Summer in Gatlinburg means that the hugely popular Tunes and Tales has begun, running from June 9 through August 12, 2017, and now in its 12th year. Highly talented musicians, performers, actors and artisans offer live music, storytelling and interaction in small performance groups at unknown spots along Parkway, starting at 6 pm each evening.
Image courtesy of Barbara Weibel video footage of Tunes and Tales
The annual peak viewing of the Synchronous Fireflies at Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park begins May 30, 2017 and runs through June 6. This annual event is unique in North America and very rare in the world, matched only in southeast Asia. A species of firefly flashes its light in sync with thousands of its fellow fireflies.
People come from all over the world to see it, and viewing space is very limited, and controlled by the rangers of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which holds the premium location to view this event. This year more than 18,000 people applied for one of the 1,800 parking spaces, and on May 10 the lucky winners were notified. For 8 days, by car, van, bus and city trolley these people are allowed into this very special event.
It’s that time of year, again, when beautiful weather, festivals, food, and fun are on the calendar of events in Tennessee. One upcoming event has the winning combination of barbeque, bluegrass, and the excitement of Dollywood added into the mix. For non-stop fun, entertainment, and palate-pleasing barbeque, make plans to attend the food and music fest May 26 through June 4, 2017.
Image courtesy of Dollywood
Pack your dancing boots and a healthy appetite and cruise over to Sevierville, TN for the town’s yearly Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival! This two-day fest is a great street party held on Friday and Saturday, May 19-20, 2017 in downtown Sevierville, just a few miles up the road from Pigeon Forge.
The festival is packed to the brim with family friendly activities and great tasting food. And music – as you stroll past the participating booths, you can enjoy some of the best traditional and modern bluegrass and country music the Smokies has to offer.
Images courtesy of the Festival
The Townsend Spring Festival fills the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” with bluegrass music for 2 days on May 5-6, 2017. The air also fills with the smell of food and the sights of arts & crafts, children’s attractions, and a super friendly and relaxed crowd of happy families and friends celebrating this beautiful area at the gateway to Cades Cove.
May gets underway as usual this year with a grand event in Pigeon Forge, as Dolly Parton returns as grand marshal to lead the 32nd Annual Homecoming Parade, on May 5, 2017. The free parade starts at 6 pm at Traffic Light #6, and proceeds – with maximum fanfare, color and spectacle – north along Parkway to Traffic Light #3.
Image courtesy of Dolly Parton
If you’re heading to the Smoky Mountains for a mini vacation, a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay, and you haven’t decided where to unpack your suitcases, consider the comfort and quiet of a rental cabin. While hotels are nice, there are many reasons why reserving a private cabin is the best bargain in town – and with the beauty of the mountains as close as your own back deck.
Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, celebrating a special event, or just wanting to get away for a relaxing and romantic weekend, consider the reasons to choose a luxury rental cabin in the mountains.
Worship and religion have played a significant role in shaping the people, culture, and activities of the Smoky Mountains. In the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, from wedding chapels to church services to religious attractions, there are a variety of ways that you and your family can celebrate, learn, and worship during your visit.
Religion and worship are vitally important to many people throughout the southern U.S., and the Smoky Mountains region is no exception. In fact, worship in this area has often taken on extra significance thanks to the grandeur of the landscape, itself teeming with life and creation.
Easter Sunrise worship on the mountain at Ober Gatlinburg
Easter weekend 2017 in the Smoky Mountains brings excitement, celebration and worship. Here’s what’s happening and where to find it.
Kids, get some sleep on Friday night because Saturday morning, April 15, 2017, the Easter Egg hunt gets underway at 10:30 am in Pigeon Forge. The hunt is in Patriot Park – always a great place to visit and take a breather from the rest of the bustle on the strip.
The 67th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage occurs April 11-15, 2017. This five-day event draws thousands of people from around the world to catch the short-lived appearance of millions of wildflowers bursting up through the forest floor of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Images courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains Association
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.
