Go for a ride...

You can enjoy all the sights around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg without driving...Take a ride and relax on a trolley.

Main Street trolleys run every 20 to 25 minutes. Wears Valley trolleys run every 40 to 45 minutes. Dollywood trolleys run every 15 to 20 minutes. Dollys’ Splash Country trolleys run every 15 to 20 minutes. Gatlinburg Welcome Center trolleys run every 25 to 30 minutes. These times may vary due to traffic flow during peak tourism days, car shows and holiday weekends.

OktOBERfest of Ober Gatlinburg

Location: Ober Gatlinburg

Dates: Sept. 28 - Nov. 4, 2012

Photo Source: InsideGatlinburg.com

OktOBERfest is now in full swing, and there are only a few more weeks remaining so consider yourself lucky if you will be in town to take part in this fun, family-friendly event! It all takes place throughout the month of October at the Ober Gatlinburg Resort where you can indulge in authentic Bavarian cuisine and sip your favorite German beverage. The festival is reminiscent of the famous Oktober Festival which is held annually in Munich, Germany since 1810 and features daily merrymaking throughout every October since then. This year marks the third annual Gatlinburg-style version of this event, and it is growing more popular as folks have become more aware of the festivities.

Live music performances by the Bavarian Fun Makers Band will take place at 1pm and 5 pm Monday through Thursday throughout the week and at noon, 2, 4, and 6pm Friday through Sunday on weekends. The Bavarian-style show consists of entertainers in authentic costumes who perform original German folk dances, oompah music, sing-a-longs, yodels, schuhplattling, and more. You will find yourself being swept away by the unique traditions and lured by the mouthwatering edible temptations so you don't even have to be German to appreciate all the culture that is showcased at this festival!

Food will be served a-la-carte at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant & Lounge and includes appetizers, sandwiches, and entrees as well as a menu full of traditional Bavarian cuisine such as German bratwurst, sauerkraut, schnitzel, pretzels, strudels, and more. Beer tents will be set up outside where special Oktoberfect Biers and German lagers including Shiner Bock, Sam Adams, Oktoberfest, and Cottonwood Pumpkin Spiced Ale will be served on tap. You will be sure to get your fill and satisfy every taste bud at this delectable event.

While you're here, venture out and explore all the other fun activities of Ober. It is primarily known for its winter activities which include skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing, but that's just the start of what you can do here. Ride the 120-passenger Aerial Tramway and get a full appreciation for the beautiful scenery overlooking the fall leaves and mountain views, or check out the Wildlife Encounter including the Municipal Black Bear Habitat and Birds of Prey Exhibit. There’s also an ice skating rink, Alpine Slide, scenic chairlift, three water raft rides, shops, restaurant and lounge on site as well as a carousel, a water ride, a kiddie land, mini golf, and an arcade. Oh, and don't forget to check out the newest attraction at Ober Gatlinburg, the 4,600 square-foot Amaze‘n Maze, where guests of all ages can sharpen their navigational skills while competing against their family, friends and the clock. As you can see, there are a number of reasons to visit Ober, Gatlinburg, and OktOBERfest will make your experience even more memorable than ever!

Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair

Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center

Date: October 11, 2012 - October 28, 2012

Image Source: www.craftsmenfair.com

If you have an appreciation for arts, crafts, and music, then you will absolutely love the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair. Starting on October 11, the Gatlinburg Convention Center will be transformed into a shopper's delight as numerous artists and merchandise-filled booths spread throughout multiple levels and provide aisles and aisles of various hand-crafted commodities to ensure that you will find something that sparks your interest. It's the perfect opportunity to start your holiday shopping early and find the ideal gift for even the most difficult person to shop for on your list. You can find everything from jewelry to fine art to knick-knacks, so you will be sure to discover a unique item to satisfy even the most unique taste.

A soap maker, watercolorist, metal sculptors, and a designer and creator of whimsical snowmen are just a few of the types of various artists expected to showcase their work. Some of the crafts and products that you can expect to find include glass bead jewelry, pottery, horseshoe creations, shadow box art, primitive turkey callers, knives, antler crafts, lamp work, treasure boxes, carved and whimsical gourds, original design leathers, muzzle loading guns, as well as handpainted switchplates, clocks and lamps.

As you can see, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair hosts a wide variety of crafts created by juried artists from all over the country who produce quality workmanship with an original flair. The most unique feature of this event is that not only can you view and purchase the artwork displayed, but you can also meet the craftsmen in person and even watch as they demonstrate their artistic abilities. This is one reason that the Southeast Tourism Society has recognized the show as being one of the top 20 events in the Southern US!

Although the primary appeal of the fair is the artwork and crafts, there will also be entertainment provided throughout the show which includes country and bluegrass musical performances by Dennis Lee and band as well as Tim Watson, the “Fiddle Man”. Hours are 10am to 6pm daily and 10am to 5pm on Sundays. Music shows are 12, 2 and 4pm daily 12 and 2pm on Sundays and are included in the cost of admission which is $6 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Group rates are available. For additional information, visit www.craftsmenfair.com.

Fright Nights Show: Voodoo 13

Featured At: Ripley's Haunted Adventure

Dates: Every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday in October

Photo Credit: Ripley's Haunted Adventure

Halloween is almost here, and everyone is on the prowl for the most creepy and frightening place to get in the spirit of this dark holiday. Fortunately, you don't have to wait until the end of the month to celebrate All Hallows' Eve because Ripley's Haunted Adventures of Gatlinburg, TN is featuring their very own Fright Nights Show every weekend in October! This annual presentation is all new this year with a "Voodoo 13" theme in which all the freaky aspects of the ritualistic traditions associated with voodoo are featured in each of the thirteen special event evenings.

Each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night during October, the show kicks off at 6:13pm with a character parade reminiscent of those in New Orleans, where voodoo is prevalent.  Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is well-known for its haunted house year-round, but it will become even more terrifying this time of year as the amount of performances is increased and the themed environment plays on your senses. Your sight, sound, touch, and even smell will be scrutinized throughout the show. The show will even change up each weekend so visitors within the local area can see up to 5 different shows as Halloween approaches.

Admission tickets are $13.99 + tax for adults and $7.99 + tax for kids under the age of 12, but they must be accompanied by a parent. However, due to the graphic nature of the facility, children under the age of 6 are not allowed. There is no additional cost to attend the special event shows, and multi-weekend tickets are available at a discount for the month of October only. Call (865) 430-9991 for more information about Voodoo 13 at Ripley’s Haunted Adventure in Gatlinburg. 

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales

Authentic Appalachian History & Entertainment 

Gatlinburg, TN | June 15 - August 11, 2012 

Photo Credit: www.gatlinburg.com

Authentic tales of Appalachian history manifest along the streets at Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales throughout the summer! At 6 p.m. each evening in downtown Gatlinburg, costumed performers kick off the entertainment along the Parkway with singing, dancing, and storytelling as they impersonate characters from periods as early as the 1800s. Tourists stroll along this iconic road all throughout the day weaving into the shops and restaurants that line the street, and this nighttime activity has got them crowding along the sidewalks as well. 

The streets literally come alive with the history and culture of the yesteryears in mountain country! The cast performs simultaneously and rotates throughout the night until 11 p.m., so you're sure to find something that will peak the interest of each member of your family. This event makes strolling along the Parkway in Gatlinburg an interactive and surprising activity as fresh entertainment abounds around nearly every corner. 

The acts consist of singers and musical performances of various sizes ranging from solos, duos, trios as well as dancing groups of cloggers. The performers and craftsmen not only share the history of the Smokies by showcasing their talents, but also teach visitors about their crafts and encourage interaction with the characters and audience participation. 

Gatlinburg is a city known for its walkability, and this event not only highlights that feature, but enhances it as well. The community has always thrived on its family-friendly atmosphere, and Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales accentuates this quality considerably. So, be sure to take an evening stroll with your family along the Parkway on your next Smoky Mountain vacation and enjoy all this event has to offer!

If you are looking for a cabin rental in Gatlinburg near the Parkway for this event, visit www.smokiesrentals.com to find the perfect place to stay.

Join the Crowd & Visit the Smokies

More Visitors Exploring the GSMNP in 2012

Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Are you thinking about visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this year? Well, you are definitely not alone! In fact, the visitation numbers in the GSMNP have already risen in comparison to last year. It's no wonder so many people have decided to travel to the area and discover the all magnificence the national park has to offer during the first half of this year already.

The temperatures were unseasonably warm during early spring, which meant great weather for all those adventurous outdoor activities the park is known for. The plant life bloomed early too, which has only enhanced the gorgeous atmosphere surrounding the majestic waterfalls and trails throughout the area. The GSMNP is the only free national park in the U.S., and gas prices have been lower in comparison to last year as well, which only makes it even more affordable for families to travel to the Smokies for vacation this year. The GSMNP is within a day's drive of one-third of the nation's population after all!

This summer, there have been some new additions in the area surrounding the park too. Dollywood in Pigeon Forge launched a brand-new roller coaster, Wild Eagle, which has drawn tourists from around the country. Many other attractions have also popped up in Pigeon Forge over the last year or so including the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud & Stunt Show, The Smoky Mountain Opry, and the Lumberjack Feud. Plus, the GSMNP was recently featured as one of America's Best Free Attractions according to Yahoo Travel.

The national park offers such a perfect location for so many family-friendly recreational activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, and swimming. Although the summer this year has been hotter than usual for the entire country as a whole, the elevation in the mountains does provide some relief from the heat as it tends to be several degrees cooler the higher you climb, and this just provides an even greater incentive for hikers to reach the summit! The creeks and waterways located throughout the park remain cool and chilly as well, and the tubing and rafting are still popular activities that help beat the heat of this steamy summer.

So, join the crowd and start planning your vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park soon. Although the summer is almost coming to a close, the fall foliage in the Smokies is always absolutely breathtaking, and the winter months provide a whole other slew of activities too. Every season is an enjoyable one here in the Smokies. Don't wait, bring your family and make some memories in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in 2012!

Experience the Interactive Penguin Exhibit

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Presents:

The Interactive Penguin Exhibit - Penguin Playhouse

Who knew there were penguins in the mountains? Well, they're here in the Smokies at Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, and they are just waiting for you and your family to pay them a visit in their amazing interactive habitat! These adorable little guys love to splash around and entertain you, but you don't have to just watch them from a distance. Dive in and experience all the great features that this exhibit has to offer!

Kids can crawl through the tunnel and watch as the penguins swim overhead... adults can too, if they dare to squeeze through! There is even a bubble you can pop your head into for a 360 degree view from within the water which allows you to get up close and personal with them by checking them out from every angle! It's almost as if you are swimming along side them as you make your way through the clear underwater tunnels.

It's not easy to figure out which one is your favorite, but every penguins' spots are unique so you should be able to tell them apart from one another. To make it even easier to pick out your faves, each penguin wears an armband with its name printed on it, pink for girls, and blue for boys. You will have a blast trying to get a glimpse of their names as they swish on by right in front of your very eyes. The habitat expands both indoors and out, and visitors are encouraged to see the penguins in both atmospheres.

These munchkins aren't shy either. They will swim right up to the glass to greet you, face to beak. They love to put on a show for you too. They'll float, they'll dive, and they'll waddle their way into your heart. And these guys like to make noise too! This particular type of penguin, the African Black Footed Penguin, has sounds that are so distinct, you won't soon forget them.

For the real fanatics that just can't get enough of these cute little creatures, you can interact with a penguin without the glass separating you by having your very own personal "penguin encounter" which will provide you with access to actually pet a penguin and get your photo taken with one of these magnificent birds! (Additional fee is required). Did we mention these are special penguins that have a creative streak too? Also for a nominal fee, you can watch up close as one of the penguins paints you a piece of rare artwork! They will provide you with their signature autograph in the form of an 8x10 painting made up of their unique footprints!

So, if you are curious about learning more about penguins, then the most fun way to learn more about them is to visit the Penguin Playhouse at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, TN!