Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Spring is a time when the earth softens after the long winter freeze. Gentle showers, rebirth and blossoming flowers bring a sense of rejuvenation to the world that breeds a new energy among many people. Spring is prime time for enjoying the outdoors!

In the last Pigeon Forge eNewsletter Issue, we asked readers what their favorite Spring pastime was. Many wrote that they loved vacationing, attending fun outdoor events, shopping, and simply enjoying the beauty of spring. Here are a few comments we received:

"Hi, I am replying to your question about my favorite spring thing!! I think what makes spring so special after a long, cold winter is the beauty of the flowers blooming, the trees growing green again, the clean smell in the air, and the birds singing. Spring just makes me feel like every thing has come alive again!! I love spring!!" ~Sissy

"My favorite spring past time is taking my children to the park & spending time with my family outdoors." ~anonymous

"Our favorite pastime is coming down to the Smokies in either late April or early May. We try to plan around the Tennessee Smokies baseball schedule so we can see some home games. We also enjoy the short walk behind the National Park Tourist Center. When we were there in November, though, a mother bear and her cub were found in the area, preventing us from walking the trail. We enjoy everything about the Smoky Mountain area and look forward to coming soon."
~Joyce

"My favorite pastimes are to browse quaint shops and go outdoor junkin'."
~anonymous

Do you have a favorite Spring pastime that we have not listed? What do you love doing most as the weather gets warm and the days grow longer?

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 09:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The annual Saddle Up! week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee begins this evening and lasts through Sunday. Saddle Up! will feature concerts and narratives by some of America’s finest western musicians, cowboy poets and storytellers. The event features concerts from legendary western cowboy artists including Donnie Blanz, Jim Bowman, Trudy Fair, Charlie Halloway, Chris Isaacs, Brian McRae, Dan Roberts, Amanda Shires, Red Steagall and the Boys in the Bunkhouse, the Quebe Sisters, Dave Stamey, and Andy Wilkinson.

A rousing narrative play “A Way in the West” will be showcased during Saddle Up! as well. This 90 minute, one-act performance consists of six frontier women telling stories of how the wild West shaped their lives. It is a tale of freedom, struggle and triumph, delivered with charm and clarity.

Saddle Up Week is a splendid family event; people of any age can enjoy great storytelling, music and Western entertainment. Cowboy fans will love watching the Cowboy Action Shooting Competition and shopping in the Cowboy Clothing Mart.

Workshops and event schedules are posted on the Winterfest page, to help you plan your Saddle Up! week in Pigeon Forge. While you are in town, visit the many Pigeon Forge theatres during Saddle Up! this year for some wild, wild Western laughs!

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do you view Gatlinburg as a prime fishing destination? Maybe you should.

The city of Gatlinburg is the only city in Tennessee in which officials actually stock the rivers with trout in an attempt to further heighten tourism. There are very few cities in the nation that spend resources to stock animals for the enjoyment of the population, and Gatlinburg is one of them. The project began in 1980 and continues today. Last year Gatlinburg ordered a large upgrade of the trout facility, and anywhere from 35,000 to 45,000 fish ranging from 8-14 inches long are placed in Gatlinburg streams annually.

If you'd like to try your luck in Gatlinburg waters, remember that a fishing license is required. As of March 1, 2006, any Tennessee resident between the ages 12-65 must have a Tennessee fishing license; tourists may purchase temporary permits costing $2.50 per day.

The limit is five fish each day, catch and release only. Only artificial bait is permitted from December 1-March 31; the remainder of the year anything goes on a single hook. Treble hooks are never permitted.

Pack up your tackle box and take a fishing trip to Gatlinburg this spring!

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Music Road Hotel in Pigeon Forge is holding the Pigeon Forge Songwriting Seminar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. February 25th. Keynote speaker Beverly Ross was named one of the top 10 greatest female songwriters by DigitalDreamdoor.com; she has a great passion for music and writing. "Lollipop" performed by the Chordettes, "Candyman" by Roy Orbison and "Judy's Turn to Cry" by Leslie Gore are just a few of Ross' compositions.

Aspiring writers should bring a CD or cassette tape containing two songs along with song lyrics for critique.

The schedule is as follows:

9 a.m.~ Opening Address by Beverly Ross

9:20-10:30~ "Rules of the Game"

10:30~ "Memoirs of a Songwriter"

11:30~ "Horror Stories From A Songwriter's Perspective"

1:00 p.m.~ Critique sessions

2:40~ Critique sessions

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 04:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Need some furniture at bargain prices? Hit the Cabin Fever Winter Sale this Saturday, February 18th from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Music Road Convention Center on 303 Henderson Chapel Road in Pigeon Forge. Admission is free, and all sale proceeds will help the Music Road Hotel Relay for Life team's effort to raise funds for the American Cancer Society. Items for sale include used hotel furnishings like lamps, chairs, desks, and footstools. Donated clothing, household items and home decor will also be available for purchase. For more details, call 865-286-2244 and ask for Sharon Hurst.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 02:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Do you enjoy saving money while planning tons of fun for your family vacation? Do you like having a huge list of choices for vacation accommodations, activities, eateries and souvenir shopping? Do you relish the good life at great prices? If your answer is YES, then you must visit the PigeonForge.com Vacation Packages page to plan your next trip to the Smokies.

Check out available vacation packages or customize the offers posted to receive discounted admissions, tickets, accommodations, and adventures in the Pigeon Forge area!

You know the destination; now you can tailor your dream vacation from the convenience of your computer or telephone. Visit www.pigeonforge.com/vacations/ today and plan your best vacation.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 01:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The annual Saddle Up! Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee from February 23-26 will feature concerts and narratives by some of America’s finest western musicians, cowboy poets and storytellers. The event features concerts from legendary western cowboy artists including Donnie Blanz, Jim Bowman, Trudy Fair, Charlie Halloway, Chris Isaacs, Brian McRae, Dan Roberts, Amanda Shires, Red Steagall and the Boys in the Bunkhouse, the Quebe Sisters, Dave Stamey, and Andy Wilkinson.

A rousing narrative play “A Way in the West” will be showcased during Saddle Up! as well. This 90 minute, one-act performance consists of six frontier women telling stories of how the wild West shaped their lives. It is a tale of freedom, struggle and triumph, delivered with charm and transparency.

Saddle Up Week is a splendid family event; people of any age can enjoy great storytelling, music and Western entertainment. Cowboy fans will love watching the Cowboy Action Shooting Competition and shopping in the Cowboy Clothing Mart.

Workshops and event schedules are posed on the Winterfest page, to help you plan your Saddle Up! week in Pigeon Forge. While you are in town, visit the many Pigeon Forge theatres during Saddle Up! this year for some wild, wild Western laughs!

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Did you know that many foods you eat daily actually enhance your libido? Aphrodisiacs, named after the Greek goddess of love, beauty and sexual ecstasy, come in many forms. Any food, drink, drug or scent that arouses sexual desire falls into the aphrodisiac category. This Valentine's Day, use an array of aphrodisiacs to heighten the romance with your Valentine! Here are some of the anciently acclaimed foods of love:

Anchovies, Peaches, Pine Nuts, Mussels, Cucumbers, Onions, Chilies, Licorice, Garlic, Saffron, Truffles, Cayenne, Spanish fly, Oysters, Caviar, Chocolate, Coffee, Bananas, Asparagus and Alcohol to lower any inhibitions... The scent of Pumpkin Pie is known to be sexually stimulating to younger men, while older men are stimulated by the smell of Vanilla.

Try whipping up a generous dish of "Chocolate Mousse from the Serpent God" for your Valentine this year. Here's how to make it:

150 g finest quality bitter chocolate

1/4 cup espresso coffee

1/2 tbsp butter

3 yolks and 3 egg whites

Melt the chocolate with the coffee in a double boiler. Stir, and when it forms a cream remove from heat, add the butter and the egg yolks immediately, stirring in well. You must put the egg yolks in while the chocolate is hot to cook them. Cool the chocolate cream and whip the egg whites to stiff peaks. Fold the egg whites into the chocolate cream gently and refrigerate for 24 hours. Remove about half an hour before serving. If you are feeling really indulgent, top with slightly sugared whipped cream.

So, what are your plans for romance tonight?

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 01:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Though the holiday's true origin is shrouded in mystery, many believe Valentine's Day originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D. Historic sources say that Saint Valentine was a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius, who jailed Valentine for defying him. Before his execution, St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had befriended Valentine. He signed the note, "From Your Valentine". In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to remember St. Valentine.

Gradually, St. Valentine became known as the patron saint of lovers and people began to exchange love notes, flowers and gifts on the holiday set aside in Valentine's honor. People often threw parties and balls as well.

Today Valentine's Day has escalated into a grand holiday for lovers, with sometimes extravagant gifts shared, romantic getaways taken, and love kindled in many hearts across the country.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 01:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Raised on a ranch 60 miles outside the nearest town, 33 miles of dirt road separated young Waddie Mitchell from the main road that led to the nearest city. Growing up with no electricity, TV or modern refrigerator and living 14 miles away from the closest neighbors, the old-fashioned ranch life helped Waddie develop his current trade. It was natural, and even expected for everyone to jump in and tell a piece of the stories that were told at night on the ranch. For Waddie Mitchell, storytelling was social interaction with his family and the cowboys that worked for his father.

Little did he know that after 26 years working as a cowboy himself he would end up storytelling for his profession! It all began 20 years ago when he received an invite to the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Now Mitchell has recordings for Warner Bros. Records as well as the Western Jubilee Recording Company; he has performed for audiences around the world and appeared on national television several times. Waddie Mitchell even founded in 1994 the Working Ranch Cowboy Association to create scholarships and crisis funds for working cowboys and their families.

Mitchell was in Pigeon Forge this past weekend for the Smoky Mountain Storytelling Festival. Did you have the chance to listen?

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 03:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Every other year the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts invites select local artisans to exhibit their masterpiece works in the Sevier County Invitational. This year, the display is titled, "A Sense of Place", focusing on each artist's interpretation of the beauty they find in Sevier County. The art chosen is not only visually appealing, but moreover, the works inspire a sense of wonder at the glory captured.

Now is your opportunity to experience the works of regionally-renown Sevier County artists including Jim Gray, Vern Hippensteal, Robert Tino, G. Webb, Terri Waters, Randy Ogle, Amy Evans and Jeff Hale, featured for the first time ever in the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts Sevier County Invitational exhibits. The Sevier County Invitational is shown only every other year and will extend through February 25th in the main Arrowmont gallery, 556 Parkway in Gatlinburg.

The exhibition is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On February 24th a special closing reception is planned from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All art on display is available for purchase. You can contact Karen Green at 865-436-5860 with further inquiries.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 04:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Each February Sevier County residents celebrate Smoky Mountain storytelling heritage in the Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival. Storytelling ancestors of old would spin wild tales combining education with humor to create what is now recognized as traditional mountain art. This year, some of the nation’s best storytellers will perform and instruct workshops at the Pigeon Forge Winterfest Storytelling Festival.

The 2006 Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival will be held in the Country Tonite Theatre this February 2-4. Come and hear your fill of tales, from classic folklore to haunting ghost stories to wild western accounts.

Featured storytellers this year include Waddie Mitchell, an authentic American cowboy poet; Bil Lepp, a professional liar and five-time champion of the West Virginia Liars Contest; and David Holt, musician, storyteller, historian, television host, entertainer and four-time Grammy Award winner. The line up this year has been strategically chosen to produce the most entertaining, most exquisite storytelling festival yet. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.smokymountainstorytellingfestival.com.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 08:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Each year at dawn on February 2, crowds of tourists, locals and journalists gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to watch as the world-famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, sees his shadow... or not. Legend has it, if Phil does see his shadow, six more weeks of winter will to follow. If the hog sees no shadow, then spring is on the way!

This year, Phil did indeed see his shadow. Phil's official forecast, projected at sunrise at Gobbler's Knob reads:

"It is said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
Around the country there are many imitators of me.
In Harrisburg there is Gus who appears on TV working for the lottery.
Then all around town, Cute groundhog statues abound.
They all look like me, I found.
Today on the Knob as I'm doing my job, I don't like this likeness of me.
It's my shadow I see. Six more weeks of mild winter there will be."

If little Phil is correct, United States residents can prepare for six more wintery weeks.

Interestingly enough, Groundhog Day originated in Europe. The Christian holiday was called Candlemas. The legendary animal of Candlemas was a hedgehog, however. The Pilgrims brought the tradition to America and used a groundhog for lack of hedgehogs in the area. The holiday evolved to what we now know as Groundhog Day, observed each year at dawn on February 2nd.

Posted by Jessisa Bookstaff at 04:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)