Yearly Archives: 2016

Top Things To Do With Kids in the Smokies: Part 1 – Fun & Games

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have incredible kids attractions that educate and entertain at once. Kids and adults as a family can experience the wonders of history, science, and record-setting human feats at these top venues for fun, family field trips.

Kids full of energy? Give them the big adventure of being here in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Even getting around is fun – families in the know hop on the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Trolley and skip the traffic.

image courtesy of Aquarium of the Smokies

image courtesy of Aquarium of the Smokies

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It’s the 17th Annual Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival 2016

The Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival is one of the best festivals in the Smoky Mountains, and almost unheard of. This year the 3-day festival happens September 15-17, at the same time as the Rod Run in Pigeon Forge – so if you want to drive a few miles out of town up to Kodak and get away from the snarl, you can trade motors for music.

The Dumplin Valley festival is on a farm with an RV camp, and people book months or even a year ahead of time to be there. The festival is open to day trippers however.

image courtesy of Dumplin Valley Farm

images courtesy of Dumplin Valley Farm

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Fall Rod Run 2016

The street party is back again as Pigeon Forge starts its engines for three days and nights of the 34th Annual Fall Rod Run, Thursday-Saturday, September 15-17, 2016. Some of the fanciest custom wheels in the country gather here for this event, the great American art form known as Cruising the Strip.

The event draws thousands of extra visitors into town, come to mingle in the friendly crowds, and to watch the gleaming chrome and paint jobs slowly driving by.There’s lot of muscle on display too, with plenty of supercharged motors loping at low revs, and straining for the highway.

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Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup 2016

It’s the first weekend after Labor Day, which means for the 34th year running, the annual Shades Of The Past Hot Rod Roundup is coming to Pigeon Forge. The event is held again in Dollywood’s Splash Country grounds, Friday and Saturday, September 9-10, 2016.

Image courtesy of Shades of the Past

Images courtesy of Shades of the Past

Hundreds of amazing vehicles with gleaming paint and lots of muscle – and all of a vintage no later than 1972 – will again gather from all over to show off their lines and celebrate some of America’s best cars ever built. There will be multiple awards and a Second Prize of $10,000 – with the First prize again a ’32 Ford Hi-Boy Roadster, custom built by Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop, a famous native Tennessee operation.

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Gatlinburg Sky Lift

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Images courtesy of the Sky Lift

If you’re looking for breathtaking, panoramic views of Gatlinburg, TN and the surrounding Smoky Mountains, opt for the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. One of the most popular attractions in Gatlinburg, the Sky Lift offers an uplifted excursion for the whole family.

The Sky Lift takes passengers 1,800 feet high atop Crockett Mountain, which many people call Gatlinburg’s #1 scenic overlook. From the ride up and the top you can see downtown Gatlinburg’s attractions – maybe you can even see your cabin!

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The Island in Pigeon Forge

Located just a few miles up the road from Gatlinburg, TN, The Island in Pigeon Forge is an oasis of fun, food and shopping for you and the entire family. The Island in Pigeon Forge entertainment complex is made up of more than 60 retailer stores and specialty shops, along with 14 restaurants and snack bars, 19 amusement attractions and 1 large hotel.

Anchor the car at the Island for the day during your stay in the area – there’s lots to do just within walking distance. Book a cabin nearby and schedule a day for the family to explore The Island in Pigeon Forge. The amenities are all located on the same grounds: places to eat or get a snack, abundant shopping options, cool attractions – all family-friendly, convenient and fun.

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How far is Gatlinburg From Memphis?

Memphis to Gatlinburg is a 433-mile, fun-filled road trip through Tennessee to the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The quickest way is also the best, taking Interstate 40, the corridor connecting West and East Tennessee. Enjoy these cool discoveries along your way, most located just 1-to-2 miles off the interstate.

Music between Memphis and Nashville

Tina Turner fans will enjoy cranking her greatest hits on their way to tour the Tina Turner Museum in Brownsville, TN. Wild wigs and shiny dresses are optional. Many such items are in residence, donated by the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” herself – all housed in the country school house where she attended grade school.
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Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival 2016

Images courtesy of SMSF

Images courtesy of SMSF

The 5th Annual Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival is on again now in Gatlinburg, TN, August 24-28, 2016. This event continues each year to gain in popularity, and fills the town with live music and the unique opportunity to meet the writers of the hit songs, to engage in workshops and co-authoring, and to hear the stories behind the legends, from the people on the inside of the music industry.

Cabins of the Smoky Mountains is proud to be a sponsor of this great event, and we’ve been covering it from its beginning. Knowing the background to a song and something about the songwriter opens up a world of appreciation that you may never have experienced before, and one that stays with you, ever after.

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Free Things to do in Gatlinburg, TN

You can find plenty of fun and free things to do in Gatlinburg, TN. Along with people-watching from the free trolley or a window-shopping stroll along the bustling Parkway, visitors enjoy free entry to every attraction inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park – the only national park in the country with free admission. There are multiple scenic motoring and hiking excursions nearby.

Here are some points of interest that are both free of charge and potentially some of your most splendid memories during your stay.

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Savory Solutions by Chef Jeremy: a Personal Chef for Your Cabin Vacation

One of the many benefits of staying in a cabin in the Smoky Mountains is having your own kitchen, which saves a lot of vacation time and money going out to eat. If you think that’s good, how about having a personal chef to cook dinner for you and your group, in your cabin?

It’s all possible thanks to Chef Jeremy and his Savory Solutions company. Did you know you could throw an elegant dinner party in your vacation cabin, even if you don’t want to cook? Now that’s a relaxing getaway!

image courtesy of Savory Solutions

image courtesy of Savory Solutions

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