November 2006 Archives

As the winter weather rolls into the Smoky Mountains, the park service must close down some of their roads in order to prevent visitors from entering dangerous conditions. The road to Clingmans Dome, a popular attraction inside the park, will be closing this Friday. At over 5,000 feet in elevation, Clingmans Dome provides visitors with a 360-degree, spectacular view of the surrounding cities, as well as parts of Fontana Lake! I highly recommend that anyone in town or on their way some time before Friday plan time to take the short trek up the 0.5 mile paved path that will lead you to the highest vantage point inside the park.

Thanksgiving is a time when Americans gather with loved ones and reflect on blessings. Sharing a meal is an important part of that tradition, which is why visitors to Pigeon Forge for Thanksgiving should know that there are many Pigeon Forge restaurants open on Thanksgiving. For our visitors' benefit, we have put together contact information for Pigeon Forge restaurants requiring no reservations to enjoy a Thanksgiving Day meal. We hope it will be useful to many of our visitors who take advantage of the holiday to spend time with their family in Pigeon Forge cabin, hotel, or condo, or anyone who wants to enjoy more time with family and less time in the kitchen.

Controversy over the death of two bear cubs roils following a Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency decision to euthanize the cubs, captured while visiting a garbage dump in the mountain resort town of Gatlinburg. The garbage disposal site at Ski Mountain and Heiden Drive (map) constantly attracted hungry bears, residents say. Many people are outraged that the TWRA euthanized the cubs, but the National Parks Conservation Association and Appalachian Bear Rescue defend the decision. The blame, these organizations say, lies not with the TWRA but with Gatlinburg City officials.

Winterfest arrives this year in Pigeon Forge on Friday, November 9. The 17th year of the popular festival gets started at 5:45 p.m. at Patriot Park. Country music star Louise Mandrell, “mistress of ceremonies” this year, takes to the stage following a performance by folk singer David Holt. Holt, along with his band the Lightning Bolt, specializes in the unique sounds of Appalachian mountain music. Without further ado, the lights of Pigeon Forge Winterfest will be turned on to brighten the Smokies from now through February.