Christmas and New Years in the Smokies 2013

We're posting early this month to cover several Christmas related events going on in the early part of December. Others have already started, but if you've come to this article for ideas to build your itinerary for a Christmas trip to the Smokies, it'd be criminal not to mention them!

First things first, a couple Christmas events have already started, but they are extended well beyond December 25th. Dollywood is, naturally, having their Smoky Mountain Christmas festival from now until January 4th, and all your favorite shows, parades, and lighting structures will be back and on great display. Definitely a must-see for anyone coming to the Smokies. www.dollywood.com

Another new event we have this year, also going on right now, is the new Christmas in Wears Valley in, you guessed it, Wears Valley, Tennessee. At the Wears Valley Ranch each weekend from here to December 31st there will be hayrides, carol singing, storytelling, and all kinds of old school Appalachian culture holiday fun to join in on. www.christmasinwearsvalley.com.

After that, we have the annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in downtown Gatlinburg on the night of December 6th. This is the best Christmas Parade in East Tennessee with more floats than you can count, all your favorite Christmas characters, and some amazing designs, lights, and treats for everyone to see. www.gatlinburg.com.

The next day, we have a special guest appearing at Cove Creek RV in Wears Valley as part of Christmas in Wears Valley - Bill Landry, the host of "The Heartlander Series" and one of the best storytellers in the area. He will be appearing and signing books at Cove Creek RV on Saturday, December 7th, at 4:00PM. www.christmasinwearsvalley.com.

Finally, there is New Years Eve. Gatlinburg will celebrate it as it traditionally does with music and entertainment downtown and a huge fireworks display on the Space Needle the moment it turns 2014. It's nearly 15 minutes of insane pyrotechnics exploding into the night sky and it's more incredible to see in action than you can imagine. www.gatlinburg.com.

We're keep you informed on new special events starting the new year out next month. As always, keep checking back with Allthesmokies.com for new things to see in the Smokies!

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Special Events For November 2013

Lots going on this month towards Thanksgiving (naturally) and as December starts entering in.

First and foremost, Gatlinburg's trio of events at W.L. Mills Auditorium is back on this year between 11/26/13 to 12/1/13. Gatlinburg Festival of Trees (11/26/13 - 11/30/13), The Great Smoky Mountains Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show (11/26/13 - 12/1/13) and return performances of The Nutcracker "Sweet" on 11/29/13 and 11/30/13. If you come to visit W.L. Mills Auditorium on 11/29/13 and 11/30/13, you and your family can check all three one the same day under one roof! Visit www.gatlinburg.com for more information on those events.

Then, we have a new event to tell you about in the area. The community of Wears Valley, between Pigeon Forge and Townsend, is starting up a Christmas festival of their own that you simply must see! Christmas in Wears Valley is on between November 29th and December 31st for 2013. It is a weekend event going on each weekend between those dates at Cove Creek RV on the main road through the community. There will be wagon rides, hayrides, storytelling, Christmas Carols in addition to the wonderful things you can find in the area year-round.

There is also going to be a special promotion similar to a scavenger hunt where people who find 10 specially decorated Christmas trees at businesses in Wears Valley will receive a free Christmas In Wears Valley Christmas card, and those who find all 20+ will receive a free Christmas In Wears Valley T-shirt. You can find more information on this event at www.christmasinwearsvalley.com.

Stay tuned with us at www.allthesmokies.com as we get ready for December and the Christmas events going on.

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Harvest Festival in the Smokies 2013

After much speculation and watching, this week is the start of the full Autumn bloom, and we would love to have you out in Pigeon Forge to enjoy it with us! There's also a plentitude of good special events going on from here until the end of the month that really adds to the Harvest Festival or Halloween ambiance.

Here's what we have going on this month:

* Patriot Park Rotary Club Craft Tent *
September 28th – October 26th, 2013

A 28 year old tradition, every Harvest Festival, the Rotary Club sets up a huge tent as a showcase for local artists and crafters to show off their wares and skills in the parking lot of Patriot Park. Admission by donation. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/pigeon-forge-rotary-club-craft-fair/

* Dollywood National Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration *
October 2nd – November 2nd, 2013

More Southern Gospel and genuine, homemade arts and crafts from age-old Appalachian family skills than you can find anywhere else in the South. Come for the music, stay for the rides and take home Appalachian souvenirs you can’t get anywhere else! www.dollywood.com

* Ripley's Fright Nights *
October 4th - October 31st, 2013

Ripley’s Haunted Adventure celebrates Halloween with an additional horror show bringing the New Orleans ghost lore to supplement the already skin-crawlingly creepy show with no extra charge every Friday Saturday, and Sunday evening plus Halloween Night. http://www.ripleys.com/gatlinburg/your-visit/ripleys-haunted-adventure/

* Halloween At The Island *
October 31st, 2013

Wow! The newest, hottest spot in Pigeon Forge will be open for families to enjoy Halloween. Free hayrides, ghost storytelling, kids circus, candy stations, costume contest and free rides on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel for all kids in costume with Adult purchase. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/halloween-at-the-island/.


The Smoky Mountains and their many bountiful colors are waiting for you! www.allthesmokies.com.

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Changing Fall Colors 2013

We don't want cry wolf, but it's been confirmed that the color change has already started in Pigeon Forge and we could see the full Autumn Bloom as early as two weeks ahead of schedule. Those of you looking to get a bright and colorful Autumn getaway in the Smokies might want to start planning now and make your trip sooner.

And what is there to look forward to in the coming weeks? In Pigeon Forge, we have the 10th Annual Heritage Day at the Old Mill on September 28th, 2013, which will include music performances and crafts in a festival setting plus the opening of this year's Rotary Club Craft Tent in Patriot Park. Then, for a full week starting on October 1st, The Christmas Village on the other side of Pigeon Forge will hold MountainFest for another awesome Appalachian culture festival, and just the next day is Dollywood's world-famous National Gospel and Harvest Celebration where the music will play non-stop, booths will set up for more Appalachian artists to congregate and show off their talents, and the rides will be even sweeter! National Gospel and Harvest Celebration is October 2nd to November 2nd for 2013.

You can get more information on these events at www.mypigeonforge.com. Get more information on the Smoky Mountains at www.allthesmokies.com.

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What's New at The Island?

If you've been keeping up with news from the Smokies throughout Spring and Summer, you no doubt have heard the big news about The Island, Pigeon Forge's newest section of town and home to the equally brand new Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. The Island was a project several years in the making and finally came to fruition during the Summer of 2013.

Does it live up to its hype or is it just more tourist-trap tripe? Well, if you already held Pigeon Forge in the tourist-trap esteem, The Island won't do much to change your mind (one wonders why you're reading this blog in the first place) because The Island very much has the spirit of Pigeon Forge in it with quite a few twists. The huge ferris wheel joining the skyline is the first major addition and it is a fun way to see the town both upclose and above along with the mountains in the distance, but The Island brings more to the city itself than just a new ride.

The Island offers a variety of restaurants, most of which are new (but classics like Mellow Mushroom get a new location there) including the Poynor's Pomme Frite authentic German Food, Margeritaville, Dude's Daiquiris, Timberwood Grill, Auntie Anne's and Cinnabon (can you believe we haven't had them before?) and more.

There is also a little stage on the main street where bands play at different times of the day. Night you can be certain of, but at times during the day too. Classic attractions like an arcade, streetside carousel, and trampoline station also make up good fun for the kids and parking is free, plentiful, and even offers a free tram to minimize walking. You almost can't get that anywhere else in town!

Enjoy some of the rest of the pictures here and keep up to date with more information from http://islandinpigeonforge.com/

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Summit Cabin Rentals near Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Have you been to Shagbark in the Smoky Mountains? Just off of Walden's Creek and between Wear's Valley and Pigeon Forge? Have you even heard of it? Probably not, and it's this reason that Summit Cabin Rentals has chosen the area to house many of its houses in the Smoky Mountains.

Shagbark is a heavily forested and isolated area of the Tennessee Smokies just 10-12 minutes from downtown Pigeon Forge, making it the perfect place to enjoy the purest solitudes and environments of the mountains. All the seasons of the year come to your doorstep and flow all around our houses at Summit Cabin Rentals. They feature 1-6 bedroom cabins, loaded with luxury amenities from top to bottom, swimming pool access, hot tubs, jacuzzis, game rooms, heavy discounts throughout the year - everything you need to make an incredible getaway to the Smoky Mountains!

Reserve a cabin with them today at www.summitcabinrentals.com.

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More Summer Fun In The Smokies

The summer's still on in the Smokies! Here are some awesome suggestions for getting the most out of the vacation season.

* Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair *

This Gatlinburg expo is so big that the city holds it every season. During Spring, Summer, Fall and Thanksgiving, the W.L. Mills auditorium hosts a huge showcase where over 100 artists and artisans from around the Eastern side of the country get to show off their skills and wares. What to expect? It'd be easier to list the things you probably WON'T find there: cars and car parts, medical lab supplies, DIY zeppelin kits, anti-gravity lawn furniture, drums of plutonium, used cores of the sun... anything else you can think of will be there, complete with live entertainment!

This event is going on from July 19th to the 28th for 2013 and you can see more on this at www.craftsmenfair.com.

* Murder Mystery Dinner Show *

How many times have you ever been to a show where you where literally part of the set and atmosphere of the plot? If never, come on out to Pigeon Forge's Murder Mystery Dinner Show and watch the madness unfold not just in front of you, but ALL AROUND you too! If you're really looking for something different, here it is! http://www.murder-mystery-theater.com/

* GSM Outfitters *

For all the hype there is to talk about enjoying the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, we really don't have much in the way of getting hikers and tubers prepped, especially not out in Wears Valley. GSM Outfitters, the newest store in the community, remedies with this with everything you need with all your favorite brands there. Check them out at http://gsmoutfitters.com/.

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Independence Day 2013

There is a lot to love about Summer - backyard BBQ, city park picnics (also BBQ), municipal swimming pools, frisbee, baseball, fireflies and so much more - but the moment everyone looks forward to is a single 20 minute segment in early July, and you already know what it is.

But in the Smokies of East Tennessee, the magic of the 4th of July isn't just 20 minutes after sundown, it lasts the whole day starting 5 minutes after 11:55PM on July 3rd with the Midnight Parade in downtown Gatlinburg. This parade has been a tradition in Gatlinburg for years and years and for more than an hour, you and the whole family can watch an amazing patriotic parade - and that just BEGINS the 4th of July celebration!

Then after that, starting at 10 a.m. is the River Raft Regatta at Christ in the Smokies in downtown Gatlinburg where you can race any unmanned, floatable objects toward the goal at Ripley's Aquarium. This event is sponsored by the City of Gatlinburg Special Events Office, the Gatlinburg Recreation Department and the Boys and Girls Club.

In Pigeon Forge, Patriot Park is having Patriot Fest at 1:30 PM. The whole park becomes a center of activity with a huge sound stage, lots of activity, food tents, cooling off station, music by Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, and much more until the fireworks start between 9:30 to 9:45 p.m. The fireworks in Gatlinburg start at 10:00 p.m. and if you're already downtown, you won't have to go far. The fireworks in Gatlinburg are designed to be seen from anywhere on the downtown sidewalk.

Come spend your 4th of July here with us in the Smokies! There's lots to do that's awesome for the whole family and we would be glad to have you. www.allthesmokies.com.

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GSM Outfitters in Wears Valley, Tennessee

Those of you who wanted to do some fishing and kayaking out in Wears Valley will want to know that there is a new store out in that area catering specifically to you! We welcome GSM Outfitters to our brethren of local business owners helping to enrich and expand the experiences of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Their press release is as follows:

"GSM has been started by Heather and Michael Shepperd. We were married on June 14th 2010. One of the many things we have in common is a love for the outdoors. When we met, my soon to be wife was getting ready for a backcountry trip with an organization call BOW (“Becoming an Outdoor Woman”). Their trip would be in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I was also getting ready for a trip to Tennessee. Once in Tennessee I planned to hike Ramsey Falls for the second time. I decided to invite Heather to come with me.


I have been coming to Tennessee my whole life. My mother was born here and as a kid we would come for vacations and stay on my great uncle Wayne’s farm. I have always had an appreciation for this state. Beautiful county and nice people make for a perfect place, in my opinion. Heather agreed to join me on the trip. Once here, she had the same love and passion for this part of the country that I had always known.

Following that trip, almost every vacation or long weekend revolved around the Smoky Mountains. We have traveled and hiked various trails in and around the Smoky Mountains from Cades Cove to Cherokee, North Carolina. We never seem to grow tired of waterfalls, lush forest, mountain trails, butterflies, bears or Tennessee. It took no time to decide that when we retired Tennessee would be our home. We started saving money to facilitate the process. Just over a year ago we had a 3 hour brainstorm meeting at our kitchen table to try to figure out a way to purchase a vacation home in the mountains sooner rather than later. We tightened our belts for several months, cashed in stocks and did everything we could to squeeze every nickel.

In October we made a purchase of a home in Wears Valley.

The thought of living in this area became a vortex we could not and did not want to escape from. We were obsessed with the thoughts of daily life in the mountains and the experience that would be more than a vacation.

Sadly in January my mother passed away. In the last year of her life she had moved from Michigan back down south. Once she passed away something clicked inside of me. I did not want to spend abbreviated periods in the place that felt more like home than the place I was born in. Sometime during this confusing mix in our lives Heather and I decided to go all in and pursue our passion of a life in Tennessee combined with our love of the outdoors.

That is when we decided to open GSM Outfitters and make this magnificent place our home. Please come in and see us at GSM if not to shop than to share in your mountain experience. If you are not able to make it into the store please join us on facebook at GSM Outfitters LLC or visit our website: www.gsmoutfitters.com.

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Bloomin' BBQ and Bluegrass 2013

East Tennessee riddle for late spring: what has enough meat to rival the size of the Smoky Mountains, some of the best music acts you can find for miles around, free admission and the distinction of being one of the few special events you can enjoy around a courthouse?

The answer is the Bloomin' BBQ and Bluegrass public party in downtown Sevierville tonight and all day tomorrow. This is a tradition going years and years back, and it comes back with even more each year. It is a combination music festival, arts and crafts show and celebration of the Southern art of cooking with non-stop performances by artists like Doyle Lawson, J.D. Crowe, Tony Rice and more, a Barbecue cook-off with over 40 competitors, and The American Grillmaster Experience and the Great American BBQ Tour will both be on hand to share tips for everything barbecue.

See more on this awesome event at http://www.bloominbbq.com/WhatsNew.aspx.

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April Special Events for 2013

Man, we're halfway through April and we STILL have a lot of things coming up this month! Visitors take note, because there are some new and interesting events going on in Pigeon Forge in the next couple weeks.

Festival of the Nations:
March 23th - April 22nd, 2013
One more week to go for Dollywood's favorite Springtime festival! In case this is the first time you've heard of it - the Festival of Nations gathers many of the countries of the world to Dollywood where many cultures will add to the entertainment of the park. Africa, India, China, France, Poland and more will all be there and providing some of the best shows you will see all year!

Hurry and see it before you need to wait for next year! http://www.dollywood.com.

Welcome Home Vietnam Parade:
April 15th - April 16th, 2013
Starting tomorrow, there will be a two-day period of recognition for our veterans of the Vietnam war with a tour package featuring shows and theaters honoring the men in service to our country on Monday and a parade in that same honor for Tuesday.

For information on that, call 865-774-8114.

Grand Spring Rod Run:
April 19th - April 21st, 2013
The first of the big three annual car shows going on in Pigeon Forge starts on the weekend of April 19th. If you love cars and the many ways to artistically celebrate them, the Grand Spring Rod Run is one of the best things you'll find in Tennessee all season! http://www.pigeonforgetnguide.com/car-shows/spring-grand-rod-run-pigeon-forge-tn/

Dolly's Homecoming Parade:
May 10th, 2013
We will be welcoming back Sevier County's favorite daughter - Miss Dolly Parton herself for the 28th Annual Dolly's Homecoming Parade. This is a big event for the city of Pigeon Forge and local businesses, so you will see some highly creative and expressive floats going down the main parkway, followed by the Grand Marshall herself, Dolly Parton. Parade starts at 6:00PM starting at Stoplight #3. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_dolly_parade.aspx

Stay tuned with us next month as we bring you more coverage on Springfest in the Smokies and any news on the new Island section of Pigeon Forge - www.allthesmokies.com.

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Upcoming Spring Events for 2013

The Smokies are on the very cusp of Spring and with the return of emerald hills, lush green thickets and jade mountain tops everywhere you look in Sevier County, the special events will be returning as well.

And the best part about Spring special events is that they incorporate some of the most unique and fulfilling activities you can find in the Smokies. If you're not into some of the more mainstream material that Summer typically offers, you'll want to take a look at some of these:


Gatlinburg Improv Fest
March 8th - March 9th, 2013

Sweet Fanny Adams, one of the longest-running theaters in town and a model of academic dramatic influence in town, hosts this weekend festival for improvisational comedy enthusiasts in downtown Gatlinburg. Lots of performances and even workshops for developing your own talent further will be expected. See www.gatlinburgimprovfest.com/ for more information.


A Mountain Quiltfest
March 12th - 16th, 2013

The city of Pigeon Forge hosts a very popular festival in which over 20,000 visitors participate in many classes and seminars, and view some of the most gorgeous quilts in the country. More than 60 classes and seminars will be featured and a vendor mall will be onsite for enthusiasts to purchase supplies. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_quiltfest.aspx


Dollywood's Festival of Nations
March 23th - April 22nd, 2013

Dollywood opens every season with the most exciting Spring festival you'll find in East Tennessee - the Festival of Nations gathers many of the countries of the world to Dollywood where many cultures will add to the entertainment of the park. Africa, India, China, France, Poland and more will all be there and providing some of the best shows you will see all year! http://www.dollywood.com


Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg
March 31st, 2013

The Sunrise Service is a Christian lead Easter service at the top of our
provided. Tram rides start at 5:45 AM in downtown Gatlinburg and are
omplimentary to visitors for this event. http://www.obergatlinburg.com


Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
April 5th - August 10th, 2013

Ever wanted the Smokies to be filled with the old timey music and legends
that it used to have way back in the day? Come to Gatlinburg for Smoky
Mountain Tunes and Tales and you can experience Gatlinburg celebrating
Appalachian Culture the way it used to. Music, stories, dancing all
throughout the city on evenings. http://www.gatlinburg.com


Stay tuned as always for information on new, upcoming events in the Smokies. www.allthesmokies.com.

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Valentine's Day 2013

Looking for some good ideas to help supplement your Valentine's Day trip to the Smokies? Here are five excellent suggestions for getting your romantic getaway started on the right foot:

# 1 Surprise
The element of surprise is a very powerful tool. It shows foresight and planning, and it says "I care enough about you to go to lengths to, well, surprise you." Women especially seem to relate surprise with romance. It doesn't need to be an elaborate scheme, just show forethought.

# 2 Creativity
Creativity in your dating life and dating in your married life keeps things fresh and fun. When was the last time you did something silly on a date? Had a pillow fight or water war?  Finger painted?  Read poetry out loud? If you've never done one of these things, try it on your next date. Better yet, combine two or more of these activities!

# 3 Interest
Okay, this seems like a no-brainer, but for a successful romantic event, one or both of you need to be interested in the activity. 

# 4 Planning
Planning is what separates a truly impressive and memorable romantic getaway from a mediocre one. Call ahead, make reservations, do a little research.

# 5 A Sense of Humor
Along with your most romantic plan, have a Plan B in mind and a sense of humor to get you through it. Even with the other four elements -- surprise, creativity, interest, and planning--dates can still be affected by circumstances beyond your control. The ability to laugh together is the mark of a great romance. Horribly ruined dates can become private jokes and fond memories if you keep your sense of humor intact.

And some suggestions of where to stay for your romantic getaway?
www.mtnlaurelchalets.com
www.deerridge.com
www.sidneyjames.com
www.laurelinncondos.com
www.oldegatlinburgplace.com
www.covemountain.com

Hope to see you in the Smokies this February!

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