Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

They say that in the summertime, living is easy. That may be true when you’re vacationing in Pigeon Forge, TN, but there’s nothing easy about sweltering under a hot summer sun. Fortunately for visitors to Pigeon Forge and the Great Smoky Mountains, there’s no shortage of ways to keep cool in spite of the soaring temperatures.

In fact, Pigeon Forge is a true oasis of cool. Want proof? Think of Dolly’s Splash Country in Pigeon Forge. With over 23 water adventure slides and thrill rides, and a giant wave pool and lazy river, it's hard to think of anything cooler than a water park. Of course, in the Smokies, you can keep cool in more ways than one. How about a day on the water at Douglas Lake? Bring your Jet Ski or boat out to the Sevier County Park and enjoy the sparkling water and lush greenery of Douglas Reservoir, set against the background of the Great Smoky Mountains. It's hard to be too hot when you're surrounded by so much water, and no place has more water than this lovely lake on the French Broad River. Upstream from the reservoir on the Pigeon River, cool water rushes down from the mountains for the enjoyment of adventure seekers who raft the river. Or for a more relaxing trip down the river, try tubing. You don't need AC when you're leisurely drifting down the Little Pigeon River. Continue upstream and you'll find yourself in the cool shade of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where thousands upon thousands of tiny streams and cool brooks fill the valleys. Fed by deep springs high in the mountains, these cool waters are the perfect escape from summer heat. Swimming in the Smokies is great fun, you can even snorkel and see trout! If getting your feet wet isn't your style, slip into some waders and enjoy trout fishing. Trout are just a few of the many animals and plants in the Smokies that require cold temperatures to survive, and the Park's high elevations help to provide it. In fact, if you hike in the higher elevations in the Smokies, you will enjoy temperatures that average 10 degrees below those in the valley. For a cool high elevation Smokies hike, try the Chimney Tops trail on Newfound Gap Road, or the Clingman's Dome overlook trail on Clingman's Dome Road. And don't forget that even though natural AC abounds in Pigeon Forge, so too does the AC in the area's many outlet malls. Feel and look cool this summer by planning a stop at the Tanger Outlet in Sevierville or the Belz Factory Outlet Mall and Red Roof Outlet Mall in Pigeon Forge, all complete with icy air conditioned comfort and cool summer savings from hundreds of brand names. So there you have it. Pigeon Forge is the best way to keep cool this summer, so make your summertime getaway easy with PigeonForge.com.

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

Dolly Parton. When you hear her name, what comes to mind? Music, movies, amusement park rides, parades, spectacular Christmas displays, fashion, sequins??

The truth is, Dolly is an American icon, extremely diverse in talent and entrepreneurial endeavors. Read all the details and, "All About Dolly", on the www.PigeonForge.com Dolly Parton page! If you are a huge fan, or if you have never experienced Dolly's creations, you can check out classic Dolly works (music, movies, and her book Coat of Many Colors), available for purchase on the Dolly page.

Today the "Favorite Daughter of the Smokies" continues to work hard in music and with the famous Dollywood amusement park. The new TimberTower ride recently opened, and Dollywood continues to offer new, exciting thrills and shops for visitors to enjoy. Some of her recent albums include the 2001 released "Little Sparrow", "Halos and Horns" from 2002, and "For God and Country" released in 2003.

In April of 2004, Dolly Parton was awarded the Living Legend Medal by the American Library of Congress; she must be something special! Read what some of her very best fans have to say about Dolly, the Smoky Mountain Legend:

"We have been visiting pigeon Forge for many years, and each time a new grand-daughter is born, I give her a Dolly dress. I have pictures of all my grand-daughters in their dresses. I even bought pageant dresses for one of them. My husband and I are 65 years old and we have visited Dollywood every year since it has opened; we always vacationed in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg and stayed at Watson’s motel until it was sold. We enjoyed it so much when it was open. If I was to move any where it would be Tennessee.”
~Beverly

"Yes, we do enjoy Dolly Parton’s music. It is down home and warm-hearted singing. She has such a beautiful voice that anyone can recognize without being introduced. Along with her music she has the best smile around."
~Bec

"I have loved Dolly's music since I was five years old, and I'm 25 now. So many people can really relate to her songs; she has one for everyone. She has so many good songs; it's hard to pick my favorite. I have every album of hers and I really wish she would still tour some more or at least put on more shows in Dollywood. I also love your newsletter; great job!"
~LaResa

"I love Dolly's music. I went to one of her concerts about a year ago and it was the best. She is so personal with the audience. I would go again today."
~Kathy

"I, we, love Dolly Parton's music. Everything she sings I like. I am always changing the radio channel when we arrive in Pigeon Forge and ride down the parkway. It just seems so much better riding down the parkway listening to a Dolly Parton song. I have so many favorites; "Coat of Many Colors" and "I will Always Love You" are definitely two of my favorites. Anytime her music comes on the radio, especially in the car, the volume goes up. She just seems to speak to all walks of life from hard times growing up until now. I visit the Smokies at least 3-4 times a year and I always secretly hope I will see her out and about, in her Hometown."
~Tom

"Dear Newsletter,
Of course we still love Dolly's music. I went to see her live at Glasgow (Scotland); she was terrific. My favorite cd's are "Hungry Again", "Treasures", "Little Sparrow", "The Grass is Blue", "Slow Dancing With the Moon", and, of course, "The Ultimate Collection". The best part is we are line dancers and were Country Music fans first, so we get to use all our favorite tracks to dance to. Thanks Dolly!"
~Fan from the hills in Scotland, Christina

"COULD YOU KINDLY FORWARD THIS EMAIL MESSAGE PERSONALLY TO DOLLY PARTON ASAP?!! She must get thousands of such requests but it is my feeling that she would be very interested in seeing this one:

I am a WWII U.S. Army Air Corp. veteran and member of the 320th Bomb Group. During the war, our Bomb Group served in North Africa, Sardinia, Corsica, France, and in Germany after the Germans surrendered. Last September I became President of the 320th Bomb Group Association, which holds annual reunions in different cities around the United States each year. When I learned that we would be meeting Nashville, I told our group that I was going to do everything possible to get Dolly Parton to visit us. I know they all thought, 'Yeah, right!'

Unfortunately there are not too many of us old timers left but I can assure you the ones remaining in our group are still very sharp and fun-loving. There are sons, daughters, and grandchildren of the veterans who also attend our reunions and swell our total attendees to approximately 130. I would have tried to get in touch with you sooner but unfortunately I was diagnosed with Lymphoma and have been hospitalized and receiving chemotherapy. I still keep going because I’m a 'TOF' – which stands for Tough Old Fart!

I remember reading a few years ago that the American Legion honored you with the 'Good Guy' Award. It left a very nice impression with me when I read how much you appreciated the award.

Miss Dolly Parton, do you know what it would mean to our group of veterans if you just walked in to one of our sessions while we are in Nashville, September 1-3, 2006. We are staying at the Sheraton Music City, 777 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN. If you could come and give one of your enchanting smiles to our group, it is something we would brag about until our dying day.

If there is any possibility of your coming to our reunion – even for a 15 minute appearance – it would mean so very much to me personally and to the rest of the veterans. My wife was a public relations professional before retiring, and she could certainly do some good publicity if this were to happen.

If your assistant or representative could contact me regarding the possibility of your appearance, I would be eternally grateful. Thank you so very much."
~John Metzen, President 2005-2006
WWII 320th Bomb Group Association

So, there you have it. Dolly means the world to so many people around the world! What do you think of Dolly Parton? Send us your thoughts!

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

The last month has seen two incidents involving contact between black bears and humans in the Pigeon Forge area. In Gatlinburg, one individual was hospitalized after he was swatted by a mother bear defending her cubs. A second individual shot a bear to death on his porch after encountering a bear looking for food. Both incidents were preventable, and although neither resulted in serious injury, any encounter with a bear has the potential for grave consequences. The importance of being “Bear Aware” cannot be underemphasized for visitors and residents of the Pigeon Forge area.

The danger to both humans and bears is real. In the last 100 years, there have been 56 attacks by black bears in the United States. Two incidents caused fatalities in East Tennessee. Bears’ lives are threatened by human encounters as well: bears accustomed to finding garbage often must be killed by wildlife management officials. Bears are a danger to themselves and others when they rely on scavenging for garbage. For this reason, it is critical that those who share the mountains with bears be vigilant in securing garbage so bears cannot get to it. If bears cannot access garbage or other food rewards, they will not venture into human areas.

Bears are naturally shy and will make an effort to avoid humans when they have not learned to eat human foods. A tempting treat for bears, garbage should never be left where a bear can get to it. To protect yourself and to protect the bears, follow these guidelines for bear safety:

• Do not leave garbage outdoors overnight. Bears are active at night and will discover the garbage.
• Secure garbage in a sturdy building or a bear-resistant trash container.
• Do not leave pet food where bears can find it.
• Keep bird feeders out of the reach of bears.
• Keep grills and other cooking equipment clean and grease-free, or store where bears cannot get to it.

In the Pigeon Forge area, it is possible to encounter a bear anywhere you go. When you enter the wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains, your chances of meeting a bear increase. Campers, hikers, and even motorists can encounter bears. For your safety, and for the safety of the bears, follow these precautions:

Bear Aware in Campgrounds and Picnic Areas:

• Do not cook or store food in or near your tent; cook away from sleeping areas.
• Keep your camp clean, and place all refuse in bear-resistant receptacles, where available. Minimize food odors wherever possible.
• Do not store items that bears can smell inside your tent, including deodorant, toothpaste, and soap. Place these items in a secure place, or hang them out of the reach of bears. Combine this practice with placing your “smell-ables” in an air-tight container to minimize odors for additional safety. In the Smokies, backcountry camping sites are equipped with hangers to hoist your pack safely out of the reach of bears.
• Pack out your garbage when you leave.
• Do not feed bears! Don’t contribute to a bad habit that can endanger the bear and others.
• Avoid risking your pets in areas where bears are present. A recent bear attack in the Pigeon Forge area resulted when a dog jumped out of a car and approached a bear and her two cubs. The bear scooped the dog away from the cubs, and the dog’s owner attempted to rescue the dog by kicking the bear. The bear then swatted the man, and he was sent to the emergency room. Your pets must be secure at all times!

Bear Aware On the Trail or in the Backcountry:

• Avoid sneaking up on bears. Bears do not like surprises! When hiking through bear country, make noise when you cannot see the trail ahead well. Talk loudly or sing to make your presence known. Consider wearing a bell; many hikers place bells on their shoelaces.
• Hiking in a group helps alert bears that you are in the area.
• Bears are most active at dawn and dusk. Avoid hiking during these times.
• Be on the lookout for evidence of bears, including droppings, prints, and scratch marks.
• Do not hike with a pet. Pets can attract bears to you or provoke an attack.
• Learn and obey the rules and regulations of the wilderness and other areas you're hiking in. Start by visiting the Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg.

If you Encounter a Bear:

• Remain CALM and avoid sudden movements.
• Do not approach any bear. Bears like to be left alone, and will feel threatened if you get too close. If the bear is threatened, it may act to defend itself or cubs.
• You will know when a bear feels threatened if it changes its natural behavior. You are too close to the bear if it stops feeding, foraging, or moving. Respect the bear’s comfort zone and keep your distance.
• If you violate the bear’s comfort zone, it may run away, but it may also react defensively. If it is afraid of you, the bear may “bluff” and charge. Remain calm, stand still and slowly back away when the bear stops if this happens.
• Do NOT run from a bear. Black Bears can run at 30 mph. You cannot outrun a black bear, and you might encourage it to chase you by running.
• Slowly back away from a bear without losing sight of the bear.
• Appear to be larger by holding your arms out at your side.
• If the bear attempts to approach you, throw something at it, such as a stone or stick. Attempt this as a last resort, do not provoke the bear. Use a large stick to fend off an agressive bear. Throw any possession to distract the bear, such as a camera, if the bear does not retreat. A bear that shows no natural fear of humans is rare. Such a bear is also dangerous and should be reported to authorities.

Remember to be Bear Aware while you are in the Pigeon Forge area. Your safety and the safety of one of the most magnificent inhabitants of the Smokies, the Black Bear, depends on it.

Posted by at 02:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Next Generation Ministries presents the 10th Annual Jesus Rally, a time where speakers, musicians, and any interested ears can gather and be encouraged by the gospel message. The rally begins July 12th and lasts through the 15th. Each evening programs run from 8 to 9:30 p.m. at Riverbend Campground (just off the Parkway at traffic light #1) in Pigeon Forge.

The rally is free and everyone is welcome to attend! Listed below are the speakers scheduled for this year's event.

Scheduled speakers include:

Wednesday: Adrian Despres
Thursday: Roger Palmer
Friday: Justin Terry
Saturday: Anthony Kendell

Roger Williams & The All Mixed-Up Quartet will provide wonderful music for worship and to soothe the soul. You can also look forward to special music, drama, and testimony each night. Call 865-453-1224 with questions.

And, ponder this, that in "…The weariness of life, the pain, the profound loneliness and hovering fear of meaninglessness. Yet in the midst of this desolation we find Jesus, triumphant over death and still shockingly alive…. In him we have a vibrancy of life, and a firm compassion that does not deny our suffering but transforms and illuminates it..." ~Frederica Mathewes-Green

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On July 7th and 8th, Cosby, Tennessee is the place to be for the Red, White & Bluegrass Celebration! Hosted by Treasures of Appalachia, the arts and crafts festival includes music, food, and the region's best artisans and crafters.

You will be able to learn about bandsaw lumber milling with Larry Lindsey of White Pine; Tony Holt of Del Rio will present a Smoky Mountain honey display complete with live bees; at 10:30 Saturday morning you can attend a hand-forged knife making demonstration by Len Landrum of Cosby; at 2 p.m. Friday and 12:30 and 3 p.m. Saturday Landrum will show visitors how to make copper roses by heat treating; a scrapbooking workshop will be held on Friday and Saturday ($2 fee); and the Red Cross Lakeway are a chapter will provide information on heat stroke and how to avoid heat-related injuries. River rafting equipment will also be on display for any curious water lovers!

The festival will be held on the grounds of Treasures of Appalachia, a non-profit art and craft gallery in Cosby, Tennessee. The address is 3892 Highway 321, located just north of the Jones Cove Road intersection. For more information, call 423-487-3111 Monday-Saturday.

Posted by at 04:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)