August 2009 Archives

Shadrack Watersports and RV brings Christmas Wonderland to Smokies Stadium in Sevierville during the 2009-10 Winterfest Celebration. The lighting spectacular, which kicks off November 6, 2009, is one of America's largest drive-through, fully computerized LED light shows. Hundreds of thousands of lights are included in this perfectly synchronized show filled with holiday tunes. The entire drive-through spectacular is nearly one mile in length and lasts approximately 20 minutes. 
 
Christmas Wonderland at Smokies Stadium presented by Shadrack will continue through January 3, 2010. Hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday 6pm-10pm and Friday and Saturday 6pm-11pm. Admission is $10 per vehicle. For more information, call 423-652-0120.

Mickey Clark will perform from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. August 28 and 29 on the patio between Howard's and Best Italian restaurant in Gatlinburg.

Clark has a new CD, "Winding Highway," which was produced by Jim Rooney and has been nominated by the Academy of Western Artists for 2009 Album of the Year. There is no charge to attend the Gatlinburg performances. Clark will appear with Dale Perry, Tom Cunningham and Marty Miller.

"More About Mickey Clark"

Pigeon Forge will be alive with the sound of music August 24-26 as the 13th Annual World Premiere Gospel Concert will once again take the stage at the Grand Resort Hotel for an exciting show featuring the best of today's gospel music. The line-up for this years show includes old favorites like Time Lovelace, the New Calvary Echoes, The Old Paths and Hissong, as well as some new groups like Crabb Revival, Weston Hinson & by Faith, and Mike & Kelly Bowling. For additional information, call the Grand Resort Hotel at (865) 453-1000.

Check out this great article that Dolly Parton wrote for Guideposts Magazine about her love for the Smokies!

"Did you hear? I got a new job this year, one I'm thrilled to pieces about.  It's the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and they've made me their ambassador.

Don't look so surprised! I know I don't seem like much of a nature girl and, okay, I probably won't be going hiking in my heels anytime soon. But the Smokies...they touch my soul. Let me tell you why.

All that I am comes from those mountains where I was born and raised.If I close my eyes, I can see the mist on the peaks, the bluebirds on the fencepost, the meadows filled with purple ironweed and wild daisies.

I remember chasing butterflies and hummingbirds and tying June bugs to a string to make what we called 'lectric kites (don't worry, we released them).  I loved running barefoot in the hills, my feet tender in the spring then brown and tough by summer's end. Just hearing the word "barefoot" still conjures up a sense of wonder and freedom for me because that's what I had growing up.  Not that life in the Smokies was easy by today's standards. I was the fourth of 12 children of a sharecropper and his wife."

Continue reading this article from Guideposts

Backpacker Magazine recently published it's list of the top 25 places to raise an outdoor kid in America.

Coming in at number 17 was none other than Sevierville, TN. The study used 38 separate metrics to build there rankings. Among those that factored in were distance to the nearest national park, unemployment rates, obesity rates, climate, and low state taxes.

Sevierville is conveniently located within miles of Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is something for everyone from fishing and rafting the clear mountain waters to camping and hiking the stunning scenic trails. Plan your Smoky Mountain visit today!  Thinking of Relocating to the Smokies, here's our relocation guide to help you get familiar with the area.

This county wide celebration, held in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, features an array of craft shows, a decorating contest and other "artistic" special events that are sure to keep everyone's energy level lively. If you're in to knick knacks and friendly faces, then the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is sure to keep you entertained throughout your entire stay in the area. Don't miss out, start making your plans to be part of the celebration today! The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival continues on from September 24 - October 31 with many events to enjoy. For a complete list of activities log on to www.PigeonForge.com calendar of events and plan your vacation now.