Cabin Rental Owner's Corner - Recommendations

There is so much to see and do in the Great Smoky Mountains region, it is difficult to know where to begin. Since we live in this area and regularly experience an abundance of activities, some of our favorites include: Hiking along Abram's Falls Trail; Horseback riding; Renting a pontoon boat and spending a day on either Douglas or Norris Lakes; Visiting the Titanic Museum, Old Mill & General Store, Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, Blackbear Jamboree, Ripley's Aquarium, and Clingman's Dome. We also enjoy shopping in Gatlinburg, attending country music concerts, and shopping at the variety of antique stores in the area. There is so much more; however this is just a sampling what we enjoy the most.
Shari & Scott -Eagle Bear Retreat in Eagle Springs Resort, Sevierville TN

Gatlinburg Cabin Owners Provide Expert Advice on the Hidden Gems of the Area

In addition to our comments and posts about the Smoky Mountains, we are welcoming our current homeowners to submit their favorite things to do, places to eat, hike, and be entertained in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge.  We also welcome our guests to submit their favorites as well.

Kandy Kisses #1251Cabin near Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge

Our favorite things to do in the Smokies include hiking to Laurel Falls or any of the many falls, hiking the quiet walkways in the park, strolling the downtown shops after a great meal at Smoky Mountain Brewery, visiting The Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge, and tubing down the Little Pigeon River.

Betsy and George- Kandy Kisses 1251

Arrowmont to Remain in Gatlinburg Future of the Nationally Recognized School Now Secure

From Arrowmont's most recent newsletter:

(Gatlinburg, Tenn.) 08/23/10 – In a historic decision, the Board of Governors of the Arrowmont School of

Arts and Crafts has voted to keep the nationally renowned center for contemporary craft education at its

current location in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Arrowmont offered its first craft workshops in 1945.

Over the past two years the organization has been considering options for the future following a decision

by the owners of the land to sell the property currently occupied by the school. A special task force was

formed to evaluate options and possible new locations for the school and through their work the choices

were narrowed to a site in Greeneville, Tenn. or remaining in the current Gatlinburg location. Since then,

the Arrowmont Board has been working with officials from Gatlinburg and Greeneville to finalize

proposals presented by both communities.

In making the announcement, Arrowmont Board of Governors President Mary Ann Hruska said, “After

reviewing the proposals from Greeneville and Gatlinburg as well as numerous meetings with local officials,

the Board decided that Arrowmont should remain in its place of founding. We look forward to working

more closely with the local community regarding our future.”

The Gatlinburg community effort to retain Arrowmont was led by former Mayor Jerry Hays and City Manager,

Cindy Ogle.

"I am extremely pleased with this decision to keep Arrowmont in Gatlinburg. I want to especially thank

the Gatlinburg Arrowmont Work Group for their dedication during this process. A lot of hard work has

gone into preparing for this day by representatives of the City, Sevier County, Sevier County School

System, the Chamber of Commerce, and private citizens. From here, it is my hope that we can sit down

together and map out how we will achieve the goals and dreams for Arrowmont’s future," states Jerry

Hays.

Arrowmont’s Strategic Planning Committee, along with the Gatlinburg Work Group, will immediately

begin determining next steps including the orchestration of a capital campaign for funds to support the

School’s future and exploring community partnership opportunities. The School’s on-going fundraising

continues through the Friends of Arrowmont Fund. You may join by visiting our website or by calling 865-

436-5860.

“This decision ensures that the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts will continue to be a leader in

contemporary studio craft for many years to come,” said Hruska, adding, “Arrowmont provides the best

in craft education in new and exciting ways while furthering our mission of enriching lives through art.”

gatv_aquarium_youtube.mov

Gatlinburg Restaurants and other Smoky Mountain Restaurnats

This is Adam again with some of my favorite restaurants in our area. Some of these are local secrets so?shhhh! I have broken these eateries down by city so that while you are in town you can stay close to your accommodations. In Sevierville for breakfast I recommend: The Applewood Farmhouse also good for lunch and dinner), for lunch Firehouse Subs is unbeatable if you like steamed sandwiches, and last but not least Mountain Edge Grill. For dinner there are several options; Longhorn steakhouse, The Chop house, and El Paso. Stop by The Marble Slab for unbeatable ice cream. If you are staying in Pigeon Forge stop by the Old Mill Restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Pottery House Restaurant is unbeatable and has a unique menu for lunch. There are several choices for dinner. Bullfish Grill has wonderful steaks and seafood. Mamas Farmhouse is a great place for country cookin', but go hungry! The Smoky Mountain Brewery has a neat environment and excellent brewed beer unique to the restaurant. Calhouns is the best if you are in the mood for ribs! In my opinion Gatlinburg has the best selection for food. I have a couple of breakfast favorites. First, the Pancake Pantry is AWESOME!!! You must stop by and try their pigs in a blanket. Just behind in the Pancake Pantry in The Village is a place called the Donut Friar. They offer all varieties of donuts and you just cant beat the place, eat your heart out Krispy Kreme!! Also, there is a place called the Mountain Lodge located on Hwy. 321. They offer breakfast and lunch and you cant go wrong with anything on their menu. I recommend Parton?s Deli for lunch. They offer wonderful steamed subs. There are so many choices for dinner that I am going to list them. 1.The Peddler 2.Linebergers Seafood 3.Greenbriar Restaurant 4.Bubba Gump Shrimp 5.Best Italian 6.Cherokee Grill 7. The Park Grill. When you check in ask for Adam and I will give more detail about any of the above eateries! I love food and would love to share with you the best of the best in our area!

Gatlinburg Event Planning & Pigeon Forge Events by Adam

Hello again! This is Adam and I wanted to give you some events that are being planned for May so that you can plan you May trip to the Smokies!
1. May 1-2-2010 Rumble in the Hills Motorcycle Rally
2. May 7th - 25th annual Dolly Parade 6:00 in Pigeon Forge
3. May 8th Shrine FunFest Parade 9:00am on the Parkway. Pigeon Forge
4. May 11th -13th - 6th Annual Bloomin BBQ & Bluegrass This is the largest event in Sevierville. This features the Tennessee State Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, Free concerts from rising stars and Bluegrass legends, kids games, and mountain crafts. Admission is FREE!!!
5. May 13th-15th- 29th Annual F-100Supernationals and all Ford show. Pigeon Forge Municipal Parking.
6. May 14th - 29th Annual Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games. All Scots are invited to march or ride in the parade as a kickoff to the Games. Parade begins at 6:00 pm in Gatlinburg at traffic light #10.
7. May 15th and 16th – 6th annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival. Family oriented fine arts and cuisine from around the country.
8. May 21st and 22nd – Relay For Life. Patriot Park Pigeon Forge

Give us a call and we would be happy to assist you in finding a rental near your desired event. 866-286-8284.

Cabin Rentals vs. Gatlinburg Hotel Room or Pigeon Forge condo

Benefits & Advantages of Vacation Rentals in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge


Vacation home rentals are, hands down, the best way for you to enjoy a truly relaxing, rewarding and budget-friendly family vacation – one you’ll remember forever! Pigeon Forge Cabin Rentals give you the room to relax after a long day and provide unique and luxurious amenities and services versus the limited accommodations and space found at even the highest-rated resorts and hotels. And for some, vacation homes are a vacation unto themselves.

Exclusive Luxury, Unmatched Privacy

Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge rentals provide – luxurious amenities like:
Private pools, spas, patios or decks, fireplaces, river/creek access
State-of-the-art home theatres
Multiple master suites and bedrooms
Game rooms with amenities like billiard tables, air hockey, stand-up arcade games and more
Full kitchens plus large and multiple dining areas
Entertainment and electronics amenities like TVs and DVD players throughout, computers with high-speed Wi-Fi internet access and even Wii, Xbox and PlayStation video game systems!

When it comes to privacy, Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals are second to none. You’ll rest easy knowing that you’re in a spacious cabin as opposed to just a single room. Moreover, many vacation homes are located in cabin communities in the mountains with some homes featuring seclusion and added privacy.

Want more vacation luxury? Many cabins provide access to premier services like pre-arrival grocery shopping, massage delivery and in-home chefs.

In essence, Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals give you more luxury than the top resorts plus the privacy and comforts of home.

Location, Location, Location
Whether you’re looking for a secluded mountain cabin, a quiet wooded cottage or a home close to the ski resort or attractions and theme parks, vacation cabin rentals are the best choice for getting away from it all while staying close to the fun. Most vacation home rentals are just minutes away from your favorite sightseeing spots, attractions, golf courses, restaurants, shopping centers and other vacation area hot spots.

Renting from a Professional Property Management Company like Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals
When renting from a management company, guests enjoy additional benefits and services that are not typically offered by single homeowners, including a 24-hour emergency customer service contact, concierge services, housekeeping, partnerships with local vendors, and the ability to search and reserve a home securely online. If a vacation home is not managed, the individual homeowner is responsible for the property’s maintenance, upkeep, and the customer service offered to renters, often as an absentee owner from other states or even countries abroad. We handle all of this for individual homeowners, ensuring consistency and quality in both customer service and the level of accommodations.

Major Savings. Priceless Value.
You’ll discover great savings and value when renting a cabin or chalet– sometimes in ways you’d least expect! Vacation homes make it easy to save on:
Dining – with full kitchens, you can make your own meals and snacks at a fraction of the cost you’d pay at restaurants and area attractions

Entertainment – with private pools, community playgrounds, clubhouses, game rooms, theaters and other unique amenities to enjoy, you’ll save big when staying in

Accommodations – with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, you’ll keep your family or group together instead of spending more on additional rooms

Beyond saving you money, vacation homes provide truly unique values you can’t put a price on:

Time for yourself and family to kick back and relax

Room for your group or family to play – indoors or out

Lasting memories of a truly relaxing, one-of-a-kind vacation experience

Courtesy of DVH.

Fun day of Shopping & Fun with Misty. Pamper Yourself in Pigeon Forge.

Well it has always been tradition for me and my mother to do a day of fun together once a week so I decided to let you in on some of the local hot spots for a great girls day out.  To start out we do a wonderul lunch at a great Japanese hibachi restaurant located right here in town off Teaster Lane not far from the Aunt Bug's Cabin Office called Little Tokyo.   I always have the chicken hibachi & highly recommend it. Next stop is always popular on a girls' day out- the nail salon.  Justin at Saigon nails, which is located off Dolly Parton Parkway in Sevierville, definitely does the best Pedi in town.  Last ,but definitely not least, Tanger Outlet mall is located off the main pigeon forge parkway in Sevierville.  It has everything a girl could possibly ask for from journeys to find your perfect pair of shoes to Coach for the perfect purse or American eagle for your favorite summer clothes. That’s my fun day in a nutshell & I hope it was helpful.

The Best Place in the USA to ride your Motorcycle by Rachel

If you love a challenging ride in the Smoky Mountains like I do then I have THE place for you. It is called Deals Gap or as we motorcycle enthusiasts call it THE TAIL OF THE DRAGON. This is an eleven mile stretch with 318 curves. I usually take this ride 2-3 times a month during spring, summer, and fall. I have a 250 Kawasaki ninja and my husband has a 750 Kawasaki Vulcan. We love taking this ride as I am sure you will. This ride is for the more experienced rider. Please be safe and have fun. Always ride with the appropriate gear.

Tail of the Dragon April 9, 2010: The rock slide on US 129 is located between the Dragon and Happy Valley Road/Foothills Parkway. TDOT has announced in a press release that the 11 mile section known as the Tail of the Dragon will be open from 8 am to 8 pm beginning Monday April 12, 2010. The only access is from North Carolina US 129. THP... announced that there will be zero tolerance for traffic violations.

Smoky Mountains National Park hikes in a nutshell by Adam

I would like to introduce you to our areas best kept secret. Once you get through Sevierville then Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg you will enter The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I am born and raised in Sevierville and feel so blessed to have the national park in my back yard. My dad exposed me to this great escape every chance he had. I found myself on the trails pondering what nature is. I found that my definition is the equal of spirituality. Once outside of the hustle and bustle of town there is serenity, quiet, and insight to all blessings and problems as well. There are so many options and skill levels to choose from. You can see waterfalls or rise above and see what seems to be a never ending view of mountain tops peeking through the clouds. For beginners I recommend the Gatlinburg Trail. You can park at The Happy Hiker at traffic light #10 and the trail head is located across the street behind the water treatment plant. This trail will take you to the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Just before you get to the visitors center there is a waterfall called Cataract Falls, a must see. While you are there go through the visitor’s center. There you will see wildlife and have Park Rangers on duty to help you plan your ideal hike. If you are looking for intermediate hiking, check out Alum Cave Bluff. This trail will take you to the highest peak in the Smokies, Mt. LeConte. Last but not least, for the strenuous hike I recommend Chimney Tops Trail. This hike is great but will wear you out. At the top of the Chimneys there is a huge rock to walk out onto for the added experience of standing on a mountain side peak. I highly recommend any hike in the park. You do have park rangers available to you at the Sugarlands Visitors Center to assist you in finding the perfect hike for you! Next time you are in our area I would encourage you to go to the Smokies, find a trail, park your car, and take a hike!  And Best of all, they are FREE!!!!  They also allow you to spend time with your friends & family and make memories that last a lifetime! - Adam

Smoky Mountain Recommendations courtesy of Janelle

Weekly Recommendations by Aunt Bug's Cabin Rental Staff- Janelle

Favorite Restaurant:
My favorite place for lunch is The Old Mill Pottery House Café. It is in a neat little village, and I really like all the shops there. There is an ice cream shop, a pottery shop and an old fashioned toy store. The food at the Pottery House Café is really good, and you can sit outside by a waterfall and eat your lunch.

Favorite Attraction for Kids:
Ripley's Aquarium is a lot of fun if you have kids. The kids love the cross-walk where you can see the sharks and fish pass by. There is also a little cafeteria there, and you can walk along the river on River Road when you are finished at the Aquarium. The aquarium is well-suited for children of all ages.

Great Shopping Deals-The Burkes outlet in the Belz Outlet Mall is a good place to find great deals on clothes and home décor. The Carter's children's store in the red roof outlets is also a great place to get children's clothes, because the whole upstairs is 50-70% off. You can't get those discounts at the other children's stores. I also like the Arts & Crafts community in Gatlinburg. It is a neat drive, and there are a lot of shops to see.

Favorite Trail in the National Park:
I like the Laurel Falls trail, because it is a nice hike and would be good for almost anybody. Plus, it is right there by the Welcome Center, which makes it easy access.

- Janelle
 
Laurel Falls


Laurel Falls is one of the most popular destinations in the park and parking at the trailhead is limited. The area is especially busy on weekends year-round and on weekdays during summer. Laurel Branch and the 80-foot high Laurel Falls are named for mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May.

The trail is 2.6 miles roundtrip and considered moderate in difficulty. The trail is paved and is suitable for strollers.   Access trail: Laurel Falls Trail

Trailhead: From Sugarlands Visitor Center, turn toward Cades Cove on Little River Road and drive 3.5 miles to the trailhead where there are parking areas on both sides of the road.

Hiking with Terry at Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals

Weekly Recommendations by Aunt Bug's Cabin Rental Staff - One of my favorite places to take a little hike is in Gatlinburg. You park at the end around #10, and walk the trail that begins there along the river and it goes to the Sugarlands Visitors Center. Its not that hard of a walk, but I always see at least a bear in the trees and the river is great and it is always peaceful. I think round trip its like 2 ½ miles but at the end it makes you feel good, and its still close to home. So that is my life. - Terry

Sugarlands Visitor Center
Open every day except Christmas Day.
January - February 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
March 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
April - May 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
June - August 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
September - October 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
November 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
December 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location
Inside the park, 2 miles south of Gatlinburg on US-441.

Special Programs
Ranger-led programs conducted seasonally. Check at the visitor center for locations and times.

Exhibits
Free admission to 20-minute film about the park. Extensive natural history exhibits.
Available Facilities
Great Smoky Mountains Association bookstore and shop. Public restrooms and telephones. Soda and water machines. Backcountry permit station. Photo courtesy of Real Travel Adventures.

Great Fishing Hole and Park for Families and Kids

Herbert Holt Park, located on the right, as you are coming into Gatlinburg, is a subtle quiet park hidden away from the bustling city. It features a pavilion, play area, walking trail, and free fishing for kids under 12 in the river! The pavilion can be reserved, please call the Gatlinburg Community Center for reservations.  The city of Gatlinburg is the only city in Tennessee which stocks the rivers weekly with Rainbow Trout to provide the experience of trout fishing for visitors and locals alike. There are very few cities in the nation that spend resources to stock animals for the enjoyment of the population, and Gatlinburg is one of them. Gatlinburg also provides many children's fishing areas to allow children to participate in one of the great outdoor traditions of the Smokies. The trout-stocking project began in 1980 and continues strong today. In 2005, Gatlinburg ordered a large upgrade of their trout farm, ensuring a steady supply of trout for city waters.  Anywhere from 35,000 to 45,000 fish ranging from 8-14 inches long are placed in Gatlinburg streams annually. The trout hatchery is located at Herbert Holt Park, just past the Gatlinburg entrance from Pigeon Forge.

Holly & Shamrock Parade in Gatlinburg

Holly & Shamrock Parade kicks off Celebrate Santa Festival in Gatlinburg.   Santas with reindeer, with a part-wolf, Santas on motorcycles, Santas playing bagpipes and Father Christmas all took part in the Holly and Shamrock Parade in downtown Gatlinburg on Saturday. The event kicked off the annual Celebrate Festival that runs through Tuesday.

Great Suitcase Packing tips

Packing TipsThe following are packing tips for your next vacation based on feedback we’ve received from the millions of smart travelers we serve each year. Print out this useful document and place a copy in all of your travel bags and suitcases so it’s always handy when you need it.
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Use unique luggage or luggage tags so you can easily see your bag coming on the baggage carousel rather than having to check every non-descript black bag that goes by. Another way to “mark” your bag is to write your last name on the handle of your luggage with a liquid ‘white-out’ pen.

Make copies of your important travel documents including passport, credit cards, driver’s license and your Travel Guard insurance policy, and pack the copies in your luggage. Also, leave a set of your copied travel documents with your travel agent or a relative. You can also scan your travel documents and store them in your web-based e-mail account along with emergency “lost card” telephone numbers. If your credit cards are lost or stolen, you will have to call the carrier collect if you are outside of the U.S. since toll-free telephone numbers are only useful inside the U.S. By scanning or making copies of your travel documents, you will have immediate access to all important information if it is lost or stolen. You can even e-mail the details page of your passport to an embassy or consulate when applying for a new one.

Check ahead of time with your airline or travel agent to determine the airline’s baggage policy, including baggage fees, number of pieces you can check and size and weight limitations.

Always carry small packets or bottles of hand sanitizer, so when you are out-and-about, you can sanitize when necessary.

Resist packing items such as full-size personal hygiene products or a flashlight. These items are usually available in travel-size and you will save space. You may also want to check the amenities provided by your hotel, many provide in-room personal hygiene products. An inexpensive LED penlight can light up a room or a hiking trail and easily slip into a carry-on bag.

Separate Bags: Whether packing for a beach, golf or ski vacation, consider pre-packing whatever you might need for particular events in a specific stand-alone bag or separate bag inside your suitcase. When you arrive at your destination, you can grab and go; especially if you are traveling with a large group of people or with kids. This will prove to be a great timesaver!

When packing an LED flashlight or any other item with batteries, insert the batteries upside down so if the item is accidentally turned on inside your luggage, the batteries won’t be drained when you arrive.

DO NOT pack the following items in your checked baggage: Cash, jewelry, laptop computers, electronic or fragile items (no matter how they are protected).

Don’t over pack. Only pack necessary items and clothes you can mix and match and easily hand wash. You can always purchase items along your trip.

Wear the clothes you buy while on you’re on vacation. There is no need to “save” them until you return home. How fun is it to wear the sunglasses or cool new shirt you bought in Maui when you are actually in Maui? Plus, when you get home and wear your new garb it will bring back pleasant memories of your vacation.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screens every passenger's baggage before it is placed on an airplane and sometimes security will review the contents of a bag. To avoid the possibility of your luggage lock being cut, purchase a universal lock that can be opened by security officers using a universal "master" key. These locks are available at airports and travel stores nationwide.

Packing shoes. Pack only three pair of shoes - two casual pair and one dress pair. Shoes take up a lot of room and add excess weight in your luggage. You can wear the heaviest/bulkiest pair while traveling and pack the other 2 pair.

If traveling out of the country, verify that any prescription medications you are taking do not violate foreign drug laws. Ask your doctor if international certificates of vaccination are required at your destination.

Wear layers and save space. If you are traveling to a cold climate, there’s no need to pack your bulkiest sweaters. Go with silk long underwear under your shirt and a jacket on top of that. You’ll be toasty and travel savvy.

Hand wash laundry. Soap packets will help give you the flexibility to hand wash and re-wear soiled clothing items. If you are planning a vacation longer than two weeks, you may wish to hand wash your clothes rather than packing more clothing items. Remember, the goal is to pack lighter, which means packing less.

Be sure you are up-to-date on all vaccinations to protect against diseases. If you need vaccinations, it’s best to get them six weeks before you leave. It sometimes takes certain vaccines this long to reach peak protection.

Place the heaviest items on the bottom of your suitcase (shoes, toiletries, books etc). Pack rolled-up socks inside shoes to save space. Also, place your shoes in lightweight plastic bags to prevent the bacteria on the soles of your shoes from contaminating other packed items.

Divide your valuables and clothes: Divide your bank cards, cash and credit cards as much as possible into different pockets in your clothing, handbag or wallet. When traveling with others, you may also wish to pack an outfit in a friend’s suitcase, especially if you have a few stopovers. In this way, if your luggage doesn’t arrive at your destination, you will still have clean clothes available. Most hotels provide, or will provide upon request, toiletry items until your luggage arrives. Call Travel Guard first since airlines generally don’t compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you.

Lay long items (pants, dresses, etc.) horizontally across your suitcase, leaving the excess length hanging over the sides. Then roll up items like t-shirts, pajamas and underwear and place them inside the suitcase and on top of the laid out items. Tuck any remaining accessories into unfilled spaces. Finally, fold the long items that you laid horizontally to the center of your suitcase.

If you discover wrinkles in you clothing at your destination, simply turn on the shower, set the water to hot and hang the clothing item nearby. The steam helps the wrinkles to disappear.

Feel safe and secure about your hard-earned vacation investment with a Travel Guard insurance plan. Keep your Travel Guard policy with your other important travel documents, so Travel Guard will be easy to reach. Remember, Travel Guard plans also include 24/7/365 travel assistance and concierge services to help make your vacation easier, and more fun… even when everything goes right!

If you discover wrinkles in you clothing at your destination, simply turn on the shower, set the water to hot and hang the item nearby. The steam makes the wrinkles disappear.

Top 10 reasons to buy Trip Insurance

Whether you're taking a summer trip to the Smoky Mountains or going on a Caribbean cruise, you should have trip insurance to protect you against the unexpected. Trip insurance helps give you peace of mind in uncertain times and it is not as expensive as you think. Trip insurance can help cover you and your vacation investment
if and when the unexpected happens. Top reasons to buy trip insurance:
What if...
...you or a loved one gets sick before you leave for your Pigeon Forge trip?
...you need medical treatment while traveling?
...a hurricane or blizzard prevents you from starting your
Gatlinburg vacation or forces you to leave early?
...you've lost your job or have been laid off?
...your flight has been canceled
...your bag is lost along with your medication
...you lose your wallet/passport
..you're involved in an accident & adequate medical treatment is not available
...other weather events interrupt your Smoky Mountain stay
... you need roadside assistance or need your vehicle returned to your primary residence?

Important Note: Guests who initially decline insurance coverage can elect to purchase coverage up to the date the final rental payment is made OR 30 days prior to arrival at the rental property,whichever comes first. If someone is making a new reservation and is scheduled to arrive in less than 30 days, they may purchase insurance as long as they do it at the time of booking.

Titanic Pigeon Forge

The new Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge will be opening in April. The Titanic's crew & exhibit are sure to edutain young & old alike. This 1st class attraction is the 2nd installment of the Titanic with the 1st being in Branson, MO. The creators of the Pigeon Forge museum attraction have strived to recreate the maiden voyage from the famous grand staircase to original accounts & experiences of passengers & crew. The museum experience should inpire young passengers through interactive exhibits as they learn how the Titanic was built & the history of the ship & its passengers. The Titanic Pigeon Forge truly will be a must see exhibit. Maiden Voyage April 8th, 2010. All Aboard.

North Carolina / Tennessee Rock Slide

Travel Alert
Be Advised: There was a massive rock slide at the Tennessee-North Carolina state line on Saturday October 24, 2009. Detours have been established.

Note: During the winter months, use the following websites and numbers for the current road and weather conditions
for these alternate routes.
Tennessee Department of Tourism - 1-800-342-3258
Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 865-436-1200

Alternate Routes
Drivers traveling from Tennessee to western North Carolina via I-40 are advised to take one of two eastbound detours.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) recommends traveling east to North Carolina via I-81 to Johnson City, then taking I-26 to Asheville.

Drivers in normal passenger vehicles can also take Highway 25-70 from Newport into North Carolina.

Visitors to Gatlinburg can also follow HWY 441 through Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Cherokee and take HWY 19 through Maggie Valley to access 1-40 in North Carolina.

Note:The Tennessee Department of Transportation has begun a major project along Highway 66 (which could make traffic a bear). Get more info about the road construction and utilize less-traveled and scenic routes to Gatlinburg (to ensure an enjoyable trip through the Smokies).