People of Irish descent celebrate their heritage on St. Patrick's Day, and anyone, from anywhere, can enjoy special events throughout Irish month this March at the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge. Storytelling and Gaelic humor, music with singing and dancing, and more will be featured throughout the month. The RMS Titanic arose from the Harland And Wolff Shipyard and the hands of its proud Irish workmen in Belfast, Ireland. Many members of both the ship's crew and passenger list were of Irish descent.
What an interesting year it has been thus far with crazy weather in the mountains! Literally, in one week, you could wear shorts one day, and build a snowman a little later. Of course, you can always kick back by the crackling fireplace or in the swirling hot tub of your Smoky mountain cabin rental. But what is a tourist to do when the weather does not cooperate with your original plans? Here are a few ideas for activities not impacted by the weather.
Jellyfish, slugs and eels, oh my! Please experience this ode to ooze, even if you aren't an eight-year old boy! If it's been awhile, or if you have never been to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, now is the time for a visit this spring. Not exactly the green bucket stuff, but it's just as fascinating to short people, and frankly, to adults too. Want to touch a jellyfish? Try it here, with much more.
Maybe it's because you have been encased in a 7-passenger automobile for several hours to arrive at your rental cabin in Wears Valley. Maybe you had to let go of that sports car to acquire that family SUV or minivan. Maybe you have just always loved everything to do with automobiles. Did you know there is plenty of opportunity in our area to view all types of vehicles while on vacation?
Often this blog contains information for seasonal events or "hidden gem" locations that returning visitors may not yet have experienced. But a farflung friend recently asked me where to visit in the National Park after they settle into their Smoky mountain cabin rental for their first trip to the area. With that in mind, please consider these suggestions, based on what your family most wants to experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while here in Sevier County.
It's so much more than a hotel room. Vacation cabin living has so many advantages. Cabins are managed by rental agencies, and are usually individually owned. Owners of a family retreat are often just as concerned about guests' treatment of their getaway, as you are concerned about renting the best choice for your family's unique vacation requirements.
Big hat, no cattle? Ever wonder whether you could cut it on a dude ranch? If you plan to investigate cabin rentals in Wears Valley for the weekend following Valentine's Day next month, consider also rounding up a good time by visiting the Saddle Up! event at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge during your stay.
You come to a Pigeon Forge cabin to relax, enjoy the view, and forget everyday life for a few days. Why not take a few moments of your vacation to learn more about the beautiful wilderness surrounding you here? If your family likes a little mental stimulation while relaxing, have we got a deal for you! Choose from over 300 programs with more than 200 experts covering so many topics, there is absolutely something that would interest you. There is plenty to see and do for all ages, children through seniors. Oh, and it is all FREE.
There are so many voices spouting lists of things to do here in the Smokies, perhaps it's also beneficial to know about a few things that you should consider avoiding while vacationing in your Smoky Mountain cabin and enjoying the surrounding area.
Thanksgiving week snow, Smoky Mountains, Tennessee November 2013
Want to end your year with a big and somewhat unusual bang? Something free and suitable for the whole family? With 26 years of celebration practice, Gatlinburg's New Year's Eve Spectacular is a popular tradition for many. The event is completely free, and is clustered around light #8 in Galtinburg, the intersection of Parkway and the Heritage Motor Nature Trail.
So you are coming to vacation in a Smoky Mountains cabin rental, but feel guilty you aren't already done with all your Christmas gift shopping? Help is right here. Here are some ideas for thoughtful gifts in small packages, that can be easily acquired while you are enjoying your vacation in our area.
Must. Not. Miss. Of course, there are many activities on your list while here in town. Of course, you plan to attend Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival at Dollywood, and enjoy the merry holiday environment created throughout the themepark. But please, make sure and attend this year's stage production of Dollywood's "A Christmas Carol". The show is the only version of this classic tale anywhere that uses holographic technology for "special effects cast members" throughout the production. It is a Broadway-style musical with extravagant Victorian sets and costumes, and an 8-song original score written by Dolly herself. Playing at the Celebrity Theater inside the park, this 45-minute delight occurs 4 times daily at 2:30, 4:15, 6:15, and 8:00 pm.
Have you always wanted to experience the New York Macy's parade, but not the hassle? Of course not as large, but certainly much to enjoy: join us at the Fantasy of Lights Gatlinburg Christmas Parade along the streets of downtown Gatlinburg! This year is our 38th celebration of this tradition in our mountain town. The rum-pah-pum-pum begins on Friday, December 6th, at 7:30 pm. The 2013 parade has 100-plus entries, with a dozen marching bands, inflatable characters interacting with spectators, decorated floats, animals, 6 flying helium balloons, and much more entertainment throughout the hour-long march.