Gatlinburg cabin rental blog

Timing Your Leaf Peaking Trip to the Smokies

2011-09-20T10:15:14Z

We came across this terrific description of leaf season in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park today and, in response to the questions we've been getting like:

"Are the leaves changing color yet?"

"If I come in late September will I see any fall Foliage?"

"What kind of colors will still be left if I plan a trip for early November?"

(ETC.)

Check out what the Park Rangers have to say:

"Elevation profoundly affects when fall colors change in the park. At higher elevations, where the climate is similar to New England’s, color displays start as early as mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry.
From early to mid-October, fall colors develop above 4,000 feet. To enjoy them, drive the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway.

The fall color display usually reaches peak at mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November. This is the park’s most spectacular display as it includes such colorful trees as sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and the hickories."
www.nps.gov/grsm/fallcolor
What a blessing to enjoy such a long season of color!

So, in September and early October, to see some of the beautiful leaf colors: Look up!

By early November, well, I guess you need to look down to the valleys?

The Latest At Dollywood

2011-09-16T10:28:53Z

Did you hear about what's coming for the 2012 season at Dollywood?

Oh my goodness. What a big deal was made of this announcement, but you can see why.

The latest ride being constructed is BIG!

It's called Wild Eagle - - a 21 story high roller-coaster, but this one has a different twist.

Instead of sitting in a cart riding on (or under) a track, this one seats riders on either side of the track giving more of a feeling like flying: you'll be surrounded by air.

They've set up a special site for fans to follow the construction process, ride in animation form, and get the latest behind-the-scenes scoop:

dollywood2012.com

Public Lands Day at The Great Smoky Mountains Park

2011-09-15T18:12:43Z

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be sponsoring several projects aimed at improving, cleaning and renovating the park during National Public Lands Day on September 24th.

Those 18 years and up can volunteer to work with park personnel in rebuilding a section of the Forney Ridge Trail. This one's not for the faint of heart...or body...as there will be breaking and setting of rocks to complete the improvements. Email Christine_Hoyer@nps.gov for information or to volunteer.

Another project is set for the Cades Cove area where work is being done to restore stands of native Indian Grasses with an eye toward providing food, cover and nesting grounds for birds,small mammals, turkeys and deer. For this one, email Dana_Soehn@nps.gov

The Chimney's Picnic Area will be the site for 68 new grills anchored in cement. The old ones have succumbed to years of harsh weather at 3,000 foot elevation.

Finally, training will be available in the "Leave No Trace" principles at the park visitor centers including Clingman's Dome, Sugarlands and Oconaluftee. With millions of visitors heading for the park each year, it is important to understand how to maintain its beauty and its standing as one of the nations largest wildlife and flora populations.

Restaurants In Gatlinburg Area

2011-08-17T10:40:58Z

There are literally hundreds of restaurants in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, and more opening all the time.

Fast Food? Pretty much all covered.

Pizza? How about Big Daddy's, or Mellow Mushroom, or Pizza Hut or Dominoes, or Little Caesars, or Cici's or Papa Johns, or any number of terrific Mom and Pop pizza places (we like Cappelli's...good pizza for a reasonable price) etc.

Looking for a more upscale place to eat?

Funny you should ask because, although there also dozens in that category, we just found out that the Park Grill in downtown Gatlinburg (about a 20 minute drive from the Gatlinburg Lodge or about 25 from the Wears Valley Chalet at SmokyMountainViews.com) has been newly rated at one of Trip Adviser's 2011 Most Recommended Restaurants, now also boasting their "Certificate of Excellence."

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant/Reviews-Park_Grill-Gatlinburg_Tennessee.html

We also like this restaurant for its great atmosphere and excellent food. You'll find a little higher prices here than some, but may be worth it!

Here's a peak at their menu:

http://www.parkgrillgatlinburg.com/menu.php

Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Black Bears

2011-08-12T10:27:44Z

Budget Travel magazine recently published an article about viewing wildlife as part of a vacation and pointed to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for spotting black bears.

From their online version:

"Straddling the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, this massive, mountain- and forest-filled national park houses the largest protected American black bear habitat in the eastern U.S. As a result, the furry mammals—which are a bit smaller and more tolerant of humans than their grizzly cousins— are the official symbol of the park. It's estimated that about 1,500 bears currently live here; that comes out to about two bears per square mile."

FYI The bears don't know where the National Park borders are (!) so we do sometimes see a bear wondering around elsewhere. It is important to keep food (AND TRASH) cleaned up. At both the Wears Valley Chalet and the Gatlinburg Lodge at SmokyMountainViews.com we've made sure to provide secure and locked trash receptacles. Yet another concern when choosing a vacation cabin to rent, right?

For more from Budget Travel:

www.budgettravel.com/feature/13-best-places-in-the-us-for-wildlife-viewing

Pay no Taxes Plus Outlet Prices

2011-08-03T10:31:53Z

Did you know that the Tennessee Tax-free weekend starts in just a couple days?

That means no taxes on clothing (yup, including undies), school supplies, or computers.

For all the details, including lists of exactly what's included in the tax free days go to :

Tennesse sales tax holiday

But here's how to maximize saving! Let's get to one of the outlet shopping centers here in Sevier County in the Smoky Mountains. They include Tanger, Red Roof and Belz, and we're talking "real" outlets. You know, not that kind where you find yourself asking over and over, "This is outlet pricing?"

So we can get great deals any day of the year around here, but no taxes this weekend makes it a fantastic opportunity to save, save, save.

... and keep in mind, these are all a short drive from The Wears Valley Chalet and also the Gatlinburg Lodge at SmokyMountainViews.com vacation rental cabins.

Sounds like a great excuse for a little vacation, doesn't it?

If you're looking for more about those outlets:

pigeonforgefactoryoutlet.com

TangerOutlet.com/sevierville

belzoutlets.com

Where've We Been? Wears Valley!

2011-07-29T11:16:41Z

Several months ago, we had to set aside blogging...why? We were in renovation mode! So many contacted us looking for a nice little cabin. The Gatlinburg Lodge at SmokyMountainViews.com is great for 10 people, 15, 20 up to 26 people, but what about romantic getaways? What about small families?So now, at long last we are ready for you. We have completely renovated this 1000 square foot cabin...I mean like it's practically brand new. (Yup, that's why no blogging. Just hard working over there!) So please check it out on our website:
http://SmokyMountainViews.com/

Get our special discount cabin rental rates here:
Cabin Rental Discount Codes

Super Summer Discounts Just Added

2011-05-05T15:27:00Z

We have added some fabulous discounts on our Specials page.

http://smokymountainviews.com/Specials.html

When you enter one of these discounts codes on the reservations page

http://smokymountainviews.com/Reservations.html

you can save $150 , $300 and even a whopping $500 depending on which discount you choose. Plus, is you use one of these Smoky Mountain cabin-rental discount-codes along with a 7-night reservation, you'll get a FREE NIGHT ALSO.

Not many nights left in May or June, so contact us soon if you have any questions.

www.SmokyMountainViews.com

Or call us at 877-HIS-GRACE (1-877-447-4722)

Concerts at Smokies Stadium in May

2011-04-04T11:19:00Z

Two of the biggest groups in country/pop music are coming to the Smoky Mountains in May.

The Zac Brown Band will be appearing on May 5th. They debuted at 1st place on the Bilboard 200 chart with "You Get What You Give."

Train is appearing as part of Star 102.1 FM's "Star Jam 2011" on Sunday, May15. They won a Grammy for "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" and hit the top of the charts for "Meet Virginia" and "Calling All Angels."

Here's a spot for some tickets.

http://www.smokymountainviews.com/Smokies_Stadium.html

The Great Smoky National Park this Spring

2011-04-02T09:56:00Z

The National Park Service has posted its schedule for Ranger Guided tours and other special programs for the month of April

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/events.htmil.

Events include hikes, and demonstrations, many of which count toward earning your JUNIOR RANGER BADGE

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hero - Rangers!

2011-03-31T09:59:00Z

A 23 year old University of Tennessee was reported missing when he did not return from his hike when expected, and that's when the park Rangers really show what heroes they really are.

The young man was found after a broken cell phone call gave them a clue that he was at the Tricorner Knob Shelter. Three rangers hiked to the location, arriving at about 2 in the morning. They treated the hiker for dehydration and minor injuries. The next day they helped him hike 2 and 1/2 miles to a clearing by Deer Creek Gap where a helicopter air lifted him to safety.

What a story!

When planning a hike, don't forget to leave an itinerary and stay on established trails in the Park.

The National Park website has tons of information to help you plan hikes, picnics, guided tours, classes...

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

The Great Smokies National Park we

Discover Life in America 2011 Conference, Ball

2011-03-30T10:43:00Z

From their website

"Discover Life in America is a small non-profit organization based in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is our goal to learn all we can about the estimated 100,000 species of life in the park, and share that information with scientists and the public."

Their 2011 conference is scheduled for April 7th to 9th. And we're intrigued by their now well-known "Salamander Ball." Held at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies on the evening of the 8th, this event is open to both adults and children and features live music, a beauty contest, a scavenger hunt, live auctions, hors d'oevres and beverages. So, to be honest, we are not particularly familiar with this organization, but, wow, they sure seem to have an unusual fundraiser going! Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

For more about these folks,

http://www.dlia.org/

or to register for the conference, the contact person is Heather MacCulloch at 865-430-4765, email heather@dlia.org

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge praised by Trip Advisor

2011-03-29T09:11:00Z

Trip Advisor likes its lists, right? Well, we like some of the latest that recognize what a great place the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is to visit.

They placed Gatlinburg at number 3 for what they called "hot vacation rental destinations" AND also put us at number 6 on the top ten list of "family destinations." Out neighbor, Pigeon Forge made the family destination list at number 4!

We are starting to fill up at the Gatlinburg Lodge at SmokyMountainViews.com, but there are still some days available in April, May and June at special rates!

Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Mission

2011-03-24T13:16:00Z

The official purpose of SMARM (Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Mission) is to "Rescue the Poor and Needy in the Smoky Mountain Area by Providing Recovery Services in Jesus’ Name.” That mission translates into providing basic needs like hot meals, shelter, and help with utility bills and rent (etc.) for hundreds of families in the Smoky Mountains area.

On May 7th they willl host a 5K "Rescue" run down Veterans Blvd in Sevierville (No, you do NOT have to actually run!) to help in their fund-raising. If you want to register before April 23, the cost is $25 and includes a T-shirt. After that the cost goes to $30, and also includes a T-shirt as long as supplies last.

Head to Splash Country between 7am and 8am (when the race begins) for day-of-race registration. There will be three male and three female winners in each age division (basically they'll run by decade) with cash prizes to the top three overall, both male and female. Other prizes include tickets to Splash Country and to Dollywood.

For those who prefer not to participate, T-shirts are for sale...show support...no sweating!

Registrations can be mailed to

SMARM 5K Run
P.O. Box 5968
Severville, TN 37864

Make checks out to SMARM with 5K in May in the memo line

More information?

www.smarm.org

or

on Facebook at 5K in May Rescue Run

New Mystery Dinner Show in Downtown Gatlinburg

2011-03-16T08:50:00Z

The Dolce Uva Wne Bar & Cafe has taken on a new or maybe more like expanded identity to include a four-character-show including audience participation. "Death By Chocolate" includes a salad, soup, a pasta dinner, and (of course) chocolate cake along with the show. They take reservations at (865) 277-7585. As near as we can tell, the show is on Saturdays...maybe Fridays also?

On other evenings, and even after the dinner show, Dolce Uva frequently hosts Karaoke and is a popular spot for Bachelor and Bachelorette parties and even wedding receptions.

Located at traffic light #3 in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg.

Spring Fest 2011

2011-03-14T09:59:00Z

The Smoky Mountain SpringFest is underway, running from March 11th to June 6th.

Here's a little of what's happening all over the county as we welcome spring:

On the first weekend in April, there's the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. It's open to all, and is the largest trout tournament in the Smokies. Prizes awarded for multiple categories. For more info visit rockytopoutfitter.com

The Mountain Man March, April 16th, is a tribute to our military. A 26.2-mile march in the Smoky Mountains starting in downtown Gatlinburg.

Also on the 16th is "Music of the Mountains" A one day festival starting with a series of free performances at the Sugarlands Visitor Center from 10 am - 5 pm (limited seating available - first come, first served) culminating with a concert featuring Jimbo Whaley and Friends at the W.L. Mills Conference Center. Call 865-436-1291 for info.

April 20-23 brings the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, including artisans displaying their work, and doing many live demonstrations. For more information visit gatlinburgcrafts.com

The annual Wildflower Pilgrimage will be Apr 26 to May 1st this year. This event includes hiking tours, demonstrations and lectures on the flowers, plants and wildlife found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more info visit springwildflowerpilgrimage.org

And RibFest & Wings is set for April 28th. Here's a chance to try award-winning ribs while strolling through downtown Gatlinburg along the Parkway.

Spring at Ober Gatlinburg

2011-03-08T10:29:00Z

The slopes are closed for the 2010/2011 season, but you can still go tubing on the mountain through Sunday, March 13th. Tickets are $20 per person and each session is 1 and 1/2 hours long.

Their TRAM and their CHAIR LIFTS offer fabulous views of the Smokies. The Aerial Tramway departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg for a 2.1-mile ride up the mountain. Tix for adults are $10, kids 7-11 are $8.50 and under 6 years old ride free. The chairlift also begins in downtown Gatlinburg, and cost $7/person. 6 and under are free when riding with an adult...which is a good idea anyway!

Another popular spot up there is the ice skating rink. Open year-round, Ober's huge indoor ice arena is140' X 75' and is located in the center of their indoor mall. Cost to skate is $9.00 for a 3 hour continuous session, and includes skate rental.

Wildlife Encounter includes black bears, raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles, snakes and river otters playing in an underwater viewing area. $6.00 for adults $4.00 for children and again the 6 and under crowd are free with a paid adult.

Last Call for Miracle Theater and for Joseph

2011-02-24T10:38:00Z

Both "The Miracle" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" are closing in October. Ownership has not changed; they're just changing course.

The reopening is set for November 7th (in time for the holiday season) as "The Smoky Mountain Opry." The first show will be called "Christmas At The Opry." So, here's the chance to still be able to see a big Christmas show when you visit the Smoky Mountains. The biggest one used to be The Black Bear Jamboree, but you know that's history, too. Renovations are going strong over there as they transform the formerly brick building into the "Hatfields and McCoys."

Just a few of the many new shows and attractions planned all over the county!

So, what's happening to the incredibly popular Miracle? Not sure quite yet, but it looks like they might be touring, and ultimately land in a Christian-based theme park. We'll let you know what else we hear.

Eagle Update

2011-02-24T10:33:00Z

The rescued egg hatched, and now the bald eaglet has been moved to an artificial nesting tower on Douglas Lake. Release into the wild is expected in mid-March.

Dollywood's American Eagle Foundation has done a fabulous job...again!

...

American Eagle Foundation Welcomes Newborn

2011-02-17T23:50:00Z

The nonprofit organization located at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN recently rescued a bald eagle's eggs from high atop a 135-foot light pole at the Ed Smith baseball stadium...that's the one the Baltimore Orioles head to for their spring training...over concerns the eaglets would have been disturbed once baseball training began there. The operation has proven a great success. The folks at the Eagle Foundation have reported that one of the eggs has hatched and they are planning to care for the eaglet, in preparation for its release in mid-March when it reaches about 13 weeks of age.

Three cheers for the Dollywood-based American Eagle Foundation.

Come visit Dollywood when it opens at the end of March to see the many beautiful eagles they have rescued and restored to health.