February 2009 Archives

As winter fades and the colors of spring begin to sparkle throughout the Smokies, Gatlinburg blossoms into the center of all things botanical during the Great Smoky Mountain Association's 59th annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. From April 22 through 26, people can experience access to some of the nation's leading botanical experts as well as Appalachian wildlife authorities.

The Wildflower Pilgrimage offers more than 150 programs, including instructional walks and guided hiking tours tailored to meet individual walking skills. There will also be demonstrations and guest lectures. Tours showcase the abundant varieties of wildflowers, plants, ferns, mosses, trees and shrubs, as well as birds, reptiles and amphibians - all native to the Great Smoky Mountains.

As winter fades and the colors of spring begin to sparkle throughout the Smokies, Gatlinburg blossoms into the center of all things botanical during the Great Smoky Mountain Association's 59th annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. From April 22 through 26, people can experience access to some of the nation's leading botanical experts as well as Appalachian wildlife authorities.

The Wildflower Pilgrimage offers more than 150 programs, including instructional walks and guided hiking tours tailored to meet individual walking skills. There will also be demonstrations and guest lectures. Tours showcase the abundant varieties of wildflowers, plants, ferns, mosses, trees and shrubs, as well as birds, reptiles and amphibians - all native to the Great Smoky Mountains.

When one thinks of Gatlinburg, one usually thinks of mountains. So when Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies was voted as the best aquarium in the U.S. by visitors to TripAdvisor.com, it came as a surprise to some. Officials from Gatlinburg, TripAdvisor, Ripley's and Commissioner Susan Whitaker of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development attended a luncheon at the aquarium this week, where Ripley's was awarded a silver trophy. The Gatlinburg aquarium beat out aquariums in cities such as Chicago, Atlanta and Baltimore for the title. Jim Pattison Jr., president of Ripley Entertainment, said winning the award was great, not only for Ripley's, but for Gatlinburg and Sevier County, as well.