Gatlinburg TN Area Information

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Happy New Year

Cabins For You would like to wish all everyone a Happy New Year. We would love to thank all past guests who helped make 2009 a great year for Cabins For You. We are looking forward to a busy and exciting 2010 in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Tennessee.

Please remember that Cabins For You is hosting a Holiday Photo Contest that will end January 31, 2010. We are sure that visitors to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during the New Year festivities will have some great photos. Please visit our photo contest page for information about submitting pictures.

To learn more about Cabins For You please follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Monday, December 28, 2009

New Years Celebration 2010

The end of 2009 is almost here and Gatlinburg Tennessee has huge plans to make it the best New Years celebration in the Southeast. What better way than to bring in 2010 than with a spectacular fireworks display in downtown Gatlinburg TN? For 22 years Gatlinburg has celebrated the ending of one year and beginning of another with a New Years Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show that will simply "wow" you! Gather around the Space Needle in downtown Gatlinburg for a front row seat to the New Years Eve blast on December 31. 2009.

The party begins before midnight with various local bands and plenty of live entertainment and music. This live entertainment and music start at the Gatlinburg Convention Center where the performers and musical artists will entertain the crowds of people before midnight to kick off the New Years celebration. Go by Mr. Tablecloth, across from the Space Needle, to pick up your New Years Eve party favors.

The 2009-2010 New Years Eve celebration in Gatlinburg is totally free. That's right, it is all free. Free entertainment, free music and a good time when the clock hits 12 and the countdown begins. No tickets are needed.

Remember to get in to downtown Gatlinburg early because there are plenty of restaurants and attractions that are offering special New Years Eve celebrations. The Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is the perfect place to be from 9 PM to 1 AM where you can enjoy a "Dance with the Sharks" along with a variety of other things to keep you entertained until the toast at midnight. Along with Ripley's are other popular and fun restaurants that will be holding special events and a toast at midnight.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Gatlinburg Arts and Museums

While the main motivation behind any vacation is typically to escape from everyday worries and stress, one of the many secondary benefits is the ability to take in another area’s culture and way of life (in fact, this is good advice). Even if you are only traveling to another state, you’re bound to find some of those subtle differences that make the people’s way of living different from your own. This is just another way in which vacations let you escape from the ordinary. Gatlinburg offers so many unique cultural attractions that it would be impossible to see them all at one time. However, one way to get the most culture out of your visit is to explore the area’s many museums and art galleries, which will open up doors into other cultural worlds.

For example, to get a feel for the Smoky Mountain way of life, you might choose to visit the Paul Murray Museum. Murray’s art, which captures the many aspects of the Southern Appalachian lifestyle, is here on display for all to experience. From the skillfully depicted wrinkled faces of elderly farmers to the bright smiles of young girls, Murray’s art gives visitors a lens through which to gaze into the culture that surrounds the region, making it a must-see for anyone fascinated by mountain culture.

You might also be interested in visiting the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Not only does this facility host workshops and classes in the arts, but it also features a gallery consisting of an extensive art collection and many pieces done by some of the locals who have studied there. This is sure to be a treat for anyone who wants to see how the denizens of the Smokies approach their art.

Also, the famous Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum and the Guinness World of Records Museum are both located in Gatlinburg. While the culture they exhibit is not strictly that of the Smokies, both locations feature a wide variety of different cultures and ways of life that are incredibly diverse and broad! Checking out one or both of these sites is sure to be a cultural awakening, if not flat-out culture shock.

Gatlinburg TN is one city with a wide variety of cultural outlets. The museums and art galleries of the area are just one way of experiencing what makes the Smoky Mountains region so unique!

Monday, December 21, 2009

What To Avoid in Gatlinburg TN

Gatlinburg Tennessee is a very exciting resort town. At time it is easy to get caught up in the mountain atmosphere. Just like any other resort destination, there are a few things you should not do. Listed below are a few things you should avoid in Gatlinburg TN (some funny, some not)!

  1. Cabins During the Winter - Ok, not exactly what you are thinking. This past weekend some guests were not able to reach their mountain cabin because of inclement weather. Early snow leads us all to believe that this winter will be cooler and more wet. Because of these issues, we think customers should consider travel insurance.
  2. Candy and Fudge - Again, probably not what you are thinking about. If you do not want to eat some of the best fudge and candy around then do not visit the downtown Parkway.
  3. The Parkway - The Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg TN is very busy. Almost everyone who visits the location love to walk the strip and window shopping. Please be aware there are several crosswalk and pedestrians have the right-of-way. Cars must proceed with caution (Getting Around Gatlinburg). Taking the trolley might be an easier option.
  4. Feeding The Bears -This can be a very serious issue. Do not, at all cost, feed the bears, leave food out to attract bears, or annoy the bears. This is against the law and can be very dangerous.
  5. Icy Mountain Roads - During the winter months the mountain roads of Gatlinburg will occasionally ice over. We highly recommend vehicles with 4-wheel drive. Always use caution when driving on the roads. Adding trip insurance helps remove some of the stress.
  6. GPS Navigation - We highly recommend using the driving directions from your rental company and not the directions from GPS devices. GPS devices do work sometimes but are not as reliable as the directions from your rental company.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Holiday Photo Contest

We have an exciting announcement to make. Cabins For You has decided to celebrate the holidays by holding a $250 GIVEAWAY. We would like to invite you to enter the giveaway and to spread the word about it.

What’s that? You need the details? We’re glad you asked.

The giveaway is simple. Email us at [email protected] with your favorite Smoky Mountain holiday vacation picture and a few sentences to go along with it. Don’t feel like the picture has to be staged. We’re looking for fun pictures and great stories. We’re not limiting the amount of entries you send, so the more the merrier. We’ll be posting some of our favorites on our blog.

Here are some examples of great picture ideas/themes:

  • A funny picture of your family skiing at Ober Gatlinburg
  • A beautiful sunset as seen from a cabin
  • Your family in front of a Pigeon Forge attraction
  • Anything that’s cute, fun, or pretty in the Smokies

Really convinced you should win? Feel free to also post your picture on our Facebook Fanpage wall (you’ll have to be a fan to do so). Then your friends can “like” your picture and comment on it. Although we’re not judging purely on "likes," we will take them into consideration since our fans are very important to us, and their opinions matter. Remember that Facebook is not your official entry. You’ll need to make sure and email us as well.

The giveaway starts on December 14, 2009 and ends on January 31, 2010. We’ll be announcing the winner via Facebook and Twitter on February 8, 2010, so we highly suggest you check back for the winner.

We’re so thrilled about this giveaway because it’s a great way for us to learn more about you. We know there are some great pictures out there, so start digging.

For OFFICIAL RULES click the link.

Monday, December 07, 2009

Top 10 Reasons For Christmas in Gatlinburg

Is this really the most wonderful time of the year? We think so…it's at least the best time to take a vacation. No city and surrounding businesses around American have Christmas and Holiday festivities like resort destinations. Beside the normal lights and decorations on the streets most resort cities and business go a step further. They plan elaborate shows, decorate store windows, and have seasonal events. Gatlinburg Tennessee might take it a step further. Gatlinburg successfully stretches the season out for 3 months.

Listed below are the top 10 reasons why you should come to Gatlinburg for the Christmas season.

  1. The city and local businesses are beautifully decorated. Almost all take part in this wonderful celebration.
  2. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have one of the best light displays around the southeast. It is called Gatlinburg Winter Magic.
  3. You have to opportunity to experience Christmas and New Years. Only one week separates these major holidays.
  4. Some of the areas Gatlinburg cabins will be decorated by their owners. Some owners will have trees, lights, and wreaths. Ask your management company for specifics.
  5. About 5 miles from downtown Gatlinburg guests can experience Dollywood Theme Park. Dollywood offers one of the best Christmas celebrations in the southeast.
  6. If you are in Gatlinburg you will have the option to bring in the new year will thousands of other fans of the Smoky Mountains.
  7. Take your family on the Trolley Ride of Lights (Guided Tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic).
  8. Sweet Fanny Adams in Gatlinburg TN will host “Yuletide Madness”
  9. Go Skiing at Ober Gatlinburg (or ice skating if that is more fun).
  10. Enjoy story telling by Gatlinburg Winter Tunes and Tales as you walk the downtown parkway.

Gatlinburg TN will be extreme crowded during the last few weeks of December. It is highly recommend to reserve as close to Gatlinburg as possible so you can minimize driving. To also help minimize driving consider taking the Gatlinburg Trolley.

For the best view of Gatlinburg TN consider booking Absolute Heaven. On the River, Poolin Around, Skinny Dipping, River Romance, Simone’s Cottage and Seth’s Red Oak Lodge all have easy access Gatlinburg (walking distance).

Friday, December 04, 2009

Toddler Activities in Gatlinburg

Planning a family vacation to Gatlinburg TN? Then you’re sure to have done your research already into what you plan to do to enjoy yourself while away from home. However, these plans can become complicated very easily when factoring in the interests of some others who may be coming along with you – your toddlers.

It’s no secret that keeping a toddler entertained and at ease can be some of the hardest tasks handed to a parent. So, if you’re compelled to bring your little one with you to enjoy the sites of sounds of Gatlinburg, you may be stuck as to what activities to involve yourself in that will keep them occupied and happy. Never fear, though – Gatlinburg is loaded with toddler-friendly activities.

Perhaps your little ones are turning into quite the animal lovers? If so, you should definitely not pass up the Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo. This location plays host to a delightful petting zoo, featuring unique creatures such as kangaroo, reindeer, camels, goats, and others that you and your toddler may not get to see anywhere else. The park also features horse and pony rides. If your toddler is developing a love for nature (or just happens to love Dora The Explorer) you might consider a short backpacking trek up to one of the areas many waterfalls, Cades Cove or other sites.

For some more conventional family fun, try checking out Ober Gatlinburg. This site sports an amusement park that any young child is sure to enjoy. Notable toddler-friendly places within the park include Kiddie Land, which contains a playground and a few kid rides, the Renegade Fun House, the Smoky Mountain Wildlife Encounter, an arcade, and the famous Alpine Slide, a self-controlled slide down the mountain which is sure to thrill any toddler (while on the lap of a consenting adult, of course). The gondola ride up to the actual park itself is also bound to bring excitement to the face of your little one. Other sites of amusement for toddlers might include the Mirror Maze, a fun-filled adventure through halls of large mirrors, and Ripley’s Aquarium, an amusing Aquarium in Gatlinburg TN.

For more information regarding Gatlinburg or any of our Gatlinburg cabins please call one of our reservation specialist today at 1-800-684-7865.