Gatlinburg TN Area Information

Monday, September 21, 2009

Antiquing in the Smoky Mountains

It's a fact of life that everyone has their own special interests and hobbies that govern a portion of their life. So, when making your way through the streets and pathways of the various towns of the Smoky Mountains, you might be wondering where to engage in the sorts of shopping that spark your fancy. In this article, we'll focus specifically on sites that specialize in a hobby that evokes memories and reflections on the past, much like the Smoky Mountains themselves. I'm speaking, of course, about the pastime of antiquing.

One antique shop of note is The Common Good in Sevierville, Tennessee. This location sports vintage and antique furniture, accessories, and, to top it all off, handmade arts and crafts from local artists! To add to the excitement of this location, all the rooms in the store have themes based around what items you will find within them. So, you can expect to find your antique kitchen items in the kitchen room, and your bath accessories in the bathroom. This is an apt gimmick, as the store itself is based out of an old house.

And let's not forget the one-stop shop that is the flea market. The Great Smokies Flea Market and Antiques could very well be your next full-time hangout spot, and is located conveniently close to Sevierville and Pigeon Forge. Clocks, jewelery, figurines, furniture – you name it, and you're likely to find it at this mammoth location, which is hailed as one of East Tennessee's top attractions.

These are just two of the many, many antique stores that can be found around the Smoky Mountain region. Other locations of note include Morton's Antiques and Coins in Gatlinburg, as well as Heartland Antiques and Collectibles, Action Antique Mall, and Tudor House in Sevierville. With all of these choice spots just waiting to be combed by inquiring customers, you can be assured that if antiquing is an interest of yours or anyone in your family's, then the Smokies are bound to be that much more riveting!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Winter Safety Tips for Gatlinburg

Anyone acquainted with the weather patterns of the South knows how erratic they can be. The weather in Gatlinburg can sometimes get just as crazy as other parts of the South, so there are definitely some facts that need to be known about the region’s weather in order to better enjoy its sites and environment. As fall slowly fades and winter starts to shows its ugly head (and inconsistent), all Gatlinburg visitors should be aware of a few things.

In particular, winter is one time of the year when knowing what you’re getting yourself into while vacationing in Gatlinburg can be especially helpful. Highs in winter time usually tend towards the high 40s, but can occasionally creep their way into the upper 50s during December and February. Monthly lows have been noted to consistently fall into the low 20s.

When most people think about winter in the mountains, heavy snowfall is probably one of the first things that come to mind. While the lower regions of Gatlinburg can sometimes defy this trend, the issue of how to deal with heavy snow still holds mostly true for the areas of higher elevation. If you’re planning to visit or stay at a location in these upper parts (which includes many Gatlinburg cabins--ours and other companies), you should plan accordingly for snowfall, ice, and the like. Considering the mountainous quality of the terrain, tire chains are often a must in order to navigate many of the roads around the area. Dressing in layers is also recommended for anyone visiting Gatlinburg in the winter time. Winter weather can sometimes cause traffic delays on major roads such as Highway 441, so when making a wintertime trek up to the Smoky Mountains utilizing alternate routes is often advisable.

If the weather conditions appear dangerous, consider calling someone who might be able to help. Some options include the Tennessee DOT and your cabin management company.

Also, when looking at Gatlinburg cabins to rent for your stay, never underestimate the power of a large fireplace! This way you’ll be able to beat the winter weather even when staying indoors. Ultimately, the many activities and special events that occur in Gatlinburg during wintertime make it an exciting place to visit, so preparing properly for the winter weather can help you balance safety with pleasure.