Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

A shuttle service between Cherokee, N.C., and Gatlinburg that started in April 2006 is doing so well it is expected to expand its services to include a stop in Pigeon Forge starting in spring 2008.

The shuttle currently picks up passengers daily at traffic light three, in front of the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, from 9:30 to 10 a.m.; 2 to 2:30 p.m.; and 5:30 to 6 p.m. During summer, there is also an evening run for passengers going to the outdoor drama in Cherokee, and passengers are deposited and picked up at the theater. In winter, the service does not operate at night, but continues to run daily as long as Newfound Gap Road through Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open.

Evelyn Locust, a driver for the shuttle, said that although a lot of people in Cherokee asked for the service to get to Gatlinburg, many Gatlinburg tourists have found the service to be a great way to get to Cherokee without having to drive the twisting mountain road. Other benefits of the service are that it eases traffic congestion, and therefore traffic pollution in the national park.

Each trip over the mountain includes a stop at Newfound Gap so that riders may stretch their legs or take some pictures. It is also an opportunity for hikers on the Appalachian Trail to catch a ride to town to re-supply.
Tickets are available from the driver, and the fee is $12 per person roundtrip; $10 per person roundtrip for groups of three or more people; and $10 per person for senior citizens age 60 and over. For those planning to ride one way and stay overnight, the fee is $7. For more information about the service please call 828.497.5296.

Posted by Trista at 04:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Sevierville is first to kick off Smoky Mountain Winterfest with the annual “Music, Lights, and Magic” event on November 6, at the Municipal Complex. This event is free to the public and will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. featuring local dance troupes and choirs, free food, children’s games, fireworks and more.

This year’s event will include the all-new Enchanted Forest, a display of Christmas trees donated by area businesses to benefit local charities. The Enchanted Forest will be on display inside the Civic Center on November 6. Another new addition is a lighting display synchronized to music. This new display, which includes snowmen, large trees and music, will start after the traditional lighting countdown. Other event highlights include photo opportunities with Santa Claus.

Sevierville City officials will also provide activities for children. The Fire Department will bring the interactive Patches and Pumper (a miniature fire truck driven by a remote controlled Dalmatian), and the Police Department will offer safety fingerprinting. Eagle’s Landing Golf Course will also host a children’s putting green.

Now in its 18th year, Winterfest is celebrated throughout Sevierville, Pigeon Forge,and Gatlinburg. The four-month celebration features millions of winter lights displayed through February 29.

Posted by Trista at 03:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)