Breathless | 1BR | Sleeps 6

Featured Rental: Breathless #171

Offered By: Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals

The name, Breathless, definitely fits this cabin with its breathtaking views of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Cherish those special moments with the person you love in this stunning two story log cabin located in Wears Valley. After a day of shopping, visiting local attractions, and enjoying the National Park, take an evening to relax at the cabin while cuddling up next to the fireplace, shoot a fun-filled game of pool, or lounge around in the impressive cabin loft.









Enjoy your morning coffee while siting in the rockers as you take in the views. Then have lunch outdoors at the picnic table next to the cabin. Indulge in a fine meal day or night prepared in the fully-equipped custom kitchen with bear motif. Beautiful decor can be found throughout this cabin. Bedroom features a premium log frame king bed that is perfect for honeymoons or anniversaries. You'll love staying in this ultimate Smoky Mountain cabin. It's even great for small family vacations for up to 6 people. In the summer, cool off in the community pool that overlooks the mountains.

Enjoy some of the most impressive mountain views around from the bubbling hot tub on the porch, and be sure to bring along your camera to capture some awesome picture-perfect photos of a lifetime featuring these jaw-dropping views of the Wears Valley area!

Shades of the Past Rod Run Roundup

Location: Dollywood Splash Country, Pigeon Forge, TN

Dates: September 7th – 8th, 2012

Photo Credit: www.insidepigeonforge.com

The Smoky Mountain area hosts a number of car shows throughout each year so if you are a fan of classic cars, then you've probably heard of the The Shades of the Past Rod Run Roundup, and maybe even attended in the past. It has become an annual event over the past few decades, and this year marks the 30th year for this highly anticipated event. If you are a novice car enthusiast, you will be in for a treat. This isn't just any car show, it exhibits a wide range of cars including rods, customs, and classics alike. Plus, it is truly a unique event because it only showcases cars through 1972.


It all takes place at Dollywood Splash Country in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and even if you are in the remote area, you're bound to see rods driving up and down the Parkway all weekend long. Traffic may be quite atrocious, but at least you'll have all these nice cars to look at as you slowly make your way through town. Some folks even set up lawn chairs all along the strip and watch as the parade of classics pass on by.

Once again, this event is a part of the AMSOIL Street Rodder Road Tour Stopover. Admission to the "Shades" Hot Rod Roundup is $10 per day, and free for children under the age of 12. There are several options for parking, but most spectators choose to park for free at the city's paved lot on Teaster Lane, and ride one of the city trolleys to and from the show site for a small fee of .50 cents each way. Scooters will be available to rent at Gate #2, there are tons of cars to see after all.

So whether you are an avid car enthusiast, or even if you have just gained an appreciation for classics recently, the Shades of the Past Rod Run Roundup is the best place to discover an enhanced admiration for pre-73 cars! Who knows, maybe you'll be so inspired, you will even become a participant someday in the future!

For more information on this event, visit www.shadesofthepast.com. If you are searching for lodging near the "Shades" Rod Run, visit www.smokiesrentals.com.

Rose Hill Roost | 4BR

Featured Rental: Rose Hill Roost

Offered By: Heartland Rentals

Rose Hill Roost is a recently restored authentic Smoky Mountain log cabin located in a peaceful wooded area with a wonderful mountain view that is convenient to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. On the outside back deck is a large hot tub for your enjoyment for relaxing after a hike in The Smoky Mountains or after a day taking in our beautiful sites. Front porch has rocking chairs to relax and take in the beautiful mountain view and enjoy the peace and mother nature that surrounds Rose Hill Roost cabin. A mother bear and her cubs are known to wander by Rose Hill Roost cabin for your enjoyment and picture taking.

As you enter the cabin you are on the main floor which offers the living room with a wood burning fireplace, TV and sleeper sofa and a queen bedroom, full bath and TV and full kitcfhen. Upstairs level offers king bedroom with a wood burning fireplace, TV and full bath. The second king bedroom upstairs has TV and then a full bath in the hall. The lower level offers queen bedroom, TV and full bath. The game room is also located on the lower level featuring a pool table and a half kitchen. Rose Hill Roost is a perfect cabin for a family getaway and offers privacy for all.

Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival

Location: Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts

Dates: Aug. 31 – Sept. 2, 2012 | Fri 10-5, Sat 10-7, Sun 10-4

Photo Credit: www.gfaf.net

If you appreciate high-quality works of art, then the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival (GFAF) is the perfect event to attend this Labor Day weekend. It is a very prestigious honor for all of the artists involved because a jury has selected professionals from all around the nation to participate in the festival. Whichever types of art you prefer, it is bound to be showcased because the exhibits range from watercolor and woodworking to glass and ceramics. You will be sure to find the perfect piece of artwork to compliment your taste in fine art.

Admission to the event is free for visitors, and you can not only appreciate the art that is displayed, but also meet the artists who are featured at the festival. Some artists will even demonstrate their techniques on site so you can actually observe the art as it is being created.

The festival will be held on the campus of Arrowmont School of Arts Crafts in downtown Gatlinburg, TN. The scenic beauty of the Gatlinburg area provides the perfect backdrop for this event, making it an ideal spot to host this outdoor festival. It is a family-friendly atmosphere that includes activities for children such as face painting so they will have fun things to do as you peruse the artists' displays. In addition, there will be Appalachian music playing in the background as you mingle around the exhibits which enhances the authentic Smoky Mountain ambiance.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts, Sevier County Arts Council, and the Gatlinburg Boys & Girls Club. For more information on the Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival, visit www.gfaf.net.

A Place to Remember | 5BR | Sleeps 16

Featured Rental: A Place to Remember

Offered By: Colonial Properties Cabin & Resort Rentals

Wow! There's no other way to describe it! This is one of the absolute best properties in Gatlinburg. Located at the top of Chalet Village looking directly in to the National Park and overlooking Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and downtown Gatlinburg. Impeccable furnishings and attention to detail throughout. If you are wanting the very best vacation experience, this is it! You and your guests will enjoy the expansive views, outdoor swimming pool access, pool table, big screen TV, fireplace, outdoor hot tub, reading area, game room and so much more. This is a great place to bring all of your family and friends together! Start planning your Smoky Mountain vacation at A Place to Remember today!

The Meadows Lake House | 2BR | Sleeps 8

Featured Rental: The Meadows Lake House

Offered By: Smoky Mountain Lake Rentals

The Meadows Lake house is located close to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It sits on the South side of Douglas Lake on the McGuire Creek section of the lake. At the end of a quiet street, the walk down to the water is very easy. At high summer lake levels, you can even launch your boat at this location because of the gentle slope of the large lot.

This 2 bedroom home with 3rd sleeping loft/game room sleeps a total of 8 guests with 4 queen beds. There is a large master suite with whirlpool bathroom. It has deck access onto screened porch/sunroom with HOT TUB and lake views.

The large upstairs bedroom has 2 queen beds and a full bath. The sleeping loft has a 4th queen bed with pool table, sitting, and satellite TV.

There is a wonderful large kitchen perfect for entertaining and is part of a large dining and living area with wood fireplace and TV. Access to the very private screened porch/sunroom with TV, plenty of out door seating, and hot tub make your stay at the lake peaceful and entertaining.

Nice long range lake views are found here as well. This home also has a great yard for kids to play. The Meadows is close to Gator Point Marina. You may use the launch here, if necessary, free of charge. There is a private dock for your boat.

The Meadows is a great home that offers the best of lake living and convenient location to all the action located in the area. Come stay and play here!

Bear Safety | Smoky Mountain Bear Country

What To Do If You Encounter A Black Bear 

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

There are lots of black bears in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the areas surrounding it, so you never know when or where your paths may cross. Bear sightings can be an exciting experience, but visitors should remember to keep safety in mind at all times. Although bears may seem friendly and tame, they are unpredictable creatures that are extremely powerful and can become aggressive if they feel threatened. Even simply approaching a bear could be interpreted as a threat, especially to a mother bear with cubs. The best thing you can do is keep your distance.

Officials of the GSMNP provide these guidelines for bear safety when visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park:

1. Do not feed or toss food to a bear or any wild animal.
2. Keep children close to you, and keep pets indoors or in a vehicle or camper.
3. Do not approach a bear — they are dangerous. If it changes its natural behavior (feeding, foraging, or movement) because of your presence, you are too close!
4. Never surround or corner a bear.
5. Never run from a bear, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Do not turn away from the bear.
6. If the bear starts to approach you, stand your ground. Yell and wave your arms above your head.
7. If a bear persistently follows or approaches you, without vocalizing or paw swatting, try changing your direction. 
8. If the bear gets closer, act aggressively and try to intimidate the bear. Act together as a group if you have companions. Make yourselves look as large as possible (for example, move to higher ground). 
9. In the extreme case that you are physically attacked by a black bear, try to fight back aggressively with any non-food object available such as rocks. Playing dead is usually not an appropriate response to a black bear attack.
10. Encourage others to follow these instructions.
11. Be responsible. Improper behavior on your part may have serious consequences!
12. Report all bear incidents to a park ranger immediately. 

Remember, approaching a bear is not only dangerous, but it is also illegal. In fact, willfully approaching a bear within 150 feet, or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear, can result in fines and arrest. If you want to see a bear up close, use binoculars, telephoto lens, or a spotting scope. Keep in mind that even though bears can weigh hundreds of pounds, they are good tree climbers and swimmers, and can even run 30 miles per hour. In addition, they have a great sense of smell, and can be enticed by human food so proper storage and disposal of food is imperative.

Smoky's Den | 1BR | Sleeps 4

Featured Rental: Smoky's Den

Offered By: Diamond Mountain Rentals

Nestled in total privacy, this cabin is located just minutes from all the shopping malls and all the activities in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Wooded and rolling hills make up the view in this one of a kind romantic retreat. It is the perfect place to celebrate your honeymoon, anniversary, or just have a weekend getaway.

The cabin is beautifully decorated with leather furniture so you can cozy up with your sweetie as you warm up near the stone fireplace and watch the large screen TV above the mantle. Or relax on the couch and admire the views from the glass windows surrounding the living room area.









Get in touch with your playful side as you challenge one another to games of pool and air hockey. Enjoy a meal prepared in the fully equipped kitchen with dining and bar area.

At the end of a long day exploring all the area attractions, take a luxurious soak in the large whirlpool tub. After a busy night on the town, sleep in and start off your morning with breakfast in bed in the comfy king bedroom loft.

Enjoy the large hot tub on the covered deck with total seclusion for your personal enjoyment.  Paved roadways to unit for easy access for the motorcycle enthusiast. Bring your sweetheart to this sweet retreat in celebration of any special occasion.

Smoky Mountains Song Writers Festival

Free Live Music & Entertainment

Date: August 23-25, 2012 | Gatlinburg, TN

 

Photo Credit: http://www.gatlinburg.com

Ever wonder about the stories that inspired your favorite songs? Well, if you attend the Smoky Mountains Song Writers Festival (SMSWF), you might get to hear all about it from the original songwriters of some of the most popular hits! This special event will be held in downtown Gatlinburg, and admission is free for most venues. Bluegrass, country and old time music all originated in the Smoky Mountains making it an ideal location to celebrate its Appalachian musical roots and promote the art of songwriting.

Attend over 15 free venues and hear over 25 hit singer/songwriter performances! There will be also be four workshops for aspiring songwriters on Friday and Saturday featuring topics such as learning how to write a song with the potential to become a classic and tips on publishing music. You might even have the pleasure of hearing the next big hit at the SMSWF Songwriters Contest!

For more information on this special event, visit http://www.gatlinburg.com or http://www.smswf.com.

Pigeon River Chalet | 3BR | Sleeps 10

Featured Rental: Pigeon River Chalet

Offered By: American Mountain Rentals

Pigeon River Chalet in Pigeon Forge is located in the most convenient area of the Tennessee Smoky Mountains and is a 3 bedroom two story chalet rental right on the river. This vacation home rental is perfect for up to 10 of your friends and family on your next vacation to the Smokies.

Located just off the parkway in the city limits of Pigeon Forge in River Pointe, the Pigeon River Chalet offers quick and easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrances either in Gatlinburg, Wears Valley, or Townsend.

Pigeon River Chalet is also just a hop, skip and a jump from Dolly Parton's hometown of Sevierville Tennessee, the Dollywood Theme Park and Dollywood's Splash Country Water Park in Pigeon Forge.

River Pointe which sits on the banks of the Pigeon River, is now one of the hottest chalet rental developments in the Smokies - not just for its central location, but also for its scenic nature trail that winds along the river. River Pointe is also just around the corner from the Pigeon Forge Community Center which offers tons of family entertainment with its indoor and outdoor swimming pools, 10 lane bowling center, public library, and three full size basketball courts.

At the Pigeon River Chalet you will find adequate covered parking under the chalet, enough for a boat or car on a trailer and there is a porch swing that faces the river to relax in as the burgers and steaks sizzle on the grill.

The covered front porch has a glider bench and the sunrise coming up over the Smoky Mountains with a cup of coffee in one of the rocking chairs is the perfect way to start a fun filled day on your family vacation in the Pigeon Forge Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains. Does it get any better than this?

As you enter Pigeon River Chalet you will be amazed by its spacious rooms and elegant décor. The kitchen has plenty of space and everything you will need to prepare the family meals and the dining area with its river view makes it the perfect place to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. The dining room table will seat four with three bar stools at the kitchen counter.

A cozy and comfortable living room awaits you with large windows so you have a great view of the Pigeon River and the leather sofa and loveseat nestled in front of the gas fireplace set in stacked stone only adds to the elegance of the Pigeon River Chalet. Now this is a vacation!

Break out the popcorn and enjoy your favorite DVD or VHS movie with the whole family on the TV with cable or step out onto the large covered deck sitting on the river and relax in the soothing hot tub or grab a rocking chair and just enjoy the scenic surroundings and the sound of the rippling waters from the river flowing right by you.

The hall off of the dining area leads to two of the bedrooms in this chalet, a full bathroom, and a laundry room with a washer and dryer.

The bedroom located in the front of the chalet has a queen size bed, cable TV with a DVD / VCR combo, and has access to the full bathroom.

The bedroom located in the back of the chalet has king size bed, cable TV with DVD / VCR combo, its own private full bath, and a river view with French doors that lead out to the deck where the Hot Tub is located.

Up the stairs you will find the third bedroom featuring a king size bed, a view of the river, cable TV with a DVD / VCR combo and its own private full bathroom and a playroom for the kids to enjoy.

Off from the bedroom is a kids room with toys and 2 twin sofa beds for the little ones who want to sleep close to Mom and Dad but in their own bed.

Pigeon River Chalet rental has all the comfort and luxury you would expect in a home away from home and is near all the attractions, restaurants and shopping you could want in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Wears Valley, and Townsend in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Make the Pigeon River Chalet vacation home rental in Pigeon Forge your yearly destination for your family vacation to the Smoky Mountains!

Mountain Tyme | 4BR | Sleeps 8

Featured Rental: Mountain Tyme

Offered By: Bear Camp Cabin Rentals

This cabin rental is all about views, views, views! Mountain Tyme has breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains and valley. It is a spacious, beautifully decorated non-smoking cabin with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. It will sleep 2 to 8 people with 2 king beds, 2 queen beds and 1 sleeper sofa. If you are planning a Smoky Mountain vacation in the next few months, then you have got to check this place out. The cabin is absolutely gorgeous in the fall surrounded by all the warm colors of the autumn foliage!

Nestled in the woods, this spacious cabin is great for family getaways, reunions and weekend retreats. The cabin has everything you need to have a memorable getaway with your closest friends. Host a tournament on the pool table for a night of fun and games. Direct TV is in all rooms so everyone can watch what they want. Warm up in front of the wood burning fireplace in the living room as you watch movies on the DVD/VCR player. Enjoy a delicious meal that is prepared in the fully equipped kitchen which includes a dishwasher for easy cleanup. Other amenities include a washer, dryer, iron, ironing board, linens, and towels.

You just might have trouble figuring out where your favorite spot is to gaze out at the marvelous views. There is a private hot tub on the fully covered deck. Or you can sway back and forth in the rockers as you watch the sun rise as you sip your morning coffee. There are tons of windows throughout this cabin that showcase the mountain views as well. You can even cook out on the deck on the charcoal grill as you watch the sun set at the end of a long day exploring the Smoky Mountain area.

With easy paved road access, it is convenient to an abundance of area attractions! Located just a short distance to Cades Cove, Metcalf Bottoms, white water rafting, River Rage Tubing, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, golfing, Smoky Mountain National Park, Laurel Falls, hiking trails, Greenbrier Park, outlet shopping, Dollywood and Splash Country, Dixie Stampede and Wonderworks.

To view more rentals in the area visit www.smokiesrentals.com

Experience the Interactive Shark Exhibit

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Presents:

Perfect Predators: SHARKS! | August 12-19, 2012 Only!

It's shark week at the aquarium, and that means there's a lot more to see than just the sharks in a tank! In honor of shark week, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is featuring an all new interactive shark exhibit.

Perfect Predators: Sharks! allows visitors to explore sharks inside and out and discover all there is to know about these fierce predators. The new exhibition provides both entertainment and education for guests as they experiment with each of the 30 displays. It offers a truly interactive and hands-on approach to learning all there is to know about these magnificent underwater creatures!

Photo Credit: http://www.ripleyaquariums.com

Find out why sharks have endured throughout the years by learning all the amazing characteristics that make these beasts so unique. Guests can experience "shark vision" and see exactly how the world appears from a shark's perspective. Sharks may be one of nature's biggest predators, but that doesn't mean they haven't had to have some tough skin living on this planet for so long. Don't believe us? Get up close and personal to take a look at actual shark skin and see it for yourself. Oh, and don't forget about all the mesmerizing things sharks have had to put up with and stomach over the millions of years they've survived, and we mean that literally... you will be shocked at some of the strange materials that have been discovered in sharks' stomachs! If you're brave enough, you can even experience the force of a real shark bite, we dare you!

Of course, there is always a multitude of various types of live sharks you can watch in action at the aquarium. Check them out from every angle as you walk through the underwater tunnel! All in all, we have got to say that Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is the perfect place to be to celebrate shark week! Make sure you make this exhibit a part of your vacation if you're visiting Gatlinburg this week. It's an adventure fit for the whole family, and you'll make some memories that will last a lifetime!

To find lodging accommodations near the aquarium for your visit to the Smokies for this special event or one in the future, be sure to check out all the great cabin rentals available at www.smokiesrentals.com.

Mountain Valley View | 2BR | Sleeps 6

Featured Rental: Mountain Valley View

Offered By: Cove Mountain Resorts

Mountain Valley View is surrounded by amazing views of the National Park's Cove Mountain on one side, and an equally beautiful view of Wears Valley from the other side. This luxurious cabin is like new, and it offers a hot tub, fireplace, park style grill and PRIVACY in all directions.

Main level features a living room with woodburning fireplace, fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, queen bedroom with TV, and full bath. Cabin has all new decor with stainless steel appliances, slate and ceramic tile bath floors, and new furniture. Flat screen televisions with satellite and DVDs are located in the living room and both bedrooms. Upper level features a king bedroom with TV, jacuzzi, and full bath. 

Upstairs in the bedroom, you can relax in the Jacuzzi tub which has a completely private and gorgeous view of the mountain. Located on 3 acres with beautiful landscaping and plenty of level parking. Mountain Valley View is second to none when it comes to beauty, privacy, and views. Come and enjoy your once in a lifetime getaway! 

Out on the deck, you can soak in the hot tub and gaze at the stunning views showcased by this cabin in the mountains. Cabin is located a short 2.2 mile drive off of Wear's Valley Road in one of the nicest neighborhoods in the Valley. Nearby attractions include Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Townsend, Smoky Mountain National Park, and Cades Cove. Also includes access to resort pool and amenities!

Free Parkway Trolley

Dates of Service: June 15 – August 18

Shuttle Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Photo Credit: http://www.gatlinburg.com

The summer is wrapping up, and so is the Free Parkway Trolley service, at least until next year. This Saturday, August 18th,  marks the last day visitors can take advantage of riding the trolley at no charge for the remainder of this year. So, if you are planning to be out and about in the Smoky Mountain area this week, then keep your eyes peeled for one of these specifically designed trolleys to hitch a ride for free.

The Free Parkway Trolley Program originated last year in 2011, and was such a major success that the city decided to extend the program through the entire summer for 2012. Additional stops have also been set up along the Parkway this year providing even more opportunities to hop aboard and explore the area in the most convenient and affordable manner possible. The trolley is a great way to avoid having to pay for parking throughout the area. In addition, it saves money on gas traveling along the Parkway through all the traffic.

Patrons of all ages can enjoy a ride along the route in these open-air shuttles. Kids, adults, and even seniors will find the trolleys to be accommodating and adventurous. Every trolley is handicap accessible, and the route extends from Traffic Light #1 all the way to the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at Light #10.

If you are planning a visit after the free service ends, don't get too disappointed. The Gatlinburg Trolley can still get you where you want to go, and the fee is minimal. Route fees start at only 50 cents, and you can even purchase an unlimited access pass for just $2.00 for most routes.

For more information on the Gatlinburg Trolley, visit www.gatlinburgtrolley.org.

Honey Bee Hide Away | 1BR | Sleeps 4

Featured Rental: Honey Bee Hide Away

Offered By: Black Bear Lodging Chalet & Cabin Rentals

Honey Bee Hide Away is the perfect cabin for a romantic getaway! Treat your sweetheart to this tastefully decorated cabin located in a private wooded setting. It has all the amenities your heart desires which makes it such a sweet hideaway for any special occasion! This sweet little cabin offers so much you can do to make your getaway memorable.

Cozy up with your loved one in front of the gas fireplace in the living room as you sip some hot cocoa on a chilly night. Have a movie night watching DVDs on the satellite TV. Enjoy a romantic cookout on the charcoal grill out on the deck or prepare a home-cooked meal for just the two of you in the fully-equipped kitchen. There is even a dishwasher, so clean up will be a breeze.

After dinner, take a dip in the heart-shaped jacuzzi with your sweetie and rekindle the romance as you escape from the real world in this private cabin in the woods. The bedroom features a queen bed so you can snuggle up and sleep in late on your vacation.


The hot tub on the deck is the perfect spot to take a relaxing soak in the bubbles with some bubbly champagne in celebration of your love for one another. Whether it's your honeymoon or you're 50th wedding anniversary, this is a cabin that will inspire romantic moments that will last a lifetime.


Bring along your furry friends too because this cabin rental is pet friendly, and although this is a private retreat, you can still enjoy all the modern conveniences such as high speed internet as well as a washer and dryer. There is even a sleeper sofa if you want to bring along another couple of friends to make it a double-date weekend getaway.