Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge TN Blog

Ready For Karaoke?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:01:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:56:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:35:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:24:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:57:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 01:13:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:54:00 +0000

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?

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 01:22:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 19:48:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:28:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 20:21:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:01:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 22:24:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:15:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:24:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 22:35:00 +0000

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)!

Winter Tunes and Tales

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:41:00 +0000

If you'll be in Gatlinburg any weekend between November 27 and December 20 you're in for a treat. For eight nights you will be greeted by elves from the Land of Elfdom. On Friday and Saturdays approximately 20 characters from the Land of Elfdom take to the streets to entertain those who are walking along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg TN.

This event is a part of the Gatlinburg Tunes and Tales annual event. DeWayne Kirchner has created these characters for all to enjoy for the Winter Tunes and Tales festival. The elves all hale from different towns located in the Land of Elfdom. If you get the chance to see these characters downtown you'll be entertained by there unique stories, dances, songs, etc. that tell of life in their towns. You'll hear stories of Cinnamon City, Jolly Town, Gum Drop Lake and other fairytale lands. You'll meet characters such as Jilly Bean, the Mayor Wally Nutt, Holly Berry and others who have exciting stories to share.

Gather around to hear their stories, share the songs and perform dances for you. Young children will love these characters! Their stories are unique and you won't find them anywhere other than Gatlinburg. The performances are free so enjoy this event brought to you by the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce.

Attractions for Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Picture the scenario: you're planning your long-awaited vacation to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You've finished the packing, made arrangements for the pets, ensured that everything around the house is in order, when suddenly it dawns on you – what are the kids going to do?! While vacations are generally escapes from the stressors and agitations of everyday life, accommodating your children, particularly those young kids ten and under, can be a trying task on its own. Because of this, it always helps to gain some insight into some kid-friendly sites in the area. Below are just a few of the locations in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area that can ensure entertainment (some of which can even be educational) for your little ones.

The Gatlinburg Space Needle – Features a 400 foot glass elevator ride, laser tag, an arcade, and more

Ripley's Believe It Or Not Aquarium – Over 10,000 creatures from 350 different individual species, along with many other activities

The Christmas Place – A Christmas village filled with all the wonders of the season

Dixie Stampede – A dinner and show combination featuring a four-course meal with live animals and a light show

Gatlinburg Sky Lift – The number one scenic overlook of the area

The Comedy Barn Theater – A comedy variety show that has something for all age groups

Hillbilly Golf – A non-strenuous mini-golf course that is perfect for younger children

Magic Beyond Belief Theater – A masterful magic performance that is free for kids

Dollywood – The famous family friendly, downhome amusement park

Fort Fun Family Entertainment Center – Attractions include bumper cars, 3-D movies, and more

These are just a few of the many locations in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area that can provide ample entertainment for younger children. As for how to escape and get some time for yourself. . .well, that's a task for another article.

Gatlinburg Candy

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:25:00 +0000

One of the guiding principles of a good vacation is to treat yourself every once in a while (or more, if the desire strikes you). So, after a long day of exploring the various sights and sounds of Gatlinburg, you might be wondering where to go to reward yourself for time well spent. If your belly is growling and your sweet tooth is calling, then you should definitely shift your focus to one of the city's many candy and sweets shops. These are especially nice locations for you to take your younger children to, and it will help them remember your family vacation for a long time to come. Also, the fact that many of the stores in the area feature homemade treats will ensure that you are getting an authentic taste of Gatlinburg!

To start your sweet shop excursion, you might try Aunt Mahalia's Candies, the oldest candy store in the area. For over fifty years (since 1939 to be exact) this location has been providing chocolate, taffy, fudge, various pecan-based candies, crunchy brittle, fruit jellies, and other assorted treats to its patrons. The Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen is another well-known and much-loved candy store of the city. Here you can get taffy, caramel apples, hand-dipped chocolate, and more made right before your eyes! This will definitely be a sight to remember for you and your family.

Looking for a specific kind of treat? Then you should turn to one of Gatlinburg's specialty sweet shops. If fudge is your sweet tooth's weakness of choice, then it is definitely recommended to check The Fudgery. This location revolutionized the fudge-making process back in 1980, and the Gatlinburg store is ready to treat you with the fruits of the shop's labor. If you're a popcorn fan, then how about exploring the Karmelkorn Shoppe for a wide variety of gourmet popcorn types?

Whether you're enjoying one of these fine treats yourself or just looking for something your children will love, let one of Gatlinburg's fine candy shops be your one-stop shop for pleasure. After all, part of the fun of a vacation is treating yourself, right? These shops can certainly help you achieve that goal!

Cabin Description

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:33:00 +0000

In the vacation or travel industry, all owners understand the same terms. Sometimes, through no fault of their own, guests get lost in the vacation cabin rental lingo. And in all fairness, there can be reasonable confusion between private and secluded, or wooded view and mountain view, and maybe even maybe Jacuzzi Tub and Hot Tub. This can be especially true for the Gatlinburg TN industry.

The reason for some many terms is to help distinguish between so many different cabins. If a rental company manages 100 properties it can be very difficult to separate cabins for marketing purposes. Thus, the advent of many separate terms.

These terms can be somewhat tricky from company to company depending on their definitions. So at all cost, remember question are your friend. As for Cabins For You, the definitions for a few terms are going to be listed below.

Private vs Secluded - No, not all cabins can easily fall into either of these categories. Obviously, if a cabin is in a resort it is not going to be either. With that said, we label cabins "private" because guests should feel comfortable on the decks of cabins. This does not mean that cabins are not next door or around, this just means that the owner might have added a few extras to insure privacy. This can be done easily through landscaping or lattice walls. "Secluded" cabins can attain this label because of a few things. From the deck you will not be able to see other cabins, the cabin is not physically near any cabins, or both. Very few cabins will fall totally within in the "secluded" category.
Wooded View or Mountain View - "Mountain view" cabins are typically cabins that have unobstructed, long range mountain views. This does not mean that "wooded view" cabins have no mountain view. Rather, it might be obstructed by trees/shubbery or only visible during winter months.
Internet vs Wireless - All wireless connections are internet connections, but not all internet connections are wireless. For a cabin to be wireless, it must state specifically that it is wireless.
Jacuzzi Tub vs Hot Tub - For the most part, hot tubs are located outside on the deck and Jacuzzi Tubs are in the cabin. A popular place for Jacuzzi Tubs is the master bedrooms. All hot tubs are outside unless specifically stated on the cabin page.

Dog Friendly Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:34:00 +0000

The "pet friendly" industry has greatly increased across Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Tennessee. This is partly because cabin owners are trying to monetize their income but it is mainly because dog owners are demanding the option to bring their pets. With the increase of furry visitors comes the increase of activities that allow pets.

With that said, most dog owners are not aware of dog friendly activities in Gatlinburg TN. Listed below are several activities in Gatlinburg that are dog friendly.

Downtown Gatlinburg - Almost everyone who visits Gatlinburg makes one or two trips to the Parkway to enjoy strolling along the sidewalks and window shopping. Most individuals are probably aware of this, but dogs are allowed to enjoy this activity with their owners. Some stores might let dogs inside, but most probably don't allow dogs. However, they can still enjoy some nice fresh air and a walk on the Parkway.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park - Despite the 800 miles of hiking trails in the National Park, dogs are only allowed on two trails. The first trail is the Gatlinburg Trail. The Gatlinburg Trail starts at the edge of town and follows to the Sugarland Visitor Center. This trail follows a stream which creates a great playground for dogs who love the water. The next trail is the Oconaluftee River Trail. This trail goes from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to just outside of Cherokee NC. Please keep in mind that your dog must be on a lease and well behaved. Also, make sure you clean up after them.
Gatlinburg Sky Lift - I have never experienced this and not sure how it would work out if I did, but I hear that the Gatlinburg Sky Lift offers dogs a ride to the top of the mountain with their owners.

Like anything else you do with your pets, please follow all rules and regulations regarding pets. Observe leash laws and clean up after your furry buddies.

Advice About Damage Fees

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:03:00 +0000

Anyone who has had the pleasure (not so much) of paying damage fees might have appreciated this article before they went on vacation. In a continuing effort to make our guests vacations more relaxing, we have decided to explain damage fees and how to avoid them.

In short, damage fees cover the cost of items broken during a renter's stay. In an ideal world, business would love to cover costs regarding damages, but it hardly ever happens. Damage fees can occur for several different reasons. Normal things include broken lamps, hot tubs, beds, TV's, or excessive trash.

On a more positive note, the overwhelming majority of visitors have no issues relating to damages. The damages policy is in place to help protect the items and belongings of cabin rental owners.

There are a few things individuals can do to help avoid damages. In no particular order...

Inspections - Upon arriving at the cabin rental, take a few minutes to inspect the cabin. Look for things out of the ordinary or that might need to be fixed. This take just a few moments and can eliminate the possiblity of you being charged for something you did not break.
Don't Take Anything - Regardless of how much you might like something in your cabin rental, you can't take it home with you. If you do, you will be charged.
Pet Friendly Cabins - If you are a pet enthusiasts reserve a cabin that is pet friendly. Yes, you might have to look longer and pay a little more but it is worth it.
Ask For Help - If you think something is broken and needs repair, please call the management company. They have individuals on staff for these type problems. Do not attempt to fix something because you might actually break it. Also, if you are unfamiliar with how something works ask the management company for advice.
Be Honest - This is an easy one.
Be Aware Of Breakables - If children are present, be aware of breakables that are close to the ground. Try, within reason, to move breakables out of reach of children.
Lastly, Treat The Cabin Like It's Yours - This might be the easiest way to make sure the property stays in tip top condition.

Following just a few easy tips can help save time and money. If you still have questions, please call our office at 1-800-684-7865.

Celebrate Veterans in Gatlinburg TN

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:33:00 +0000

Voted as one of the Top 20 Events by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Veteran's Day Celebration will be held on November 11, 2009. It will take place at the Smokies Plaza near Ripley's Aquarium and will start at 11am. The 7th annual Gatlinburg Veteran's Day Celebration will have many activities for you to watch and enjoy. There will be a flyover by military planes, music, speakers and memorials for those who fought for our country. Also, Gatlinburg is now a regional site for the Observance of Veterans Day that couples with the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.

Only 40 cities throughout the nation are official regional sites. It's an honor to be chosen as an official site and also an honor to show our respect to those who fight for our country. Many veterans will be at this Veteran's Day celebration. They all have interesting stories to tell about what all they have seen by serving in the military.

Be sure you get to Ripley's Aquarium to help celebrate this day. Wear your red, white and blue. Also an American Bald Eagle will be there celebrating too. Music will be provided by three local high school bands and also Knoxville Pipe and Drum will be there. Celebrate with everyone as they recognize the heroic work our veterans have done for our country!

As fall rapidly moves to winter, Gatlinburg TN will continue to be busy through the Holiday season till around January 2. For more information about our Gatlinburg Cabins or questions you may have, please call our office at 1-800-684-7865.

Chili Cookoff in Gatlinburg

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:58:00 +0000

Unlike spring and summer in Gatlinburg TN, the fall and winter months offer a barrage of seasonal events and shows. From light shows to Tunes and Tales, Gatlinburg is full of excitement. This November and December are no different than years past. One event that stands out amongst others is the Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff.

Unlike other events, the chili cook-off is one event you can really participate in. At the 20th annual Chili Cookoff, imagine tasting some of the South's finest chili recipes. The home-style chili will range from mild to wild. The city of Gatlinburg will host the event on the downtown Parkway on November 4th from 4-9 PM. A small admission is required.

Also, running in conjunction with the Chili Cookoff is the Winter Magic Kickoff. Winter Magic will run from 5-8PM on November 4. The city of Gatlinburg will turn on over 3 million twinkling lights. There will be live entertainment by Marvelettes. A beautiful display of fireworks will be set off at dusk. This event is sponsored by Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg.

If you are around Gatlinburg during the first week in November make your way down to the Parkway and enjoy some seasonal fun. For more information, please visit the Gatlinburg Chamber website.

The Cabin is the Attraction

noreply@blogger.com (Admin) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:28:00 +0000

Directly from dictionary.com...

Vacation - a period of suspension of work, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday.

One question: Why are they so darn stressful?

Do you happen to be a part of a family that has a strict itinerary planned before you even arrived to your vacation destination? You have scheduled dine out nights, planned chore charts (handles all cleaning activities), and attractions lists? Surprisingly, I bet there is a "free time" chart.

I don't know about you, but aren't vacations supposed to be relaxing? What good is a vacation if you are more stressed when you arrived home than when you left? How many people take a day off of work after your vacation is over? That is a vacation day to recoup from your vacation. How do you even explain that to your boss?

What about this? Has anyone ever thought about making the cabin rental the attraction? You put all your effort into finding that perfect Gatlinburg cabin so you can achieve true relaxation. You find the perfect deck, largest TV, and plenty of game tables to enjoy at the cabin.

Imagine the fun of sleeping late and going to bed early, watching movies on the big screen, playing games with friends, watching the sunset from the deck, enjoying the Smoky Mountain atmosphere, and most of all....relaxing! That is a vacation to me. Plus, you can save a lot of money.

The above statements are just trying to prove a point. I do know that some attractions are fun and exciting. In fact, you should enjoy some of them. I just think we have forgotten the point of a vacation. Remember, spending time with your family should your first priority. Enjoy the attractions, but don't forget the point of your vacation....relaxing.