Gatlinburg TN Area Information

Friday, October 31, 2008

Holiday Arts and Crafts Show

If you have someone in your life who is difficult to buy holiday presents for then check out the Holiday Arts and Crafts Show in Gatlinburg Tennessee. With all types of gifts to choose from you’ll be sure to find the perfect gift for anyone. This year’s Holiday Arts and Crafts Show will be between November 25 and December 7, 2008. This show is put on each year by the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community of Gatlinburg. The Arts and Crafts community is the largest group of artisans in North America. This group of people make collectibles and souvenirs of all types for visitors to buy and take home with them. The Holiday Arts and Crafts show is a great way to get a jump start on your Christmas shopping and buy some really unique gifts for your loved ones.

At the show you’ll be able to find original pieces such as candles, baskets, brooms, clothes, pottery, jewelry, leather goods, art, clothing, blankets and much more. Something for every member of your family could be found at the Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. All of their goods are handmade and while you’re at the show you might get a chance to see some of them in action.

Admittance to the Holiday Arts and Crafts Show is free. The doors will open at 10am everyday. The show will be held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. They are sharing their holiday spirit with all visitors by decorating for the Christmas holidays.

Some of these artisans have been in this business their whole lives. They grew up with their parents and grandparents making these gifts and it’s “in their blood” to do these things. This is how they make their living so rest assure you are buying products from professionals. Everything you will see and find at this Holiday Arts and Crafts Show is made right in Gatlinburg TN and boasts “handmade in the USA” pride.

If you’ll be in town between November 25 and December 7 2008 be sure you stop by the Holiday Arts and Crafts Show. There’s no obligation to buy anything but you might find yourself leaving with some pieces of these artisans work. It’s a great way to buy gifts for even the pickiest of people.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Gatlinburg Winter Magic

Probably the best time of year to visit Gatlinburg TN is during the fall and winter months. To me, there is nothing better than the quaint village atmosphere, cool air and snuggling with your loved one. In fact, Gatlinburg TN is home to one event that the Southeast Tourism Society declared one of their top twenty events. The Gatlinburg Winter Magic event begins on November 5, 2008 and lasts until February 28, 2009. During these couple of months the town of Gatlinburg is magically turned into a wonderland of lights. Visitors coming into town are welcomed by a huge archway full of lights. Throughout the whole city there are small decorations lit up with thousands of colored lights. The streets are lined with small statues of tress and snowflakes fall from the light poles. One of the popular walking areas is on River Road in downtown Gatlinburg TN. The whole road is set in a romantic theme. The roads are lined with huge floral designs and two 40ft swans.

Although winter is on display, Gatlinburg tries to make most of the displays about things that you would see in everyday life of the Smokies. You are very likely to see backdrops of animals such as bears. You will also get to see plenty of lighted trees.

Gatlinburg Winter Magic wouldn't be complete without the Winter Magic Tunes and Tales. During this event guests have the opportunity to meet different storytellers and winter land characters. The Seven Quartets of Holiday Carolers are going from street to street singing some of your favorite Christmas carols. If you are lucky you might see Mr. and Mrs. Clause!

You do not want to miss these few month in Gatlinburg Tennessee. Gatlinburg is at it's finest. For more information regarding our Gatlinburg cabins in downtown Gatlinburg TN, please call our reservation specialists at 1.800.648.7865.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Carnival Of Screams

October in Gatlinburg is not only the most beautiful month of the year, but it might be the scariest month as well. No, I am not talking about icy roads or bad snow storms. I am talking about the scary haunted houses built for the Halloween lovers. Every year they for a few weeks, you can visit Gatlinburg at its finest and scariest!

During late October, be sure to make time to visit the “Carnival of Screams” at the Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is a multi-million dollar haunted house that was build to send you running and screaming at the top of your lungs. Each year Ripley’s Haunted Adventure picks a different theme to decorate the haunted house. This years theme is the “Carnival of Screams”. On October 26th and October 27th Bill Mosoley will be making a guest appearance. Bill played in the horrific Rob Zombie film “House of 1,000 Corpses” and “The Devil’s Rejects”. The Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is open 365 days a year. But during the last week of October they celebrate Halloween and the tour of the haunted house is extra bone chilling. Fellow screamers must be at least six years of age. Children ages six and up must be accompanied by an adult.

Groups of 10 - 15 will be assembled and you will be instructed to hold hands. Your adventure begins with a cage ride up to the second story. After exiting the cage you will be greeted by a ghostly host. The guide will go over a couple of rules and then he will sending you on your terrifying way. As you make your way through the dark, horrifying creatures and disturbing visions will send chills down your back bone. There are skilled actors that act out some of the scenes from Rob Zombies films. What thrill if you love to be scared out of your mind. If you’re going to be in Gatlinburg TN during October and be sure to stop by the “Carnival of Screams.”
We still have a few Gatlinburg cabins available. They are booking fast as the remaining dates of October are filled. Call one of our reservation specialists today at 1.800.684.7865.

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Gatlinburg Chili Cook-Off

The Gatlinburg community celebrates each holiday with high spirits and decorations around downtown Gatlinburg. Although not the busiest months, the winter months seem to be the tourists’ favorite time to visit Gatlinburg. Probably the ambiance that Gatlinburg TN provided through the cold winter month. Something about relaxing in one of our Gatlinburg cabins in front of a fire on a cold day!

Throughout the winter month Gatlinburg hosts many different festivals and activities to show their holiday spirit. Normally, each month is kicked off with a different festival. On November 5 the Winter Magic Kicks off, along with the Chili Cook-Off. Despite the Winter Magic Kick Off, November 5th is mostly about the Gatlinburg Chili Cook-Off.

Chili vendors from the surrounding areas will be brewing up their very own recipe of chili. There will by all types of chilies with different spices and hidden secrets for you to taste!! There are twenty - five booths available for vendors. For just a small fee of $7 you can taste as many spoonfuls of chili that you that you can handle.

At the end of the day you will be held responsible for voting for the awards that are given out after the many “taste test“ spoonfuls. There will be an award given for the best taste and booth presentation. There will also be an award given out for the best decorated aprons and the most unique chili name. Who knew that cooking chili could be so fun? During the chili cook-off the official “flip of the switch” will be included in the festivities. The “flipping of the switch” is were the Gatlinburg TN community flips the power source to millions of lights and turns the downtown Gatlinburg area into a winter wonderland. So be sure to bring the kids along to celebrate the beginning of the winter holidays!