Gatlinburg Hosts National Storytelling Conference & Concerts

Storytelling is the highlight event in early August in Gatlinburg, and the public has a chance to listen in. On Friday, Aug. 8 from 7 to 9 p.m., the National Storytelling Conference’s regional concert will showcase members from all seven regions of the country. Featured performers include Esther Culver, Meg Gilman, Linda Gorham, Elaine Muray, Priscilla Howe, LynnAnn Wojciechowicz and Julie Pasqual, with Yvonne Healy serving as emcee. Tickets are $10.

Then on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 7 to 9 p.m., NSN’s national concert showcases four of the most acclaimed storytellers in the nation including Diane Ferlatte, Doc McConnell, Motoko and Connie Regan-Blake, with Jim May serving as emcee. Tickets are $15.

NSN also offers an option for folks who are REALLY interested in storytelling in the form of a $100 all-inclusive Concert Package that allows folks to come to the two events featured above in addition to:

*Any of the conference’s eight state showcases spotlighting the Southeast Region, including Tennessee, throughout the day in 90 minute blocks from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

*“Fringe” performances during the day and also late evenings (some have adult content warnings) on Thursday (10 to 11 p.m.), Friday (9:30 to 10:30 p.m.), and Saturday (9:30 to 10:30 p.m.).

*Story “Swaps” where folks can sign up to tell their own stories (during same evening times as Fringe performances).

For storytelling concert tickets or package information, please call Karin Hensley at 800-525-4514, ext. 303, through July 31. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Gatlinburg's 4th of July Midnight Parade highlights Armed Forces

A celebration isn't a celebration without a parade, and a parade just isn't a parade without at least one band.

Therefore, for the 33rd consecutive year, the city of Gatlinburg will go all out to celebrate July 4th with its Fourth of July Midnight Parade, the nation's first celebratory parade of Independence Day.

The U.S. Army's 129th Marching Band from Nashville will lead the parade, which will focus on showcasing all four branches of the military not only in the parade, but throughout the weekend.
"All other units in the parade, including the Army support vehicles, will fall in behind the Army band as our grand marshals," said George Hawkins, director of special events for the city. "The band is our thank you to the military for participating in our parade, and for what they do for us. We are very excited about the entire weekend of events, which will include a four-day festival highlighting our armed services; this will be one of the most patriotic and colorful midnight parades the city of Gatlinburg has ever produced."

Also appearing in the parade is the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law with its Project SALUTE RV (Students And lawyers Assisting U.S. Troops Everywhere), which offers low-income veterans free legal assistance with their federal benefits, while giving hands-on experience to law students. The 31-foot RV will visit over 60 U.S. cities to help veterans.
Another military presence will be Tennessee Helping Hearts, a nonprofit organization that does all it can to help veterans. Riding that float will be a group of Gold Star Mothers, women whose son or daughter has died while on active duty with the military. Another float will showcase the Soldier's Quilt featuring 112 pictures of American soldiers.

Other events featured Friday are the Army Concert Band playing from 8 to 10 p.m. on the Aquarium Plaza and opening the city's fireworks show by playing "The Stars and Stripes Forever." And, at 10 a.m. Friday the River Raft Regatta, a free event for anything that floats, will begin.

Information courtesy of The Mountain Press

10 Free Things to do in Gatlinburg

Check out our list of these 10 free things to do in Gatlinburg (but there are many more!).

1) Walk on the Parkway where you'll find more than 200 unique shops, dozens of restaurants and attractions for all ages.

2) Stroll along River Road that runs along Little Pigeon River one block off the Parkway.

3) Jump in your car and explore a collection of historical sites on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

4) Drive to Greenbrier for tubing, swimming, hiking, sunbathing, wildlife watching, a nature hike or mountain biking.

5) Visit Sugarlands Visitor Center located at Great Smoky Mountain National Park's main northern entrance two miles south of Gatlinburg.

6) Enjoy Cades Cove, a western valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park where historical cabins, farmhouses and churches are maintained.

7) See Gatlinburg from a bird's eye view from the two overlooks in the National Park.

8) Indulge in a little culture as you browse the galleries of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

9) Take a trolley (the brand new all-day Trolley Pass is only $2.00!) or your car and visit the eight-mile loop of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.

10) Stroll the Parkway and take in the free and fun collection of personalities and performers at Gatlinburg's 3rd annual Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™.

Information courtesy of Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce

33rd Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair Opens July 18

Voted one of the South’s most popular summer events, Gatlinburg readies itself for the 33rd Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. Over 180 craftspeople will be exhibiting and demonstrating their crafts at the Gatlinburg Convention Center this July 18 through 27. During these dates the Gatlinburg Convention Center transforms into an enormous multi-level community of craftspeople from all over the U.S. The Thirtythird Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair will host some of the country’s finest artisans that display and demonstrate their most special and talented skills.

Sam and Tracey Large have developed this event that encompasses nearly three decades of dedication, coordination and planning. "We are so fortunate to be able to offer such a wide variety of talents and products for our visitors to enjoy. We take great pride in the quality
level of our craftspeople.” Each entrant is juried for quality and unusual skill. "About 80% of our participants are perennial favorites who are returning, however new exhibitors join the show every year so there is always something new, exciting and fresh for our guests to look forward to."

Artist David Ogle of Gatlinburg, TN, who along with his wife, Tammie, carry on a family tradition...the masterful creation of handmade brooms with beautifully carved handles. As third generation of craftsmen they are carrying a tradition that has been in their family for well over 70 years. David has been practicing and developing his craft since the age of 13. His combination of skilled hands along with nature’s wide array of shapes allow him to produce one of a kind brooms, hiking sticks and walking canes that most would label as true works of art.

A fascination with the spirituality of nature attracted "Zera," Sandy Hensley, at an early age. Each sleek, sophisticated and unique piece of jewelry that she manufactures is handcrafted in a variety of mixed metals; gold, silver and some with semi-precious stones. The way nature intertwines elements in perfect harmony to create things of beauty is her guiding force and inspiration. Her latest creations include the new millennium collection. Pendants, neck rings and bracelets, all with free form designs, embody elements that are ancient as well as modern. "Zera" added, "It is my hope that these designs may inspire you as well as open your own
personal interpretation."

Artist Nancy Wilson, of Sevierville, TN, who along with her husband, have developed their craft by “taking what you have and creating a visual art form”. Their business, which is called “Art of the Past”, features “historic American folk art," made up of some fascinating collectibles such as wood carvings, dolls, toys, circus animals and hand paintings, just to name a few. All of the items they create are made from “pieces of history”...discarded furniture, buttons, tin, old fabrics, leather, nails...even some animal hair. Each piece of material has its own interesting story and with the help of some very gifted hands is transformed into an authentic American art form.
Nancy considers the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair a very special show “full of variety and highly accommodating for both craftspeople and visitors.”

For those attending this summer’s event, give yourself plenty of time to see all that the show has to offer. When it’s time for a break, you can relax and enjoy the country, blue grass and gospel music of Keith Longbotham and Band. Dennis Lee and Band will also play selected dates. It’s a lot of fun and great entertainment for your entire family.

Make your plans now to attend the 33rd Annual Summer Craftsmen’s Fair...

July 18 thru 27. Hours are 10am to 7pm daily and 10am to 5pm on Sundays. Music shows are 1, 3 and 5pm daily 1, 3pm on Sundays and are included in the admission cost ($5 for Adults and children 12 and under free).

Information & Image Courtesy of Gatlinburg Craftsmens Fair

7 Ways to Save on your Gatlinburg Vacation

The summer season has arrived, ushered in with warm weather days and endless play for children throughout the country. Many families choose this time of year to hit the open road and enjoy the always needed family vacation. Even though gas prices are high, and budgets are tight, there is still one vacation destination making it easy for families to get away together. The Smoky Mountains, home to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, provide the perfect way for outdoor fun to combine with family entertainment, creating a one-stop, have-it-all type destination. So fill up the family car, stock your cooler with drinks and snacks and gear up for a vacation full of memories.

Here are 7 ways to save while visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:

1) Use the Trolley System. The Pigeon Forge Trolley system has over 100 stops throughout Pigeon Forge and the Parkway, including Dollywood. It’s a good way to see all of Pigeon Forge’s attractions and sights, without having to pay for gas. The Trolley fare is only 50 cents. Plus, there is a new addition, connecting Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, a convenient connection making both destinations easily accessible.

2) Cut corners by cutting into Pigeon Forge Coupons. Coupons for Pigeon Forge are available, as well as Coupons for Gatlinburg, for restaurants and shopping. A few of the restaurant coupons featured are Hard Rock Café, Great American Buffet, Alamo Steakhouse and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. The shopping coupons include discounts at Tanger Outlet, Belz Outlet, The Old Mill and Christmas Place.

3) Discover our Direct Deals page on our websites ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com. There are discount Pigeon Forge tickets and discount Gatlinburg attractions available, including deals on Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show, The Track, Ripley’s Museum, RainForest Adventures and Ober Gatlinburg.

4) Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages and Gatlinburg Vacation Packages are also great ways to save on your family getaway. On ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com there are several discount packages available featuring Country Tonite, WonderWorks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Tennessee Shindig.

5) Reserve a Dollywood Package. The 2008 Dollywood Adventure Packages allow guests to conveniently one-stop shop. Families can book their Dollywood Tickets, Splash Country Tickets and lodging all in place and one great price! Only Dollywood and ReserveDirect offer these great Dollywood deals!

6) Explore the Great Smoky Mountains! While in the area, discover the most visited National Park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains. Full of things to do for the whole family, take advantage of the hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic views and wildlife for a truly memorable experience. It’s a free and fun way to enjoy the outdoors and your family.

7) Take advantage of discount Pigeon Forge show tickets for children. Shows like Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show and Black Bear Jamboree are offering deals where children get in free with a paying adult! With prices like that, families can’t afford not to go!

Midnight Independence Day Parade in Gatlinburg a Fireworks Spectacular

For the 33rd consecutive year, Gatlinburg kicks off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, Gatlinburg's Midnight Independence Day Parade, which leads off at 12 a.m. on Friday, July 4, to the cheers of close to 100,000 spectators and features a special tribute to our four branches of military service among the many highlights.

“This will be one of the most patriotic and colorful midnight parades that the City of Gatlinburg has ever produced,” according to Special Events Manager George Hawkins, who organized the first Gatlinburg 4th of July parade in 1976 in celebration of America’s Bicentennial. “We are very excited about the entire weekend of events, which will include a four-day festival highlighting our armed services!”

As soon as the street is closed late on July 3, the parade route comes alive with pre-parade entertainers that begin the excitement of what is to follow. Giant helium balloons soar through the skyline of downtown Gatlinburg, from red, white, and blue Stars to Alphonso the dragon, Humpty Dumpty, and a giant patriotic Eagle and All-Star Train.

More than 100 volunteers are signed on to help the balloons navigate the streets, with over 100 entries of all types scheduled to appear. National entries such as Schwan’s Foods and Red Baron Pizza often bring in their Blaine Kern-designed floats.

Gatlinburg’s popular River Raft Regatta takes place at noon on Friday, July 4th, beginning at the River Terrace bridge on River Road and ending at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies bridge in downtown Gatlinburg. This unmanned river raft race will be hosted by the United States Navy and is open to anything floatable except balls and plastic eggs. In the past, families have entered boats made out of matchsticks, floating rocks, as well as little rubber ducks.

Registration begins at 10 a.m., with the race beginning promptly at noon. Support for the River Raft Regatta is provided by the Gatlinburg Recreation Department.

Then, just an hour after sundown, the Fourth’s Grand Finale occurs on the streets of downtown Gatlinburg with a fireworks extravaganza visible all along the Parkway from Applebee’s to the Sky Lift starting about 10:30 p.m. Lasting almost 20 minutes in duration, the sights and sounds of “the rocket’s red glare” will fill the sky as a fitting tribute to this day of celebrating freedom.

Information courtesy of Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce

Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales Returns this Summer

Back by popular demand, Gatlinburg's 3rd annual run of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ begins in downtown Gatlinburg on June 13 and will run through August 9. Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800.

A collection of personalities and performers arrive nightly at 5 p.m. via horse-drawn wagon in the center of town. Visitors witness a magical transformation of sidewalk to stage as the characters disperse along the downtown Parkway for an evening of entertainment and storytelling until 10 p.m. As many as 14 nightly acts perform throughout the evening. This popular eight-week event truly highlights one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provides guests with an interactive, educational and entertaining experience the whole family can enjoy.

“Each night at 5 p.m., a horse-drawn wagon carries the performers down the Parkway to their designated locations for the evening,” said George Hawkins, Gatlinburg Department of Tourism Special Events Manager. “The rotating cast of twenty acts including storytellers, musicians and crafters will share their stories and skills during the eight-week event.”

As part of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™, visitors can stroll along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg and catch a toe-tappin’ performance by "The Back Porch Cloggers," a group showcasing the original dance of the Appalachians.

In addition, guests can meet Whittlin’ Joe as he demonstrates his craft and shares his stories of living in the Smokies, and Miss Nan the school marm shares her experiences and fun stories as a pioneer teacher.

Zeno the Gatlinburg BearTM also makes nightly appearances during this popular summer special event, dishing out hugs and waving to his new friends.

Other popular returning Appalachian characters include Hammer and Strings, the dulcimer duo, and Animal Mac, who sings about his four-legged friends from the Great Smoky Mountains.

“Our intent is to take what we feel is one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provide something that is fun and somewhat different than what most places are doing,” Tourism Director David Perella added.

Visitors also get a chance to hear traditional mountain music by the Spring Lizards, a musical husband and wife team, who plays the music of the 1800s. The pure and rustic music and folk-like lyrics tell stories of the joys and tribulations of life of the early pioneer families.

Folks will enjoy hearing from Annie the Quilter as she shows off her family’s quilt noting that each square has its own story. She even gives tips and show how quilts are made to any would-be seamsters.

Since Gatlinburg is the birthplace of the famous bluegrass tune, “Rocky Top”, Tunes & Tales features traditional bluegrass bands each night such as the Tennessee Mountain Boys, Mountain Mike & the River Road Ramblers and White Oak Flats playing favorite bluegrass standards. All performances are free and happen all along the Parkway, seven nights a week until August 9 making every evening a special event in Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Tunes and TalesTM is an official activity of the City’s Department of Tourism.

Information & Image courtesy of Sevier County News

The Arts and Outdoor Fun Reign Supreme in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg was originally settled in the early 1800's by the Ogle family. Descendants of the Ogles are still very involved in the city. The following link provides a history of the town. It is interesting reading, especially when you see how Gatlinburg has evolved.

Gatlinburg is considered a mountain resort town, a tourist town. Compared to its sister city Pigeon Forge, which offers a steady diet of shows, restaurants, outlet malls, miniature golf, pancake houses and junk shops, Gatlinburg looks downright quaint. Walking up and down main street Gatlinburg can occupy hours of time. People watching is fascinating and countless trinket shops provide much entertainment. While walking, you will find a number of booths with people offering free tickets for shows or other sights. Personally, I would avoid stopping. These people are trying to sell timeshares and the freebies are in exchange for listening to a sales pitch. The hawkers, once allowed loose on the streets, have been restricted to booths and are reduced to yelling "Hey sir, Hey madam, free tickets" in effort to grab your attention. Below are a few quality places you may want to visit while in Gatlinburg.

1. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Arrowmont is located at near the beginning of the Gatlinburg Parkway. Fronting the Parkway is a shop filled with beautiful artisan work from an artist community deeply seated in the Tennessee-North Carolina mountains. Artist from all over the world come to this area (NC and TN) to hone their skills in the inspiring mountain environment. You will find beautiful works in wood, clay, metal and fiber, along with spectacular jewelry. The shop is only a small part of the complex. A marvelous school (not really visible from the street) is attached. You can check with the shop if you are interesting in wandering around
the school grounds.

2. Gatlinburg Artist Loop (8-miles) These days I usually head to the area for a hike or backpack and forget that hours spent visiting artist galleries can be fun and very interesting. The Artist Loop is an 8-mile drive showcasing galleries and studios for local artists. As with Arrowmont, you will find all types of art. If a gallery catches your eye, you can stop, browse and chat with the artist. This is a fascinating drive worth the time spent. Your hotel can provide directions and a map. The Loop is located a few miles outside the city.

3. Ripley's Gatlinburg Aquarium If you enjoy aquariums, this one is very nice. If you have limited time, visit the the sites above and spend time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Finally, Gatlinburg is a city filled with restaurants. Since we spend most of our time in the mountains and very little time in Gatlinburg, my recommendations are limited.

Front Porch Mexican Restaurant, Cosby, TN: The Front Porch is an old Mexican Restaurant in Cosby, TN, a few miles outside of Gatlinburg. The Front Porch is best known for bluegrass music. The food is cheap and only okay, the service might be slow but the music is great. If you want booze, "bring your own bottle." The restaurant is open from 5:00-10:30 PM on Friday and Saturday night, 5:00-9:30 PM on Sunday night; closed all other days of the week. Music begins at 7:00 PM.

Pancake Pantry: Open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM (4:00 PM June-October), lines form early outside for breakfast. This is an experience not to be missed.

The Brass Lantern: We often travel through Gatlinburg after a long day of hiking or a weekend backpack. Our destination is always The Brass Lantern for a very specific meal, a tureen of vegetable soup and a "skillet" of cornbread. Although we may add a salad to our order (depending on how hard we hiked), we rarely order anything else. The ambiance is average, the dress is very casual and the restaurant is located on the main strip.

Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen: While technically not a restaurant, I consider salt water taffy one of the major food groups, especially vanilla and chocolate. Gatlinburg has a number of candy kitchens, this one happens to be our favorite and a few steps away from The Brass Lantern. The Candy Kitchen offers a large selection of candies and salt water taffy. You can buy by the piece or full box. Once made by hand, salt water taffy is now pulled and packaged by machine. The taffy machine is located in front of a large window. Stop for a few moments and watch the process, it is fascinating. An equally fine candy store is located next to the Pancake Pantry.
Check with your hotel for other eating establishments. Gatlinburg hosts a number of fine restaurants including Bennett's Pit Bar-B-Que, Calhouns and others.

Getting around Gatlinburg is easy. The city operates trolley cars with stops throughout Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Maps are available at most establishments. Utilizing the trolley prevents parking headaches and reduces car emissions, which are destroying plants in the park.
Save at least one day to explore the most visited park in the national park system. It is a true treasure "tucked" away behind Gatlinburg.

Information courtesy of The Travelzine Group

Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games Begins May 16

The 2008 Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games take place on May 16 - 18 at Mills Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The weekend of Scottish activities starts on Friday, May 16 with a mountain stroll on an easy trail in the Smokies. A parade down the Parkway in Gatlinburg starts on Friday evening at 6:00 lead by the Knoxville Pipes and Drums. All Scots are invited to march or ride the trolley in the parade. The parade is followed by a Gala Reception at 8:00 at Ramada Inn Four Seasons. Wear your Scottish best for set-down buffet with entertainment and door prizes Saturday and Sunday events at Mills Park include an all day field Ceilidh (a Scottish music festival), professional and amateur Scottish athletics, a heritage seminar, pipe band performances and competition, and highland dance competition. Featured entertainers for 2008 are nationally renowned Scottish musicians; Colin Grant-Adams, Iona and the Celtic group
Local Scottish and Celtic musicians from the area will be performing in our Lowland Ceilidh Tent.

There are plenty of events for the kids including the all-new Kids Kastle. Kids can start training for the heavy athletics by turning a scaled down version of the caber and tossing the famous Scottish haggis! A big treat is the Children's Parade on Saturday!

Adults are invited to try throwing the battle axe, the kilted mile (loaner kilts available), highland wrestling, and the manhood stones. The Clan Challenge highland athletic competition on Saturday is open for public entries as are the Clan Challenge Highland style wrestling, Manhood Stones and the Clan Challenge Kilted Miles.
Bringing a piece of agrarian Scotland to the Smokies, border collie demonstrations are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday featuring the border collies of Stan Moore of Philadelphia, Tennessee. There will also be a sheep shearing demonstration.

Vendors offer a variety of Scottish items, clothing, jewelry, music, and food including meat pies, sausage rolls, bridies and baked goods.Over 60 clan and heritage societies will offer information about various clans, Scottish history and genealogical information. The honored clan for 2008 is Clan Fraser. The parade of tartans on Sunday features all clans represented at the festival marching with tartans and banners symbolic of their clan society.

A Saturday evening's "Ceilidh Under the Stars" will feature all our entertainer from the day's events, beginning at 8:00 PM it will be a festive night of music, fun and fellowship at Mills Park.

A heritage seminar is scheduled on Sunday, with Matt Newsom, a prominent expert on Attire of the 1600-1700 and the Development of the Tartan.

Gatlinburg's Family Fest in the Smokies a Gospel Gathering

The 18th annual Family Fest in the Smokies features Southern Gospel Music with Bill & Gloria Gaither and welcomes Anne Graham Lotz as guest speaker, Gaither Vocal Band, Gordon Mote, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Kevin Williams, Russ Taff, Janet Paschal, Lynda Randle, Isaacs, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Ben Speer, Booth Brothers, the Collingsworth Family and Buddy Greene.

The Family Fest in the Smokies starts May 23, Friday at 7pm, Saturday May 24 at 10am & 6pm, and Sunday May 25 at 10am & 6pm.

If you plan on visiting Gatlinburg for the Family Fest or any other event, hotel reservations are a neccesary must. The many Gatlinburg hotels leave plenty of choices for visitors but be sure to reserve early if you want something special or hotel on the Parkway in Gatlinburg.