miles.

 

Directions:

From Gatlinburg on US 321, go 15.5 miles to Baxter Road 1/10 mile East of Yogi’s Campground. Follow the road and keep to the right to signaled trailhead. There is a small parking lot outside of the gate.

 

How to Get There

 

The Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area has a lot to offer, but sometimes it is hard to find the one place you are looking for. Here are some directions of how to get to a few key places in the area from your cabin.

 

To Walmart:

1. 
Jackson Mtn. Homes, Left on US-321 to US-441 (Traffic Light #3) [3.4 mi]

2.Turn right on US-441 North to Walmart on the left [11.7 mi]

 

To Gatlinburg Convention Center:


1. Jackson Mtn. Homes, Left on US-321 to US-441 (Traffic Light #3) [3.4 mi]


2. Keep left on US-441 to Traffic Light #8 [.6 mi]


3. Turn left at Light #8 on Historic Motor Nature Trail Road [.1 mi]


4. Convention Center is on the right

 

To Food City Grocery and Pharmacy (Liquor and Wine store is across parking lot)


1. Jackson Mtn. Homes, left on US-321 to US-441 [1.4 mi]


2. Food City will be on your right

To McGhee Tyson Airport (Knoxville/ Alcoa)


1. Jackson Mtn. Homes, Left on US-32 to US-441 [1.4 mi]


2. Turn Right on US-441 North, changes to Hwy-66 (To I-40) [13 mi]


3. Continue North on Hwy-66 to I-40 West [8.7 mi]


4. I-40 West to Alcoa Hwy (Airport Sign) [20.8 mi]


5. Alcoa Hwy to McGhee Tyson Airport on right [12.7 mi]

 

To Fort Sanders Hospital (Sevierville, TN)


1. Jackson Mtn. Homes, Left on US-321 to US-441 (Traffic Light #3) [1.4 mi]


2. Turn Right on US-441 North, changes to Dolly Parton Pky/Hwy-411 [12.9 mi]


3. Turn Right on Dolly Parton Pky/Hwy-411 [1 mi]


4. Turn Right on Middle Creek Rd. to Fort Sanders Hospital on right [.9 mi]

Mountain Sage Gallery

Come to the Mountain Sage Gallery & Woodshop to view collections from some of Tennessee’s finest artisan’s. The Gallery features hand built crafts, as well as displays of watercolors, oils, prints, and photography within the Smoky Mountains. The Woodshop artisans use both reclaimed and new wood for the custom-built pieces. You can have custom- made interior or exterior doors, tables, cabinets, hand railings made from trees, and mantels. This is a great place to stop-in and see first-hand the culture and arts of East Tennessee. The Gallery is located on the main thoroughfare on the north edge of Townsend.

Amazing View Lodge

The Amazing View Lodge offers more than just an amazing view. This 8 bedroom lodge sleeps 29 guests and has 7 full bathrooms. Other amenities include: 2 jetted tubs, 3 fireplaces, a pool table, washer/dryer, 13 TVs (including two 50” plasma HDTVs in living room and game room, 42” Plasma HDTVs in living room and master suites, and 32” LCD HDTVs in bedrooms and game room), 2 home theater systems, 3 full body massage recliners, a wet bar, foosball and air hockey tables, and a hot tub.


For more information including booking and rates visit our website by clicking here.

Civil War Reenactment

The 2009 Gatlinburg Living History Civil War Reenactment will be held June 13^th through 15^th at Mills Park. This historical event will feature period performers that will capture the events of the “Battle of Burg Hill.” One of the most popular features of the event is the Cannon Drill and live music. So bring your family over for an educational good time. 

Cooling Off in The National Park

The increase in climate provides the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the many swimming locations within the Great Smoky Mountains. These Numerous swimming sites can be found throughout the park. These locations are good for a quick dip or tubing depending on the water level.

Area – Location – Features


1. Big Creek – State 32 from Cosby – Quiet, peaceful area with a refreshing creek


2. Deep Creek – Hwy. 19 from Cherokee – Great for tubing, bring your own or rent one


3. Greenbrier – Hwy. 321 from Gatlinburg – Just pick any spot on the gorgeous middle prog of the Little Pigeon River. Great for tubing!


4. Metcalf Bottoms – Little River Road – wade in and skip rocks across this calm, wide area of the river. Good for tubing.


5. The Sinks – Little River Road – The Smokies’ deepest swimming hole


6. Townsend ‘Wye” – Little River Road and Laurel Creek Road intersection – placid stretch of river with grassy banks for sunbathing. Another good place for tubing.

Plan Your Fishing Trip

Father/son fishing trips are a part of southern culture. The perfect place to plan one is in the many fishing holes located in the Great Smoky Mountains. One place in particular is the Horseshoe located on the Abrams Falls Trail is known for its rainbow and brown trout. They can be found where the Little River meets the Fish Camp Prong in Elkmont. There are some regulations for fishing in the park which can be viewed at the National Park’s website.

White Water Rafting

The Pigeon River in the Smoky Mountains is not only beautiful, but offers thrilling white water adventures. While White Water Rafting, you can romp through class 3 & 4 rapids. The trip is just four easy steps: safety talk at the outpost, raft down either the upper Pigeon or the Lower Pigeon, a short bus ride, and arriving back to the Outpost. The Upper Pigeon River ride is 6.5 miles, with big waves & big drops. The lower Pigeon River ride is 5.5 miles with class 1-3 rapids, so it is more low key than the Upper. Each participant must be at least three years of age.

White Water also provides inflatable kayaking. They are designed for maximum comfort and stability to handle the rapids. The trips are guided, but you are in charge of your own boat. You will be able to learn how to maneuver your way down the rapids, and how to surf, spin, and slide your kayak. Get ready for an exciting adventure on the river!

A Taste of Tennessee

For some local Southern falvor, Calhouns restaurant in the place to go. Located in the Calhoun’s Village in Gatlinburg, Calhoun’s is offers a variety of delicious food and micro-brewed beers. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is perfect for enjoying a nice dinner with friends, family, or just on a date. The unique flavors in the food and beer are something you can only get at Calhoun’s. Also make sure to try the famous BBQ ribs voted “best ribs in America.” For more information on the restaurant please click here.

Kidfest at Dollywood

This years annual Dollywood Kidsfest began yesterday and continues through August 2. For more information on Kidsfest and Dollywood please click here.

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales

 

At the 49^th annual Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales event, you can visit the past and present of Appalachian history and culture. Held along the Great Smoky Mountain Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, you will find people gathered listening to the upbeat music and performances of the South. For more information on this exciting event please click here. 

Smoky Mountain Celebration

Come celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park on June 13^th through 15^th. For more information on the weekend celebration and events throughout the year please click here.

Smith Family Theater hosts the Great Smoky Mountain 75th Anniversary Benefit Show

 

The Smith Family Theater offers some of the best shows in the Smokies. It has even been voted Best Show and Best Entertainment. Enjoy Gospel, Bluegrass, comedy, oldies, impersonations and more. For more information click here. 

Local Cheese Grits Recipe

A traditional Smoky Mountain dish

Smokies Cheese Grits


1&1/2 Cups Boiling Water
1 Teaspoon Salt
1/2 Cup Grits
4 Tablespoon Milk
4 Eggs
1 Cup Sharp Grated Cheddar Cheese

Boil water and salt in a pot. Add grits and stir a few seconds. Cover grits and simmer for about 20 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure they have enough water in them. Beat the eggs and milk and stir in the cheese. Add the cheese and egg mixture to the grits and stir over low heat until the eggs are cooked in. Serves 2-3.

Smoky Mountain Climate

Our environment is going through a series of negative changes. These changes will continue to get worse if we do not educate the younger generations of small, important ways of helping out the environment. The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont helps to do this by connecting people to nature and educating children about climate and global change. The main goal of The Institute is to help children appreciate the nature around them. The Institute wants to present “earth friendly” habits to children that they will not only remember, but use beyond The Institute. They also encourage parents to help teach their children by getting them involved outside of the classroom. Encouraging children to start a river, trail, or schoolyard clean-up, reduce waste and resources by using cloth reusable grocery bags, canvas bags for kids to paint on, planting trees around the neighborhood are all ways to get them involved.

 

A Gardeners Dream

If gardening is a hobby of yours, then the Old Mill Pigeon River Potting Shed is the place for you. The store is full if items that will make your garden a ravishing and enchanted place. The environment within the store is relaxing and soothing for maximum stress free shopping. Stop by anytime, this a place for all gardeners alike. For information on the store and location please click here.

Fishing in The National Park

Fishing in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the perfect way to enjoy the outdoors in an inexpensive way. Before heading out there are a few guidelines that you should know. If you catch a brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, or small-mouth bass that is smaller than 7 inches, you must immediately return it to the water. There is no size limit on rockbass. Fishing is permitted by the use of one hand-held rod. Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. Dropper flies may be used, but only up to two flies on a leader. You cannot use any artificial scents, minnows, worms, corn, cheese, bread, salmon eggs, pork rinds, or natural baits found along the stream. For more information or to talk to a ranger, call (865) 436-1294.

Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival

The 2009 Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival is a wonderful family affair. Held Saturday, June 6^th, the festival will have free admission for all. Activities at the event include: Raku firing, children’s tent, music, food, and demonstrations of wheel-throwing, hand-building, and other techniques. For more information about the 2009 Pottery Festival, contact Jeanie Hilten at (865) 448-6134 or jhilten@smokymountains.org

Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge: Classic Car Show

 

The Classic Car Show in Pigeon Forge begins tomorrow and lasts until June 6^th. The event will be held at the Music Road Hotel & Convention Center. For more information call (865) 379-9595.

Storytelling Festival

June 4^th through 6^th this year marks the 18^th annual Smoky Mountain Storytelling Festival, located in Pigeon Forge. Storytellers of all ages will join together on stage to entertain the eager public. For ticket information please call (865) 429-7350 or click here.

 

Staying in the Smokies?

The Great Smoky Mountains can be best experienced by renting one of the many cabins located within the mountains. You can relax in the serene environment of the mountains, while taking in the amazing views. Escape the fast paced city life and take it easy on the porch of one of our tranquil cabins. For cabin information at Jackson Mountain Homes please click here.