Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival

Dumplin Valley Farm RV Park, Kodak, TN

Dates: September 13-15, 2012

The Smoky Mountain area is known for its bluegrass roots, and if you're a fan of that good ole mountain music, then you will love the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival! So, what makes this festival so special? Well, its definitely one-of-a-kind because the festival is held at an RV Park, and most folks roll on in and stay at the festival from kick-off to closing. It's a rare opportunity that one gets the chance to listen to over 10 bands perform all in one place over the course of just one weekend!

There is a potluck dinner on Wednesday at 6pm, the night before the festival officially begins, and the following days are jam packed with toe tappin' music presented by numerous popular bluegrass bands each afternoon and night for the 3 days thereafter.

A few of the featured bands include Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, The Little Roy & Lizzy Show, and the Lonesome River Band. For a full list of performances and a festival schedule of events, visit www.dumplinvalleybluegrass.com.

Tickets for the festival range from $25-$30 per night or a weekend pass can be purchased for $85. Plus, admission is free for kids 12 and under. The Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival is good, clean family fun for all ages! Bring your whole clan over to the festival and make some memories!

God's Country | 3BR | Sleeps 8

Featured Rental: God's Country (Stonehenge 431)

Offered By: Fireside Chalet & Cabin Rentals

God's Country (Stonehenge 431) is a 3 bedroom, 3 full bath cabin located about 1 mile from downtown Pigeon Forge and convenient to area attractions. It is such a great place to stay with your family on your next trip to the Smoky Mountain area and offers all the amenities you desire.

The living room features a gas log fireplace and a 42" Flat Screen with cable, 1 DVD and 1 VCR. There is a full sized, fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and coffeemaker, washer / dryer and gas cooking grill. It has everything you need to entertain your family when you aren't out and about exploring the local activities.

The game room includes an air hockey table and foosball table. The bedrooms all have king sized beds, plus... each bathroom has it's own indoor whirlpool tub!!! In addition, there are 4 color TV's (one in each bedroom and one in the living room). There's a sleeper sofa as well so this chalet accommodates up to 8 people.

There is a 6-person hot tub on the deck, with some great mountain views. Relax on the rocking chairs or patio furniture and enjoy the views from this chalet.

Sevier Country Fair

Sevier County Fairgrounds, Sevierville, TN

Dates: September 3-8, 2012

 

Photo Credit: www.insidesevierville.com

The Sevier County Fair is a family-friendly affair that provides entertainment for kids and adults alike. The sounds, smells, and sights truly bring out the child inside of each and every one of us, and transport you back in time to when the simple wonders of a county fair sparked excitement and fueled your adventurous spirit. The fair runs the week of Labor Day and the gates are open from 5pm to 10pm on most days.

All of the fair favorites will be returning this year in addition to a few new events thrown into the schedule as well. The ever popular Fairest of the Fair Pageant will be held at the Little Red Barn Theater on Monday and Tuesday night at 6pm. Livestock competitions will also be held throughout the week in the Cattle Barn. You can take part in a Scavenger Hunt and Money Pole each evening and enjoy nightly entertainment from a number of performing artists. There is even a youth talent competition on Saturday, which is sure to be full of amusement as all of the participants will be amateurs. And don't miss out on the turtle races, cornhole tournament, clown circus, and the children's ice cream eating contest!

Fair admission is $5.00 and children 10 and under can enter for free. Ultimate ride wristbands can be purchased for $18 each. Discounted rates are available on certain dates. On Tuesday, anyone who brings 2 canned goods can purchase a gate admission ticket for only $3.00.  Thursday is Food City Night, which features buy one get one free ride wristbands. Saturday the gates open at 1pm and it is Senior Day which features $2.00 admission for anyone over 60. In addition, Sevier County home school children can get into the fair for free.

So, whether you are young or old, the Sevier County Fair has something for everyone. To view the full schedule of events visit www.seviercountyfair.org. If you are searching for lodging near Sevierville to attend this great event, visit www.smokiesrentals.com and find a cabin rental that will accommodate your whole family.

Photo Credit: www.insidesevierville.com

Condo #309 | 3BR | Sleeps 8

Featured Rental: Condo #309

Offered By: The Highlands Condominium

This luxurious condo boasts numerous amenities! It's the perfect place to have a family getaway or get together with a group of friends with the spacious floor plan that offers 3 fully furnished bedrooms and sleeps up to 8 guests. The additional loft area even provides extra space for the kids to play without disturbing the adults. A private entrance brings you directly to the front door of this condo, so there's never any hassle with parking.

The living room features a native stone fireplace, which is perfect for those chilly nights. Pop some popcorn and watch the large flat screen TV! The full kitchen is equipped with all the appliances you need to cook a nice meal for your family. There is a total of 3 full bathrooms and there's even a whirlpool tub to relax in after a long day exploring the area attractions. The private balcony showcases the natural beauty of the area with its amazing mountain views.

You will also have access to all the property amenities of The Highlands which includes an outdoor hot tub, indoor hot tub, two swimming pools, and two saunas. This condo is in a convenient resort location that is close to recreation,  and overlooks Gatlinburg, Tennessee with breathtaking views. The resort also offers meeting facilities and planning assistance is available.

All in all, this condo has everything you need to enjoy a trip to the Smokies whether it's for a short weekend getaway or an extended vacation!

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.