Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Darryl

If you wind up visiting the Smokies this weekend, be sure to roll your car windows down as you approach downtown Sevierville. The wonderful aromas that are likely to waft their way into your vehicle may just be enough to detour you from your original travel plans. That’s because the 8th Annual Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass festival is in town this weekend, May 18 and 19.

This family-friendly event will once again bring barbecue teams from all over the United States to Sevierville to compete for $15,000 in cash and prizes and the title of Tennessee State Champion in the Bush’s Best TN State Championship Cook Off. Rounding out the event is toe-tapping bluegrass music, incredible arts and crafts, kids’ games and the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition honoring Sevierville’s favorite hometown girl, Dolly Parton.

On Friday night, you can take a little time to visit with barbecue-cooking teams you’ve seen on cable channels like the Food Network as you stroll through the “Que Zone.” Then make sure you bring a lawn chair for the free bluegrass concerts with rising stars and legends of the bluegrass genre (past headliners have included Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Del McCoury and more).

On Saturday morning, start the day early and watch as championship cook teams turn in their competition meats. Then stay for the announcement of winners at 4pm. During the competition the teams will cook an estimated 2,832 pounds of meat, including 20 pounds of pulled pork, 24 pounds of brisket, 5 pounds of chicken and 10 pounds of ribs each.

Admission and concerts are free. And make sure that your accommodations are easily accessible to Sevierville by choosing from our selection of Great Smoky Mtns. cabin rentals.

Posted in Sevierville | Leave a comment

Shopping in Gatlinburg

Posted on May 9, 2012 by Darryl

It may not have the outlet malls, but Gatlinburg is still a rich mine to be explored when it comes to retail opportunities in the Smokies.

One of the most sought-after types of merchandise is handmade crafts, and you’ll find those in great quantity at the Great Smokies Arts & Crafts Community, which is a few miles north of downtown off U.S. 321. The eight-mile auto loop is home to dozens of shops, galleries and studios, where skilled artisans pursue their crafts. Naturally, there’s plenty of handiwork for sale—everything from pottery and woodwork to paintings and sculpture.

You’ll find lots more Gatlinburg shopping downtown, which is packed with even more craft stores and art galleries as well as souvenir shops, specialty boutiques and even places to purchase food items like homemade fudge and saltwater taffy.

Don’t forget that the big attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium, Christ in the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg and Cooter’s Place have their own gift shops featuring specially-themed merchandise.

Posted in Gatlinburg | Leave a comment

Get Out Of The Car!

Posted on May 4, 2012 by Darryl

Any seasoned Smoky Mountain visitor knows that as the weather improves and Memorial Day and summer approach, traffic starts to get a little heavier in the cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. On some weekends, especially when there’s a car show in town or some other holiday-related event, the going can get very slow, sometimes turning what should be a pleasant family outing into a contentious test of nerves and patience.

One great way to eliminate some of the hassle is to consider alternative methods of transportation. These may not get you where you’re going any quicker, but it can help eliminate some of the frustrations that can come with sitting behind the wheel, stuck in traffic.

First, consider taking a trolley. The cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg both have their own trolley systems, offering a variety of routes that cover just about any major section of town you’d want to visit, whether it’s the outlet malls in Sevierville, Dollywood in Pigeon Forge or the Arts & Crafts Community in Gatlinburg. Fares range from 50 cents to $2 per person, depending on the route and the destination. Trolleys are heated for comfort in winter.

Another option is to go on foot. Walking is great exercise (not a bad idea when you’re eating big on vacation!), and it can come in especially handy if you’re staying in any of the Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg hotels, which are often located near many of the major attractions, shops and restaurants that vacationers like to visit.

Posted in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge | Leave a comment

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Darryl

As winter fades and the colors of spring begin to sparkle throughout the Smokies, Gatlinburg blossoms into the center of all things botanical during Great Smoky Mountain Association’s 62nd annual Wildflower Pilgrimage.

From April 25 to 29, everyone from the serious botanist to the weekend gardener can experience unprecedented access to some of the nation’s leading botanical experts as well as Appalachian wildlife authorities. Through seminars and intimate guided tours, each participant will expand his or her skills and knowledge of the unmatched flora and fauna of the Smokies.

The Wildflower Pilgrimage, which dates to 1951, offers over 150 programs including an array of instructional walks and guided hiking tours tailored to meet individual walking skill ability, along with demonstrations and guest lecturers. These tours showcase the abundant varieties of wildflowers, plants, ferns, mosses, trees and shrubs, as well as birds, reptiles and amphibians, all native to the Great Smoky Mountains.

A photography contest is open to the public featuring Flora, Fauna and Landscape categories as well as a youth division.

While most classes take place in the Great Outdoors, a number of educational classroom sessions and evening entertainment taking place in W.L. Mills Conference Center in downtown will round out the week’s events in Gatlinburg and the Smokies.

If you’re going to be in town to experience any of this event, be sure to visit our site to find a wide selection of Gatlinburg condo rentals and other overnight accommodations.

Posted in Gatlinburg | Leave a comment

A Biltmore Daytrip

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Darryl

While staying in one of our Gatlinburg chalets will give you handy access to a ton of Smoky Mountain fun and exploration, don’t forget that there are some other great destinations nearby that you can work in as a quick daytrip. One of the most popular is the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, just a short hop from Gatlinburg via Interstate 40.

This early-20th-century home of George Vanderbilt is nestled on 8,000 immaculately scenic acres near the city. As you go from room to room of the mansion, you’ll get a glimpse of how America’s wealthiest people lived in state-of-the-art luxury at the turn of the 20th century.

This spring, Biltmore Estate’s 2th Annual Festival of Flowers runs April 7 through May 20, featuring more than 100,000 tulips in full bloom. Guests won’t want to miss the vibrant colors in the 20-acre azalea garden and cascades of native and exotic blooms in the natural gardens and along the walking trails.

The family-owned, self-sustaining tourist attraction features tours of not just the home and its gardens but the stables, surrounding acreage and an on-site winery. There’s even an upscale inn on the property for those who choose to stay in the middle of things.

Posted in Smoky Mountains | Leave a comment

National Park Highlights

Posted on April 9, 2012 by Darryl

You should consider it a crime if you visit the Great Smoky Mountains this spring or summer and don’t actually go into the Great Smoky Mountains. You’d be surprised how many folks see the sights in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Sevierville but don’t go anywhere near Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Don’t let yourself and your family become one of “those people.”

Really, no matter where you go in the park, you can’t go wrong, but here are a few suggestions for places to go and things to do.

• Cades Cove – This 11-mile auto loop takes you through breathtaking scenery with views of mountains and wildlife, historic homesteads and churches and a visitors center that gives you an up-close glimpse into life there in the 19th century.

• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail – Starting near downtown Gatlinburg, this auto loop also features historic sites and trailheads that lead to Mt. LeConte, waterfalls and other scenic destinations.

• Chimney Tops Picnic Area – This is a popular place to stop for a picnic, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you might take on a hike to the twin-peaked Chimney Tops. It’s a strenuous haul, but the views are spectacular.

• Sugarlands Visitor Center – Located just inside the Gatlinburg entrance to the park, this visitor center has tons of information and exhibits showcasing other things you can do in the Smokies. Plenty of rangers and volunteers are on hand to answer your questions.

Posted in Smoky Mountains | Leave a comment

Tips For Renting A Cabin In The Smokies – Part VII

Posted on April 5, 2012 by Darryl

If you’re going to be in the market for Gatlinburg chalet rentals this summer, or even accommodations in Pigeon Forge or Sevierville, there are several questions you may want to consider asking the prospective cabin-rental companies you talk to. This week, we’re going to wrap up this series of rental Q&A with some miscellaneous questions that might not have fallen into any of the previous categories.

• If a cabin is rented directly from the owner (as opposed to a property-management company), how far away does the owner live? Can the owner quickly respond to a problem or be able to send out someone who can?

• Does the rental office have written directions to the cabin? This is important, because many rental properties can be difficult to navigate by GPS devices or online mapping applications.

• Are the photos on the website current ones, and is the list of amenities still accurate and up to date?

• Is the cabin’s deck built to proper building codes, and is it safe?

• Is there a floor plan of the cabin that can be viewed?

• If there are mountain views, can the mountains only be seen in winter, when the trees are bare, or are they visible during full foliage?

Posted in Gatlinburg | Leave a comment

Tips For Renting A Cabin In The Smokies – Part VI

Posted on March 26, 2012 by Darryl

If you’re going to be in the market for Pigeon Forge, Tennessee lodging this summer, or even accommodations in Gatlinburg or Sevierville, there are several questions you may want to consider asking the prospective cabin-rental companies you talk to. This week, we’re going to look at issues you’ll want to ask about concerning paying for your lodging.

• In general, learn as much as you can about all the rental fees involved when comparing the costs of different companies’ cabins. Not all properties structure their pricing and fees the same way, so only knowing the total cost will let you compare apples to apples.

• What’s the refund and cancellation policy? How much deposit is returnable within 30 days of check-in? Outside 30 days of check-in?

• Do return guests get a discount?

• Is there an additional charge if the cabin sleeps over a certain number of guests?

• Does the rental company offer trip insurance?

• What are the check-in and checkout policies?

• Is there a damage deposit? What constitutes “damage” to the property?

• What is the cleaning fee, if any?

• Are there any booking fees or other hidden, miscellaneous fees?
Taking the time to do your homework on the front end could save you time and trouble in the long run and make your stay in Gatlinburg, Sevierville or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee an awesome experience you’ll want to repeat every year.

Posted in Pigeon Forge | Leave a comment

Tips For Renting A Cabin In The Smokies – Part V

Posted on March 21, 2012 by Darryl

If you’re going to be in the market for a Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge or Sevierville rental cabin this summer, there are several questions you may want to consider asking the prospective cabin-rental companies you talk to. Taking the time to do your homework on the front end could save you time and trouble in the long run and make your stay an awesome experience you’ll want to repeat every year. This week, we’re going to look at issues you’ll want to ask about concerning the interior of your cabin.

• What does the kitchen offer in terms of cookware and appliances? Do all the appliances work?

• How many place settings are stocked in the kitchen? For example, if the cabin sleeps six and there are only six place settings, that means doing dishes after each meal.

• Does the cabin have central heat and air conditioning? Is the fireplace gas or wood-burning? Are there ceiling fans?

• Are pets allowed? If so, how often are the cabin’s carpets cleaned?

• How many rolls of bathroom tissue are provided at the beginning of each stay?

• What linens are provided? How old are the mattresses in the bedrooms?

Posted in Sevierville | Leave a comment

Tips For Renting A Cabin In The Smokies – Part IV

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Darryl

If you’re going to be in the market for Sevierville, Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg lodging this summer, there is a number of questions you may want to consider asking the prospective cabin-rental companies you talk to. Taking the time to do your homework on the front end could save you time and trouble in the long run and make your stay an awesome experience you’ll want to repeat every year. This week, we’re going to share a few miscellaneous questions you might want to ask concerning the exterior of your rental property.

• Does the cabin have a fire pit? If so, does the rental company or the guest provide the firewood?

• If the guest is responsible for providing firewood, where can it be purchased?

• What sort of parking is available at the cabin? Is it covered? Is there a garage?

• Are motorcycle trailers allowed, and if so, how much room is available to turn a trailer around?

• How do guests access the cabin? Steps, ramp or both?

• If the air conditioning breaks in the middle of summer, how quickly can it be repaired?

Posted in Gatlinburg | Leave a comment