Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN Blog

2010 Trout Tournament

2010-03-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

The 11th annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is back again and this time it's April 3-4. You can watch or participate as people of all ages fish for the largest trout. This event attracts many locals as well as tourists to see who will win the grand prize. The tournament will start on Saturday, April 3, at sunrise and will end at 4pm. On Sunday, the tournament will start at sunrise and end at 2 pm.

Now don't forget that you still have to abide by all the Gatlinburg and state of Tennessee fishing laws. Here are the rules for the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament:

One hand held rod with a single hook with a limit of 5 fish.
No fishing on the Friday before the tournament and no fishing after tournament hours on Saturday and Sunday
Only trout will be weighed and must be 7 inches long.
Only registed fisherman can participate in this event.
Total weight of the trout for the two days will determine the winner.

The rivers of the Smoky Mountain National Park will be stocked with trout. There are over 20 miles of streams and 10,000 trout will be put into those rivers. Get in on this trout tournament for a chance to win $500 for the largest trout or $500 for the smallest, trophies, gift certificates, fishing equipment, amusement passes and much more. Over $10,000 in cash and prizes will be given away. Anyone can enjoy this event, just make sure you're in town between April 3-4!

For more information about the trout tournament please visit www.rockytopoutfitter.com.

Easter at Ober Gatlinburg 2010

2010-03-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Easter at Ober Gatlinburg is a unique experience. This year it will be on Easter morning, April 4 2010. This is the 12th year for Easter at Ober and it will begin 6:30am. Free tram rides will be available to you at no cost. The rides will begin at 6pm and will continue is 15 minute intervals. If you choose not to ride the tram you could drive your own car up to Ober Gatlinburg Resort. Be aware that parking is limited and this is a popular event. Everyone is encouraged to join the service and it will be approximately 30-40 minutes long.

After the service a breakfast buffet will be available for those who are interested. It will be from 7am until 10:30am at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant. There will be biscuits, bagels, cereal, muffins and many other breakfast foods including omelets. Also there will be beverages such as coffee, milk, orange juice and other sodas. Enjoy the service and a nice warm meal afterwards!

Easter at Ober Gatlinburg is a great way to enjoy Easter Sunday. Be sure you make it up to Mount Harris to listen to the service and enjoy the breakfast as well. It’s a unique experience and a great way to spend a Sunday in Gatlinburg TN.

Easter Arts & Crafts 2010

2010-03-17T09:33:00.001-07:00

This year's Arts and Crafts Community Easter Arts and Crafts Show will be held between March 31 and April 3. This will be a great time to visit Gatlinburg for special, quality, handmade goods from local Gatlinburg artisans. The Arts and Crafts Community is an 8 mile loop off Highway 321 in Gatlinburg where multiple shops are set up by the artisans who make pottery, blankets, jewelry and other one of a kind crafts. Instead of driving the 8 mile loop you can visit the Gatlinburg Convention Center and find all the artisans in one spot.

There will be over 100 artisans at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. There will be many displays set up for you to browse through. The artisans will be at their booths making custom orders or you can buy some of their goods. The items make great souvenirs or gifts to take home to your family. Admission to the Arts and Crafts Show is free. You don't have to buy anything while you're there but it's a great way to spend a day.

The Arts and Crafts Shows only come twice a year. If you'll be in town to catch one of them you'll be sure to love it. There will be over 100 craftsmen from the Arts and Crafts Community. Make sure you stop by the Convention Center if you'll be in town between March 31- April 3. It's a free show and a great way to spend some time exploring Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg Screenfest 2010

2010-03-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

Gatlinburg Screenfest will be held from March 26-28 this year. The film festival made it’s debut last year and is returning again this year to put on a show to top last year. The event is open to any person who wants to see the shows. So if you enjoy movies then be sure you’re in town for Screenfest.

The Screenfest event will start on Friday night at the Duck Blind Lounge at 6pm. Some of the movies from this year will be played that night. Saturday will be a busy day with plenty for you to enjoy. All day you will be able to catch some of the independent films from this year playing. The winners from last year will have their movies playing for you to view that morning. Watching the movies from last year will be free but donations are requested to benefit the American Red Cross. Starting at 5:30pm a workshop for anyone who is interested in being in the film industry will take place. Hang around on Sunday to see who wins which awards during the Awards Ceremony.

Come out and enjoy the movies during Gatlinburg Screenfest. Some of the movie titles that will be playing from this year are The Suffering, A Little Christmas, #1, The Ground Beneath Us, and several others that you might enjoy. Lengths of each movie vary but one thing is for certain, you will want to come back again next year.

Celebrate Santa and Parade

2010-03-02T13:46:00.000-08:00

The best place to vacation is Gatlinburg TN and even Santa (all of them) know that. The Celebrate Santa event will be in Gatlinburg from March 14-16 ,2010. If you've never been to Gatlinburg during Celebrate Santa get ready to see hundreds of Santas and Mrs. Claus' walking down the Parkway and shopping. There will be more than 400 Santa and Mrs. Claus' as well as their Reindeer!

The Santa's use their "off" time by traveling to the Gatlinburg Convention Center for a trade show, work shops and classes. They learn how to be better Santas and share tips and tricks. If you would like to be a Santa you can join in on the fun too.

There will be classes for wardrobes, beards, entertaining and all other things Santa is affiliated in. There will be exhibits to view, workshops to attend, clothes to buy and later a parade to attend. There will be a tube race for the Santa's as well at Ober Gatlinburg on March 16. Don't miss the fashion show either. These two events will be open to the public so even if you aren't a Santa you can enjoy the Santa events.

This year is all the more exciting. The Celebrate Santa will be tied into the motion picture Nicholas of Myra which will be about the life of jolly old St. Nicholas. The director and lead actor of this movie will be Grand Marshals for the Holly and Shamrock Parade.

The Holly and Shamrock Parade is a "St. Nicholas meets St. Patrick" event. Be at the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg for the parade starting at 4pm on March 13. Watch as the Claus' ride by on floats, reindeer trot by, elves wave and throw candy and watch out for the eye catching floats. Leprechauns and elves will combine to walk down the Parkways so come out to watch. You'll see carriages, balloons, bands, singing, wagons, llamas and many other unique sitings for a parade.

Come to Gatlinburg between March 14-16 to enjoy all that the Celebrate Santa and Holly and Shamrock Parade have to offer. Bring your camera. You won't believe how many Santa's will be there!

Gatlinburg Springfest 2010

2010-02-25T13:57:00.000-08:00

Gatlinburg Springfest is right around the corner. It will start on March 11 and end on June 7. If you’ll be visiting Gatlinburg during that time you’re in for a treat. The trees will start waking up from their winter naps, colorful flowers will line the streets of Gatlinburg and add color to the mountains, and warm weather will greet you. The Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg will be brightened by sunflowers, lilies, petunias and many other Spring time flowers all down the main streets. Spring time is the best time to visit Gatlinburg and also to enjoy Springfest.

Gatlinburg makes sure you have plenty of events to enjoy while visiting the town. The Smoky Mountain Arts and Crafts Community will hold their annual Easter Arts and Crafts show from March 31 until April 3 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. These artisans have plenty of homemade goods for you to look through, buy and take home as souvenirs. They have unique potteries, paintings, jewelry, handbags, clothing, and other home goods that you’ll enjoy. Their merchandise are good to take home to remember your trip to Gatlinburg, TN by.

Easter Sunrise Service will be on April 4 this year at Ober Gatlinburg. This service has been a tradition for the past 12 years. Enjoy an Easter Sunrise Service at Ober Gatlinburg in the middle of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Free trams rides will start at 6am and take you to the top of the mountain for the service beginning at 6:30am. After the service head over to Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant for a breakfast buffet that will be waiting for you starting at 7am and ending at 10:30am.

If you haven’t experienced Gatlinburg’s Ribfest and Wing event then this is the year to come. Be sure to be in Gatlinburg on April 22 to enjoy many different barbeque vendors’ different ribs and wings. Be sure to bring your appetite because you get to sample the many different kinds of ribs and wings that will be offered. Take advantage of Ribfest this year. There will be live entertainment to liven the mood as you walk from stand to stand enjoying the barbeque.

Enjoy the 60th Annual Spring Wildflower from April 21-25. If you enjoy nature and hiking this is a great time for you to visit. You can sign up for classes to hike through trails in the Smoky Mountains to see the different flowers in bloom. There will be demonstrations, classes, hikes, lectures and many other exhibitions you’ll enjoy during these 5 days. Get some fresh mountain air, grab your hiking boots and set out to see Mother Nature at her best.

On May 14 the Scottish Festival and Game. Their annual parade will be taking place at 6pm the evening of May 14. Bring your Celtic pride to Gatlinburg, TN and congregate with other clans and march through the streets of Gatlinburg. May 15 and 16 at Mills Park you’re invited to participate in the Scottish Festival and Games to compete in the bagpipe competition, highland dancing, border collie demonstration and many other competitions that are true to Scottish roots.

The Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival will take place on May 15 and 16. Artists from all around will be displaying their art for all to enjoy. While you’re browsing through be sure to enjoy the food supplied by vendors and listen to the music from the live band that will be playing.

Not only can you enjoy the many events that will be taking place during Springfest but you can take part in hiking, kayaking, bicycling, sight see, outdoor race tracks and mini golf courses, etc. They are all great ways to experience the Smoky Mountains and spend quality time making memories with your loved ones. Take a drive through the Park if you have time to see the wildlife and beautiful colors of Spring in the mountains. Spring time is the perfect time to visit Gatlinburg, TN. The warm weather, great events and fun activities are waiting for your arrival!

Battle Of Gatlinburg

2010-02-18T13:31:00.000-08:00

During the Civil War, Gatlinburg was occupied by Confederate forces under Major William H. Thomas. He organized a regiment of guerrillas, Indians, and whites totaling about two hundred men called the Thomas Legion. He promised the local men that if they joined his unit, they would not be called on to fight. They would only be used for road building and for mining work at Alum Cave. Food was being conscripted from the local people by the occupying forces; so this was good news to the hungry men. Alum Cave was a source for saltpeter, which was used to make gun powder and minerals which could be used to make Epson Salts. Both commodities were badly needed by the Confederate forces. Thomas made arrangements with the Confederate authorities to issue rations of flour and other food to the starving locals. Boys, too young to fight, were sent from Gatlinburg to Jefferson City by horseback or on foot to bring back the provisions. These rations did not contain soda or salt. It is said that salt cost a dollar a pound, and that men had to go by horseback to North Carolina to obtain the precious condiment. The occupation of Gatlinburg by Confederate forces lasted about two years. Thomas toward the end of the war told the local men that they would be required to fight. The Gatlinburg men became angry that Thomas had broken his promise to them; so they deserted.

In December of 1863 two companies of Union soldiers were ordered to roust the Confederates from Gatlinburg. Colonial William J. Palmer of Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry led one hundred fifty men by mountain trails from Wear’s Valley. Reverend J. D. Lawson (a Wears Valley native) led them over Rich Mountain, down Laurel Branch, through Fighting Creek Gap, and down Fighting Creek to Gatlinburg. Lieutenant-Colonel C. D. Lamborn led fifty men from Sevierville by way of Pigeon Forge. These two forces met in Gatlinburg and camped beside the river where the Riverside Hotel is located today. On the morning of December 20, 1863 the Union soldiers advanced on the blockhouse built by Major Thomas on the Burg Hill. (At this time Gatlinburg was know by the locals as The Burg) A small skirmish occurred; and being outnumbered, the Confederate forces fled toward Roaring Fork and Dudley Creek. They would then cross the mountain to their homes in North Carolina. It is said that Major Thomas was in such a hurry to leave that he left his black hat on the table. This was a great souvenir of the Union forces. Colonial Palmer did everything he could to relieve the suffering of the local people. He burned the huts around the block house, but left it with its stores for the Burg inhabitants. Guerrillas came back across the mountain and burned the block house-to keep it, they said, from falling again to the hands of the enemy. Gatlinburg did not fully recover from the Civil War until the lumber companies began to work the timber in what is now the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Theresa Williams, Genealogist
Sevier County Public Library System

Rock Slide On The Spur

2010-02-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

The recent Winter weather has been troublesome for drivers in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area. Not only have roads been slick because of the ice, but one of our most traveled roadways has experienced it’s third rockslide in 30 days.

“The Spur” is the road that travels between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and serves as the route most people take to get between the two cities. In January The Spur had a couple of rockslides which caused officials to close part of the Southbound lanes and detour them. The detour took drivers into the Northbound lanes which were split to serve as a two way road, and then dumped drivers back onto the Southbound lanes once they cleared the slides. It was speculated that it would take crews over a month to make the closed portion of the Southbound lanes “driveable” again.

However, there was another rockslide in the Southbound lanes of The Spur in the section of the Southbound road that was still open despite the rockslide in January. The rockslide caused officials to stop all traffic coming through The Spur and left many wondering if more shouldn’t be done to make sure the road is safe for travelers.

We hope that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge visitors will make wise decisions when traveling. If you are coming into Gatlinburg from Pigeon Forge you may want to consider an alternate route until the detour has been put up and The Spur is safe.

Here’s an alternate route. It’s definitely not as quick as taking The Spur but it will get you into Gatlinburg:

Coming from Sevierville traveling in Pigeon Forge take a left at traffic light #8. Go to the 1st light and take a right (this road is Upper Middle Creek.) Drive about 3 miles and turn right on Boogertown Road. Drive until Boogertown dead ends and turn right onto Glades Road. Go all the way down to the end of this road. The road you will come to will be 321. If you want to go to downtown Gatlinburg you’ll take a right and drive all the way down to the end which will be 441 (the road that leads to downtown Gatlinburg.)

Contest Winner

2010-02-10T12:15:00.000-08:00

About a month ago Cabins For You announced that we would be holding a photo contest in which the winner would walk away with $250. We’re proud to announce the winning picture we‘ve entitled “Chapel in The Snow“. The picture is shown above and the accompanying story is below:

This is a picture of a Wedding Chapel near the Over the Top Cabin on January 2,2010. I thought this was a cute little chapel and then as we headed home to Alabama it was snowing and I snapped this photo which I think makes the chapel even more beautiful!! Thanks for such a great trip to remember!! Sina

We liked that Sina’s picture and story portray a great experience she had during her holiday visit to The Smokies. The picture is brilliant, but the memory behind it is one that she’ll probably never forget. There are so many great reasons to vacation in The Smokies and we’re glad that Sina shared hers.

It was EXTREMELY DIFFICULT for us to choose a winner because there were so many great entries. We received such a great variety of fun photos that we really were torn on who to choose. We would like to thank everyone who entered, and everyone who “liked” the entries on Facebook. Our Facebook fans really did help in the selection process. Although the majority of the decision came from the Cabins For You staff, we were glad to see that our opinion closely matched yours. It helped us to make the tough decision.

We’ll be posting more on some of the other photos that were entered including a few honorable mentions that we loved. To view the submitted photos visit the Cabins For You Facebook page.

Ready For Karaoke?

2010-02-03T17:01:00.000-08:00

Gatlinburg TN has so many places to visit and things to see, but there are some people who are creatures of habit. They like their football on Monday, burgers on Wednesday, and karaoke on Friday. If that’s you then come on over to Gatlinburg Tennessee.

Many times people will visit our cabin rental office in Gatlinburg, TN and ask “what’s there to do around here.” That is definitely a loaded question. When people are asking about the nightlife we usually let them know that Gatlinburg isn’t a late night town. However, you can find some unique dining establishments that serve up more than just beer and wings for a midnight snack, we have KARAOKE.

There are two restaurants in Gatlinburg that are open “late night”. Crawdaddy’s and Puckers both feature live karaoke for your enjoyment. Puckers is open to adults who are aged 21 and up and Crawdaddy’s is open to guests of all ages.

I thoroughly enjoyed my recent midnight visit to Crawdaddy’s. Our group wanted to play pool (which I’m horrible at) so we camped out at the only pool table in the house. Being the tired old bitty I am (just kidding) I had some coffee and headed over to the dart board where I quickly became engulfed in a game with my husband. I also found the karaoke highly entertaining. There were some pretty amazing singers that night (aside from one very horrible sounding guy who must have been love drunk. Why else would he publicly sing such an awful rendition of anything?)

Crawdaddy’s boasts the best balcony in town and has a menu that includes ribs steak and seafood. A special bonus to eating at Crawdaddy’s is that children dine for free with any purchase of an adult entrée over $9.99!

If you’re looking for an adult only crowd then Puckers is the place to go. The 21 and up only establishment has been voted Gatlinburg’s #1 sports bar 9 years in a row and also holds the title for best wings in Gatlinburg. And, of course, Puckers has KARAOKE.

Driving Safe in Snowy Weather

2010-02-01T14:56:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking forward to coming to Gatlinburg for a nice ski down the mountain then you may end up driving here in the snow. Gatlinburg has seen enough snow this winter to need to warn people of the dangers of driving on ice. Anyone staying in one of our Gatlinburg cabins (or any other company for that matter) should know how to be safe driving in the snow. We’ve put together a few tips that can help you stay safe during your trip.

Never drive if you feel like you won’t have control! Don’t drive in poor weather conditions. That’s what trip insurance covers.
Keep an emergency kit available in your car. It most likely won’t happen, but if your car happens to get stuck while driving up the mountain in Gatlinburg TN and you have no cell phone reception what are you going to do? It’s a good idea to carry items that can help you like snacks, a flash light, and maybe some good snow boots to help you walk to the nearest shelter.
Make sure you have jumper cables.
Have all emergency information available to you and to someone not on the trip. Don’t forget your AAA card, health insurance card, and photo id.
Purchase an ice scraper for your windshield.
Bring some good snow coats (again just in case you have to change a tire and endure the snow.)
Fill up on gas and oil. Don’t drive on the mountain if you’re empty.
If you have the choice of two lanes, drive in the one that’s not beside the river, or edge of the mountain.
Wear your seat belt.
Don’t drive on cruise control.
Try to stop and accelerate slowly.
Don’t stop on an incline if you can avoid it. It is a lot more difficult to avoid sliding on ice when you have to push the acceleration.

So far Gatlinburg has seen several of very icy nights this winter. One of the reasons why we thought it would be a good idea to post this list is because we’re not known for having bad weather. We’re actually a pretty safe place to drive most of the time. However, this kind of reputation can cause people to not plan on bad weather. They forget to drive carefully and take more risks than they normally do. Please be safe this winter.

The Beginning Of Gatlinburg

2010-01-25T14:35:00.000-08:00

William Ogle found his “paradise” in the mountains of East Tennessee teaming with wild food and game. He was determined to bring his family here. He found the best cold water spring he could find and deadened the trees around it. If other white settlers ventured into the area they would know the land had been claimed and would search somewhere else. William went home to raise crops and to prepare for the move. In the process of moving, he was stricken with fever and died in 1803. His widow, Martha Huskey Ogle, wanted to see the land of paradise, and she moving here in 1807. She came with her children, their spouses, and other family members. Other families moved to the area, making a community which they named White Oak Flats.

Radford Gatlin, his wife and a female slave moved to the area in the mid 1850’s. He began to buy property, and registered for a land grand of 5,000 acres. He opened a store in competition with a Mr. Ogle who already had a store. He placed an application with the federal government and was granted permission to open a post office in his store which he named Gatlinburg. Gatlin opened his own church which he called the New Hampshire Baptist Gatlinites. He continued to do things contrary to local customs, and began to anger the citizens. One day some milk cows invaded Mrs. Gatlin’s flowerbed. She began to beat on the cows, but was stopped by the owner of the cows. Mr. Gatlin intervened, and a fight began. A Mr. Ogle, who owned the cows, sued Mr. & Mrs. Gatlin for assault and battery. Many court cases occurred as each side sued and counter-sued. As a result, Radford Gatlin departed Gatlinburg.

In the early 1900’s logging became popular. Andrew Jackson Huff had several lumber camps in the area. Salesman came to the area to buy his lumber, but they had no place to stay. In 1916 Andy built the Mountain View Hotel. The lumbermen went home and described the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. The word spread, and tourists began to visit the area. Stephen Whaley and his son, Dick, built the second hotel in 1937, which they called the Riverside. R. L. Maples, Sr. built the third hotel, the New Gatlinburg Inn, in 1937.

Guest Blog Post by:
Theresa Williams, Genealogist
Sevier County Public Library System

Winter Weather Helps Ober

2010-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

The recent cold weather that came through Tennessee and effected much of the United States put some in less than cheery dispositions, but for a select group of adventure seeking Gatlinburg, Tennessee visitors it is a dream come true. That’s because Gatlinburg is home to Tennessee’s only ski resort.

Ober Gatlinburg has been open since 1962 and has provided family entertainment to visitors from all over the world. The ski resort features 8 ski slopes and 6 snow tubing lanes. Not only is it a Tennessee skier‘s paradise, Ober Gatlinburg also features an amusement park with attractions located indoors as well as outdoors. The indoor section of the park includes an ice skating rink, arcade center, bungee run, and a simulated shooting range. The outdoor section of the park includes a chairlift, wildlife encounter, children’s playground, an alpine slide, and 2 water rides.

The cold weather jump started the skiing season earlier than expected and enabled Ober Gatlinburg to open all of their slopes on January 5th which included the infamous “Grizzly.“ This slope is rumored to be a 3,800-foot-long black diamond run that is extremely steep and narrow. It is a run that is only suggested for “expert” class skiers.

With all of the great activities available at Ober Gatlinburg, it’s a sure fit for any of our Gatlinburg cabin guests. For more information on Ober Gatlinburg call 865-436-5423 or visit their website at www.obergatlinburg.com. Weather conditions can rapidly change so please call ahead.

Inspired To Hike

2010-01-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

The Cabins For You staff members have long been fans of Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, and this year it was tasked to me to visit the wonderful event. As I sat down to write what the experience had been like for me, I felt overcome with a sense of awe.

I was born a city girl. However, having moved to Tennessee I’ve begun to try and embrace nature and it’s many benefits. There is something highly rewarding about taking in the amazing view from a cabin in Pigeon Forge, breathing the clean air of the Smoky Mountains, and basking in all that is their beauty and grace. Although I have an appreciation of nature, this event inspired me to dig a little deeper and go a little further. I feel inspired to explore, and get more in tune with the breathtaking wildlife in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.

The reason for such inspiration is the wonderful representation of wildlife in the Wilderness Wildlife Week display room. While browsing through the many display tables I was fortunate enough to meet an Eagle, four owls, a very dangerous snake, and some pretty interesting people. The history surrounding Gatlinburg, and the spirit behind the Smokies were all conveyed at this event. We hope to post more about all that I learned in the near future.

During Wilderness Wildlife Week one can expect to hear from around 100 experts on subjects from nature, to hiking, to animals, to plants, to photography, and beyond. A combination of lectures, displays, and interactive presentations make for a great experience for people of all ages.

I can now see why our Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cabin guests have visited Wilderness Wildlife Week in the past. What a wonderful event! To top it all off, the city of Pigeon Forge hosts the event for free.

Enjoy the adventure!

Mikela
Cabins For You Staff Member

Walk on The Wild Side

2010-01-14T17:13:00.000-08:00

Want to Take a Walk on the Wild Side? Pigeon Forge TN has an event for perfect for you and your entire family!

Gatlinburg Tennessee is home to some of the most interesting wildlife in Tennessee. The Smoky Mountains offer a perfect home for bears and birds alike, and many of our Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cabin guests have enjoyed the experience of being right in the middle of them all. This week the city of Pigeon Forge, TN is hosting a free event entitled “Wilderness Wildlife Week” which is a great opportunity for visitors and locals to learn more about the Smoky Mountains and the animals that call Gatlinburg, TN home.

This year marks the 20th annual Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, and it is sure to entertain. The event features classes covering many topics including fishing, camping, rock formations, photography, snakes, the Smokies, weather, and much more.

This is a perfect opportunity for people staying in our Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cabins to learn more about the wildlife in the Smokies.

Not only does the event feature spectacular classes for adults, there are also classes that are perfect for children too. A few children's events of high interest are:

Friday 4:45-5:30pm- KIDS TRACK: Wings of America – Live Bird Show
Saturday 10:00-11:30am- KIDS TRACK: Games for the Young at Heart
Saturday 1:00-2:00pm- KIDS TRACK: Silly Safaris Show – Live Animal Show

Looking for something a little….different? Here are some classes to try:

Thursday 8:00-11:00am– Basic visual Tracking
Thursday 11:00-12:00pm– Snakes! Do They Really Do That?
Thursday 2:00-3:00pm- Appalachian Funnies – a Clean Joke Contest for Young and Old
Thursday 7:30pm- Slow Jam
Friday 8:30-10:00pm- Learn to Play the Harmonica in the Key of C
Friday 1:00-2:00pm- Unusual Camping Tricks and Gizmos
Saturday 5:00-5:45pm The Perry’s Camp Murders- One of Sevier County’s Most Infamous Murders

A schedule of events can be found at Events.

New Gatlinburg Attractions

2010-01-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

Gatlinburg Tennessee welcomes three new attractions for everyone to enjoy. Now there is even more to choose from when visiting this resort town.

The Gatlinburg Comedy Show, Hypnotized Comedy, will have you wondering how they do that. They take actual volunteers from the audience and hypnotize them. The comedian will have them up on stage doing all kinds of embarrassing tricks for you to remember and share with the rest of your friends and family back home.

Glide Riders - are a unique way to tour Gatlinburg. Rent a segway for every person in your group and hop on. The tour guide will lead you around Gatlinburg on your segway giving you a fun tour throughout the city. They have two types of segways available, sidewalk capable and offroading segways. Either one you pick will give you a fun way to experience the town with your loved ones.

Christ in the Smokies - is located in the center of Gatlinburg. It's a walk through attraction that leads you through biblical times over 2000 years ago. You'll get to see life size recreations of different scenes from the Bible and follow the story of Jesus. It's a family friendly attraction and is wheelchair accessible.

Next time you're in town be sure to stop by all three of these Gatlinburg attractions!

How Much Is A Picture Worth?

2010-01-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

That’s right, Cabins For You is handing $250 to the winner of our Holiday photo contest. The Cabins For You staff is extremely excited about all of the entries that have been submitted thus far. We’ve enjoyed them so much that we wanted to share them with our blog readers. The photos below are lots of fun and are all great examples of what you could submit to our photo contest. Although we enjoy these pictures, they’re not necessarily on the top of our list, we just thought they’d be fun to share.

For our holiday giveaway we’re asking as many people as possible to submit a picture and it's description to info@cabinsforyou.com. The picture and story should have something to do with the Smoky Mountains and your family, friends, etc. We’re interested in the story behind the picture so feel free to be as warm and fuzzy, hilariously funny, or breathtakingly heroic as possible with the description.

For Full Details of the Contest Click Here.

After we ate at the Applebarn, some of the women wanted to go to the shops to look around. These are the kinds of pictures that you find when you leave the camera with the guys unattended.

Our first visit to Galinburg was wonderful. We stopped at so many wonderful shops and this was no exception. Its was a pottery shop and they had a wonderful duo playing mountain music outside. Beautiful day, beautiful music!

We didn’t see a bear in the wild but this one was sure hungry!

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T11:48:00.000-08:00

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.

New Years Celebration 2010

2009-12-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

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.

Gatlinburg Arts and Museums

2009-12-23T12:21:00.000-08:00

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!

What To Avoid in Gatlinburg TN

2009-12-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

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)!

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Holiday Photo Contest

2009-12-14T14:24:00.000-08:00

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 info@cabinsforyou.com 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.

Top 10 Reasons For Christmas in Gatlinburg

2009-12-07T12:15:00.000-08:00

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.

The city and local businesses are beautifully decorated. Almost all take part in this wonderful celebration.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have one of the best light displays around the southeast. It is called Gatlinburg Winter Magic.
You have to opportunity to experience Christmas and New Years. Only one week separates these major holidays.
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.
About 5 miles from downtown Gatlinburg guests can experience Dollywood Theme Park. Dollywood offers one of the best Christmas celebrations in the southeast.
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.
Take your family on the Trolley Ride of Lights (Guided Tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic).
Sweet Fanny Adams in Gatlinburg TN will host “Yuletide Madness”
Go Skiing at Ober Gatlinburg (or ice skating if that is more fun).
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).

Toddler Activities in Gatlinburg

2009-12-04T20:24:00.000-08:00

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.

Ten Activities For Teens

2009-11-30T14:35:00.000-08:00

When preparing for your family outing to the Smoky Mountains, you may be stuck as to what activities there are in the area for your teenagers to enjoy. Teens are notorious for their picky tastes and too-hard-to-please attitudes, so you may be sweating over this issue. Never fear though – Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg TN abound with sites for the whole family, and that includes your adolescents! Here are ten teen friendly areas in the region:

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum – This museum is the one that spawned the popular TV show, so you can be sure that it will be packed with exhibits that range from interesting, to informative, to just plain weird. This spot is sure to get your teenager actively engaged.

Gatlinburg Space Needle – It would be hard not to get excited about a nearly 400-foot ride strait up, culminating in a panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains. If for some reason that's not enough, though, this site also offers laser tag, an arcade, and many more amusement park-like activities.

Rafting In The Smokies – This experience-optional, professionally guided rafting experience will feel more like a full-blown adventure every minute. This company sets the standard for rafting in the East Tennessee area, and letting them guide you down the rapids will ensure that everyone in your family has a fine time.

Smoky Mountain Riding Stables – Yet another perfect activity for your teen! A horseback ride up the mountain trails of the region is sure to instill an appreciation for the Smoky Mountains into your family!

Zip Gatlinburg – Enjoy this unique Gatlinburg attraction. Imagine soaring over the Smokies and Gatlinburg TN.

Nascar SpeedPark – A full-throttle family activity! This attraction offers not only go-cart action, but also sports a climbing wall, bumper boats, mini-golf, and other family-oriented rides. This is perfect for your thrill-seeking teens!

Scenic Helicopter Tours – A breath-taking tour of the Smoky Mountain area from the skies above. This will ensure that your teen will have seen the area in a whole new light.

Off Road Voyages – Take a ride through the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg TN like never before.

The Track – The combined excitement of go-carts, a bungee jumping tower, the sky flyer, and much more make this a one-stop shop for any thrill-seeking family.

Ripley's Aquarium – This is a site unlike any other in the area, offering not just a large collection of marine life, but also many exhibits that focus on the running of the aquarium itself. Your teen is sure to be spellbound by how much there is to see (just don't tell them that it's educational as well)!