Feature Friday – Titanic Pigeon Forge

in Feature Friday

This week’s Feature Friday is Titanic Pigeon Forge located in the heart of downtown Pigeon Forge.  A special thank you to Erin Wicker who has answered this week’s Feature Friday questions about the Titanic.

1.) Tell me a little bit of history about how the Titanic attraction got started and what made Pigeon Forge an ideal location?

When we researched what people coming into the Pigeon Forge area would like to add to their vacation,  It became clear families (which is the Titanic market) wanted something they could experience as a family together.  We build the museum with the family concept in mind.

History: John Joslyn, Owner of the Titanic Museum Attraction, co-led a 6 million dollar expedition to the site of the sinking of Titanic in 1987. His team dove to the site 32 times in 44 days at sea. He and his team returned with hundreds of hours of footage of the Titanic 2.5 miles deep under the sea. This formed the framework of “Return to Titanic….Live!: a 2 hour television special that Mr. Joslyn Co-Produced with his partner Doug Lewelyn. This special became the second highest rated live TV documentary ever. For the past 26 years, Mr. Joslyn has dedicated his career to Titanic and her 2,208 passengers and crew who sailed Her. It started with TV Shows and became these permanent Titanic Museum Attractions in Pigeon Forge, Tn. and Branson, Mo.

2.) What are people most surprised to learn about the Titanic?

Most people are surprised at the quality of the museum.  Many people have indicated in the exit interviews that this museum should be in Washington, DC or New York. 

3.) The Titanic Pigeon Forge host many special events and attractions throughout the year. What is some special things that visitors can expect to see in 2012?

2012 marks a very important milestone in history as Titanic turns 100 years old. The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. has opened a New! Exclusive Limited
Engagement for 2012!

Behind the Scenes of James Cameron’s TITANIC- A whole new generation will be introduced to James Cameron’s epic drama TITANIC, when the 3D version of this spectacular movie is rereleased April 2012. In anticipation of the excitement it will create, Titanic Pigeon Forge has launched an exclusive behind-the-scenes exhibit that follows TITANIC’s Jack-and-Rose story—on the set, from the director’s chair. The exhibit features props, costumes, scripts and other valuable collectibles from the film.


Titanic’s Rose Petal Memorial Tribute
Now through April 2012

Often, guests have asked if they could somehow honor the passengers and crew. For the first time ever, when you visit each ship now and throughout the entire year leading up to April 2012, guests will be given an actual rose petal and that rose petal will be placed into a memorial case – which will then go out to sea on April 10, 2012. All of the rose petals will be placed out to sea by the United States Coast Guard International Ice Patrol at the exact site where we lost Titanic 100 years ago.


On Saturday, April 14 – 8:30 p.m.The event is called -

“A Night to Remember -a Titanic Musical Tribute” This tribute will take place at the bow of each ship. VIP tickets will be available starting Feb. 15.

4.) What do you think is Pigeon Forge’s “best kept secret”?

It’s hard for people to understand how important the GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS are to our country. Most people are surprised to learn it’s the most visited National Park in the country.  Unless you live in this area – you don’t know about the Great Smoky Mountains and their importance.

Make the Titanic part of your 2012 vacation to Pigeon Forge… You will be glad you did! Call 1-800-381-7670 for more information.

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Rock Slide

in Pigeon Forge in the News, Smoky Mountains

If you haven’t heard we have another rock slide on I-40!  It is currently blocking both lanes on I-40 westbound in Cocke County between mile markers 450 and 451.  The rocks started sliding around 10:30 Monday night and by early Tuesday morning, the situation became treacherous.  The wet weather this winter is what’s to blame for the slide.  Drivers traveling on I-40 west from North Carolina can take this detour around the rockslide area: I-240 west (Exit 53B) in Asheville to I-26 west (Exit 4A) to I-81 south (Exit 8A) back to I-40 west.  The detour route is approximately 53 miles.  There is still no estimate as to when I-40 will reopen.

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Wedding Wednesday – Rustic Weddings

in Wedding Wednesday

I’ve been seeing a lot of rustic touches to weddings lately and it seems that a lot of others have too! There’s tons of beautiful rustic inspiration all over the web. Here are a few cute rustic touches I’ve found that would make for a a beautiful wedding in the Smoky Mountains.

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Feature Friday – Timber Tops Cabin Rentals

in Feature Friday

This week’s Feature Friday is Timber Tops Cabin Rentals located in the Smoky Mountains.  A special thank you to Heather Caldwell who has answered this week’s Feature Friday questions about Timber Tops.


1.) Timber Tops Cabin Rentals has the perfect Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Tell me a little history about Timber Tops Cabin Rentals and how long you have been around? 

Timber Tops has had continuous and local ownership since April 1996.  When the company started out the owners mother would make fresh muffins and deliver them in the morning to guest staying with Timber Tops.

2.) What does Timber Tops Cabin Rentals offer that other cabins in the area may not?  

While amenities at Timber Tops are geared toward luxury, (in cabin pools, Google TV, home theaters, electronic arcades and spectacular views) what we offer is more. Our customer service is outstanding.  We are available, with a live person answering the phone and responding) to guest 24 hours a day. With over 100 employees on staff, a fully stocked guest needs warehouse, professional laundry and even snow plows, we want to make sure our guest have a wonderful stay and enjoy their vacation.  Guest of Timber Tops also receive a Luxury Pass with free attraction/show tickets including Ripley’s Aquarium. All to make sure our guest are enjoying the Smoky Mountains.

3.) What do your guest at Timber Tops Cabin Rentals seem to love the most about their cabin stay?

Guest are always commenting on the entire guest experience we provide. Professional sales agents, 24 hour guest check in, fresh baked cookies in the beautiful check in office, clean cabins, stocked, a full staff here to help with anything.  The number one requested amenity is always  – “A spectacular view” and we have plenty of cabins that offer this.

4.) Smoky Mountain visitors love to see black bears, has any of your guest encountered bears at their cabins?

We have had several guest encounter black bears, we recently had to relocate visitors to one cabin as a family of bears had decided to make the tree in the front yard their new home.

 5.) Pigeon Forge host many parades and festivals throughout the year. What is your absolute favorite? 

The awesome thing about Pigeon Forge is the 100’s of moments that families can take advantage of to create memories. When the attractions on the parkway are in full swing and the excitement, carnival like, is in the air nothing is better for families to enjoy.   The entire year 365 days is great, always something to do and enjoy.

Plan Your Next Pigeon Forge Vacation Today and Book a Cabin with Timber Tops Cabin Rentals! Call 1-800-266-1066

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Wedding Wednesday – Unique Flower Arrangements

in Wedding Wednesday

Flowers are a great way to enhance your wedding.  Here are just a few unique ways to spice up your wedding flower decor.

{Wine bottles for small and simple flowers}

{Lemons lining a pitcher adds a colorful touch to pink + purple bouquet}

{Using colorful eggs is a very cute way to decorate for a spring wedding}

{Old mismatched tins used for various flowers – I love the idea of using a variety}

{Mason jars wrapped in lace and twine}

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Behind the Scenes of James Cameron’s TITANIC

in New for 2012, New to Pigeon Forge, Pigeon Forge attractions, Pigeon Forge in the News, Pigeon Forge, TN

A brand new addition to the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge has just been announced!  An exhibit called Behind the Scenes of James Cameron’s TITANIC opens today. It’s an exclusive limited engagement that is a must see for 2012! A whole new generation will be introduced to James Cameron’s epic drama TITANIC, when the 3D version of this spectacular movie is re-released April 2012. In anticipation of the excitement it will create, Titanic Pigeon Forge will launch an exclusive behind-the-scenes exhibit that follows TITANIC’s Jack-and-Rose story – on the set, from the director’s chair. The exhibit will also feature props, costumes, scripts and other valuable collectibles from the film.

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Feature Friday – Terry Kay Cabin Rentals

in Pigeon Forge, TN

This week’s Feature Friday is Terry Kay Cabin Rentals. Offering 8 clean and cozy Smoky Mountain cabins, Terry Kay has cabins in some of the best locations that Pigeon Forge has to offer. If your pet is family like mine, bring them along as Terry Kay offers pet friendly accommodations as well!  A special thank you to Tim Stagg, owner of Terry Kay, for answering the following questions about Terry Kay Cabins.

 1.) Terry Kay Cabin Rentals has the perfect Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals in and around Pigeon Forge. Tell me a little history about Terry Kay Cabin Rentals and how long you have been around?My wife and I have been in business for 10 years. Terry Kay had a catering business and I (Tim) had a property management business. We sold them to move to Tennessee and start our cabin business. We were married in Pigeon Forge in 1998 and truly love this area. We have both been in the service industry our whole lives and enjoy serving our guests.

2.) What does Terry Kay Cabin Rentals offer that other cabins in the area may not?

I wouldn’t want to say what we offer that others don’t. I’m sure there are many fine cabin companies in our area. Terry and I care deeply about our guests happiness. We hope that is reflected in our day to day efforts.

 3.) What do your guest at Terry Kay Cabin Rentals seem to love the most about their cabin stay?I think what our guests love the most is how easy we try to make everything for our guests. Everything we do is designed with the comfort of our guests in mind. In addition we are personally at each cabin at least twice a week and do much of the maintenance and cleaning ourselves. I think our guests appreciate our hands on approach. Our goal with our cabins is very simple – they should be extremely clean and everything at the cabin should work properly. There should be no surprises for our guests!! I believe this philosophy is why we enjoy so much repeat business. The best part of our business is getting to know many of our repeat guests on a personal level.

4.) What do you think is Pigeon Forge’s best kept secret?Probably my wife’s homemade brownies. They are the best!!!

 5.) Pigeon Forge host many parades, festivals, and special events throughout the year. What is your absolute favorite?Wilderness Wildlife Week. The subject matter involves things we are interested in. Plus it takes place in January, the slowest month of the year. We are more likely to have the time to participate in some of their many activities.

Plan your next Pigeon Forge vacation and book a cabin with Terry Kay Cabin Rentals! Call Today! (877) 908-2700

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Wedding Wednesday – A Spring Wedding

in Pigeon Forge, TN, Smoky Mountains, Wedding Wednesday

Now that we’re halfway through January those of you who may have gotten engaged over around Christmas or New Years Eve may be quickly planning a spring or summer wedding.  Here is a little inspiration for those who may be planning a spring wedding.

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Titanic Jewelry Collection on JTV

in Pigeon Forge attractions, Pigeon Forge in the News, Pigeon Forge, TN

Historic romance, unprecedented drama, exquisite luxury and first-class treatment were all part of the RMS Titanic’s maiden voyage 100 years ago in 1912. These are also the words being used to describe the brand new, exclusive Titanic Jewelry Collection debuting on Jewelry Television® through a new partnership between the two companies. Beginning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012, Titanic Museum Attraction and Jewelry Television will launch an exclusive line of high-quality jewelry, reminiscent of the kinds of pieces actually on the ship’s maiden voyage 100 years ago. Each of the 20 designs in the initial collection is named in honor of actual passengers aboard the Titanic, and are available only through Jewelry Television and JTV.com. Jaynee, the Titanic Museum Attraction’s First Class Maid, will host the hour-long show and share the fascinating true stories of the amazing women the jewelry collection honors.
This is a must-see show on Jewelry Television for anyone who is fascinated by the story of the Titanic or the fashion of that era. For four magical days, the Titanic’s elite passengers reveled in every modern luxury known at the time. Not only was it the most impressive ship of it’s time – draped in every luxury imaginable – but so were its passengers. The women of the Titanic planned for months, just to bring the right fashionable apparel aboard the luxurious ship. Along with extensive outfit planning came the accessories – large hats, mink stoles, gloves and of course the jewelry. Jewelry of that time was depictive of the Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Victorian eras.

Each item in the collection is inspired by an actual Titanic passenger. Examples include “Dorothy Gibson’s American Beauty Rose”, “Madeleine Astor’s Edwardian Princess Collection”, and “Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon’s Couture Cameo Collection”. Viewers will hear the actual stories – some for the first time ever – of each woman who inspired the jewelry designs during the Jewelry Television broadcasts, which will also be available on JTV.com.

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Wedding Wednesday – Smoky Mountain National Park Weddings

in Smoky Mountains, Wedding Wednesday

This week we have chosen a National Park wedding photographer to share some insight on what it’s like to plan a National Park wedding in the Smoky Mountains.  Eric Gebhart at New Beginnings Photography has 5 tips for planning your National Park wedding.

It’s no wonder this majestic place is such a popular destination for weddings.  There is no other place on Earth like it. Here are 5 quick tips on planning your wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

1. Plan early – There are pre-approved locations in the National Park where you can have your wedding ceremony and wedding pictures.  The most popular locations include along side mountain rivers and streams, mountain views, historic churches in Cades Cove and waterfalls.  National Park rules only allow two weddings per day at each of these locations so you should make your plans early in order to have the most options.

2. Permits – There is a permit required to have a wedding ceremony in the National Park.  This permit provides you with permission to have your wedding at a specific location,  but does not give you exclusive use of that location,  it will still be open to the public.  An experienced wedding professional will be able to give you suggestions as to the best time to plan your wedding so you will be less likely to run into other park visitors. You can obtain your permit from the park service or let your wedding service provider get it for you. For more information on permits and a list of wedding vendors who are approved to provide services in the National Park you can contact Lisa Brown at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 828-497-1930

3. Weather – Whenever anyone asks what the weather is like in the Smoky Mountains for a particular time of year I give them a simple answer, “unpredictable”.  If you are planning an outdoor wedding during spring or fall be prepared for cooler temperatures than you would expect. And even though it is unlikely that it will rain on your wedding day, be sure to have a back up plan for inclement weather.

4. Don’t forget the Marriage License – You must obtain a Tennessee marriage license to be legally married on the Tennessee side of The Great Smoky Mountains.  It is surprisingly easy to get your marriage license in Sevier County, there is no waiting period and a blood test is not required. If you are both legal residents of another state or country and are getting married in Tennessee, your marriage license will cost $38.50. More information on Tennessee Marriage Licenses can be found here or by calling the courthouse at 865-453-5502.

5. Wear practical shoes – The National Park consists of rocky terrain.  It is best to wear flat shoes,  not just for the bride but also her guests.  If your dress has already been fitted for you in heels, it would be best to change into them just before the ceremony.  The terrain can also be challenging for elderly people who have a hard time getting around. If you have guests that are handicap or may have difficulty walking on uneven surfaces I would suggest an alternate location in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg for your wedding ceremony and then have wedding pictures made in the beautiful settings that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has to offer.

Feel free to contact Eric Gebhart at New Beginnings Photography with any questions about your Smoky Mountain wedding plans.  We have been providing wedding services in the National Park and surrounding areas since 2004.

www.perfectweddingpics.com

865-548-8443

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