Pigeon Forge Rental Cabins, Shows and Attractions

Sevier County Fair near Pigeon Forge

Dollywood Opens Mystery Mine Rollercoaster

Discover Exciting Outdoor Adventures in the Smoky Mountains

By Robbin Dean © 2008, All Rights Reserved

The country way of life is undoubtedly quiet, peaceful and serene, right? Lazy evenings sitting on the front porch sipping lemonade just like Sheriff Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show are stereotypically what come to mind. What you might not think of are the exciting outdoor adventures available all throughout the Smoky Mountains.

Camping

Whether you choose to arrange your own backwoods, overnight camping trip or take a more civilized approach by staking your tent at an established campground, there's plenty of room on the mountainside for all! The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the premier place to camp.

Offering 10 developed campgrounds, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) delivers comfortable campsites. According to the official GSMNP website, "Each campground has restrooms with cold running water and flush toilets, but there are no showers or electrical or water hookups in the park. Shower facilities are available in the communities surrounding the national park. Each individual campsite has a fire grate and picnic table."

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Up, up and away! See the Smoky Mountains from a bird's-eye view when you take flight in a colorful hot air balloon. Capture some amazing photos, as you drift slowly over the Smoky Mountains. From lush, rolling hills in summer to a brilliant colorful display in fall to a snow-covered blanket of white in winter, an aerial view of this region is always stunning and memorable.

Add to that the excitement of flying 1,500 to 2,000 feet above ground level and seeing the inner workings of an actual hot air balloon and you have the makings of an afternoon every couple or family will love.

Horseback Trail Riding

One of the best ways to see the Smoky Mountains is via horseback. Because horses are uniquely equipped to maneuver through the trails and over the mountain terrain, they give one of the most exceptional outdoor activities. With the help of a professional guide, you'll enjoy the beauty and fun of riding through open pastures, wooded trails and beautiful streams.

Most companies offer a variety of rides to meet your schedule. All accommodate riders of every experience level from novice to expert.

ATV Adventures

Rather see the Smokies at high speed? Switch gears and mount an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Whether you prefer to take off on your own or follow a guide, ATV adventures are a thrilling experience. Along level trails and paths or up daring and challenging slopes, ATVs can go almost anywhere you have the guts to go.

Whitewater Rafting

If speed and water make for your idea of fun, book a whitewater rafting trip on the Pigeon River. With almost every level of rapids (from calm to insane!), you and your family can encounter heart-pounding excitement like you've never thought possible. Choose the length of trip and the level of exhilaration that are just right for you.

Being outdoors doesn't just mean quiet walks in the woods. If you want to kick it up a notch during this vacation, then head to the Smokies for some tremendous outdoor adventures.

Robbin Dean is a Reservations Agent for Smoky Mountain Resorts offering Pigeon Forge motels including comfortable lodging and the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountains.

Shop Till You Drop in The Smoky Mountains

By Robbin Dean © 2008, All Rights Reserved

Shopping at home is a necessity. Shopping while on vacation is sheer excitement! In fact, many people bring an extra, empty suitcase with them in order to have room for all the souvenirs and bargains they might find. The Smoky Mountains is no exception. With plenty of outlets, local specialty stores and craft fairs, your head will be spinning over the delights you'll find. Toss in a tax-free weekend here and there and the adrenaline levels really rise! So, find a Smoky Mountain hotel and settle in for a weekend of shopping.

Old Mill Village - Pigeon Forge, TN

What a unique setting. Old Mill Village is home to a 170 year old working mill. The central place where local villagers congregated for generations, this popular spot was converted into a store, restaurant and shopping village. Today the mill still produces products that are sold to visitors as well as jams, country ham and other delicious temptations while the restaurant serves up good ole home cookin' like momma used to make.

Shopping at the Village opens the doors to wonderful finds including candles, angels, children's clothing, gourmet coffee, crafts and more.

Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet

Locally known as the "Red Roof Mall," Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet is open year round and is convenient to both Gatlinburg and Sevierville. You'll find many of your favorite brands represented under the red roof, each selling its wares at deep discounts.

Take advantage of the savings at Bass Factory Outlet, Oneida Factory Outlet, Pfaltzgraff Clearance Center, Angels Dolls & Gifts and more. For the fellas, you'll find plenty to pique your interest at Gadjitz & Tools, Wallet Works and Tools & More.

Downtown Gatlinburg

The shops of downtown Gatlinburg combine with a village-like setting to create a shopping experience like no other. Stroll along the sidewalks at a leisurely pace as you peek in the windows of each store. With over 500 shops, you'll find unique gems from talented local artists who produce wonderful pottery, artwork, jewelry, ceramics, leatherworks, candles, woodcrafts and so much more.

Unlike at chain stores, you can speak directly with the shop owners and artists about the delightful array of products they sell. The experience itself is as exciting as the treasures you'll find.

Tax-Free Weekends

What could make a shopping weekend in the Smokies even more special? Free sales tax! March 21-23 and August 1-3, 2008 bring special excitement because the Tennessee Department of Revenue has declared these as tax-free weekends. Selected items are exempt from incurring the usual 7% state sales tax including hiking boots, wedding gowns, ski bibs, camping clothes and other things you'll find useful during a Smoky Mountains visit.

Whether it's during family vacation or a girl's weekend getaway, shopping in the Smoky Mountains always delivers rare finds and enormous bargains. Make your plans today… and don't forget that extra suitcase!

WEBSITE:

Robbin Dean is a Reservations Agent for Smoky Mountain Resorts offering Pigeon Forge hotels and motels including comfortable lodging and the most popular attractions in the Smoky Mountains. Visit  www.smokymountainresorts.travel today for details.

Christmas in the Smoky Mountains

With Halloween upon us and Thanksgiving just around the corner, it's time to
start planning Christmas Vacation! The Smoky Mountains offers a lot to do
and see. Winterfest is held from November 6th to February 28th with
millions of festival lights to brighten the town. Pigeon Forge, Sevierville
and Gatlinburg all offer Trolley Tours so you can park your car and
experience the spectacular show in its fullest.

Dollywood has its own version of Christmas time in the Smokies as well, with
thousands of lights, several shows to entertain any age and activities for
the whole family. Many other attractions in the area offer Christmas-themed
shows or events, including Black Bear jamboree, Dixie Stampede and The
Miracle Theater. Ober Gatlinburg offers skiing, snowboarding and indoor ice
skating. The aerial tramway to Ober Gatlinburg is an experience in itself -
going several hundred feet over mountains to reach your skiing destination.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is amazingly beautiful and
breathtaking with scenic views and many animals and places to see. Cades
Cove is a historical preservation that includes houses, barns, etc from
years gone by. Clingman's Dome, the highest point of the Park, is located on
the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. The view from the
observation tower at Clingman's Dome is worth the effort of the uphill hike.

Overall, whether it's the attractions of the Parkway or the grandeur of the
National Park, the Smoky Mountain area continues to thrive with festivals,
shows, and outdoor adventure throughout the winter months. It is a
wonderful time of year with so much to see and do. It's family fun not to
be missed!