Winterfest is one of the premier events in the entire Southeast region, if no other reason than the scale of the festival, which runs from mid-November through the end of February each year. During that three-and-a-half-month period, the communities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville all host their own respective slate of Winterfest events, from opening ceremonies to city-hosted events to special promotional activities associated with local attractions and other businesses.
Everyone has his or her favorite season of the year, and for many of us, it's spring. After a long winter full of ice and snow, freezing temperatures and gray, dreary days, springtime represents a much-needed renewal. Back again are warmer temps, blooming flowers and trees that are bursting forth in green foliage. As sunny days return, animals emerge from hibernation and introduce new offspring to the world. Likewise, it's a time for all of us to emerge from our winter dens and begin to enjoy the great outdoors once again.
The snow might still be falling, but it's not too early to begin planning an unforgettable vacation to Dollywood, the premier amusement and family fun destination of the South. Whether you've visited many times or this will be your first trip, it's sure to be a delight, because the folks at Dollywood are cooking up something extra-special to help celebrate their 30th year.
The 10th season of the Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales Festival kicks off on Friday, June 12th, in downtown Gatlinburg and runs through August 1st. The seasonal Tunes & Tales Festival highlights the rich, complex and beautiful history of the Appalachian region. This seven-week event is a summer-long street party that features costumed storytellers, musicians and artisans portraying characters typical of the region from Appalachian history as far back as the 1800s.
She lied to you. Sure, moms all say they "don't need anything for Mother's Day," but what they really want is to be delighted and surprised. She spends every minute worried about the comfort of others, and she deserves one weekend that's all about her. Flowers and candy and maybe dinner out are all appreciated, but why not give mom a big thank you with a weekend away?
With global warming heating up the planet and populations expanding at unprecedented rates, it's more important than ever for us to protect the only home we have. Earth Day not only brings awareness to an important cause, but gives you the opportunity to have some fun with it.
Big-city shopping sprees are a delight for teens and grownups, and amusement parks cater to the younger set, but when you want to enjoy a getaway with family members of all ages, where do you go? The Great Smoky Mountains, of course.
Got big plans for the holiday season? For a lot of people, the weeks will be filled with a frenzy of activities that range from school plays to office parties to last-minute shopping excursions. It's all part of the joy of the season, and for most of us, we wouldn't have it any other way.
Does it feel like the holiday season just slips by in a rush of activity, and that you don't get to spend family time like you enjoyed when you were a kid? Those are the memories that we treasure, but too often these days we let the crazy pace of everyday life get in the way of creating those moments. The holiday season is the best time to give your kids something to cherish about their childhood, and there's no better place to do that than Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN.
Remember Halloween as a kid? You'd spend weeks creating just the right costume, anticipating an evening prowling the neighborhood with your friends in search of the best candy. Cries of "Trick or treat!" filled the chilly autumn air, as super heroes and princesses dashed from house to house in celebration of a holiday that is all about having fun. At home, you'd look through your stash, trading your sister's licorice for a Snickers bar and promising your mom you'd save "some for later."
If your running shoes have gathered some dust over the winter, now is the time to lace them up and start training, because the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon is coming up this fall. Combining your love of nature and passion for running, this one-of-a-kind event is definitely worth the trip.
Planning a trade show or conference? It seems the list of venues is nearly endless, and narrowing it down to a few finalists can feel pretty overwhelming. But when you compare the location and amenities available in the Great Smoky Mountains, your choice becomes clear.
Remember when you were a kid and Christmas was all about family gatherings at Grandma's house, building a snowman in the front yard, and decorating sugar cookies at the kitchen table? Seems as if today the holidays are filled with electronic gadgets and other expensive toys, with a lot less time spent focused on the spirit of the season.
Remember being bundled up in the back seat of the family car while dad cruised the streets so the family could admire the holiday light displays? You'd share hot chocolate from a thermos, listen to Christmas music on the radio, and dream about the toys Santa was sure to leave under the tree. Those are the kind of family memories that are cherished for a lifetime, and now is the perfect time to recreate those traditions with your own children. Gatlinburg, TN makes it easy with their annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade, an enchanting event the whole family will love.
Back-to-school shopping is done, the garden has given up most of its bounty, and it's nearly time to unpack the holiday decorations for another year. Don't be too quick to hunker down for winter, though. There's still time to plan a family getaway to Gatlinburg, and lots to see and do this time of year as well.