Friday, December 31, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM GATLINBURG & PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE



Just days after one of the worst blizzards to hit East Tennessee in twenty years, we have sunny 65 degree weather in the Smoky Mountains on the last day of the year 2010.  Thousands of people were snowed into their cabin rentals, the day after Christmas, this week.  This made national news and was featured on a local news network.  After being snowed in or out of cabins all week, some travellers have still said it was one of the best, most beautiful Christmases they've experienced with their families.  Although some people who had their family vacations extended unintentionally due to weather, most tourists still enjoyed it by getting closer to their families, taking in the outdoors, and visiting Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort.

Still it's easier to have weather than allows easy access to the downtown Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge for its' attractions & restaurants.  No matter what way you cut it, it has been a very interesting week in the world of vacation rentals & travel!  Mother Nature likes to play little jokes on us from time to time, so it has been amusing getting blasted with weather in the teens & double-digit snowfall at the beginning of the week, while heating up to a sunny 65 degree weather at the end of this week (and the year, if you will).

If you haven't made your New Year Resolutions, now may be a good time.  2010 may been a challenge for our country economically, but its these times that make us appreciate life & family even more.  This New Year, I wish good tidings to all!  Remember to check out Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, Ober Gatlinburg, Sevierville, the Smoky Mountains, and other popular Tennessee travel spots this New Year! Thanks for coming to our beautiful area in 2010, and if you couldn't make it...we'll expect to see you this year (after the Ball drops)!  Reserve your 2011 vacation cabin rentals early this new year.  Happy New 2011 Year!!!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

10 GREAT THINGS ABOUT TENNESSEE

  1. Great Smoky Mountain National Park:  Hiking & other outdoor activities
  2. Beautiful Autumn Colors during the Fall
  3. Country Music & Talented Performers
  4. Dollywood Amusement Park & the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area
  5. Jazz & Elvis in Memphis
  6. Tennessee Volunteers & SEC football
  7. Vacation cabin rentals in the Smoky Mountains
  8. Southern Hospitality & Relaxed affordable Southern Living
  9. Boating in the Hundreds of Lakes throughout Tennessee
  10. Bonnaroo (Four-day, multi-stage camping festival held on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee).

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

THINGS TO SEE IN TENNESSEE: SMOKY MOUNTAINS/ GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE

Four-Days The Great Smoky Mountains Area

Day One
Arrive in the Great Smoky Mountains and check in to one of the many group-friendly hotels in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg.
When you're hungry, head to the The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store, in Sevierville. The restaurant, surrounded by an orchard of apple trees, supplies you with the best country cooking in the South. Whether it's breakfast lunch or dinner, you'll want to carry away a bagful of the famous apple fritters. After your meal, enjoy a nice stroll through the Apple Barn Complex and visit the Apple Barn & Cider Mill, the Creamery, the Winery, or the other many shops located at the complex.
Ready to be entertained? Choose from a wide variety of music shows; whether you like country, bluegrass, rock-n-roll, or Broadway show tunes, one of these theaters will get your group to toe-tappin'. Country Tonite Theatre, with its 1,500 seats, has a high-energy production with comedy and music that's been named "Best Show in the Smokies" and "Best Live Country Show in America."
Comedy Barn Theater, voted "Funniest Show" 10 years in a row, is sure to please the whole family.
The Smith Family Theater offers an eclectic blend of audience participation, country and bluegrass, gospel, rock-n-roll oldies, and spontaneous comedy. Smoky Mountain Jubilee combines a fresh, new show with 25 years' experience entertaining the crowds. You can choose from dinner theater, breakfast shows, magic, and more at the many theaters in the Smoky mountain area.
Day Two
Start your day with a step-on guided tour of the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This three-hour tour will give your group a first-hand look at the awe-inspiring beauty of this free park, renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life, breathtaking waterfalls and excellent hiking trails.
After a tour through the park, visit the eight-mile historic loop of shops, studios and galleries of Appalachian Crafts known as the The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg. Known for original and unique crafts, this is the largest concentration of artisans in North America.
Are some of your folks ready for more action? History has never been so much fun as on the award-winning mini-golf courses, rides and games of Old Gatlinburg Golf & Games. For fun the whole family can enjoy, try Fort Fun Family Entertainment Center or Camp Thunder Fun Center. Your group will work up an appetite at the diverse activities offered at these fun-filled attractions!
For dinner head to the Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show. In addition to a fabulous four-course feast, the show features 32 magnificent horses, southern belles, and even an ostrich race. After dinner, take your group to another of the great shows in the Smokies. The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge is an epic show that tells the story of the life of Christ with an enormous cast, live animals, and terrific theatrical effects.
Fixin 2 Rain is a new Broadway-style musical based on Noah and the Ark and set in the Southern Appalachia of the Great Depression. See a thrilling presentation of classic Chinese acrobatics, high-energy dancing, Asian culture and spectacular costumes at the Great China Circus or the Cirque de Chine at Smoky Mountain Palace. Both these shows feature the artistic skill and beauty of Chinese entertainers and performers.
Day Three
For breakfast this morning your group will love the Old Mill Square and Restaurant. After having a big 'ole southern breakfast, work off some calories during the guided tour of the 1830 mill, pick up products from the mill at the general store, and browse the shops in Old Mill Square.
When you're ready for some wild rides, spectacular shows, and heritage crafts, take your group to Dollywood, Dolly Parton's very own theme park. This theme park features several music shows, handmade crafts, and rides for all ages. You can recharge your energy level during dinner at the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show. Enjoy a fabulous feast while the award-winning cast captivates you with a lavish, high-energy production that includes the best of Broadway, bluegrass, country, fifties and sixties music, and gospel. After dinner step back in time with a performance of one of the many musical shows at Memories Theatre, where terrific entertainers recreate the excitement of musical lengends; the much-loved Patty Waszak Show, complete with music, comedy, audience participation; the hilarious and original musical comedies of Gatlinburg's Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, celebrating 30 fun-filled seasons in Gatlinburg! Or even see the "King" Elvis as Matt Cordell's Elvis Show at the Great China Circus Theater, or Lou Vuto as the "King" at .
Day Four
Start your final day with an uplifting morning show. Enjoy the Triumphant Southern Gospel Show, Southern Gospel at its best at the Miracle Theater, the Blackwood Brothers Breakfast Show, or Terry Evanswood, Master Illusionist.
Follow that up with America's fun at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. This 1.4 million gallon world-class aquarium offers thrilling dive shows, great food at the Veranda Restaurant and the chance to travel through the world's longest aquarium tunnel where 12-foot sharks swim just above you!
For an unforgettable ride with scenery, there's no better place than Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park. America's largest aerial tramway departs regularly from downtown Gatlinburg, offering a smooth non-stop ride and breathtaking views. Once atop the mountain, visit Ober's Black Bear Habitat, sample some fudge, try indoor ice skating, or pick up a gift or souvenir at one of the many shops.
For an inspiring afternoon, visit and journey through life-size scenes of the story of Christ with more than 100 Biblical figures, dramatic lights, choral music, special effects and memorable narration. Rare biblical coin and heirloom Bible collections make Christus Gardens a "must see" during your Smoky Mountain visit!













Stay in a luxury cabin rental with a fabulous creekside or mountain view!  Your cabin rental vacation will be an excellent choice for your family or group of friends, no matter what the season. 
Custom order your cabin with hot tub, king beds, jacuzzis, saunas, indoor or outdoor swimming pools, and so much more!  You'll have lots of fun, if you need to be entertained! If you just want rest & relaxation, you've come to the right place, too.  Resort-style cabins or secluded cabins available near Dollywood, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or the National Park.  So don't hesitate or wait, get your reservation today!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

NEW YEAR'S EVE IN GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE TO BE ENTERTAINING!

Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2011 in unique style with its 23rd annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Friday night, Dec. 31. The event is free and open to the public.
Leading up to midnight, popular musical entertainment will be headquartered on the balcony of the Gatlinburg Convention Center at the Historic Nature Trail/Airport Road entrance. A disc jockey will entertain the crowd prior to midnight, with party favors provided by Mr. Tablecloth available near the base of the Space Needle.
At the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1, the Space Needle area will shine with a red glow from the surrounding rooftops at the beginning of a music program followed by a choreographed fireworks show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tenn.
“It has become a tradition for families and friends from across America to come back to celebrate the New Year here in Gatlinburg,” said George Hawkins, special events manager. “We expect to have another big crowd to help us usher in 2011 with their loved ones and friends.”
The entire city of Gatlinburg celebrates New Year’s Eve in a big way with many restaurants and attractions offering special celebrations. Lodging companies are offering special packages and entertainment.


For information on other New Years Eve parties and activities as well as lodging and dining options, please call the Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals at 866-286-8284.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

SNOW STORM HITS GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE

http://video.foxnews.com/v/4474836/wicked-winter/



Winter Storm hits Tennessee!  Some East Coast Travellers for the holidays have slow delays & road accidents.  However, most tourists welcome the white-out storm & visit Ober Gatlinburg!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Pet-Friendly Cabin Rentals in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Pet Friendly Lodging










Take a pet friendly vacation by renting a vacation home, cabin, chalet, townhome, or condo. There are many great vacation destinations in which vacation rental owners are happy to accommodate you and your family pet. There is typically a fee or deposit for bringing your pet to a vacation rental home, but that small extra expense is outweighed by the completeness of your vacation experience that comes with having your pet by your side. Forget about kennels, animal boarding homes, or inconveniencing friends, family or neighbors. Live the destination with your pet. You will be happier and your pet will be, too.

Let's face it. Your pet is part of your family. Your dog keeps the pace when you jog on the weekends.  Pet ownership has exploded since the mid-1990s.  Now, not only is a dog, man's best friend, but also child & woman's welcoming party too.  There is a valuable position within the family that a pet fills, as they love their owner unconditionally and seem to be there through all your moods and life experiences.  So it's kind of difficult to be relaxed on vacation, when you know they may be suffering without you in a kennel or cage somewhere back home.  Luckily, hospitality and lodging has become more cooperative in allowing pet stays so you can travel with your pet on vacation.

You're ready for a vacation in the Smoky Mountains, but you feel guilty leaving your pet behind or asking a friend to check in on it. The cost to kennel a pet can be pretty steep, possibly making it a budget breaker in your vacation planning. Fortunately there's no need to leave your pet behind or break your budget.  You can rent a vacation home in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge that will accommodate your pet right along with the rest of the family. Vacation rental owners often require an additional deposit or fee for your pet, but this is often less expensive than boarding.

Consider bringing your pet on your next vacation near D'llywood or the Smoky Mountains.  Not only will you feel more comfortable in sharing your vacation with your dog, but you won't have to worry about the cost and torment a pet may face at the kennel during this time.  Just make a small payment for the pet fee and bring your kennel with you, so the pet can be contained while you are away from them.  We'll see you & Fido on your next trip to the Smoky Mountains!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Tubing in Pigeon Forge & Townsend, Tennessee

 Tubing in the Smokies is only minutes from Pigeon Forge in Townsend (TN).  Tube the Little River on the colorful sturdy river tubes.  Tubing services in Townsend offer unlimited shuttle services to make your day on the Little River fun and relaxing.  Tubing in the Smokies has never been so easy.  Townsend tubing is 15 miles from Pigeon Forge, 20 miles to Gatlinburg, Tennessee and only 9 miles from Cades Cove Scenic Loop. You are relaxing on the Little River, tubing in Townsend (TN) on the beautiful Little River while enjoying the peaceful  Smoky Mountains.  You'll love a lazy float down the river, as you bask in the sun & laugh with friends.  Come check it out this Spring or Summer in the Smokies!

Cabin Rentals can be reserved within a short drive of tubing here in the Smokies.  Go tubing in the day & relax in your hot tub by night.  A relaxing vacation awaits you!

KNOXVILLE MCGHEE TYSON AIRPORT - TYS - ALCOA, TN - NEAR GATLINBURG, PIGE...





ROADS AND HIGHWAYS INTO & AROUND GATLINBURG - PIGEON FORGE

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are nestled just a bit off the beaten path when it comes to the main U.S. interstate highway system. However, there are numerous highways and secondary roads into Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Greater Smoky Mountain area, and these routes will lead you through and to some of the most beautiful country vistas and amazing views of the mountains that you'll find anywhere!

The major east-west interstate highway route through eastern Tennessee is I-40. This connects with another eastern artery, I-81, which is just northeast of the Gatlinburg area (between White Pine and Dandridge). Interstate-40 also connects with the north-south artery of I-75 just west of the Gatlinburg area in Knoxville.

Here are some specific directions into the area from whatever direction you may be coming from:

•From Nashville, Tennessee going East: Consider taking I-40 to Exit 364 at State Route 95 South to Lenoir City, then take U.S. 321 East, continuing through Maryville and Townsend, then make a right onto Scenic Highway 73 to Gatlinburg.
•From Lexington, Kentucky going South: On I-75, consider taking I-40 West from Knoxville to Exit 364 at State Route 95 South to Lenoir City and U.S. 321 East and follow the same directions as those above into Gatlinburg.
•From Roanoke, Virginia going Southwest: On I-81 South, consider taking I-40 East to Exit 435 or 443 (Foothills Parkway), turn onto U.S. 321 and continue until you reach Gatlinburg.
•From Asheville, North Carolina going Northwest: On I-40 West, take Exit 443 (Foothills Parkway) or Exit 435, then turn left onto U.S. 321 and continue until you reach Gatlinburg.
•From Chattanooga, Tennessee going Northeast: Take I-75 North to Exit 81 at State Route 95, then follow Highway U.S. 321 East continuing through Maryville to Townsend, then make a right onto Scenic Highway 73 East to Gatlinburg.
McGHEE TYSON AIRPORT IN KNOXVILLE, TN (TYS)

McGhee Tyson Airport (airport code TYS) in Knoxville, Tennessee is located within 50 miles of most resort accommodations in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area. Car rentals are readily available at the airport. The drive east from the Knoxville airport down U.S. 321 through Maryville and Townsend is a pleasurable scenic drive.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

History of Log Cabins in the United States (Smoky Mountains, Tennessee)

History of Log Cabins eHow.com






Smoky Mountains, Tennessee, is a mecca for log cabin accommodations to appease the thriving tourism in the 21st Century. The Smoky Mountains & their National Park serve as an impressive landscape and background for this vacation rental community. There are over 15,000 cabin rentals throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, & Sevierville, Tennessee. Log cabins had long existed in this community as witnessed when driving through Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. The vacation rental cabins now are far more luxurious than the cabins built over 100 years ago in Eastern Tennessee, but they pay homage in a way to the communities and culture of the 19th Century residents of this historic area. Who would have thought back then that one day people from all over the World would come to the Smokies to enjoy a log cabin that had a jacuzzi, hot tub, billiards table, indoor swimming pool, sauna, home movie theater, and something called the Internet (WiFi, at that!).




Traditional log buildings in North America

Log cabins were built from logs laid horizontally and interlocked on the ends with notches (British English cog joints), although there are many log cabins that are laid up without notches and simply spiked together. This is not common as it is not as structurally sound as notched log walls, but modern building methods allow this short-cut. See the Syringa B&B lodge in Salmon, Idaho as an example.

Details of cabin corner joint with squared off logs.The most important aspect of cabin building is the site upon which the cabin was built.

Site selection provided the cabin with both sun, light and drainage to make the inhabitants better able to cope with the rigors of frontier or rural life, but proper site selection also placed the home in a location that was best suited to manage the farm or ranch of the owners.

When the first pioneers built cabins they were able to "cherry pick" the best logs for cabins. These would be old growth trees with few limbs (knots) and be straight with little taper. Logs of this type didn't need to be hewn to fit well together, as careful notching would minimize the size of the chink (space between the logs) and reduce the amount of chinking (sticks or rocks) or daubing (mud) needed to fill the chink.

The length of one log is generally the length of one wall, although this was not a limitation for most good cabin builders.

The process of building a cabin began with the selection of the building site. It may need to be cleared or not.

Decisions had to be made about the type of cabin to be built. Styles varied greatly from one part of the US to another. The size of the cabin, the number of stories, type of roof, the orientation of doors and windows all needed to be taken into account when the cabin was laid out.

In addition the source of the logs, the source of stone and the available labor either human or animal had to be considered. Timber sources that were further away may have limited the size of the cabin.

Cabins corners were often set on a large rock; if the cabin was large other stones would have been used at other points along the sill (bottom log).

Thresholds, since they were usually cut into the sill, were supported with rock as well. These stones are found below the corners of many 19th century cabins even today as they are being restored.

Cabins were set on foundations both to keep them out of any damp soil but also to allow for storage or cellars to be constructed below the cabin. Cabins with earth floors have no need for foundations.

Log cabin in Minnesota Cabins were constructed using a variety of notches. There is considerable confusion about the nature of notch types and possible European connections. Notches can vary within ethnic groups as well as between ethnic groups.


It is almost futile to worry about this sort of issue yet one finds discussions of these in many texts. Notches vary on a single building so it is hard to argue that any particular group used one notch type exclusively.

Log cabins can be constructed with either a purlin roof structure or a rafter roof structure. A purlin roof consists of horizontal logs that are notched into the gable wall logs which are progressively shortened to form the characteristic triangular gable end.

The steepness of the roof is determined by the reduction in the size of each gable wall log and the number of gable wall logs. Flatter roofed cabins might have only 2 or 3 gable wall logs.

Very steep roofs might have as many gable wall logs as a full story. Issues concerning the amount of eave overhang and if there was to be a porch also influenced the layout of the cabin.

The decision about which roof often was based on the sort of material that would be usd to cover the roof. Where sawn lumber was available rafters of dimensional lumber became popular.

These roofs typify many log cabins built in the 20th century, having full cut 2x4 rafters covered with skip sheeting and cedar shingles.

Purlin roofs found in rural settings and locations where sawn lumber was not available often were covered with long hand split shingles that covered two shingles and part of the space between another.






The history of log cabins reached it's peak of complexity and elaboration in the Adirondack cabins of the mid 18th century. These formed the basis for many United States Park Service lodges built at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.

The history of log cabins never died out or fell out of favor though it was surpassed by the needs of the a growing urban America. During the 1930's the Civilian Conservation Corps built many log cabins throughout the west for the Forest Service and the Park Service. Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood was built during this time and was dedicated by FDR.

In 1930, the world's largest log cabin was constructed as a private resort in Montebello, Quebec, Canada. Often described as a "log château", it now serves as the Château Montebello hotel.

The modern version of a log cabin is the log home which is a house built most often from premilled logs. The logs are quite visible on the exterior and sometimes interior of the house.

With the advent of cranes and modern construction and design techniques (such as CAD). These cabins are mass manufactured, traditionally in Scandinavian countries and increasingly in Eastern Europe, using squared milled logs and pre-cut for easy self build.


Log homes are popular in rural areas, and even in some suburban locations. In the American West, McMansions (houses of over 3,000 sq ft) of log and stone are turning up in many resort communities. And kit log homes are major consumers of logs in the US west.

In Europe, modern log cabins are often built in gardens and used as summerhouses, home offices or as an additional room in the garden. Summer houses and cottages are often built from logs in northern Europe.

Chinking refers to the mortar/infill material between the logs in the construction of log cabins and other log-walled structures. Traditionally, dried Pleurozium schreberi and Hylocomium splendens were used in the Nordic countries as an insulator between logs.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Zip-lines in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, & Sevierville (Smoky Mountains, Tennessee)

Zip lines appear to be a new, but very popular, tourist & outdoor activity throughout the United States.  This is especially true in our area as zip lines keep appearing throughout Pigeon Forge, Dollywood, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville (Tennessee).  It is a fantastic activity that allows people to have fun outdoors, capture the beautiful scenery, laugh & relax with friends and family, as well as building lasting memories in your vacation destination.

A zip-line (also known as a flying fox, foefie slide, zip wire, aerial runway, aerial ropeslide, death slide or tyrolean crossing)  consists of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to traverse from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable, usually made of stainless steel, by holding on or attaching to the freely moving pulley. Zip-lines come in many forms, most often used as a means of entertainment. They may be short and low, intended for child's play and found on some playgrounds. Longer and higher rides are often used as a means of accessing remote areas, such as a rainforest canopy. Zip-line tours are becoming popular vacation activities, found at outdoor adventure camps or upscale resorts, where they may be an element on a larger challenge or ropes courseWhat a beautiful part of the country for this exhilarating activity! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has long been the most visited of our national parks because of it’s proximity to the large populations in the Eastern and Midwestern states. Every season, folks come from all around to see nature at it’s best! The majestic peaks explode with color in the fall, become pristine,blanketed with snow in the winter, give birth to a variety of life in the spring and that continues throughout summer!

With zip lines a new alternative to the guests of these hills, people are seeing their wonder in a whole new way; from the perspective of a bird. Zipping along from line to line at a place like, “Adventure Park of Five Oaks” , you can actually be among the birds and above the trees! Their lines are situated in such a way, that you emerge from the hills on a final line that soars you over 2,000 feet in the open to give you a perfect view of the Smoky Mountain range.
Go take a look around at their Pigeon Forge zip line website to get a better idea of the park, as they have a photo gallery to give you a quick preview of what awaits. This is a real nice addition to the vast list of Pigeon Forge attractions and worth a look if you’re planning a trip to this area!
pigeon forge zip line

If  you are visiting the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville area soon,you might want to consider trying out the brand new  zip line attraction that just opened up across from Tanger outlet mall. Get ready  for a day of fun you won’t soon forget at this new addition to the Pigeon Forge area!  This was the old location of Five Oaks riding stables so many folks will already be familiar with this site on the Parkway but it has gone through some significant changes.
The developer already had other properties in the area but no zip lines to offer his guests but that has all changed with this new fun park. You can still call it Five Oaks riding stables, but there is now a new name that will gradually take it’s place; Adventure Ziplines of Sevierville.
Just launching today with a “soft opening” , it is cool to look up in the sky near Governor’s crossing and see people zipping along towards the Parkway! Check it out when you can and take the tour which I might add is very affordable at  $39.99 for an attraction of this kind!






Wahoo Ziplines is located in Sevierville, Tennessee, just a short drive away from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Wahoo Ziplines is the fastest growing attraction in the Great Smoky Mountains, where awe inspiring panoramic views meet heart-pounding excitement! Get your adrenaline pumping as you travel down SIX signature mountain ziplines, each bringing its own unique thrill. You will zip under, through, and over the tree tops at speeds up to 40 MPH. Our zipline guides can escort you on a private or family zip line tour, or assist you in team building exercises for your school, church, or company groups. So take the plunge and race down the lines at Wahoo Ziplines today!

Information provided by zip-line-blog.com, wahoo ziplines, wikipedia, & other online sources.


Top Ten Things to Bring on a Road Trip

Top Ten Things to Bring on a Road Trip

Some things to include on your trip include: reading materials, outerwear & footwear for the seasonal outdoor elements, cash/credit cards or traveller's checks, an umbrella, camera, GPS or maps, contact lenses or glasses (if necessary), sunglasses, cellular phone, and other desired items to make your vacation more enjoyable.

It is important to recognize the climate, the environment, and even the culture of where you may be travelling to in your vacation destination.  If you travel to the mountains, you might consider what kind of vehicle you are driving or how much cooler it will be at higher elevations.  If you travel to the beach, you may want to consider bringing extra sunscreen and moisturizer, as well as sandals and beach towels.  Don't forget your sunglasses!

Friday, December 17, 2010

WINTER ACTIVITIES TO DO IN GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE

OBER GATLINBURG
High above Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a mountaintop resort featuring nine whitewashed trails. The snowmaking system at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort produces enough white stuff to please snow bunnies of all abilities. With an amusement park, an aerial tram that sets off from downtown Gatlinburg, and fantastic views of the Great Smoky Mountains, its easy to see why this is one of the top ski destinations in the country.


Skiing - Gatlinburg is home to the only ski resort in Tennessee. Known as Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Resort, it is located over 3,000 feet up the slopes of Mount Harrison in the . With awesome scenery and eight slopes, skiers and snowboarders from beginner to advanced come to enjoy the thrill of winter fun in the South.
There's nothing quite like schussing down a mountain on a crisp winter day with sunlight gleaming off white snow crystals. From December through March, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort comes alive with speed and color, as skiers flock to the slopes. Just take the scenic aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg for a two-mile trek to Ober Gatlinburg. Bring your own skis or rent some from the Ski Rental Shop.
Whether you are an experienced veteran or if you have never skied or snow-boarded before, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is the perfect place to give it a try. Certified ski instructors will guide you through the basics. Skiers and snowboarders are also welcome to take a refresher course or more advanced course. Then it's time to take one of Ober Gatlinburg's three chairlifts up the mountain to the ski slopes.
Beginners will want to try their first runs on the Ski School Slope and Cub Way. Intermediate skiers are invited to try the Ober Chute, Bear Run, Castle Run, and Alpine Run Trails. Advanced skiers will enjoy the challenges of Grizzly Trail and Mogul Ridge.
At Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, the fun doesn't stop when the sun goes down. All the slopes are lit for night-time skiing. Skiers can relax at the apres-ski lounge, savor a delicious hot meal in the restaurant, or grab a quick snack at the food court. For more information, call 1-800-251-9202 or 865-436-5423, or visit their website at www.obergatlinburg.com.

Snow Tubing - New in 2009, Ober Gatlinburg now features a brand new 10-lane, 400-foot snow tubing park, boasting a 50-foot vertical drop. Even better than you remember when you were a kid and on a much bigger hill with its own Magic Carpet lift, this $1.5 million dollar facility is one of the finest in the south, with the capacity to host 350 visitors per session and 100 percent snowmaking coverage adding to the experience. There are no special skills or equipment required - just a sense of adventure!
Ice Skating - Skate year-round on Ober's huge indoor ice arena. The 140' X 75' indoor ice arena is the centerpiece of Ober Gatlinburg's massive enclosed mall. With over 400 pairs of rental skates available for men, women, and children, you can skate-away an hour or an afternoon.
Aquarium - Voted the number one aquarium in the Unites States by TripAdvisor, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a popular, 1.4 million gallon world class facility featuring 12-foot sharks and thousands of exotic sea creatures. Enjoy entertaining dive shows, educational presentations for all ages, pet stingrays and hold horseshoe crabs. Open all year. For more information call 1-800-240-1358.


Smoky Mountain Winterfest is a magical celebration that begins in late fall.  Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg & Sevierville team together with local business like Dollywood, Christus Gardens & Ripley's Aquarium to bring you the most festive Christmas light displays in East Tennessee.  Millions of twinkling light are arranged in festive theme displays, offering you lots to enjoy town after town!
Smoky Mountain Winterfest isn't just about twinkling lights, however.  This is a great time of year to enjoy southern hospitality with spectacular holiday shows & entertainment steeped with tradition, snow skiing at Ober Gatlinburg, Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas, and the best discount cabin rates of the year!  Winterfest offers large groups and reunions plenty of Smoky Mountain Fun and great group discounts at hotels, condos and rental cabins.
 
 

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Visit Gatlinburg, Smoky Mountains, Tennessee for the Road Trip of a Lifetime!



It's an exhilarating feeling to come from a fast-paced city or small town in Middle America to the gateway city of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg.  There's not too many words to explain the drive from Gatlinburg, Tennessee to Cherokee, North Carolina.  The mountain & Park-side views take you to a different place far, far away from your everyday routine.  You will be in awe of how beautiful this part of our country really is when you hike, bike, or drive through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  You'll want to bring the entire family & take lots of roadside photographs with the mountains as an amazing backdrop to your special family memories.  The ups & downs, twists & turns of the US 441 Parkway give the Smokies a European feel, while your family vacation getaway to the mountains is All-American.  If you dare, take a hike through the many mountain trails that allow you to view wild animals, waterfalls, & unique rock formations!   Each season brings a new beauty to the mountains during your travels.  If you aren't amazed with the Smokies' beauty, I'll give you your money back.  Wait, travel through the Park, is totally free! Just another reason to come to Gatlinburg & the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, if you have never been here.



Gatlinburg is located southeast of Knoxville and is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. This charming mountain town is a tourist magnet all year long, as well as a popular honeymoon destination. The main street of town is full of shops, art galleries, restaurants, family entertainment and attractions. With its' location on the Little Pigeon River and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is little that cannot be found in the way of outdoor fun and recreation in Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountains are named for the blue misty haze that surrounds them, and they are 95 percent wilderness, with breathtaking views, waterfalls, streams, wildlife and forest. There are dozens of trails for hiking and biking, mountain climbing, swimming, trout fishing, white water rafting, canoeing, picnicking, camping, horseback riding, golf or simply enjoying the stunning views from your car as you drive along the winding mountain roads. Gatlinburg is also home to the only ski resort in Tennessee, and winter also brings sledding and snowshoeing to the mountains. Gatlinburg has hundreds of restaurants, from burgers and pizza, to ethnic cuisine and down-home country cookin'. The town also holds dozens of special events throughout the year, including Spring Fest, Heritage Festival, 4th of July Parade, Taste of Autumn, Winterfest and Christmas Parade! Shopping in Gatlinburg is an event itself, with several unique shopping malls and villages full of local arts and crafts, specialty food shops, art galleries and more. Gatlinburg is also just minutes from historic Cade's Cove, Pigeon Forge and Dollywood.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals: America's #1 Drive-to Getaway Destination: Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals: America's #1 Drive-to Getaway Destination: Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Luxury Cabin Rentals near Dollywood, Titanic Museum, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, & Great Smoky Mountains

America's #1 Drive-to Getaway Destination: Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, Tennessee,
 are less than four hours drive from these highly populated cities & towns near you: Charlotte (NC), Lexington (KY), Louisville (KY), Nashville (TN), Atlanta (GA), Chattanooga (TN), Asheville (NC), Greenville (SC), Spartanburg (SC), and many others. So the next time you want to getaway, decide on a scenic destination like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee. Knoxville's Tyson McGhee Airport is less than an hour away if you would rather fly into East Tennessee.



When mentioning visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you can't help but think about Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Dollywood Theme Park, and Dolly's Splash Country. But everyone knows that also means Gatlinburg attractions and Pigeon Forge attractions galore! Indoor and outdoor attractions abound in both cities including theaters, minigolf, go karts, and thrill rides. When deciding which activities to explore for your family vacation, family reunion or church retreat, visit the locations below for some memorable Smoky Mountain fun!

Let your family experience the best in mountain accommodations this vacation. Log cabin rentals are a fantastic way to enjoy your vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. These cabins usually have cable TV, WiFi Internet, pool tables, hot tubs, indoor jacuzzi, full kitchen, fireplace, and many other luxury amenities. So the next time you consider a hotel or condo, try something different...try luxury cabin rentals in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville areas of Tennessee. Less than a half a day's drive from 1/3 of the US population!

Thursday, December 09, 2010

Gatlinburg's Space Needle in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The Gatlinburg Space Needle is an all steel observation tower served by two elevators with a capacity of 20 p
Ride the glass elevator over 400 feet and step out to a breathtaking 360 degree view of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Smoky Mountains straddle the Tennessee-North Carolina border in the Southeastern United States. They are a subrange of the Appalachian Mountains. The Smokies are best known as the home of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, which protects most of the forest. Mount LeConte is highly visible, which is the tallest mountain in the eastern United States. It rises 6,593 ft tall from its immediate base to its highest peak. The Space Needles observation deck provides the best view of this mountain and its surroundings.

You can also enjoy the changing forestry with each season. Observe the lush, green foliage in summer and the foggy valleys in spring. The autumn leaves are vibrant with red, gold, and orange colors. If you brave the cold, you can witness the most beautiful of all, the snow covered Smokies. The Space Needle is the best place to admire the changing seasons.

The observation deck also provides a spectacular view of Gatlinburg’s downtown area from one end to the other. Enjoy the sights by day or Gatlinburg’s lights by night. Free SeeCoast viewfinders are available for a closer look.of the Smokies.
Don’t forget your camera!





The Space Needle, family owned and operated, is an all steel observation tower served by 2 elevators with a capacity of 20 persons each.  The deck can hold 250 people and offers views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the resort city of Gatlinburg. The tower is 407’ high with a total weight of 4,000,000 pounds and construction time was 380 days.







Come bring in the new year with thousands at Gatlinburg's New Year's Eve Ball Drop and Pyrotechnics Show on December 31st at the Space Needle. "Best New Year's Eve Show in the South." It's THE place to be.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

A BETTER EVERYDAY DIET FOR MEN'S HEALTH (GATLINBURG, TENNESSEE)



12 Foods to Start Eating on a Regular Basis to Improve Health & Decrease Body Fat

  1. Almonds & other nuts (great to bring along on your hikes in the Smoky Mountains)
  2. Beans & Legumes
  3. Spinach & other green veggies
  4. Dairy (yogurt, cheese, low-fat milk)
  5. Instant Oatmeal (unsweetened)
  6. Eggs
  7. Turkey & other lean meats
  8. Peanut Butter (make PJ sandwiches for good on-the-go vacation meals too!)
  9. Olive Oil
  10. Whole-grain breads & cereals
  11. Extra protein (whey) powder
  12. Raspberries & other berries (We can learn good diet from the Black Bears)
Walking the Parkway in Gatlinburg, hiking the mountains, and river rafting are all good exercise!

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Great Access to the Fun of Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Family Fun in Gatlinburg Tennessee














Ready to take the time-honored tradition of a family vacation? Then set your sights on Gatlinburg – the perfect place to explore family fun!
Gatlinburg is full of fun options for every member of your family. Start by exploring our world-famous Great Smoky Mountain National Park and enjoy hiking trails, horseback riding, bicycling, camping, and many places to enjoy a picnic and other family fun. Check out our ski resort with year-round ice skating, stops at interesting museums, go cart racing, play miniature golf, and much more. No matter where you go in the city, chances are you’ll get to meet Gatlinburg’s mascot, Zeno The Bear!
And no matter what time of year you visit, there is always lots of family fun to be found in Gatlinburg. The Smoky Mountain Springfest features live entertainment, unique displays of handcrafted wares, and great food. Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales brings the history of the Smokies to life on the streets of Gatlinburg. Enjoy music, stories and dancing every evening in the summer. Your family is also sure to love joining 100,000 other onlookers at the Gatlinburg Midnight Independence Day Parade. And don’t forget to tell the kids to be on the lookout for Zeno the Bear!  So bring your loved ones to Gatlinburg for once-in-a-lifetime family fun!

Many of the log cabins & chalets managed by Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals, LLC are close to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and Amusement Park where ski vacation packages are seasonally offered. The Smokies also offers several Golf courses: Bent Creek Golf Resort, Eagle's Landing of Sevierville, and the Gatlinburg Municipal course located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We have cabin rentals near golf courses, Dollywood, & Ober Gatlinburg for your convenience.

Monday, December 06, 2010

Vacation Activities in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge















During your vacation planning, you may want to consider all there is to do in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge.  Feel free to check out this link of entertainment sites, attractions, & places to have fun.  With some of the best attractions & amusements in the country, the Smoky Mountains consistently have some of the best natural & commercialized activities for your family to enjoy during their vacation

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park provides an excellent natural environment to sight-see, hike, photograph, bicycle, camp, picnic, & visit with your friends or family.  It is the most visited National Park in the country.  It is the only Park that doesn't charge a fee to its visitors.  You may see bear, elk, fox, and other creatures as you travel through the Parkway, into Cades Cove, or hike one of the hundreds of trails available.

The Parkway throughout Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge has some of the best entertainers, comedians, performers, & singers throughout the country.  There seems to always be a nice place to check-out.  So you may want to check out the new Titanic Museum, Dollywood rides, Winterfest lights, various theaters, or zipline rides that have opened up in the last year or two. 

When staying in the Smokies, you may want to consider one of the thousands of vacation cabin rentals that are fairly unique to the area.  They are designed to be affordable and resort-like to accommodate families or groups visiting East Tennessee.  Most cabins offer kitchens, hot tubs, premium beds, laundry facilities, wraparound decks, grills, & mountain views.  Unique chalets and villas also offer creekside views, indoor pools, pool tables, gamerooms, & wifi internet access.

No matter if your family or group of friends seek out the beautiful mountain landscape or some of the fun commercialized attractions in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge, you will have a full assortment of activities to schedule during your stay in the Smoky Mountains.  Come experience your escape to the Smokies!