• Known as the “Crown Jewels of the Appalachian Mountains,” the Smoky Mountains are located within a day’s drive of two-thirds of the country’s population.
• The majority of visitors to the Smokies during peak season come from Tennessee itself, followed by Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Alabama. More than 70 percent of visitors are families.
• Nestled in East Tennessee and stretching into Western North Carolina, the Smoky Mountains are a lush, abundant mountain range full of history, diversity, wildlife and abundant recreational opportunities such as boating, camping, fishing, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, skiing (very limited) and whitewater rafting (very popular).
• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is BY FAR the main attraction in the Great Smoky Mountains, although the Smokies are also known for family-friendly attractions such as Dollywood and live entertainment venues such as Dixie Stampede.
• The busiest times to visit the Smoky Mountains are during the summer months and the month of October – the peak season for fall foliage when the area comes alive with a blaze of brilliant red, orange and yellow leaves.
• At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains and one of the main attractions at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• The Great Smoky Mountains are known as both the “Honeymoon Capital of the South” and “The Wedding Capital of the South” – couples can even schedule a “Hillbilly Wedding” performed by an “ordained, bearded, hillbilly minister.”
• Major annual events in the Smokies include Smoky Mountain WinterFest (January-March), Springfest (March-June), Gatlinburg’s 4th of July Midnight Parade (July), Celebrate Freedom! (August) and Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (September-October).
Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has created 288 ways for you to get to know Mother Nature and the cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains during the Jan. 7-14, 2012, salute to the outdoors.
This will be the 22nd year for Wilderness Wildlife Week, an eight-day extravaganza of seminars, workshops, photography classes, hikes, owl prowls and even musical performances.
“It’s exciting to look at it by the numbers,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, which presents Wilderness Wildlife Week free of charge. Last year, guests came from 28 states and Canada.
“We have 240 indoor programs, plus 48 hikes, field trips and owl prowls. That’s 288 in all, and 120 of them are brand new for 2012. There are 20 programs especially for kids, 22 that examine the heritage of the Smokies and more than a dozen photography courses,” he said.
Wilderness Wildlife Week, begun in 1990 as a salute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a major part of the four-month-long Pigeon Forge Winterfest season. Winterfest 2011-2012 in its entirety is a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event.
The keynote speaker is Peggy Callahan, an expert on wolves and other predators, who has presentations on Jan. 7 and 8. She is the founder and executive director of the Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake, Minn.
More than 150 experts – nature photographers, biologists, raptor rehabilitators, social historians, musicians and just plain folks who grew up in the Smokies – donate their time to lead Wilderness Wildlife Week programs about natural history, wildlife, outdoor recreation, nature photography, conservation efforts and cultural history.
Among the topics: bears in the Smokies, reintroduction of elk to the national park, the Smokies’ logging history, possums, bluebirds, trout fishing, bald eagles, the Civil War in the mountains, fire towers, beginner backpacking, how to raise butterflies and how to play the dulcimer.
The 48 hikes and excursions – including a llama trek – into the national park complement the indoor programs and range from easy to challenging. In 2011, 668 hikers trekked a cumulative 3,227 miles. Hiking records have been kept for nine years, and the accumulated total mileage is 17,516.
“The week is extremely flexible. You can come just for one program, for one day or for the whole week,” Downey said. “We have 288 ways to connect you to our beautiful part of the country.”
Wilderness Wildlife Week began as a half-day program and immediately grew into a weeklong activity. By itself, it has been a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event 10 times.
The City of Gatlinburg will extend a heartfelt “Thank You!” to the men and women who put service before self at the Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration. The popular free-admission event on Friday, November 11 will begin at 11 a.m. on the Plaza at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and feature The Adjutant General of Tennessee, Major General Terry “Max” Haston, as keynote speaker.
Gatlinburg is an official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day as designated by the Veterans Day National Committee, Department of Veterans Affairs, one of two cities in Tennessee and only 57 in the United States to hold this prestigious distinction. This designation affiliates Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration with activities taking place at the National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery.
“As we gather to recognize and honor Veterans in communities across the land, we are marking a unique opportunity that occurs once in a lifetime – to celebrate Veterans Day at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th year,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.
“The time, date, and month hold historical significance, marking the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I,” Secretary Shinseki continued. “Much has changed in our world since then. These changes have strengthened the very fabric of our nation. We have seen this spirit reflected in the brave men and women who have set aside many of their personal goals and ambitions to serve in the United States Armed Forces.”
Maj. Gen. Haston was appointed Tennessee’s 75th Adjutant General on 1 January 2010. He is responsible for the supervision of the Military Department of Tennessee that includes the Army National Guard, the Air National Guard, the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and the Tennessee State Guard.
Other activities will include recognition of veterans, patriotic music, a military flyover, an American Bald Eagle presentation, and more.
“Our veterans deserve our gratitude and coming to Gatlinburg for this event is one of many, many ways we can show our support and to thank the veterans,” said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for the City of Gatlinburg. “While it’s very important for us to remember those who gave their lives to protect our nation, Veterans Day is the holiday dedicated to letting the surviving Veterans know how much we appreciate them.”
The Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration is sponsored by City of Gatlinburg and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
Nature’s annual kaleidoscope of color will visit soon the Smokies this year with great vigor. To help travelers determine where the best altitude is for leaf viewing at any given time, Gatlinburg provides updated leaf reports at www.gatlinburg.com and a fall foliage page at www.eventsgatlinburg.com. These links chronicle the descent of full-fledged color from the highest elevations of the Smokies in September to the climax of the color in November and even suggest walks, trails and short drives to take for the best viewing potential. Autumn in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a special time when a glorious leaf season lasting six to eight weeks is enjoyed by visitors as fall’s vibrant color changes travel down the mountainsides from high elevation of the Smokies to the foothills around Gatlinburg. There’s always peak color at a certain altitude. The adventure is finding out where the best leaf viewing is at the moment, and that usually requires only a short ride to the top. As you Reach Higher Ground, the colors explode into a spectacle of vivid shades of red and electrifying orange, with sprinklings of deep gold and bright yellows. The autumn colors surrounding Gatlinburg are magnificent and varied due to the amazing diversity of trees and plant life. Some 100 species of native trees live in the Smokies, the vast majority of which are deciduous. The timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables that the exact dates of “peak” season are impossible to predict in advance. Weather is a factor, but even Mother Nature has difficulty preventing the Smokies from erupting into a palette of brilliant colors barring a major storm. Basically, the Smokies are magnificent. Color displays above 4,000 feet start in mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry, clearly visible from such vantage points as Clingmans Dome Road. The fall color display usually reaches peak at middle 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. Gatlinburg is the Southeast’s premier fall color destination, offering something for all ages. Family-friendly and affordable, this walkable community nestled in the foothill of the Appalachian Mountains provides the perfect setting for fall vacations. Groups, families and couples will find something spectacular to their liking. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg boasts countless lodging, dining and entertainment options. Explore the popular Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, ride the country’s longest aerial tram, browse through hundreds of unique shops, and revel in the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains as you Reach Higher Ground in Gatlinburg. For more information on fall travel in Gatlinburg including outstanding deals and packages, please call (800) 56-VISIT or visit www.gatlinburg.com.
Dollywood’s immensely popular Barbeque & Bluegrass festival will take place August 19 through September 5, 2011, and feature 300 free concerts – all included with theme park admission. Highlights will include performances by some of the biggest names in bluegrass music such as Ricky Skaggs, Kentucky Thunder, Riders in the Sky, Rhonda Vincent and more! In addition, attendees can savor the “country’s tastiest barbeque.” For more information, visit www.dollywood.com.
Planning a vacation getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out the latest deals at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort! For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.
Autumn Colors in the Smokies September 15 – November 15, 2011
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival September 15 – October 31, 2011
Various Locales Throughout Gatlinburg
Taste of Autumn
September 15, 2011
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
September 30 – October 31, 2011
Ober Gatlinburg
Ripley’s Fright Nights October 1-31, 2011
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
October 6-23, 2011
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Trolley Ride of Lights
November 9, 2011 – January 30, 2012
Downtown Gatlinburg
Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff
November 9, 2011
Downtown Gatlinburg
Veteran’s Day Celebration
November 11, 2011
Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza
Festival of Trees
November 22-26, 2011
W.L. Mills Conference Center
Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Holiday Show
November 22 – December 4, 2011
Gatlinburg Convention Center
Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade December 2, 2011
Downtown Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Winter Magic
January 3 – February 28, 2012
Various Locales Throughout Gatlinburg
Planning a fall or winter vacation getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out the latest deals at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort! For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.
A picturesque mountain town full of fun adventures, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, serves as the principal gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the largest national park East of the Rocky Mountains and the most-visited national park in the United States. Gatlinburg also boasts fine art and antiques, mountain crafts, family-friendly restaurants and live entertainment.
Planning a vacation getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out the latest deals at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort! For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.
Planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains? Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort provides the ideal locale for your Great Smoky Mountains getaway. Nestled on approximately 70 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort features the 60,000-square-foot Wild Bear Falls water park (the largest indoor water park in the South), two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, fitness facility and 24-hour marketplace. Enjoy award-winning barbecue at the casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill. The adjacent Mason Jar Lounge serves appetizers and snacks along with your favorite beverage. Escape to the Serenity Spa by Westgate and indulge in a mountain hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
3917 St. Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, Tennessee www.ridetheincline.com
Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, Tennessee www.seerockcity.com
Ruby Falls
1720 South Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee www.rubyfalls.com
Tennessee Aquarium
One Broad Street, Chattanooga, Tennessee www.tnaqua.org
Planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains? Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort provides the ideal locale for your Great Smoky Mountains getaway. Nestled on approximately 70 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort features the 60,000-square-foot Wild Bear Falls water park (the largest indoor water park in the South), two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, fitness facility and 24-hour marketplace. Enjoy award-winning barbecue at the casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill. The adjacent Mason Jar Lounge serves appetizers and snacks along with your favorite beverage. Escape to the Serenity Spa by Westgate and indulge in a mountain hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.
Sevierville’s seventh annual Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass will take place May 20-21, 2011. This family-friendly event will once again bring barbeque cook teams from all over the United States to Sevierville to compete for $15,000 in cash and prizes and the title of Tennessee State Champion in the Bush’s Best TN State Championship Cook Off.
Rounding out the event is toe-tapping bluegrass music, incredible arts and crafts, kids’ games and the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition honoring Sevierville’s favorite hometown girl, Dolly Parton. Friday night (May 20), take a little time to visit with the barbeque cook teams you’ve seen on cable channels like the Food Network as you stroll through the “Que Zone.”
Then make sure you bring a lawn chair or blanket for the free bluegrass concerts with rising stars and legends of the bluegrass genre. Saturday morning (May 21), start the day early and watch as championship cook teams turn in their competition meats. Then stay for the announcement of winners at 4pm. During the competition the teams will cook an estimated 2,832 pounds of meat including 20 pounds of pulled pork, 24 pounds of brisket, 5 pounds of chicken and 10 pounds of ribs each. Winning teams will receive recognition in Chicken, Ribs, Pork and Brisket as well as specialty categories like “Anything Bush Beans”, “Anything Wampler’s Farm Sausage”, Sauce and Dessert.
An expanded Kids’ Zone and the Bluegrass Music Tent, sponsored in part by The Music Outlet, add fun and enrichment for the kids and families who attend Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass. The Kids’ Zone includes attractions like climbing walls, bounce houses and old-time toys while the Bluegrass Music Tent gives kids (and kids at heart) the chance to touch and play bluegrass instruments such as banjos, fiddles and more (don’t worry, instructors will be on site to help). Both of these attractions will be open until 9pm each day of the event.
A highlight of Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass is the 7th Annual Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Finals held on May 21. Finalists from around the nation will sing their hearts out for a chance to win prize money, a recording session in Nashville, Tennessee and a guitar autographed by Dolly Parton. This competition, the only one of its kind that festival organizers know of, honors the songwriting of Dolly Parton. Competitors, male and female, must sing a song written by Dolly Parton (there are over 3,000) and do so in their own style (rock, rap, country, bluegrass, swing, soul, etc.).
Admission and concerts are free thanks to great sponsors, including the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce which encourages you to stay in Sevierville while visiting Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass. For more information about Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass, call (888) 889-7415 or visit us online at www.BloominBBQ.com.
Escape to the Smoky Mountains 