12April2008
Posted by Todd under: Attractions.
DOLLY¹S 2008 HOMECOMING PARADE IN PIGEON FORGE DRAWS 101 UNITS24th annual rite of spring features namesake superstar Dolly Parton
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (April 2008)‹Dolly¹s 2008 Homecoming Parade, a rite of
spring in this tourist town next door to Great Smoky Mountains National
Park, has attracted 101 units, some from as far away as Pennsylvania and
Wisconsin.
The namesake grand marshal, of course, is Tennessee native Dolly Parton, who
grew up just a few miles outside of Pigeon Forge. She is tied to the local
tourism economy because of Dollywood, the theme park that is Tennessee¹s
most popular ticketed attraction.
The parade is April 11, starting at 6 p.m. Spectators are expected to line
the complete parade route, more than two miles along the Parkway in the
middle of Pigeon Forge between Traffic Lights 3 through 6. The parade is a
project of the City of Pigeon Forge¹s Department of Special Events.
Details of Parton¹s float are a tightly held secret, a tradition throughout
the parade¹s 24-year history.
Marching bands from Pigeon Forge High School and Sevier County High School
(Parton¹s alma mater) will be joined by bands from Southern Fulton High
School in Warfordsburg, Pa., Wilmington Area High School in Ambridge, Pa.,
Rockmark High School in Rockmart, Ga., and Indian Valley High School in
Gnadenhutten, Ohio.
The most distant entrant is the Jack Links Beef Jerky F-650 show truck that
was featured on cable TV¹s ³Trick My Truck.² Its home base is Minong, Wisc.
Another automotive entrant is a 1948 Ford pickup truck owned by Maurice
Putnam from Seymour, Tenn. Putnam¹s truck is featured in the photography
for Parton¹s newest CD, ³Backwoods Barbie.²
The parade lineup also includes equestrian units, car clubs, floats
representing Pigeon Forge¹s theaters, dance teams, twirlers and a float from
the Knoxville Zoo that celebrates the zoo¹s 60th anniversary.
Complete information about Pigeon Forge is available online at www.
MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.
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9April2008
Posted by Todd under: Attractions.
I’ve become a fan of these maze’s ever since I took my oldest daughter in Chicago’s Navy Pier. This sounds like it’s going to be a blast!
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Light emitting diodes or LEDs power the maze’s walkways as the entire building is powered by Green Power. Folks can rest assured their curious minded children cannot hurt themselves wondering through the maze.
One can literally stick their fingers in one of the maze’s light fixtures and not be hurt, though it’s not recommended.
The Mirror Maze can host an experience of about 20 minutes, but visitors are encouraged to revisit the maze as many times as they like, according to Ryan DeSear, general manager of Ripley’s Entertainment of Sevier County.
“One touring family waited so long to see the maze that I just had to give them a sneak peak and they really enjoyed the experience. I’m sure other families will too because it’s not your average T-shirt shop. Its a totally new concept in amusement design, providing a new experience every time you enter,” DeSear said.
The highly reflective mirrors allow guests to explore the endless hallways and paths with guaranteed surprises at almost every corner.
As DeSear said, “its not your granddaddy’s house of mirrors.” The maze is designed to appeal to children, teens and parents. Getting through the maze requires total concentration as there really are no clear paths of escape.
“We have a firm commitment to the customer, and this place is really one of a kind,” DeSear said.
After wandering through the maze, children and family can enjoy a variety of candies at the Candy Factory. The colorful candy store has all the favorites from old fashioned root beer barrels to Swedish Swordfish.
The Marvelous Mirror Maze and Candy Factory is now open in Gatlinburg on the Parkway. It took eight weeks to construct and DeSear expects utility costs to be only one-third of average costs for utility because of the LED light displays and use of Green Power.
“The construction process went smoothly and we expect about our turnout to be around 1,000 for today,” DeSear said.
The Mirror Maze and Candy Factory will be open year round. For more information call 436-5096.
1March2008
Posted by Todd under: Attractions.
SMITH FAMILY THEATER BRINGS LEE GREENWOOD BACK TO THE SMOKIES
Award-winning singer set for 36 Pigeon Forge dates spread through 2008
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (February 2008)—Lee Greenwood, winner of three Country Music Association Awards and writer of America’s unofficial patriotic anthem, “God Bless the USA,” will perform 36 dates at the Smith Family Theater in Pigeon Forge this year.
Greenwood, who had his own theater in the Smokies for five years, starts his Pigeon Forge concert series on April 18. The final shows will be Dec. 29. Greenwood will have two shows on each appearance date for a total of 72 shows.
“We are extremely honored to host Lee Greenwood’s return to the Great Smoky Mountains. Lee has great fans, and his concerts at the Smith Family Theater are scheduled so guests can combine one of his shows with Pigeon Forge’s many other entertainment opportunities,” said Charlie Bob Smith, partner and performer at the Smith Family Theater.
The 600-seat Smith Family Theater opened in 2004 and was custom built for the act that features Charlie, Jim and Charlie Bob Smith (Charlie and Jim are brothers, and Charlie Bob is Charlie’s son). The family act has been popular in the region since the 1980s, including a long run at the Dollywood theme park.
A combo ticket for a Lee Greenwood concert and the Smith Family Show is $44.90 plus tax. Children age 12 and younger are free.
“After living and working in the Smoky Mountains for almost eight years, I discovered, just like the millions of visitors who visit the area each year, that the beauty and romance of the Smoky Mountains are unmatched,” Greenwood said.
The Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism said Greenwood’s concerts will expand the city’s entertainment mix.
“Many people visit Pigeon Forge especially for the theaters. We think Lee Greenwood will encourage new visitors to try us and entice others to stay an extra day,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the department of tourism.
In addition to “God Bless the USA,” Greenwood’s hit list includes “Ring on Her Finger, Time on Her Hands,” “It Turns Me Inside Out,” “Somebody’s Gonna Love You,” “Dixie Road” and “I Don’t Mind the Thorns (If You’re the Rose).”
Ticketing information is available by calling toll-free 866-399-8100 or going online to www.smithfamilytheater.com. Special rates are available for groups of 20 or more and for tour and travel industry groups.
Greenwood concerts dates:
April 18 and 25
May 9, 18 and 23
June 20
July 10, 11, 18 and 24
August 1,8, 15, 22, 30 and 31
September 5, 11, 12, 21 and 27
October 3, 9, 10, 19, 24, 30 and 31
November 5, 14, 16, 21 and 28
December 3, 12 and 29.
For ticket information, contact:
Jennifer Smith Marketing Manager
Smith Family Theater
2330 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
866.399.8100 Toll Free
865.429.3785 Fax
sales@smithfamilytheater.com
www.smithfamilytheater.com
31December2007
Posted by Todd under: Attractions.
Since my chalet is taking what seems like forever to finish, I thought I would post some activities that will be occurring in the latter parts of Winter/early Spring.
17th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival™
February 7-9, 2008
This event brings to Pigeon Forge some of America’s finest storytellers to spin tales of fact and fiction. Whether it’s folklore told in a theater setting or spine-tingling ghost stories exchanged on a late night trolley ride, storytellers hold audiences in the palms of their hands!
8th Annual Saddle Up! Celebration
February 21-24, 2008
West meets Southeast during one of the fastest-growing events in Pigeon Forge. Saddle Up! shows how the West was fun with three days of cowboy poetry, Western music, dances and songwriter workshops.
14th Annual A Mountain Quiltfest™
March 12-16, 2008
This event has made Pigeon Forge a popular gathering spot for quilters from across the nation. Participants can learn the latest techniques and quilting secrets during classes and lectures conducted by some of the nation’s top quilting experts. Quilts of all shapes, sizes and colors are on display, and quilt show participants compete for cash prizes.
31December2007
Posted by Todd under: Adventures.
If you’re lucky enough to be in East Tennessee in January, it would be a great idea to see the wonders of the Smokies in Winter.
18th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week™
January 12-19, 2008
Wilderness Week in Pigeon Forge begins its
18th ann
ual on January 12-19, 2008, with a series of outdoor themed activities designed to connect visitors with the outdoor world of the Great Smoky Mountains.
During Pigeon Forge Wilderness Week, nearly 100 experts on nature and the great outdoors will host walks, hikes, seminars and lectures on a wide variety of topics, including Smoky Mountain history and plant and animal life. A number of Wilderness Wildlife Week programs are designed for children.
Guided Wilderness Week hikes through the Smokies range from easy, relaxed walks to more strenuous, multi-mile treks. Topics vary with individual hikes. To properly prepare for daylong outings, hikers are encouraged to bring gloves, head cover, rain gear, lunch or trail snacks, a flashlight and an extra pair of socks.
Wilderness Wildlife Week offers activities for all ages and attracts thousands of nature lovers to Pigeon Forge. The International Festivals & Events Association has recognized Pigeon Forge Wilderness Week for its environmental and educational efforts.
Wilderness Week activities are offered free of charge. Music Road Hotel & Convention Center is the headquarters for the event.
For a brochure outlining all the activities of Pigeon Forge Wilderness Week, call 1-800-WINTERFEST or the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events at (865) 429-7350.
10December2007
Posted by Todd under: Attractions.
PIGEON FORGE WRAPS THREE PRESENTS FOR POST-HOLIDAY TRAVELERS
January, February festivals offer Great Smoky Mountains antidotes for winter’s blahs
PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (December 2007)—The Great Smoky Mountains resort city of Pigeon Forge, Tenn., is wrapping three presents for winter travelers, but there’s a catch—they can’t be opened until January and February.
The presents are three city-sponsored special events that extend the community’s Winterfest celebration through February.
They are Wilderness Wildlife Week (Jan. 12-19), which celebrates the wonders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park; the Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival (Feb. 7-9), which features a five-time champion liar; and SaddleUp! (Feb. 21-24), which brings cowboy poetry and Western music east of the Mississippi.
Pigeon Forge Winterfest began in early November when displays containing five million colorful lights brightened the winter night. The flavor of Christmas and New Year’s Eve accent the first half of Winterfest, and the three festivals within a festival highlight the second half.
The light displays—which depict everything from the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge to Mother Goose rhymes and the city’s historic gristmill—remain up through February. One display features a blacksmith at his forge hammering out snowflakes.
“Pigeon Forge’s theater, restaurant, shopping and attractions communities remain active,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism. “Winters generally are mild, and it’s common to see families playing miniature golf or spinning around a go-cart track on a warm day.”
Festival details:
+ Wilderness Wildlife Week, Jan. 12-19, began as a Saturday afternoon activity and now offers eight days of programs and activities. More than 100 experts on nature and outdoor life present programs on many topics, and there are daily hikes and excursions into the national park. AppalachiaFest, a musical component of Wilderness Wildlife Week on Jan. 15, is hosted by Grammy Award winner David Holt and features bluegrass legend Dr. Ralph Stanley. On the Web at www.mypigeonforge.com/wildlife and www. mypigeonforge.com/music.
+ The 17th Annual Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival is on tap Feb. 7-9 with some of America’s top storytellers, who offer both performances and workshops. The 2008 schedule includes cowboy poet and storyteller Waddie Mitchell and Bil Lepp, five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest. On the Web at www.mypigeonforge.com/storytelling.
+ Saddle Up!, a celebration of the American West, returns for the eighth year, Feb. 21-24. It brings some of the best western musicians and cowboy poets to the Smokies for a rare visit east of the Mississippi River. Wylie & the Wild West, Sons of the San Joaquin, Jean and Gary Prescott, Yvonne Hollenbeck, Sourdough Slim, Chris Isaacs, Kent Rollins and Jeff Gore & Silver Valley are on this year’s bill. On the Web www.mypigeonforge.com/saddleup.
A complete list of Pigeon Forge Winterfest activities is available at www.MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-WINTERFEST.
19November2007
Posted by Todd under: Attractions.
Welcome to the original Zorb, the latest adrenaline surging fix of fun. The Zorb comes in a variety of forms - double harness and hydro versions, both with a different thrill and ride.
Zorb is coming to the USA! What is Zorb you ask, put simply Zorb is a large inflatable ball that people climb into and then roll down a hill inside. Technically the Zorb is a gigantic inflatable PVC ball standing about 9 feet in height, which contains another smaller ball that is suspended into position by thousand nylon strands of varying colors.
The first Zorb location in North America will be Zorb Smoky Mountains. The Zorb Smoky Mountains site is located in Pigeon Forge, a mountain resort area less than 10 miles from Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Parkland, 30 miles southeast of Knoxville, Tennessee in the southeast part of the United States. Zorb Smoky Mountains is just down the street from SOPHIES MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK!!!!
Quick and convient, Sophies Mountain Overlook is about 5 minutes from Zorb!!!!!
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North America’s only Zorb location.
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CLICK HERE TO BOOK SOPHIES MOUNTAIN OVERLOOK TODAY AND TRY ZORB! HTTP://WWW.SOPHIESMOUNTAINOVERLOOK.COM
What on earth is a Zorb?
Put simply the zorb is a large inflatable ball that people climb into and then roll down a hill inside it.
There are two different types of zorbs. A dry zorb and (yes) a wet zorb. Both types sit at the top of a steep, grassy hill and are started by a very kind guy who pushes your zorb over the top.
With the dry zorb, you are securely strapped in and then rolled over the top. From here on, you are a passenger on a very exciting ride. You roll and bounce your way down the hill and amazingly the only thing that hurts at the end of this ride is your sides, (from all the laughing and shouting). The dry zorb is a lot of fun and is definitely worth trying.
Now the wet zorb is a totally different type of ride to the dry one. With this one, you are not strapped in and you are encouraged to stand up and run like a hamster in its wheel. The challenge is to remain upright all the way to the bottom. This sounds easy, so to make things a little harder, they throw some warm soapy water inside. As you can imagine things get a little slippery.
FAQ’S
1) What is Zorbing?
2) Where did this idea come from?
Well you guessed it, that place down under that lays claim to bungy jumping — New Zealand. Andrew Akers and Dwane Van Der Sluis, the inventors, were originally designing an idea that would allow people to walk on water, but instead they came up with Zorbing! They are continually working on and developing new ideas.
3) What is the difference between Harness & Hydro Zorbing?
Harness Zorbing - You (The Zorbonaut) are safely harnessed inside the Zorb before being sent rolling head over heels downhill.
Hydro Zorbing - Try the “wash cycle” Guaranteed to cleanse the body and clear the mind!
The only water sport on land, cross between a roller coaster and a waterfall.
Hesitant? Just sit and slide all the way down.
Hero? Take on the Hydro-Zorb challenge:
Run all the way inside the wet zorb from the top of the hill to the bottom and win a free zorb T-shirt!
Hungover? Ask for really cold water and you are guaranteed to come out cured.
Have friend? Try two or more inside the Hydro-zorb together - a great bonding experience!
4) Is there a height, weight or age restriction?
Under 6 years old for Hydro Zorbing (Parental consent is required up to the age of 18)
Under 12 years old or under 4’2” high for Harness Zorbing (Parental consent is required up to the age of 18)
Exceed 396 lbs per two Zorbonauts for the Double Harness.
Not to exceed 286 lbs or 550 lbs for multiple Hydro Zorbonauts.
5) How do I find the Zorb site?
Directions and Map to Zorb Smoky Mountains
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17November2007
Posted by Todd under: Attractions.
I strongly recommend a visit to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. It’s a beautiful estate with a winery. http://www.biltmore.com/visit/.
17November2007
Posted by Todd under: Attractions.
This is great news! New shuttle has been started that ferry’s visitors from Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg to Cherokee reservation in North Carolina! I strongly recommend that people visit the Cherokee reservation, they have a beautiful play they put on and the ride to Cherokee is breath taking (perhaps less so if YOU don’t have to drive . . . those switchbacks can be scary!)
Below is the story:
Daily shuttle service available between GatlinBurg, Cherokee
A shuttle service between Cherokee, N.C., and Gatlinburg which started in April 2006 is doing so well it is expected to expand its services to include a stop in Pigeon Forge starting in spring 2008.
The shuttle currently picks up passengers daily at traffic light three, in front of the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, from 9:30 to 10 a.m.; 2 to 2:30 p.m.; and 5:30 to 6 p.m. During summer, there is also an evening run for passengers going to the outdoor drama in Cherokee, and passengers are deposited and picked up at the theater. In winter, the service does not operate at night, but continues to run daily as long as Newfound Gap Road through Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open.
Kathi Littlejohn, director of the transit service for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, said the service began with a $300,000, three-year grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation under the Congestive Mitigation Air Quality Act. As of the end of September, 653 passengers had ridden the shuttle.
Littlejohn said the North Carolina Public Department of Transportation bought the 22-passenger shuttle bus that includes two wheelchair areas, and the grant pays the salaries of the drivers, biodiesel fuel, and brochures.
Evelyn Locust, a driver for the shuttle, said that although a lot of people in Cherokee asked for the service to get to Gatlinburg, many Gatlinburg tourists have found the service to be a great way to get to Cherokee without having to drive the twisting mountain road.
“We got a very nice letter from a man and his wife who were in Gatlinburg visiting from Florida,” explained Littlejohn. “They told how much they enjoyed riding with someone knowledgeable about the area, and that both of them could enjoy the ride without having to concentrate on driving. Many people like to visit our mountains, but they don’t like to drive in our mountains.”
Other benefits of the service are that it eases traffic congestion, and therefore traffic pollution, in the national park, and that, said Littlejohn, “benefits the Park’s mission to protect and preserve the Park.”
Bob Miller, a spokesman for the Park said, “We have a general agreement with the Cherokees about where they can stop, and we provide information about the shuttle to visitors at Park visitor centers. We don’t allow people to park in the visitor center parking lot, but it is an opportunity to potentially reduce the number of vehicles on Newfound Gap Road, with is always congested.”
Each trip over the mountains includes a stop at Newfound Gap so that riders may stretch their legs or take a picture. It is also an opportunity for through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail to catch the shuttle for a ride to town to re-supply.
Littlejohn said next spring, a Cherokee Friend will be onboard the shuttles to provide information to passengers about the Cherokees, the tribe, and local attractions. That service will be available for the 1 p.m. ride on weekends in June through October.
Walter Yeldell, of the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism, said the service “is an incoming opportunity to provide visitors to Cherokee a means of getting over here. … It’s a mutually beneficial service for Gatlinburg and Cherokee in bringing people to Gatlinburg.”
Tickets are available from the driver, and the fee is $12 per person roundtrip; $10 per person roundtrip for groups of three or more people; and $10 per person for senior citizens age 60 and over. For those planning to ride one way and stay overnight, the fee is $7.
For more information about the service, visit Gatlinburg Welcome Center at light number three, or call Littlejohn at (828) 497-5296.
30October2007
Posted by Todd under: Uncategorized.
Though the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville area has grown exponentially in recent years, they have NEVER lost sight of their past.
From the Mountain Press, Sevier County’s newspaper:
GATLINBURG -People walking through Mills Conference Center after Friday will do so under the watchful eyes of the town founders.
City officials dedicated the Founders and First Families picture exhibit Friday afternoon.
It features some of the oldest known pictures of the people who first settled White Oak Flats, the area that would eventually become Gatlinburg.
Robin Huskey Daily and her sister, Susan Huskey, are descendants of two of the first families to build homes here - the Huskeys and the Ogles. They were at the conference center Friday to see pictures of their ancestors.
“It’s great to see this,” Robin said. “We’ve got lots of old pictures. I wish we’d known they were doing this earlier, we could have given them some.”
They may have the chance later; officials hope to expand the picture collection over the years.
Kenton Temple, director of the Anna Porter Public Library, said they will be archiving more pictures in the city’s new library. They eventually hope to be able to scan them so that they can give originals back to families, or act as a repository for families that want to preserve a collection.
They’re still several years away from having everything they’ll need, but they’re working toward it, she said.
In the meantime, Nancy Hays was happy to see an idea come to fruition. She was the one who first suggested hanging picture of the founding families in the conference center.
“It just makes your mind go back in time and think how these people lived,” she said.