Gatlinburg TN Area Information

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

October in Gatlinburg TN

October brings many visitors into the Smokies. According to the National Park Service the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most popular national park in the country. Along with the fall scenery, many people are going to Gatlinburg to see the flowers and animals in their natural habitat. A lot of the events that occur during the month of October are inspired by the natural occurrences brought on by the Smokey’s. You can walk along the Parkway and see many performers acting out stories. If you lend your ears to the storytellers long enough they’ll captivate you with their tall tales and folklore. Come to Gatlinburg and enjoy the many events held during October.
To make the most of your time while vacationing in October be sure you take in the scenery. It will leave you breathless. If you’re there to see the foliage then there are a few tips you should remember. Many cabins are in the mountains and offer you amazing views of the mountains so you’ll have the beauty of the foliage right out your door. You could go on a stroll along one of the trails, go on a hike or enjoy a bike ride. Picnicking is also a good idea for those of you who like to be outdoors.
Be sure to make it by the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair while on your trip to the Smokies. Local artisans have put their work on display and up for sale for an additional treat for you. The have captured the true beauty of the Smoky Mountains in their work and you can take a piece of Gatlinburg home with you. You can watch as they make their crafts by doing demonstrations. A few of the artisans will actually make what craft you are wanting. The Gatlinburg Craftsman Fair has been acknowledged by the Southeast Tourism Society and was voted one of the Top 20 Events. The fair will be held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
The event planners didn’t forget the music lovers either. During October Dollywood holds it’s National Gospel and Harvest Celebration. Dollywood is a short drive from Gatlinburg TN and during this time will be offering over 30 gospel groups for you to watch as they perform. Many big names will be present.
With October offering so much for you, you won’t waste a minute. Between the events that are going on and the fall foliage, Gatlinburg TN will be sure to win you over. Who knows, this Gatlinburg vacation may turn into a yearly adventure.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Black Bear Habitat and Nocturnal House

Everyone loves to watch and enjoy animals in their natural habitat. For some reason it exciting going to the zoo or the aquarium. Watching the bears, tigers or monkeys play around and interact with their species is always worth the wait and price of admission. Searching for the sneaky sea turtles is always fun at local aquariums. As most of our child hood memories return to us about our trips to the local zoos or aquariums, its time to think about coming to Gatlinburg TN and enjoying the new Black Bear Habitat and Nocturnal house. After the aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg TN, the Black Bear Habitat and Nocturnal House will be the next most exciting exhibit around town. The Black Bear Habitat and Nocturnal House at Ober Gatlniburg will feature various species of native wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles, snacks and, of course, black bears. Future expansions will consist of an aquatic exhibit displaying some of the creatures found in the rivers of the Smoky Mountains. Eventually river otters, bobcat, fox and other native species will also have homes at this new facility. The price of admission is $4.00 and is located at Ober Gatlinburg which can be reached from traffic light number 10 in downtown Gatlinburg TN.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Fall Foliage in Gatlinburg

Starting around September 15 through roughly November 15, fall foliage will be at its peak. Fall is right around the corner and with fall comes the fall foliage. Starting in September visitors will be able to see the leaves changing into their beautiful colors all around the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. Of course, the foliage isn’t as vibrant in September as it is in October. The fall foliage is what attracts most people to the area between September and November. The colors start peaking out mid-September and become more noticeable throughout the next couple of months.
In September a traveler can expect sunshine during the day but with cooler temperatures. The changing colors of the leaves will be more noticeable in the lower elevations due to the chemical processes brought on by the cool of the night. Days will become shorter and nights will become longer in September. Most of the colors of the leaves will be green in September but the Sourwood trees, maple trees, and birch trees will start turning the vibrant yellows, oranges and reds before the rest of the trees. Most of the colors will be noticed in the flowers at this point in time.
In October the weather cools down significantly as fall progresses. Days are still nice and sunny but the night time brings temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s. October shows more color change throughout The Smokey Mountains as well. The yellows and reds become more prominent in the beech and birch trees. The main color change is still at the lower elevations at the beginning of October. At the first part of October the mountains are still predominantly green but as the end of October closes the mountains start reflecting the red of the trees. As October presses forward the colors of the leaves turn more radiant shades of red, orange, gold and yellow and very few trees still have green on them.
November still sees some of the fall foliage but with “Old Man Winter” coming upon November the colors are as vibrant as they are in the October days. You can still see the reds in the mountains but the frost from the cold is taking the color away. The first part of November will still welcome you with the fall foliage if you’re planning a trip to the Smokey’s around that time. The temperatures in November start getting chilly and jackets might be a necessity for you to pack. By the end of the month the trees will have shaken off a majority of their leaves and a winter wonderland awaits you.

Saturday, August 09, 2008

The Best Aquarium

On a recent survey hosted by Trip Advisor, travelers were given the opportunity to vote on their favorite aquariums and zoos in the United States. From avid travelers to home grown Gatlinburg individuals, its no surprise why the top two aquariums listed were the Tennessee Aquarium and the Ripley's Aquarium in downtown Gatlinburg TN. Possibly one reason for the survey being hosted by Trip Advisor is best stated by a Trip Advisor employee. "These aquariums and zoos offer wonderful learning experiences about animals and their habitats, and truly let travelers take a walk on the wild side," said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for Trip Advisor. What a wonderful recognition give to Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg TN.
Top 10 U.S. Aquariums
  1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  2. Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga, Tennessee
  3. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey, California
  4. Ripley’s Aquarium, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
  5. Oregon Coast Aquarium, Newport, Oregon
  6. Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas, Texas
  7. National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, Dubuque, Iowa
  8. Shedd Aquarium, Chicago, Illinois
  9. Downtown Aquarium, Denver, Colorado
  10. Florida Aquarium, Tampa, Florida

If you are visiting Gatlinburg Tennessee, the Ripley's Aquarium is a must for everyone of all ages. You can visit the Aquarium on River Road at traffic light #5.

Monday, August 04, 2008

National Storytelling Conference

Each month there are activities in Gatlinburg TN that give you even more reasons to make a visit to the area but this year in the beginning of August, for the first time ever, there will be an event that is unlike any other. Starting on August 7th, 2008 the National Storytelling Conference will kick off at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg TN. As August begins and word gets around about this wonderful, and interesting event, storytelling will be on everyone’s mind. On Friday, August 9th starting at 7:00 pm the National Storytelling Conference’s regional concert will have members from all seven regions of the country there to entertain you. These fabulous performers will include: Esther Culver, Meg Gilman, Linda Gorham, Elaine Muray, Priscilla Howe, LynnAnn Wojciechowicz and Julie Pasqual. On this night the emcee for the evening will be Yvonne Healy. Tickets are $10.00 per person and the show will end at 9:00 pm. Just because Friday ended does not mean that it is the end of the conference because Saturday brings more fun and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Starting at 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 9th the National Storytelling Conference’s national concert showcases four of the most well-known storytellers in the world. These storytellers will include: Diane Ferlatte, Doc McConnell, Motoko and Connie Regan-Blake. On Saturday night the shows emcee will be Jim May and tickets for this show are $15.00. Saturdays show will end at 9:00 pm. The National Storytelling Conference will offer something for everyone that is interested in storytelling. This $100 all-access Concert Package will allow you to come to the two events and get some special packages as well. In this $100 package you will have access to any of the conference’s eight state showcases in the Southeast Region. You can visit these throughout the day in 90 minute time periods from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm on Fridays and Saturday. “Fringe” performances are feature during the day and have late evening shows. These shows will be on Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 pm, Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 pm and on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 pm. Please be cautious because some of these performances do have adult content warnings. With this $100 package you can also get your chance to enjoy Story “Swaps”. This is where guests can sign up to tell their own stories for other people to enjoy. This event takes place during the same evening times and Fringe performances. With so many wonderful storytelling events going on at Gatlinburg Convention Center you will need to get a head start on your August Gatlinburg vacation. Tickets are going quickly so call today and get your spot at the National Storytelling Conference.