Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

The city of Pigeon Forge will benefit the Sevier County United Way by sponsoring the thrillingly chilling "Polar Bear Plunge" at the outdoor pool of the Pigeon Forge Community Center on the second day of February.

The event opens at 4:30 and there will be hot chocolate and cider to warm chilled bodies along with fun games and prizes! Participants take the plunge at 5:30. To sponsor or participate, contact Roseann Stelzman or Tom Hollick at 865-429-7373.

Have you ever taken the plunge? Tell us about your experience!

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 04:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last week we asked our Pigeon Forge eNewsletter readers whether they prefer online vacation planning information or tangible brochures mailed directly to their residence. We are curious, what do you prefer?

Many readers noted that they love getting vacation planning information both online and in tangible brochures. Some people like all of the lovely pictures that brochures have to offer and some like to have the information at their fingertips to make the vacation anticipation more real.

Here are some responses we received from our eNewsletter readers:

Maria explained, "I do make vacation plans online, but only after I have looked through all brochures that I have received. The brochures are so informative, plus once you order from one, you receive others that you did not order which in fact could be better, more economical and informative. These brochures make my vacation planning a lot easier."

Jim told us, "I would like both. The Newsletter I read and usually delete to free space. But, with a brochure, I can look at it again and dream about the vacation."

Faye wrote, "Both! I like the ease of being able to make vacation plans via the Internet, but I also really like brochures that I can hold and look through."

In March we will launch a new Free Vacation Guide mail out program that will send informative brochures directly to your residence! Be sure to sign up online when the request list is ready on the home page, www.pigeonforge.com. Or email us your name and address and we will put you on the list!

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 01:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Make the Great Smoky Mountains your natural playground this new year! The trails are itching to be hiked, the ground is hard with frost and the chilly weather is exhilarating on an afternoon trek through the mountains. Leave your work and problems behind, clear your head and revive your spirits in the great outdoors.

PigeonForge.com now offers even more Smoky Mountain information! Visit the Smoky Mountain pages at www.pigeonforge.com/smokymountains/smokymountains.asp to find a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities to satisfy your entertainment needs.

The Smoky Mountains are where it's at!

Below are details on an outstanding guided hike taking place this week, compliments of the Smoky Mountains Hiking Club.

January 29: The trek through Gallaher Bend Greenway is an easy, short, 4-mile hike! The meeting place is at Clark Center Park near Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This is scheduled for 9 a.m. Call leader Hiram at 865-584-7310 with inquiries.

Group Hiking Tips: Remember, trail ratings are to be taken seriously, a moderate hike will be difficult! Always check with trip leaders before planning to attend the challenging ones. When carpooling, reimbursing the driver 3 cents per mile is customary.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 04:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Have you made plans for romance on February 14th this year? PigeonForge.com is here to help! On January 31 and February 7, the two weeks before Valentine's Day, we will send you a special "Love Potion #9" e-Newsletter where you can find great Valentine's offers from 9 Smoky Mountain businesses with red-hot Valentine's activities.

Visit PigeonForge.com and sign up for the e-Newsletter today to get your very own "Love Potion #9"!

An enticing "Recipe for Love" that delivers libido stimulating effects for you and your Valentine will be featured as well. Read it to learn about some common aphrodisiacs and the history behind the holiday for lovers.

Don't sit at home this Valentine's Day; bring your love to the Smokies and delve into magical romance this year! What could be better than a romantic mountain getaway?

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 05:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Head to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee this winter where the rates are low, the availability is high and the crowds have died down. But how do you go about picking the perfect cabin for your winter getaway? Here are a few tips to get you in the right direction.

1. Search the Web. You are already on the right track! Searching sites like www.PigeonForge.com and www.SmokyMountains.com, you get a large selection to look over. In addition to general cabin information, cabin rental companies will include information on amenities, photos, location, price and often availability.

2. Seek Recommendations With over 11 million visitors to the area, chances are you know someone who has recently stayed in the area. Their opinions are invaluable because sometimes photos and descriptions do not always match reality. Ask your friends relatives, and work colleagues where they stayed and how they liked their rental cabin.

3. Define Your Priorities Looking for a view? An outdoor hot tub? A pool table? Privacy or close town? Fireplace? Be specific in what you are looking for to help with making a final decision. Be prepared to make a few trade-offs.

Know of any great cabins in the Smokies? Tell us about it!!

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

For all golf enthusiasts, what could be better than playing a course on a crisp morning with the grand Smoky Mountains as your backdrop? Get lost in the fun of the sport and delight your senses while blue sky, mountains and the lime hue of endless golfing greens surround you.

Visit the Golf page on PigeonForge.com to view an array of choice courses in the Smoky Mountain area! With spring on the way, the courses will be in prime condition. Check out surrounding attractions to entertain family members who don’t share the passion for the game throughout the PigeonForge.com as well. Remember, there is something for everyone in the Smokies, and the area keeps growing with more new and exciting activities for all.

Take a family getaway, relax and play your days away in the Smokies!

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 04:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Valentine's Day is just around the calendar, and already a little bit of amour has been budding among Pigeon Forge visitors. We asked our e-Newsletter audience what their "dream" Valentine celebration would include, and to say the least, we received some sizzlin' and sweet answers!

The PigeonForge.com Top 5 "dream" Valentine's Day celebrations are:

"My dream Valentine vacation would be......"

"That is an easy one for me to answer. I would remarry my husband. We are going on 20 years of marriage and would love to renew our vows. I would love to surprise my husband with a Smoky Mountain getaway since he never asks for anything for himself. It's always about me and our kids. I would love to renew our vows in one of your adorable little chapels! We haven't visited the area since 2001. I got hurt in 2001 and am now disabled. We would love to go back down to the area; it's so peaceful and everyone is so friendly. I know this is asking allot since we are not from the area, but hey God works in mysterious ways."

"Well, I am a single mother and God gave me a very special Valentine almost 17 years ago, a daughter. I guess He knew I would remain single, and so He gave me a 'forever' Valentine. My daughter loves coming to Pigeon Forge for her birthday and bringing friends. However, because of cost we have always stayed in motels. I would love to bring her and her friends up and get a cabin with several floors so I could have some privacy and relax while they have fun. I like staying in a cabin that is close to town but where you feel like you are way out in the mountains."

"In response to your question, my dream Valentine's vacation would definitely be for someone to fix a nice
dinner and serve us in our cabin with a nice body massage from a licensed massage therapist for my husband and myself following our meal. Then to be able to fall asleep by a fireplace would be heaven."

"My dream Valentine's Day celebration = chocolate, my husband, a hot tub and the Smokies!!"

"My birthday is 2/14 and so is my wedding anniversary. My husband died 3 years ago. We spent most of our 31wedding anniversaries in Pigeon Forge. Last year I came to visit for Valentine's Day with a long time friend. This year I plan to come alone from 2/12 to 2/15. What's new to do?"

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Recently a visitor emailed us asking for more information on guided hikes through the Smoky Mountains. We thought that was a wonderful question, and wanted to share the information with everyone!

The Smoky Mountain Hiking Club offers guided hikes each weekend. The leaders are different each time, but their contact numbers are always listed. Here are the hikes scheduled for the rest of January:

January 21: The hike to Spence Field and Rocky Top via Lead Cove and Bote Mountain is a strenuous 11.8 miles. You will reach elevation of 5,540 feet atop Rocky Top and get to trek a remote part of the Appalachian Trail. Call leaders Lucinda (865-945-1441) and Jim (865-660-3351) for more details.

January 21-22: This hike will extend to a backpacking expedition through Chestnut Top and Scott Mountain. At 7.7 miles each way, the hike is rated moderate to strenuous depending on the weather. A word of caution: this is for experienced backpackers only with an 8-person limit for each campsite. The camp destination is Campsite No. 6. Call Steve, the leader at 865-986-6798 for more information.

January 29: The trek through Gallaher Bend Greenway is an easy, short, 4-mile hike for a change! The meeting place is at Clark Center Park near Oak Ridge, Tennessee scheduled for 9 in the morning. Call leader Hiram at 865-584-7310 with inquiries.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers many interesting ranger-led programs during spring, summer, and early fall in the park. The 2006 schedule of programs will begin in mid-April; we will keep you posted as the time arrives.

Visit www.PigeonForge.com throughout the year for more information on activities in the Smokies! Our Smoky Mountain page can be reached by clicking http://www.pigeonforge.com/smokymountains/smokymountains.asp.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 04:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sevier County is dedicating January 16th to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. The county-wide event begins with a processional at 11 a.m. from the Sevierville Community Center on Gary Wade Boulevard, ending at the Sevier County Courthouse Plaza. From 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. a commemorative program will run on the front lawn of the Sevier County Courthouse.

The event is free to the public and will include guest speakers, poetic readings, musical expression in dance, church choir serenades and time for quiet reflection. Guest speakers are Alvarrene Bridgeforth, Loida Velasquez and U.S. National Park Service representative LaTonya Miller. The Reverend Carl Bragg will deliver the keynote address.

For more information on this event, contact Joseph McMahan at 865-453-4997.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Spring will soon break the chill of winter and begin a buzz of excitement as the earth rejuvenates after the winter lull. People will go outside more, and the dark nights won't be so long and imposing. Water lovers will be pleased to hear that in the next three months there will be at least five boat shows coming to the greater Knoxville area! One is coming as soon as this weekend. Here is a list of shows now scheduled:

~The Knoxville Boat Show: January 12-15. The Knoxville Expo Center will display all kinds of watercraft for boat lovers' viewing pleasure. The show opens today!

~The Fishing and Boat Show: January 19-22. This show offers the most fishing gear on display at the Jacob Building in Knoxville's Chilhowee Park.

~The Greater Tennessee Sportsman Show: January 26-29. A show for all outdoor enthusiasts, held in the Knoxville Expo Center.

~The Boat Show: February 2-5 and 9-12. This is perhaps the largest exhibition of watercraft, extending two weekends in February, held in the Knoxville Expo Center.

~Knoxville Boat and Sport Show: March 16-19. Held in the Knoxville Convention Center, this boat show always draws a crowd.

Another fabulous water-related activity coming to the area January 16-February 13 is a fly tying course presented by the Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited. The course is a beginner level, offering five classes from 7-9 p.m. at the St. Francis Episcopal Church in Norris, Tennessee. The cost is $100 and covers all tools and materials. Contact Buzz Buffington at (865)463-7167 to reserve your spot today!

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Come explore the wild Smoky Mountain wilderness at the 16 th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week,™ January 7-15, 2006 . Headquartered in the Music Road Hotel & Convention center, there will be a full schedule of outdoor recreational activities that will unite visitors with the rustic beauty of nature in the Smokies. Nearly 100 mountain experts will guide guests on walks, hikes, seminars and lectures on topics ranging from Smoky Mountain history to plant and animal habituation. There will be many special events for children and families alike, with hikes through the Smokies ranging from serenely easy strolls to demanding, multi-mile voyages; topics vary according to the hike.

Wilderness Wildlife Week has something stimulating for any age, bringing thousands of nature lovers to Pigeon Forge each year, it is recognized for its educational, environmental contributions by the International Festivals & Events Association.

All Wilderness Week activities are offered free of charge. Call Music Road Hotel & Convention Center to make your reservations, 1-866-758-0998. Click here for more information about Wilderness Week.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nature is a wild, wild place! Come explore the rugged Smoky Mountain wilderness at the 16th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week, January 7-15, 2006. Headquartered in the Music Road Hotel & Convention Center in the heart of Pigeon Forge, there will be a full schedule of outdoor recreational activities that will unite visitors with the rustic natural beauty of the Smokies.

Nearly 100 mountain experts will guide guests on walks, hikes, seminars and lectures on topics ranging from Smoky Mountain history to plant and animal habitation. There will be many special events for children and families alike, with hikes from serenely easy strolls to demanding, multi-mile voyages throughout the Smoky Mountains; topics vary according to the hike. Knowledgeable park rangers and nature enthusiasts will be on hand to guide you through the mountains, teaching you all they know about the mountains, and other topics including photography, mountain musical instruments, mountain animals, repelling, fossils, nature conservation, and much more. You even have the chance to hike with live llamas! There will be live music and storytelling all week and interesting activities around every corner...

Wilderness Wildlife Week has something stimulating for any age! Bringing thousands of nature lovers to Pigeon Forge each year, it is recognized for its educational and environmental contributions by the International Festivals & Events Association.

All Wilderness Week activities are offered free of charge. Visit www.pigeonforgewinterfest.com for a schedule of events and call the Music Road Hotel & Convention Center to make your reservations, 1-866-758-0998 today!

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 07:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The year 2006 is finally upon us and 'tis the season" for new beginnings, to throw off the old and herald new good things to come throughout the year. When you turn on the television, commercials for Weight Watchers, fresh bottled water, vitamins, healthy cereals and milk, exercise equipment, and many other self help sources bombard your mind from the screen, flashing the message, "You should resolve to be healthier this year!"

In the last issue of our weekly eNewsletter, we asked our readers what their New Year's resolutions were to see if they matched up with the messages the media and big businesses have been conveying. Yes, we did read that many Pigeon Forge vacationers resolve to be healthier this year; but more than that, we received some very noble responses from people who wish to help people around them and strengthen the benevolent ties Americans share.

Here are just a few 2006 New Year's Resolutions that readers sent us:

"My New Year's Resolution is to be a brighter light for Jesus in hope for lost people to be saved. I hope people will see the peace and contentment it brings to their life."

"I just turned 45; this year my resolution will be to stop focusing so much on making everyone else happy and focus on myself. I need to work on getting more exercise and eating better and being happier."

"My New Year's resolution is to be more healthy and go to church more regularly."

"I just got back from a visit to South Africa, where I experienced the grand splendor of first class hotels and saw beach front mansions on the shores of Cape Town, but then drove further inland and strolled through townships crammed with makeshift huts topped with metal roofs and haphazard boards nailed together. Trash littered the dusty ground and there were children donned in ragged garments, smiling from ear to ear, welcoming visitors passing through with such enthusiasm. That struck a cord in my heart; the children face treacheries everyday that I can't begin to imagine, like parents dying of AIDS, hunger, filth, no running water or electricity... Yet they are so happy when they see visitors on the streets. Hardship never completely squelches childhood laughter. So that is my New Year's resolution, to do whatever I can to encourage that laughter and positive outlook in myself and those around me and to cherish everything that I have been given and use my gifts to help those around me!"

So, what do you resolve to change this year? The most interesting comment will be showcased in this weeks issue of the PigeonForge.com eNewsletter!

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 07:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)