Mark your calendar and lace up your sneakers: The PigeonForge.com Midnight 8K Road Race is on tap for July 27!

Runners appreciate this fast, flat course because it almost guarantees personal best times! Run on by the Knoxville Track Club, the race combines the uniqueness of a midnight starting time with racing down the middle of the divided boulevard in the brightly lit neon jungle of Pigeon Forge.

Race sponsors include PigeonForge.com, Collier Restaurant Group, Dollywood Splash Country and Dick’s Sporting Goods. The Pigeon Forge Holiday Inn is hosting the event.

More information, including registration, will be available soon.



In the mean time, it's time to start training. Novices and seasoned road racers alike can benefit from pushing themselves! Here are our top 5 training tips to help you get ready for the run:

1. Have a plan.
Work on your personal race roadmap. Conquer the race by working on a training plan and sticking to it. Hal Higdon has a thorough 8 week training plan for a 8K race, with workouts leveled novice, intermediate and advanced.

2. Be flexible.
Even though it’s crucial to have a training plan to prepare for the race, it’s also important to have a bit of flexibility, too. Injuries and illnesses can occur, soreness will hit. Be prepared to "phone it in" through one training day and hit it hard the next.

3. Make yourself miserable.
Hate hoofing it up hills? Do it anyway. These things are often miserable because they’re hard, but doing them will make them easier and more enjoyable in the long run.

4. Set goals.
Make the most of your training program by breaking your big goal -- the PigeonForge.com 8K -- into smaller goals. Don’t just run to log the miles, aim for improvement. Consider interval training and cadences to help you reach the end.

5. Think positive.
Don’t just train your body for the race, train your brain, too! Visualize yourself crossing the finish line and think about how good you’ll feel. Celebrate each time you reach a goal in your training.You’ll be surprised what you can accomplish if your attitude is on your side!

In our book, planning the perfect honeymoon is as easy as booking a Pigeon Forge vacation. There’s tons to do here, from just relaxing with your new spouse in a peaceful mountain-top chalet to have the adrenaline-filled adventure of your life. Regardless of how to choose to spend your honeymoon, the simple fact of the matter is that this getaway is part of an even bigger tradition.

The Honeymoon Tradition: History’s Timeline

According to one source, the honeymoon dates all the way back to Scandinavia viking tradition. Back then marriage had little to do with love, and more to do with "hjunottsmanathr,” or the capture of a new bride from a neighboring village. The groom would keep his new bride in hiding until the marriage was announced and her family stopped looking for her.

Apparently, this viking tradition evolved into another tradition over the years and generations into a custom in which newlyweds celebrated their nuptials with a cup of honey mead wine every day for a month.

The modern honeymoon we know and appreciate today stems from 19th century England. At that time, well-to-do British couples would engage in a trip called a “bridal tour.” Often accompanied by friends and families, the happy newlyweds would travel around the country visiting loved ones unable to attend the actual ceremony. By the time the 20th century rolled around, wealthy couples had turned their bridal tours into luxurious retreats, often visiting destinations like the romantic French Riviera, Rome, Italy and Venice.

Since then, the honeymoon has evolved into what we know today: A romantic getaway for newlywed couples or a lovers’ retreat away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Who Pays?

As with other traditions, there’s an old way and a new way to handle a honeymoon. According to EmilyPost.com, the groom’s family traditionally pays for the honeymoon and associated travel and lodging expenses. However, today many couples are footing the bill for the honeymoon themselves. Budget-conscious couples and big spenders alike are opening up their wallets to celebrate their big days.

Some couples are opting for honeymoon registry services. Web-based registries like HoneyMoonWishes.com, HoneyFund.com and Wanderable.com let couples choose a destination, then have friends and family either donate money or pay for pieces of their trip. For example, depending on the registry, you can either fund a cash denomination (say, $50) or gift the couple a night at the resort or an included meal.

Pigeon Forge Honeymoons

Pigeon Forge has been a favorite honeymoon destination for generations. Local cabins and chalets, hotels and motels, condos and even campgrounds all cater to the honeymoon crowd by offering unique specials and services sure to make your trip memorable.

Secluded, mountaintop cabins are a popular option for Pigeon Forge honeymooners. Many of these options include romance-oriented amenities like in-cabin jacuzzis and hot tubs, spectacular mountain views and rustic ambiance that really lets you focus on spending time with your new spouse.

City slickers might prefer a hotel honeymoon. Riverstone Resort is a favorite, thanks to amenities like couples’ massages from the spa and inclusive vacation packages featuring deals with other local venues.

Make the most of the honeymoon tradition by planning a getaway you and your new spouse are sure to enjoy!

 

April showers usually bring May flowers, but for the past few days May weather has brought a slight chill to Pigeon Forge.

Overnight temperatures Sunday dipped below freezing, and most folks woke up to temperatures in the low 40s Monday morning. Nearby Knoxville, Tennessee, saw record lows over the same period.

Despite the subtle chill in the air, Pigeon Forge remains bright and sunny -- perfect for exploring the nearby Smoky Mountains or the Parkway! See our Pigeon Forge itinerary page for fun ideas on how to spend your time in town or explore our Smoky Mountain National Park information for hiking info, scenic drives and more! Just remember to grab a sweatshirt or jacket before you head out!

Looking Ahead

Pigeon Forge should be back to normal mid-May weather by mid-week. Use the five day forecast from Weather.com below to plan your Pigeon Forge activities and adventures!