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When Sevier County businessman Joe Baker purchased Ober Gatlinburg, he aimed to do more than just upgrade it. He and his two local partners planned to transform the iconic ski resort into a world-class attraction offering family-friendly fun all year 'round.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year," as the Andy Williams classic puts it. So, why not spend some of that wonderful time here in a wonderful place, the Tennessee Smoky Mountains? Throughout December, this breathtaking region transforms into a winter wonderland, with magical sights, scenes, and sounds around every scenic corner. Check out these festive options.
Excitement comes in eight different forms at Tennessee's Gatlin's Fun Center. This downtown Gatlinburg attraction offers a full range of fun-filled activities, from classic outdoor pastimes like mini-golf to thrilling indoor games like laser tag. And now it also offers Gatlinburg's first-ever Rugged Ropes Adventure Course, a multilevel aerial obstacle course in a scenic outdoor setting.
Let's face it: It's hard to please everybody. Toddlers, preschoolers, school-age kids, teens, grownups – all have different likes and dislikes.
Ready to climb a summit right in the middle of downtown Gatlinburg? Opened in 2014 with the goal of environmental stewardship and family-oriented fun, Anakeesta Mountain is home to some truly unique (and thrilling) adventures including:
Bar none, on a clear day, the best view anywhere is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Clingmans Dome. But it is often literally in the clouds, and the paved hike, though short, is surprisingly steep.The best reward of hiking is that panoramic vista of rolling tree-covered mountaintops, that so beautifully burst into multicolored hues this time of year. Sometimes though, after unwinding a bit at your Wears Valley rental cabin, your energy for hiking tends to wane. So I provide here today the path of least resistance:
Whew! After that last blog, I felt it only fair that I give a few more sane and serene alternatives to coasting, rolling, zipping, and flying downhill. If relaxing is more your style, let's play with just a little more chill, to get in those last few laid back activities before the rush of the school year begins again.
We are very blessed to live where there are so many options for handmade merchandise. When you choose to venture forth from your Gatlinburg cabin for souvenirs, a must-visit location for gifts should be Alewine Pottery Studio. Say it like a local: ale'-uh-wine.
Are you going to be in our area for Mother's Day? If so, Mom is probably already pleased that you'll be enjoying a relaxing time together in a secluded Gatlinburg cabin, with or without children. I surveyed some local moms regarding what they would appreciate for their special day. Here's the wish list that I gathered: 5 ideas that you can use verbatim, or just use the concept for your own mom-pleasing plan.
You know you will have to do this at some point during your trip,. The kids have already spotted at least one of these courses on the way to your Gatlinburg, Tennessee cabin. There is certainly an abundance of courses. Here are a few descriptions to narrow your mini-golfing choices.
Want to end your year with a big and somewhat unusual bang? Something free and suitable for the whole family? With 26 years of celebration practice, Gatlinburg's New Year's Eve Spectacular is a popular tradition for many. The event is completely free, and is clustered around light #8 in Galtinburg, the intersection of Parkway and the Heritage Motor Nature Trail.
Have you always wanted to experience the New York Macy's parade, but not the hassle? Of course not as large, but certainly much to enjoy: join us at the Fantasy of Lights Gatlinburg Christmas Parade along the streets of downtown Gatlinburg! This year is our 38th celebration of this tradition in our mountain town. The rum-pah-pum-pum begins on Friday, December 6th, at 7:30 pm. The 2013 parade has 100-plus entries, with a dozen marching bands, inflatable characters interacting with spectators, decorated floats, animals, 6 flying helium balloons, and much more entertainment throughout the hour-long march.
Snow fans should slap the board rack on the car, and head to the Back in Blue Rail Jam at Ober Gatlinburg, next Friday, November 22. A great event to partcipate in or even to just watch, Ober turns its snow tubing area into a contest celebration for those wanting to show off their snowboarding skills. The event is open to all willing participants and free to spectators, with prizes to be awarded based on performance.
So you have planned your entire visit to the Smokies: rented your luxury cabin in Gatlinburg, programmed your GPS to reach your destination, and made plans to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to view the changing fall colors of the season. Congress has decided to close the National Park system, so now what? This is not a diatribe on the adversity that this shutdown creates for so many, but rather an encouragement to go through with your vacation plans to visit the area, but to slightly alter your activities. Disappointing? Yes, but certainly not a deal breaker to just stay home. Here's why.
One of my favorite relaxing sounds to enjoy is rushing river water. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a must-do auto tour in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a simple, inexpensive way to truly experience the unique joys of the Smoky Mountains. Take a winding journey of 6 miles (one-way road) through forest, along rushing streams, past historic buildings. Cabin homesteads, overlooks, and waterfall hiking trailheads all are available at numerous stops along this picturesque drive.
Christmas in June? For those hardcore gift buyers searching for unique presents all throughout the year, visitors staying in Smoky mountain cabins have a "don't miss opportunity" to complete their holiday shopping in a single power-buying trip. Of course, many shop for retail name brands at great discounts at the multiple outlet centers throughout our area: a good choice. But don't overlook shopping the largest community of independent artists and crafters in the country!
What a week we're having in the Smokies. Sunny, blue skies, mild temperatures are making this the ideal week to get out and make the most of this gorgeous Smoky Mountains scenery. Here are just a handful of ideas for making the most of nature's cooperative mood.
Whether you're staying in one of our secluded Gatlinburg cabins, convenient Pigeon Forge cabins or scenic Wears Valley cabins, chances are you're going to want to do some sightseeing. And as it turns out, the Great Smoky Mountains are the most beautiful sight we have to offer.
There's only one problem with taking a vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee—there's so much to do and so little time. In fact, if you visited every attraction in the Smokies, it could conceivably take you a lifetime full of vacations. So how can you go about narrowing down your choices for your next trip to the mountains?
If you're staying in one of our Gatlinburg rental cabins this week, your timing is great. This week is the kickoff of Winterfest in Gatlinburg. It all gets started tomorrow night (11/7) with the city's 23rd annual Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff from 5 to 8 p.m. on the downtown Parkway. In addition to lighting the city's millions of Winterfest lights, area restaurants and other businesses will be competing for best-chili awards, while a Beatles tribute band provides entertainment.
With the nice spell of seasonable weather we've had here in the Smokies lately, the conditions have become a little more favorable to have a picnic. Usually a popular activity in spring and fall, picnicking in the last month or so hasn't been as appealing because of heat and humidity. So if you're staying in one of our Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg cabin rentals this week, it may be a great time to strike while the iron—and not the weather—is hot.
Fans of Southern gospel music who happen to be visiting town next week are in for a treat. The 8th Annual Southern Gospel Music FanFair event gets under way, running April 30 through May 5 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge.