Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The Robert A. Tino Smoky Mountain Homecoming will be a weekend full of art, variety and entertainment of all kinds. There is so much to do at the Robert A. Tino Gallery in Sevierville this weekend, October 1-2! Even more, the event will not cost you a dime - admission is free.

Regional craftsmen and artisans from around the nation will gather this weekend in the Pigeon Forge area for one of the largest Smoky Mountain Homecomings yet. "Bigger and better" is the goal for this year, and the line up of activities offered certainly attests to this.

All day Saturday and Sunday artisans will demonstrate their crafts. Presenters include blacksmiths, bowl makers, broom makers, gun smiths, corn mill grinders, rope makers, basket makers, cross cut saw men, quilters, lye soap makers, and antique tractors will be on display.

For the children and the young at heart, there will be old fashioned mule rides and a pumpkin patch open for pumpkin pickin' and decoration. A special "Days Gone By" area will be designated for contests, races, and games, with donations benefiting the Sevier County United Way.

In case you get a little hungry with all the bustle of activities, refreshments will be served throughout the weekend, offering such delights as caramel apples, kettle corn, fried potatoes and Buddy's barbeque.

And to make the event even more pleasant, Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier along with other bluegrass musicians will be playing authentic mountain music on October 2. Also scheduled for October 2 is a brief out-door church service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. After that Moonshine Bill will show everyone how to make his classic moonshine.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Are you planning that perfect fall weekend in Pigeon Forge when you and your family can come to the Smoky Mountains, rent a cabin, go for a hike and see the fall foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park? You may be asking when is the best time to see the red and orange hues paint the mountainsides. Where should we go to see the best displays? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials tell us that although it is hard to predict the peak and intensity of the colors, generally it is the third week of October. But it can sometimes be earlier or later depending on the moisture and temperatures. Good leaf color comes from moisture, warm days and cool nights. Since these variables are different year to year, you are assured no two autumns are alike.
So where do you go to see these brilliant (or maybe not so brilliant) fall colors?

The Park spokesperson, Bob Miller, says Newfound Gap Road where the leaves change sooner because of the elevation and cooler temperatures. The Little River Road between Townsend and Sugarlands Visitor Center is also known for good spots of color.

So, where do you like to go in the Park to see fall colors?

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I love it when Dolly comes to Pigeon Forge. She simply lights up the room with her self-effacing humor and infectious laugh. We are fortunate enough to have her visit throughout the year; the Dollywood season opening, the Dolly Parade, Harvestfest Celebration kickoff...the list goes on.

Dolly Parton was in town this past weekend kicking off the annual National Music and Harvest Celebration at Dollywood. After mini-concert which included bluegrass artist Rhonda Vincent and her band, The Rage as well as the gospel group The Fairfield Four, Dolly performed her hit song "Jolene." Dolly also discussed the new park additions for 2006 which include a new ride, the Timber Tower, and two new shows. In addition to the kickoff, she also played a series of sold out concerts to benefit her Imagination Library.

Dolly's childhood imagination and mature creativity are embraced in her Dollywood. Read this press release about how Dollywood attraction's pay tribute to Dolly's days as a poor little girl growing up in Sevier County, the friends and family she met along the way and her vivid childhood imagination.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 10:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This Saturday, September 24th, the chilling Bell Witch: The Movie premiered in the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. A legend so tragic and mysterious, the movie depicts the historic haunting of the Bell family in Adams, Tennessee in the early 1800’s, with paranormal happenings documented to this day in the Adams area.

The movie is the first feature length film produced entirely in East Tennessee by native joint East Tennessee film companies, Big River Pictures and Cinemarr Entertainment . It is also the first horror film shot with the new Sony CineAlta 24p HD camera.

The story of the Bell Witch begins in the early 1800’s, when John Bell moved his family from North Carolina to Robertson County, Tennessee to start a new life. Upon arrival, their new life slowly became full of torment, fear and eventually murder. The tormentor? The spirit of the Bell Witch, who called herself Kate. Kate murdered John Bell in 1821, and had an especially intense hatred for his daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth received nightly beatings by the spirit, and due to Kate’s severe torturous prodding, broke off an engagement with her true love. The family never experienced a normal life; indeed, the Bells experienced living hell.

After the murder of John Bell in 1828, the Bell Witch promised to return 107 years later; to this day, strange things happen in Adams, Tennessee and the surrounding area. Spine numbing shrieks, bizarre whispers and eerie songs have been heard in the cave on the Bell family property. It is very difficult to take good pictures in the surrounding area, and people have reported video-recording equipment batteries being drained instantly, among other happenings…

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 11:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have been greatly impressed by the overflow of generosity and kindness that Sevier County residents and businesses have bestowed upon the Hurricane Katrina victims. In such a drastic and unexpected catastrophe, the government simply cannot fix everything immediately, and that is where the regular United States citizens must come together to help. In the face of devastation, suffering and despair, the American people can offer a small part of their lives to begin to restore hope and relieve some of the pain that Katrina victims are entrenched in.

Disturbed by the helpless plight of Gulf Coast neighbors, Pigeon Forge locals have been collecting money and items for donation and the volunteers of the United Way and Red Cross agencies have been working tirelessly to help people in New Orleans and Mississippi.

Students have been collecting cans of peanut butter and other supplies to send down to Louisiana and Mississippi. A local woman personally traveled, using personal savings, down to Mississippi, bringing supplies and buying mattresses and blankets and other necessities so people could have a place other than soggy ground to sleep on. Six-year old children are even getting involved! Young Kassidy Archer has helped raise $850 by starting the “Pennies for People” fund drive to help Katrina victims. Her cousins in Mississippi and friend Bekah in Florida spurred her to action.

I was happy to see local businesses joining the relief efforts as well. Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que ( http://www.bennetts-bbq.com/ ) devoted 100% of their sales one day, totaling $28,515.81, to the American Red Cross Gulf Coast relief efforts. Alpine Mountain Village and The Father’s House church have initiated a “30 Days of Hope” program to house displaced families and help them settle in the area by finding stable housing and permanent jobs. Hurricane Katrina Refugees can come to Sevier County and get 30 days of temporary housing, food, supplies and clothing and help finding permanent employment and housing. Many more businesses are helping out as well. Banks have donated funds, theaters are donating funds and giving free tickets to refugees to provide some hearty entertainment for weary spirits, restaurants are hosting free meals, salons are giving free cuts, styles and washes. The community has really come together with one goal, to serve fellow Americans in need.

It has been said by a French philosopher, “there are two things that pierce the human heart, beauty and affliction.” The onslaught of hurricanes Katrina and now Rita across the Gulf Coast has demolished the entire region, leaving chaos. Despite the tragedy and loss, the human spirit has not been crushed. Beauty has triumphed through, and in part because of the great affliction. One such example is New Orleans evacuee Liese Dettmer, singer, songwriter, producer. Self-taught during her college years, Liese is now staying with her parents in Sevier County, playing her music every Friday night at Starbucks on Highway 66 through October. Her goal is to keep the New Orleans musical culture alive as well as help raise more money for hurricane relief. The performances are free, yet Red Cross donations are greatly encouraged.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 11:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

We have been saying this all spring and summer. The city of Pigeon Forge has been inundated with various models and makes of cars participating in the different Pigeon Forge car shows. This weekend, we have the Southern National Association Fall Nationals Open Show which will include a wide variety of unique cars, truck and bikes. This show will take place this weekend, September 23 and 24, at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center.

I know many car enthusiasts come in town with friends and family, rent a hotel room or cabin for the weekend, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the car show. The big question I have is......what is really going on at these shows? If anyone can clue me in, I would be appreciative.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 02:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains are the place to be in the fall! If you’ve ever visited Pigeon Forge in August and then return just a month later, you’ll be amazed at the difference in temperature you feel in the evenings. This is the time to stroll down the streets or drive up to the mountains to star gaze.

As a “local” who grew up in Sevier County, I cannot begin to explain how beautiful our little towns become when the leaves begin to change. It is a different feel than any other season. I have a difficult time picking a favorite, but fall in East Tennessee is definitely something to see!

Something visitors should incorporate into their plans while in Pigeon Forge is a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Though the park is beautiful year round, it is known for its fall colors. Maples, poplars, beech, and many other trees become vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow as the weather begins to cool. Combining these colors with the evergreens also in this temperate rainforest provides an amazing collage of color on the hills. Drive through Gatlinburg and into the park to enter a different world, separate from the rush of the town.

Once inside the park, make sure you have your windows down so you can soak up some fresh air and feel the temperature drop as you drive towards higher elevation. The earlier in the season you visit, the higher up in elevation you will need to drive in order to see bright colors, but a trip all the way to the state line and the highest elevation in the park, Newfound Gap and Clingman’s Dome, is only a 30 minute drive from Gatlinburg. To make an afternoon of it, stop for a picnic in the Chimney’s Picnic Area on your way up, play in the river after lunch, and then park at Clingman’s Dome and hike the ½ mile, paved trail to the lookout tower. Don’t forget your cameras!
Looking for somewhere a little further off the beaten path? Stop in at Sugarland’s Visitor Center (865-436-1200) for some help on finding a special hike to discover what it feels like to walk along a quiet trail with no other people in site.

If you want to enjoy the colors and feel of the mountains during your entire stay in Pigeon Forge, make sure you check out the option to rent your own cabin! From single bedrooms to large lodges, rental companies in the area accommodate every visitor’s needs.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 01:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Cool down and beat the heat during the dog days of summer by enjoying the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's cool rivers and mountain breezes.

Pack a picnic in the Park! Picnic areas are located at Big Creek, Chimney Tops, Cades Cove, Collins Creek, Cosby, Deep Creek, Greenbrier, Heintooga, Look Rock, Metcalf Bottoms, and Twin Creeks. Please remember that feeding bears and other wildlife is illegal. We want you to have fun, but we also want you to be safe and to keep our wildlife healthy and safe.

Go take a Hike! More than 850 miles of hiking trails traverse the Great Smoky Mountains. They range from easy to difficult and provide half hour walks to week-long backpacking trips. The Appalachian Trail runs for 70 miles along the Park's top ridge.

Visit a Waterfall - Waterfalls adorn most every stream in the Smokies. Only one waterfall, Meigs Falls, is visible from the road. It is 12.9 miles west of the Sugarlands Visitor Center, near the Townsend Wye. All others require hiking, and range from easy to strenuous. Stop at the Sugarland Visitors Center for more information and maps. Below is a listing of the Smokies' best known falls:

Laurel Falls
Grotto Falls
Chasteen Creek Falls
Indian Creek Falls
Henwallow Falls
Abrams Falls
Ramsey Cascades
Rainbow Falls

Wouldn't you like to come to Pigeon Forge and take advantage of having the Smokies at your backdoor?

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 10:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Too often I feel that visitors to Pigeon Forge, TN do not realize how close they are to the nation's most visited national park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) is also the only national park in the US that has no admission charges! This temperate rainforest can provide a day of cool refuge from the hustle and bustle of Pigeon Forge. Go explore!

PigeonForge.com always provides information about the park at the bottom of the home page but right now we are also including a link to more information. My favorite place to stop before I decide what I am doing for the day is the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Located just about a mile inside the park at the Gatlinburg end, the visitor center is always full of helpful volunteers that can let you know exactly what is going on inside the park. Guided walks, a movie, a bookstore, and a museum are all available on site. The volunteers and rangers are very knowledgeable about the trails in the park along with other activities such as swimming, horseback riding, biking, and camping that might be of interest to you. Children can also buy booklets to complete a Junior Ranger program; upon completion a ranger will present them with a badge/patch and swear them in.

If you only have a little time, take a drive up to Newfound Gap and hike the half mile, paved trail to Clingman's Dome for a spectacular view of Tennessee and North Carolina. (Look for Fontana Lake on a clear day.) Grab some food in Gatlinburg and find a picnic table in the Chimney's picnic area to have a peaceful lunch along the river. And, of course, everywhere you turn in the park you will find beautiful scenes that can provide a great photo opportunity to remember your visit!

Don't miss out on a unique experience you'll never forget! Plan a day in the Smokies when you visit Pigeon Forge, TN.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 02:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Thousands of classic car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains each year. Log on to see a complete calendar of car shows and rod runs that will be taking place throughout the spring, summer and fall in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The Spring Grand Rod Run is the kick-off event to a new season of car shows. Thousands of classic car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts flock to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains each year to experience the thrills of the Spring Grand Rod Run each year.

Pigeon Forge is a popular host to rod runs and car shows. The participants in these car shows are so eager to get the weekend started that the Parkway and hotel parking lots begin to fill with classic cars on Tuesday of that week. More than just cars attend the events. Visitors can enjoy vendors from all over the country with interactive displays, workshops and get answers to technical questions throughout the event weekend.

Visitors can spend the day looking over the amazing amounts of cars, trucks, new products and swap meet items. However, at night there are great restaurants, theaters, go-cart tracks, putt-putt courses and exhibits to enjoy. Every rod run and car show that Pigeon Forge hosts is an overwhelming success and a great experience for everyone who attends.

Do not worry about where to stay. Pigeon Forge offers excellent choices in lodging, from hotel and motel accommodations to cabins, chalets, private suites, luxury condos, and even camping. Regardless of your taste and budget, you can always find the perfect vacation amenities in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 04:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)