The Smokies in January

Just for fun, and to continue to showcase the wonderful Smoky Mountains at a time of peace and quiet, we present for you this gallery of gorgeous Smoky Mountain imagery.

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How To Spend New Years in The Smokies

The end of the year only comes once a year and we like to punctuate the change and transition by ending the previous cycle and beginning a new one - with a BANG!

Or rather a series of BANGs across a couple areas at least once the world's most popular midnight hour clocks in. In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, we celebrate New Years Eve and the first seconds of the new year with fireworks most colorful and explosive along with some other events in the area. In this article, we'll highlight what we recommend you do with New Years Eve 2017!


* Titanic Museum Kids Noon Years Eve *
Mypigeonforge.com writes: The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN invites you to Ring in the New Year at our First Ever Kids' "Noon Year's Eve" Celebration! Don't forget the PJ's!

This year, kids can ring-in the New Year ahead of time at their very own "Noon Year's Eve" celebration at Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN on Sunday, December 31st, announces the Museum Attraction’s co-owner, Mary Kellogg-Joslyn.  

"This rockin’ New Years Noon event will be a kid’s version of a grown-up's midnight bash, complete with a Titanic Museum Tour, a visit with our own Alice in Wonderland and Mad Hatter character, PLUS a countdown to an exciting Noon Year Balloon Drop," explains Kellogg Joslyn.

See this information at http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/titanic-museum-kids-noon-years-eve/.


* New Year's Eve Show at the Smoky Mountain Opry *
Mypigeonforge.com writes: Ring in the New Year at one of the most anticipated annual events in Pigeon Forge. The New Year's Eve Show at the Smoky Mountain Opry Theater is a spectacular showcase of talent and entertainment. The Smoky Mountain Opry goes all out with stunning set designs, pyrotechnics, laser lighting and other special effects to wow the audience. Not to mention, an incredibly talented cast that includes singers, comedians, dancers, aerialists, magicians and ice skaters!

The holiday show begins with a performance of "Christmas at The Smoky Mountain Opry"™ at 8 pm. At midnight, watch the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square on the big screen. And the night doesn’t end there. See the biggest midnight balloon drop in the area, party the night away with the Smoky Mountain Opry cast and dance to a live show band.

See this information on http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/new-years-eve-show-at-the-smoky-mountain-opry/.


* The Island's New Year's Eve Celebration *
MyPigeonforge.com writes: Ring in the New Year with us on The Island! After our widely successful event last year we are back BIGGER and BETTER with a night packed full of fun! Live music & plenty of family fun, plus attractions!!

And what’s a New Year's Celebration without a midnight countdown and fireworks? Its all brought to you FREE by The Island! The event kicks off at 10 pm so get there early to enjoy a full night of fun!

See this information on http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events/new-years-eve-at-the-island/.


* New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show *
Gatlinburg.com writes: Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2018 in unique style with its Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Sunday night, December 31.

Nearly 50,000 people will gather around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Sunday night, December 31 to ring in the New Year. At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2018, fireworks will blast off the rooftop of the 400-foot tall Space Needle with special music choreographed for the fireworks show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee. The Space Needle has added rhythmic LED lights to the tower, making for a spectacular display.

See this information on https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/new-years-eve-ball-drop-and-fireworks-show/.


We hope you get to enjoy these events and more during the last few days of 2017.

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Upcoming Christmas Fun in the Smokies

Planning on coming to the Smokies this weekend for some Christmas time with the family? Here are some of the things to consider to get into the spirit.

* Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade *
12/1/17

From Gatlinburg.com: "More than 60,000 people come to view the award-winning parade featuring lighted floats, marching bands, equestrian units, giant balloons and of course Santa Claus! The parade route starts at Baskins Creek Bypass on Hwy 321 (East Parkway) and travels to Hwy 441 (Main Parkway) and continues from light 3 to traffic light 10."
https://www.gatlinburg.com/event/fantasy-of-lights-christmas-parade/

* Sevierville Christmas Parade 2017 *
12/2/17

From PigeonForgeWinterfest.com: "Viewing the Christmas parade with friends and family is a great way to get in the Christmas spirit! This year's parade takes place December 2, 2017 in downtown Sevierville from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm."
https://pigeonforgewinterfest.com/event/sevierville-christmas-parade-2017/

* Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival *
12/6/17 - 12/9/17

Another small but long-running Christmas tradition in the Smokies, this is a four-day festival featuring, you guessed it, almost non-stop Bluegrass music from more than two dozen artists and bands that perform at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. http://bluegrasschristmasinsmokies.com/

* Ober Gatlinburg - Winter Sports *
Ober Gatlinburg is the mountainside amusement park overlooking the city and it functions in the Winter season as both a family fun center and a sports center where they offer the only place to ski, snowboard, snowtube and ice skate for miles around. Definitely a worthy visit. www.obergatlinburg.com

* The Village *
Does anything in downtown Gatlinburg bring that old-timey Christmas-in-town experience like The Village? No sir. This little slice of heaven offers a wonderful pancake restaurant, candy shop, jewelry, toys and gifts, bakery, Christian shop, Celtic store and much more to see and experience. http://www.thevillageshops.com/

* The Arts and Crafts Community *
Naturally, an environment like the Glades and further artisan places along Highway 321 will be the perfect place to build holiday spirit. Many places will have Christmas sales, wonderful gift items you can't find just anywhere, music playing both on speaker and occasionally live, awesome restaurants like Three Jimmys, The Ship and, of course, much more just waiting for you to discover it. http://www.gatlinburgcrafts.com/

See more at www.gatlinburg.com.

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Thanksgiving Weekend in the Smokies For 2017

The Thanksgiving Weekend special events for this year remain largely traditional, but we'll add a few other recommendations for family fun in the Smokies as well. You'll be able to enjoy these whether you're staying in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville or Wears Valley as they should be roughly 30-40 minutes driving time at some of the farthest.

Let's look.

* Thanksgiving/Christmas Craftsmen Fair *
11/21/16 - 11/26/17 and 11/27/17 - 12/3/17

Art, crafts and music lovers will discover over 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country and Bluegrass entertainment. www.craftsmenfair.com;

* Winter Tunes and Tales *
Each weekend starting 11/21/17 - 12/16/17

Tunes and Tales is a big hit and one of Gatlinburg's newest traditions, as far as traditions are structured in Appalachia. Previously a Summer-only event, Tunes and Tales is now entering its second year of a Winter edition complete with caroling, holiday themed storytelling and more. Come see it and get in the Christmas spirit! www.gatlinburg.com;

* Festival of Trees *
11/22/17 - 11/26/17

The Gatlinburg Festival of Trees takes place at the W.L. Mills convention center and its also an excellent introduction to the coming Christmas season. This is a charity event sponsored by Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries and features dozens of exquisitely made Christmas trees to make a man-made Yuletide forest in the great convention center. All proceeds go to the ministry efforts of Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries. www.smarm.org;

* Titanic Museum Fireworks *
11/23/17

At 7:00PM on Thanksgiving day, the Titanic Museum on the parkway in Pigeon Forge will celebrate the occasion with a fireworks display. There aren't too many places here in the US that choose this holiday for fireworks, so you're definitely getting a Thanksgiving treat from Titanic with this event. www.titanicpigeonforge.com;

* Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas *
Now to 1/3/18

The entire park turns into a Winter Wonderland with decorations from end to end. Millions and millions of lights, parades, Christmas shows and a Santa's workshop is just the starting point of what Dollywood offers families. See more info at www.dollywood.com.

* Christmas at Dixie Stampede *
Now to 12/31/17

The best dinner-theater show in Sevier County transforms for the season as well. Snow will fall, a true Winter fantasy land opens up before you, old-fashioned constumes, favorite holiday music and even a Live Nativity will be how Dixie Stampede celebrates the season of Christmas for this year! https://www.dixiestampede.com/pigeon-forge/christmas-show

Stay tuned for more holiday-related news and information here and visit www.allthesmokies.com for other area information that can benefit your Smoky Mountain getaway!

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Thanksgiving Events For 2017 in the Smokies

It's that time of the year again where we look into what activities the Smokies have in store for visitors coming in for the Thanksgiving weekend. Thanksgiving weekend is the biggest chance to build up holiday cheer for the upcoming Christmas season, and the opportunity to make memories that last forever for your family are widespread across the Smokies. You and your family won't want to miss it!

Gatlinburg's favorite W.L. Mills Auditorium events are back on this year between 11/21/17 to 11/27/17, and this year it even extends right into the starting Christmas events in early December. Gatlinburg Festival of Trees (11/22/17 - 11/27/17), The Great Smoky Mountains Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show (11/21/17 - 11/26/17) and Winterfest Tunes and Tales (11/24/17 and continues on each weekend until the 17th of December). And then, quite literally right after the 29th, the the Great Smoky Christmas Arts and Crafts Show continues on from the Thanksgiving show listed above between 11/27/17 and 12/6/17. These can all be found quite close to one another and will greatly hype up the coming Christmas for this year, just as it has for years before that.

Visit www.gatlinburg.com for more information on those events.

Also, those who might be interested in seeing fireworks on Thanksgiving day should go visit the Titanic Museum on the parkway. On the 23rd, Titanic will be holding a fireworks show, having musical entertainment by singer Caitlin Mesiano, and even have their own “fantasy” princess there to entertain the younger guests. You can see more info on this at http://www.titanicpigeonforge.com/.

And then soon we'll bring you even more info on Christmas events in the Smokies. Enjoy the holidays!

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Dollywood Harvest Festival and LumiNights 2017

Dollywood is currently in full swing for their Harvest Festival and LumiNights celebrations for 2017. These pictures were taken by our frequent collaborator, Ge'ne Kea-Lawhead and all copyright belongs to her.

See more on the Dollywood Harvest Festival and LumiNights celebrations at www.dollywood.com.

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College and Highschool Football Schedule

By request, here are the remaining dates for college and high school football in East Tennessee.

University of Tennessee
September 23rd - Massachusetts (Home)
September 30th - Georgia (Home)
October 14th - South Carolina (Home)
October 21st - Alabama (Away)
October 28th - Kentucky (Away)
November 4th - Southern Miss (Home)
November 11th - Missouri (Away)
November 18th - LSU (Home)
November 25th - Vanderbilt (Home)

Gatlinburg Pittman High School
September 22nd - Trinity Academy (Home)
September 29th - Pigeon Forge (Away)
October 6th - Austin East (Home)
October 20th - Alcoa (Away)
October 27th - Kingston (Home)

Northview Academy Cougars
September 22nd - Loudon (Home)
September 29th - Alcoa (Home)
October 6th - Pigeon Forge (Home)
October 13th - Scott(Away)
October 20th - Austin-East (Home)

Sevier County High School
September 22nd - Oak Ridge (Away)
September 29th - Gibbs (Home)
October 12th - Seymour (Home)
October 20th - Knoxville Halls (Away)
October 27th - Carter (Away)

Pigeon Forge High School
September 22nd - Cocke County (Home)
September 29th - Gatlinburg Pittman (Home)
October 6th - Northview Academy (Away)
October 13th - Austin-East (Away)
October 20th - Kingston (Away)
October 27th - Scott (Home)

Seymour High School
September 29th - South-Doyle (Home)
October 6th - Gibbs (Home)
October 12th - Sevier County (Away)
October 20th - Karns (Home)
October 27th - Knox Halls (Away)

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Fall Festival and Old Timer's Day

You thought Townsend was always the "quiet side" of the Smokies? Not on Old Timer's Day and the Fall Heritage Festival in September! This is a treasured traditional event that the city of Townsend holds at the Townsend Visitors Center on the end of September.

From https://www.fairsandfestivals.net: "[This] event will be held on September 29-30, 2017 at the Townsend Visitors Center. It celebrates the traditional music, Appalachian skills, crafts, and heritage of Townsend, East Tennessee, and the Great Smoky Mountains. There will be fun-filled activities such as clogging, bluegrass music concerts, jam sessions on the porch, demonstrations of cornmeal making, sorghum molasses making, blacksmithing, apple butter, basketry, spinning, weaving, and quilting. There is an antique tractor show. Enjoy tales of the mountains from guest storytellers. Arts and crafts booths will include woodworking, jewelry, pottery, hand-sewing, and painting."

It's like going back in time to when it was the Old Timers' "day", as it were, with all the arts and music being revitalized for modern audiences during this time. A great way to honor our past and celebrate our heritage! See more on Townsend Tourism at https://www.smokymountains.org/.

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Coming Soon: Anakeesta Village in Gatlinburg

One of the biggest developments going on in downtown Gatlinburg has been the development of the new Anakeesta Village attraction just before stoplight #3 where the Ripley's Aquarium resides. Anakeesta is a multi-activity attraction that specializes in outdoor thrills and views as it provides a new sky lift ride from downtown Gatlinburg up to Anakeesta Mountain.

From their website:

"The promise of Anakeesta is to create a unique, entertaining, and memorable outdoor family experience by immersing guests of all ages in the beauty and adventure of the mountains. We keep this promise by providing diverse activities, quality craftsmanship, and superior customer service while cultivating a sense of appreciation and wonder for the natural beauty found at Anakeesta.

Our core values include safety, value, family entertainment and an appreciation for the natural wonders that surround us here in Gatlinburg. Enjoy zipping, rappelling, and tree-based thrills with state-of-the-art technology and highly-trained guides.

Admission to Anakeesta is a great value that includes the 14-minute scenic ride to the summit of Anakeesta with spectacular views of downtown Gatlinburg along the way. At the top, you’ll get to enjoy shops and dining at Firefly Village, stroll along the quarter-mile treetop canopy walk 40’–60’ feet above the forest floor, and explore our whimsical treehouse playground with your kids. For even more excitement, you can purchase zipline and mountain coaster tickets on the Parkway or at the ticket booth on Anakeesta Mountain."

Anakeesta will provide the following attractions:

* Chondola (The sky lift)
* Tree Top Canopy Walk
* Zipline
* Treehouse Playground
* Gem Mining
* Mountain Coaster
* Magical Firefly Village
* Pearl's Pie in the Sky
* Great OUtdoor Trading Company
* Catching Fireflies

And more!

You can visit Anakeesta's website at www.anakeesta.com. This attraction is expected to open September 2017.

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The 2017 Eclipse Is Right Around The Corner!

This coming Monday, August 21st, is going to be the famed total solar eclipse that you've likely been hearing about since the end of Spring. This is going to be a VERY rare and VERY big event - the last time we had something like this happen was in 1918 - and we are very fortunate to have the Smoky Mountains be part of this awesome event!

We posted on the solar eclipse some time ago and in this article, we'll reference that previous article to make the relevant information convenient to grab.

Previously Posted:

Here's some news we found out today. It seems the Knoxville area of East Tennessee (and presumably those of us in Sevier County) will get to experience a Solar Eclipse on August 21st, 2017. Although this will be a partial solar eclipse instead of a total solar eclipse, you should definitely save the date and get ready for a visual treat!

Here's all the current information we have on that:

Viewing Time: 1:04PM - 3:58PM
Max Viewing Time: 2:34PM

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park Service will also be holding a viewing event at three places within the Western side of the National Park:

* Clingman's Dome
* Cades Cove
* Oconaluftee

See more information on the viewing and tickets for it at https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/2017-solar-eclipse.htm.

You can also build a simple card projector using these instructions from timeanddate.com:

"DIY: Simple Card Projector
The simplest and quickest way to safely project the Sun is with a projector made from only 2 pieces of card or paper.

You Need:
* 2 pieces of stiff white cardboard, e.g. 2 paper plates
alternatively, 2 sheets of plain white paper
* a thumbtack, a sharp pin or a needle.

What to Do:
Diagram of a DIY pinhole projector.
The concept of a pinhole projector ©timeanddate.com

To make a quick version of the pinhole projector, take a sheet of paper and make a tiny hole in the middle of it using a pin or a thumbtack. Make sure that the hole is round and smooth.

With your back towards the Sun, hold 1 piece of paper above your shoulder allowing the Sun to shine on the paper.

The 2nd sheet of paper will act as a screen. Hold it at a distance, and you will see an inverted image of the Sun projected on the paper screen through the pinhole.

To make the image of the Sun larger, hold the screen paper further away from the paper with the pinhole.

A box projector works on the same principles, it requires a little more time and a few extra items to construct, but it is more sturdy.

Keep Safe! Never look at the Sun directly without protective eye gear. Even sunglasses cannot protect your eyes from the damage the Sun's rays can do to them."

See more information on this at https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2017-august-21.

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Tax-Free Weekend 2017

Next weekend, from July 28th to the 30th, is the coveting Tax-Free Weekend in the state of Tennessee. Although this event isn't exclusive only to the Smokies, it becomes a special event as many families use this as an opportunity to get school supplies from our outlet malls and have one last family vacation in the Smokies before the school season begins anew.

Between the two dates, shoppers can expect to take off any sales tax on school supplies adding up to less than $100.00, school clothes adding up to less than $100.00 and computer purchases of up to $1,500. Some of the best places for shopping for these items include:

* Tanger Five Oaks Outlet in Sevierville
* Red Roof Mall in Pigeon Forge
* WalMart Supercenter in Sevierville
* Governor's Crossing Complex (Across from WalMart) in Sevierville
* The Shops of Pigeon Forge
* Burke's Outlet in Pigeon Forge

See more information on the Tax-Free weekend at https://www.tn.gov/revenue/article/sales-tax-holiday.

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4th of July Celebrations in the Smokies 2017

The 4th of July is coming up very soon and we wanted to keep you up to date on the events going on here in the Smokies.

In Gatlinburg, the events start as soon as the 3rd of July ends with the 4th of July Midnight Parade on the main downtown street where you and your whole family can see some of the best, brightest and most patriotic floats in the country for over an hour of fun.

Then, the morning after, The River Raft Regatta starts at 10:00AM and is another fun activity for the whole family, particularly younger kids, as you can watch all manners of small objects race down the river to cross the finish line first at Ripley's Aquarium. You can see more information on that at http://www.gatlinburg.com/events/details.aspx?id=33.

Finally, the big show begins at 10:00PM with the Independence Day fireworks you've all been looking forward to, and you don't have to go anywhere but the main sidewalk in downtown Gatlinburg to see the fireworks overhead. Gatlinburg has been celebrating the 4th of July this way for years and it just gets better each time it comes around.

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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Get To Know ERA in The Smokies

ERA In The Smokies is a vacation rental and realty company providing guests with a multitude of accommodations in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and surrounding areas. They have been in business here in the Smokies for over 20 years and outlasted many of their competition.

From their website:
"Our outstanding vacation cabins and chalets offer superior service and the best rates in and around Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and log cabin rentals and real estate sales in the Gatlinburg area. Our cabins and chalets offer a variety of amenities including pool tables, fireplaces, Jacuzzis and views that make the Great Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, Tennessee famous."

They offer the following:
* Honeymoon cabin rentals.
* 2-4 bedroom cabin rentals.
* Pet-friendly cabins.
* Condominiums.
* Discounts for certain times of the seasons.
* Long-term rentals.
* Real Estate purchasing for vacation cabins and other properties in the area.
* Gift certificates.

See all the cabins they offer at http://www.erainthesmokies.com/.

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Requested Post: Summit Cabin Rentals Summer Special

We've been requested to share a lodging special that Summit Cabin Rentals is doing. From their website:

There's a lot about Summer 2017 you already know right now. You know this weekend is Memorial Day. You know June is the functional start of Summer in the Smokies. You know school will be out soon and that you and your family all dyin' to get in some Smoky Mountain fun the first chance you get.

But what you might not know is that Summit Cabin Rentals is doing a 7-day $995.00 special for our 1-2 bedroom cabins on all remaining dates for June and July. These cabins are perfect for a young family or those who want to get a good, long romantic vacation in the Smokies to start off the season!

And the best part? It comes with our Adventure Power Pass program where you can get over $2,000 in free tickets for a wide variety of attractions in the Smokies as part of it.

Reserve this special today at www.summitcabinrentals.com.

This is indeed an excellent special, as the Power Pass Adventure package includes:

* Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
* Great Smoky Mountain Wheel
* Ripley’s® Old MacDonald's Farm Mini-Golf
* Titanic Museum
* WonderWorks
* Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show
* Comedy Barn Theater
* Smoky Mountain Opry
* Adventure Park Zip Lines

And more!

See more on the Adventure Power Pass at http://www.summitcabinrentals.com/adventure-power-pass-pigeon-forge-free-attraction-tickets/.

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