Thursday, May 26, 2011

A VACATION CAN DO A LOT FOR YOU!


In the mountains or the beach, many people now are starting to make it a tradition to get a rental vacation home.  In the mountains, a mountain cabin, a mountain chalet, or mountain villa might be a good choice for your vacation lodging.  At the beach, you can usually find a nice condo rental or beach home that would work for your family.  Vacation homes are a growing part of the tourism and lodging community.  Millions of people each year find vacation rentals to offer the most amenities, privacy, and comfort for a terrific value.  Once they try it, they find vacation rentals often at the same destination tend to be a yearly tradition.  In Gatlinburg, Tennessee, log cabins are scattered throughout the Smokies.  In Pigeon Forge, there are creekside and mountain view cabin rentals available. 


 Has your relationship with a loved one or a family member been strained lately due to stress, job dissatisfaction, health or financial issues, or for lack of quality time together?  Sometimes, all you may need is a getaway or escape from the every day routine to get refreshed & rejuvenated.  Your spouse, family, or friends will collectively appreciate it, feel better about returning to their "regular" lives, and hold their vacation memories dear in their heart.  Some vacations can be very budget friendly and made-to-order.  Keep this in mind when trying to decide what type of lodging you are looking for and what type of destination you would enjoy staying at with your travel group.  Most people like the natural landscape of mountains, a beach, or even a City. 

Do some financial analysis to see how much you could spend on a trip with the family. Then see when you, your family, or friends could schedule a break from your everyday lives.  Then you can start shopping online or call some destinations for lodging information.  After making your reservation, you can probably already feel some peace of mind and anticipation for your future vacation.


Give yourself a break and start planning your Summer or Fall vacation.  You deserve a getaway or vacation just like anyone else.  Sometimes with careful planning and budgeting, you can reserve an ideal place at a great price.  Also, vacation homes come in a variety of sizes so figure out who will be joining you.  Remember to bring your camera and suitable clothing for your vacation destination.  You can boast about your vacation at work, while immediately feeling more relieved that had experienced a fantastic trip! 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Favorite Vacation Ideas in the Smokies (Gatlinburg, TN)




I have many fantastic memories of Gatlinburg with family, a loved one, or on my own.  Obviously, one of the immediate images that comes up is the Great Smoky Mountains.  I've grown up hiking these mountains, wading in its streams, and taken photos that suit my fancy.

However, there are many great parts to the Smokies that will reward you with outstanding vacation memories here.  These include the experience of staying in a log cabin for your vacation lodging.  Most of these cabins are professionally decorated, have full kitchens, and give you some privacy during your visit.  Also, the newer luxury cabins generally have hot tubs, gamerooms, and mountain views.  There are also other outdoor activities like horseback riding, ziplining, river rafting, tubing, and biking.  All of these activities are great for romantic getaways, friends, or family.

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are also getting to be known for its nightlife.  You can visit many of the fine dining establishments or have a drink with your friends, if desired.  For those that are more daytime activitists, I recommend visiting the Aquarium of the Smokies or Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.  Your family may also want to make a Splash at Splash Country this Summer to combat the heat! 

On vacation, it is important to socialize with friends and family, but also important to relax and cast your worries aside for a short time.  I will always love my vacations to the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas.  We'll see you there sometime!

Monday, May 02, 2011

River Rafting in the Smoky Mountains (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)

River Rafting in the Smokies is one of the best outdoor activities to take in with your friends or family. You will love the uplifting feeling of floating over the river rapids and viewing the mountains, as you rush down the River.  There are many places to enjoy river rafting here in the Smokies.  The faint of heart can elect to go tubing, if river rafting seems to aggressive for their liking.  We always recommend taking a lesson prior to getting on the river, having a river guide, and wearing the proper safety equipment.  Some of the local rivers in the Tennessee-North Carolina area that provide water are the Chattooga, Ocoee, Nantahala, and Pigeon Rivers.

In the summer shorts, a bathing suit and shoes that will stay on your feet are recommended.  For the spring and the fall we recommend layering with synthetics such as fleece or polypropylene.  Footwear should include Tennis shoes or sport sandals (no flip-flops)
*Cotton holds moisture to our skin, keeping you wet and clammy. Cotton will not keep you warm.
*Sunscreen- particularly if you are fair skinned.  The water reflects and enhances the chance of sunburn.
*If you choose to wear prescription or sunglasses we recommend string or Chums to hold them in place.
*Be certain to bring a change of clothes and a towel.

Many of the river rafting companies have friendly & helpful staff that will assist you with your plans.  Call them with any questions that you may have.  WildWater Adventure Centers have a good variety of activities, rivers to navigate, and tour guides to give you peace of mind.  Always consider renting a luxury cabin rental on your vacation to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.  You will get a budget-friendly vacation rental while enjoying the outdoors on your trip to the Smoky Mountains.