Festival of Nations Brings World Culture, Entertainment to the Smoky Mountains

This March 27 through April 26, Dollywood will be holding its 25th annual Festival of Nations. Throughout the month of April, guests will find the general Smoky Mountains charm that Dollywood exudes infused with lively cultural demonstrations from around the world! In particular, steel orchestras from Trinidad and Tobago; hang drums from Switzerland; and vocal groups from Zambia will all be on-hand for a fascinating look into world entertainment complete with the traditional thrill rides, theme park dining, and live shows that annually draw millions of people to the park.

Those visiting the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area during Dollywood’s Festival of Nations will find that Splash Country Waterpark offers a perfect compliment Dollywood and its Festival of Nations. As Dollywood’s sister-park, guests will find all of the quality excitement expected from Dollywood, but with a wet and wild twist. Whether lounging on the lazy river or racing through tubes and down chutes, there are a variety of experiences waiting to ensure a fun-filled day for one and all at Splash Country!

And for those looking for a complete Dolly Parton experience while in the Gatlinburg area, there is Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. This encompassing time of entertainment combines interactive competition and equestrian entertainment with a hearty meal for a lively evening of dinner and entertainment.

This spring, explore the world from America’s backyard with Splash Country, Dixie Stampede and Dollywood’s Festival of Nations!

Gatlinburg’s Festival of Nations Brings World Culture to the Heart of America!

This March 27 through April 26, the sights and sounds of the world will converge in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area with Dollywood’s Festival of Nations! Throughout the month-long celebration of world culture, guests will be treated to a wide variety of activities and performances with the following acts already scheduled:

• DRUM! – A 20-person group of dancers, musicians and singers who combine a variety of world sounds for a menagerie of entertainment
• Invaders – Ensemble orchestra presented traditional sounds from Trinidad and Tobago
• Jallmay – Offers Peruvian rhythms ranging from traditional to current pop fads
• Atahualpa – Provides a native Incan feel complete with traditional instrumentation
• Imaginé presented by Le Grand Cirque – As always, the world of Cirque will amaze with its multi-cultural, fantastical performance
• Keona – An instrumental duo from Switzerland that is noted for its use of the hang drum
• Zambia Vocal Group – An a capella group that features members from a variety of tribes throughout Africa

Those interested in being a part of Dollywood’s Festival of Nations are encouraged to secure tickets and begin browsing lodging options throughout the Smoky Mountains region, and experience world travel right in the heart of the United States!

Enjoy a Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood!

Having started November 7 and running through December 30, the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival offers travelers a wholesome, holiday outing amidst the great dining, thrilling rides and handmade crafts of Dollywood. Over three million lights brighten the popular Smoky Mountain theme park with various parades, live performances and seasonal dining adding to the festivities! If you’re looking to unlock the full magic of the season, you’re sure to find it in ample supply at Dollywood during the Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival.

Dollywood’s 125 acre setting is the perfect place to hold a winter festival and can certainly offer more than enough to keep the entire family entertained! Thrilling rides, children’s play areas, live shows and a wide spread of dining options all come together for an experience that can easily last the entire day. Aside from the sheer fun that can be found at Dollywood, visitors will also find an authentic representation of Smoky Mountain heritage and culture at nearly every turn.

Experience a Smoky Mountain Christmas in Gatlinburg

November marks the beginning of the Christmas season in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, and two attractions that you should not miss during the holiday season are Dollywood Theme Park and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede.

Dollywood Theme Park’s annual Christmas festival, Smoky Mountain Christmas, begins on November 7 and runs to January 2, 2010. This popular event features over 4 million sparkling lights, live holiday shows, Santa’s Workshop, and special holiday-themed rides. Even the Scroogiest member of your family will find something to put him or her in the holiday spirit!  Live shows during the Christmas season include Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs, Appalachian Christmas, Dollywood’s Babes in Toyland, and the Christmas in the Smokies, which features a 12 member cast and a live band. One highlight of the festival is the nightly Carol of the Trees, in which the millions of twinkling lights shine in a choreographed performance to holiday music. In addition, guests can also enjoy the daily Parade of Lights. One special ride to enjoy during this festival is the Polar Express 4-D attraction, which is an indoor experience that tests all of the senses.

With the Dollywood Three-Day Weekend Getaway Package, you can experience the holiday cheer of Dollywood along with three nights’ of lodging in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, which will give you plenty of time to enjoy all that a Smoky Mountain Christmas has to offer.

Another Dolly Parton offering in the Smoky Mountains is Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. In addition to being a fabulous dinner show, the Dixie Stampede also gets into the Christmas spirit with an unforgettable holiday show. With the Dixie Stampede Pigeon Forge Vacation Package, you can enjoy tickets to the Dixie Stampede as well as two nights’ lodging in Pigeon Forge. During the holiday season, the arena at the Stampede is transformed, featuring evergreen boughs, poinsettias, and twinkling lights. The show includes a take on the traditional Christmas story as well as the fun games and tricks that guests can always expect at the Dixie Stampede! As always, the show is accompanied by a delicious four course Southern feast.

Gatlinburg is full of opportunities to enjoy a fantastic holiday experience, so do not miss out on your chance to experience the best of what Christmas in the Smokies has to offer!

Make Plans to Celebrate Fall at the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival

Due to Gatlinburg’s position at the foot of the Smoky Mountains, it is an especially beautiful place to visit in the fall. Thousands of visitors come each year to enjoy the cool autumn temperatures and vivid fall foliage. The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is an annual event that draws visitors each year to celebrate the fall season Gatlinburg.

This year’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival will take place September 18 to October 31, with events taking place throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. During this festival, Gatlinburg is transformed into a landscape of orange, yellow, gold, purple, red, and all the shades of fall. Storefronts are decorated in the vivid colors, and everywhere you look carries some tribute to the fall season.

This festival also celebrates the history of craftsmanship in the Smokies. The Gatlinburg Craftsman’s Fair will take place October 8 through 25 and features hundreds of area craftsman, woodworkers, leather artists, and other artisans who have come to share their skills and products. The fair takes place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

There is no better time to visit Gatlinburg than this season. Cool evenings are perfect for strolling in the shopping and entertainment area in Gatlinburg before or after catching a show. For select dates in September and October, guests to the Gatlinburg area can catch the T.G. Sheppard Show at the Smith Family Theater. T.G. Sheppard is a legendary country performer who has been entertaining audiences since 1975 with his classic take on country music. Due to the limited availability of this show, be sure to plan ahead and reserve your tickets well in advance.

Other fun activity ideas for fall in Gatlinburg include stopping by the Dollywood amusement park, which is getting into the spirit of the season with its Gospel and Harvest Festival that offers fun for the whole family. Also, what better way to enjoy the cool weather and beautiful scenery with the one you love than with a romantic carriage ride? The Smoky Mountain Picnic and Romantic Carriage Rides offer several ride options for you and your sweetheart that include a horse-drawn carriage ride

Celebrate with Dollywood During the Uplifting National Gospel & Harvest Celebration

This October 2 – 31, the natural wonder of the Smoky Mountains will be coupled with the graceful beauty of hymns as the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration returns to Dollywood theme park. Throughout the nearly month long festival, numerous nationally known acts including The Isaacs, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Riders in the Sky, The Kingsmen and more will bring praise to the already inviting setting that is Dollywood. Aside from daily concerts, the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration will also bring a variety of artisans and craftsmen to the park to work their trades; showcase Rusty’s Chuckwagon, offering Dutch oven demonstrations and campfire cooking; and host the Woodcarving Showcase & Competition (October 2 – 4).

Those from out of town that interested in attending the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration can find a variety of lodging options in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area online.

Of course, those visiting Dollywood for the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration will still find all of the traditional attractions and activities that Dollywood is noted for. Whether your perfect day at the park includes exploring Mystery Mine and braving Timber Tower, playing with the kids in the Dreamland Forest Treehouse and watching them ride the Busy Bees, settling in to live performances such as Dreamland Drive-In and Country Crossroads, or enjoying traditional Smoky Mountains cuisine at Granny Ogle’s Ham n’ Beans or Miss Lillian’s Chicken House, there is something for one and all at Dollywood!

Start Planning Your Fall Vacation in the Smoky Mountains

Summer will soon be coming to a close, and as the days begin to shorten and grow cooler, the Smoky Mountains come alive with vibrant fall colors. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN are popular fall vacation destinations, and now is the time to start planning a fall trip to the area to make sure you get the best lodging and activities for your time there.

The Dollywood & Pigeon Forge Vacation Package is an excellent choice for your fall vacation. This package is customizable and includes lodging in Pigeon Forge, tickets to Dollywood, and one activity of your choice. You can select how many nights lodging you want and select your hotel or cabin from our selection. Then, you can choose an activity of your choice from our selection. Options include the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram, a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe, and Wonderworks, which are highly popular area attractions. This package provides a great overall Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge experience that you can customize.

A hotel in Gatlinburg will place you close to many attractions, but a cabin in the Smoky Mountains would be a better choice for a fall vacation. With a cabin, you will get to experience a rustic stay in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, with beautiful fall foliage available any direction you look. Two excellent cabin options are the Smoky Getaways Cabin and the Hickory Mist Luxury Cabin Rentals. Whether bringing the whole family along to enjoy the scenery or wanting a cozy and private location for a romantic retreat, you will find that a cabin is a great choice for your trip. Although the cabins are outside of town, they are still relatively close to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the entrance to Smoky Mountain National Park.

There is no better way to experience the breathtaking fall scenery than with an aerial tram ride. The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram will take you on a relaxing ride from downtown Gatlinburg up to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. The aerial tram features windows on all sides, which allows for uninterrupted panoramic views of the area. Once at the top, you can enjoy the activities at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort or just take in the view of the Smoky Mountains.

Gatlinburg: A Great Place for Families

Gatlinburg features a host of entertainment options for you and your family year round. From theme parks to dinner shows, you will always be able to find a great activity for your vacation.

From now until August 2, Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountains theme park, is featuring KidsFest, which makes it the perfect time for you to visit this great theme park. KidsFest features a variety of special events and activities, including a 4D presentation of the film Journey to the Center of the Earth, character breakfasts with Pippi Longstocking, Strawberry Shortcake, and Bluetik Hound at Aunt Granny’s (not included in admission), Creature Adventures with the Kratt Brothers, Kamp KidsFest, Dolly’s Imitation Playhouse with Penguin Group USA, and Sandscapes, a special sandcastle exhibit. All of these great activities are on top of the year round attractions that have made Dollywood so popular!

Dollywood is full of attractions for both you and your family. Younger children will love the special attractions just for them, like the Beaver Creek, Busy Bees, and Lucky Ducky rides and the play areas. Thrill seekers will love the roller coasters like the Tennessee Tornado and White Lightning, while country music lovers will enjoy the many entertaining shows throughout the park. The park even has Dolly Parton’s old tour bus on site that people can tour!

If you are looking for a place to cool off during the warm summer months, check out Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, which features slides, tube rides, and a water roller coaster. Popular rides include the Bear Mountain Fire Tower, the Big Bear Plunge, and the Raging River Rapids. The park features a number of terrifyingly high water slides, including the Butterfly, which features a 55-foot drop and the Fire Tower Falls, the park’s tallest slides at 70 feet high. Splash Country also has rides and attractions for younger visitors at the Little Creek Falls. Splash Country is open until September 7, so you still have plenty of time to have a great day at Splash Country.

Vacations Made Easy offers many vacation packages in the Gatlinburg area that include tickets to Dollywood. Packages include lodging and attraction tickets.

Fun June Festivals in Gatlinburg

While Gatlinburg offers fun activities and entertainment year round, the summer festivals featured in the city are a great reason to visit. You can visit these events while also enjoying all of the other attractions in the city, which will make your vacation unique and memorable.

A unique annual event in the area is the Smoky Mountain Storytelling Festival. Containing events and features to appeal to visitors of all ages, this festival offers a weekend full of entertainment. The festival takes place June 4-6 and is located at the Country Tonite Theater. Aspects of the weekend include storytelling sessions with professional storytellers, a Haunts and Haints Trolley Tour, and the National Youth Storytelling Showcase. Sure to be a memorable weekend, this festival is a unique addition to any Gatlinburg vacation.

For bluegrass music lovers, the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival is a must-see festival. Happening on June 11-13, the festival takes place at Dumplin Ridge Farm in nearby Kodak, TN. Headliners of the festival include musical acts Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, The Grascals, The Bluegrass Brothers, and Greenbriar. Bluegrass workshops are also planned for the weekend, and an arts and crafts showcase and food vendors will also be on location. This picturesque farm in the Smoky Mountains is the perfect location to experience bluegrass, making this festival a great reason to come to Gatlinburg.

For travelers who are fans of both bluegrass and storytelling, the Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales in Downtown Gatlinburg is a perfect event. This event begins on June 12 and continues for the rest of the summer until August 8. Each night, performers will be placed throughout downtown for your entertainment. The acts you will see range from costumed dulcimer performers to storytellers a clogging act. With many of Gatlinburg’s attractions downtown, this festival will be the perfect addition to a vacation itinerary filled with shows.

We offer a wide range of hotels and attraction options for Gatlinburg that will complete your vacation. Whether spending a day at Dollywood or enjoying the music at the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show, you will be sure to have an exciting vacation in Gatlinburg.

Last Minute Memorial Day Weekend Ideas for Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN

No plans for Memorial Day weekend yet? Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, are a perfect quick getaway destination. Aside from the year round features, the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area is hosting several festivals this weekend.

MountainFest in Downtown Gatlinburg, TN

MountainFestis a great annual festival held in Gatlinburg’s downtown that celebrates Gatlinburg’s heritage. Featuring traditional festival features like games, food, special exhibits, and more, this festival is a great time for families and visitors of all ages. You’ll be able to enjoy the great features of Gatlinburg and enjoy special festival features like live bluegrass music and live workshops. MountainFest takes place May 22-24.

Annual Craftsmen’s Fair at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in Gatlinburg, TN

Happening at the same time as the MountainFest, you can catch the Annual Craftsmen’s Fair at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. This fair features over 200 booths with craftsmen and handiworkers. You will also be able to enjoy live musical entertainment. You will be able to talk to the craftsmen, watch live demonstrations, and enjoy the city of Gatlinburg. This fair takes place May 22-24.

With great options for lodging, shows, and attractions, Gatlinburg makes a great destination any time of year. Whether you are interested in exploring Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokiesor checking out Dolly Parton’s theme park Dollywoodfeaturing thrilling roller coasters and entertaining shows, there is plenty to do in Gatlinburg to entertain you. If you want to stay a few nights, we offer a great variety of hotels in the area. From cabins to suites to deluxe hotel rooms, you’ll be sure to find a lodging option to fit your needs.