Wears Valley offers a tranquil alternative to the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg bustle, and many visitors to the Smoky Mountains choose this “quiet side of the Smokies” for their stay. The area offers great views of the mountains, proximity to Cades Cove, and easier access to Great Smoky Mountains National Park through Townsend than through Gatlinburg.
The town of Townsend – “on the quiet side of the Smokies” – offers its annual winter festival, Smoky Mountain Snowdown, January 26-29, 2017. The festival features live music, lots of food including a Chili Cook off, expert history of the area presented in tales and tunes, as well as arts & crafts from the local artisan community as it shows some of its best moves.
Townsend for many people is the gateway to Cades Cove, and this festival is a celebration of the heritage and natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and especially of Cades Cove, rich in history and lore. Music and art will demonstrate East Tennessee culture, deep and old and yet completely modern and present.
Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are full of things to do, places to go, and definitely things to “see” like the creative mirror mazes where things aren’t always what they seem. Find out more about these attractions with a little “reflection” on what each maze has to offer. Each attraction is open daily.
Amazing Mirror Maze – 919 Parkway, Gatlinburg
Amazing is exactly what to expect when entering the Amazing Mirror Maze, the largest in Gatlinburg at over 2,400 square feet. Challenge your senses as you enjoy the visual journey of a state-of-the-art show with colorful lights and pulsating music. With so many images leading the way, you won’t know which way to turn, which is the whole point of the maze.
Images courtesy of St. Somewhere Spa
Relax at a spa during your stay in the Smoky Mountains. If you’re staying in one of our Pigeon Forge cabins, try the St. Somewhere Spa in Pigeon Forge, or simply bring the spa services to your cabin. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is world famous for both its spectacular mountain scenery and the town’s warm and welcoming resort experience. This has made it a highly popular destination for a relaxing getaway for both single visitors and families.
Visitors tend to spend their days on their feet, either taking in Pigeon Forge’s numerous local attractions or hiking in the nearby Smoky Mountains National Park. After a long and active day, what could be better than treating yourself to a relaxing spa session? There are a number of spas to choose from, including the St. Somewhere Spa. This spa is a part of The Island, a shopping and entertainment center located right in downtown Pigeon Forge on the banks of the Little Pigeon river.
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As Christmas gives way to the New Year, here in January 2017 the winter fun just keeps ramping up. The millions of lights in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge continue to shine brightly, the trolley tours of the best lights continue, the snow comes down, the skiing heats up, and cabin deals abound with Half-Price offers on remaining cabins for those who can make a trip at short notice for a winter getaway.
Winterfest in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville means millions of decorative lights, some in animated displays, strung everywhere and sparkling through the end of February. In Gatlinburg the story of Winter Magic is the same, featuring crystal-clear LED displays, and lasting through the end of January.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge boast some of the finest and most diverse shopping opportunities in the region. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the surrounding areas are teeming with a variety of stores, from small artisan boutiques to world-famous brand flagship stores.The next time you’re in town be sure to reserve time for some outstanding shopping experiences.
No matter what time of year the two of you are planning your wedding day, the Smoky Mountains provide an abundance of atmosphere, elegance, and sheer beauty to enhance the special event. With the mountains as a scenic backdrop along with lush landscape, privacy, and exceptional accommodations, romance is guaranteed to fill the air from morning until night.
Smoky Mountains Setting
Choosing the perfect setting and season is at the top of the list when planning a wedding. Whether you choose Cupid’s month of February when mountain vistas and cool breezes abound or you prefer the busier months of May and June when the Smoky Mountains are bursting with colorful and fragrant flowers and trees, Smoky Mountain weddings are magical and create the perfect atmosphere for your wedding day.
Image courtesy of Carles-Witt Event Planners
Pigeon Forge has earned its reputation as one of the most hospitable and friendly towns in Tennessee – we have many Pigeon Forge cabins available for accommodation. Families with pets love to stay here, soaking in its mix of a festive attitude and peaceful, pet-friendly attractions.
Drive a short ways southeast of Knoxville and the city life melts away into a whole new world. Pigeon Forge, cupped in the foothills of the Appalachians and nestled against the entrance of the National Park, is a charming and family-friendly town that makes an ideal home base for exploring these mountains. (more…)
Let’s have some bluegrass for Christmas! It’s time for the Christmas In The Smokies Bluegrass Festival again, happening in Pigeon Forge December 7-10, 2016. Led by Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, the festival features a host of great performers at Smoky Mountain Convention Center at 4010 Parkway (close to Light #8) in Pigeon Forge.
Tickets are available at the door (including a general admission ticket), and the music starts at 5 pm on Wednesday the 7th. Shows start at 4 pm on Thursday, and 11 am on Friday & Saturday. And on Friday there’s a late-night jam session after the show. This is a family-friendly good time.
With millions upon millions of Christmas lights in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and throughout the area, what are some of the best ways to see them? You can choose to drive yourself around town, take a scenic aerial tram or mountain coaster ride, or take advantage of local holiday transportation and travel by trolley. Here are the best ways to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit and join other revelers for Christmas fun and festivities.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are winter wonderland destinations and both cities will be lighting up the night sky during the holiday season with festive displays and many millions of lights – often animated or synchronized to music – in celebration of Christmas. Each city has scheduled events running from November through January and February.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
We are the one of largest cabin rental agencies in the Smoky Mountains and have been recognized by Southern Living as the Best Family Resort in the Smokies. We manage over 340 cabins in the Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville Tennessee areas. Visit us today and get over $700 of free attraction tickets with your cabin rental.
