34th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg for the first weekend in December, have we got a surprise for you! On Friday, December 4, the city of Gatlinburg will be hosting the 34th Annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade. This is a free event that you don’t want to miss!
This year’s parade is even more special than years past because this year the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade is celebrating the 75-year anniversary of the Smoky Mountain National Park. In recognition of this momentous anniversary, the park’s Superintendent Dale Ditmanson will hold the honor of Grand Marshal.
The parade will begin at the Traffic Light 1A at Highway 321 and wind it’s way through Gatlinburg to Traffic Light 10. For the convenience of visitors, the traffic lights have numbers hanging on them. The winding parade route will take about an one and a half hours to complete, so bundle up!
This year’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade will have entries ranging from marching bands to giant helium balloons to classic cars. The parade will be kicked off with period dancing routines and the Grand Marshal making his appearance in a classic automobile.
If you’re already planning on visiting the Gatlinburg area during the first weekend in December, you should try to include this event in your itinerary. It is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit and it’s sure to entertain the whole family.
Festivals Bring Food and Art to New Orleans
October is the perfect time to visit New Orleans. Although you will not expect to see much in the way of fall foliage, you can look forward to cooler temperatures and the always-vibrant culture and nightlife. Depending on when you want to visit, one of these popular festivals may be the perfect activity for you to enjoy during your vacation.
Hosted by the St. Louis King of France Parish, this event takes place October 23 through 25. The fabulous cuisine of New Orleans is the highlight of any visit to the area, and you can experience the great cooking style of the area at this festival. In addition to food, the event will feature several area bands throughout the weekend. The festival is located in Metairie, just outside of New Orleans. This festival features vendors from around the New Orleans area that specialize in “la fruit de la mer.” You can find seafood gumbo, crawfish, catfish, shrimp, crab, and more in a variety of dishes, ranging from traditional Cajun entrees to Creole specialties. Kids will also love the range of activities made just for them.
It is the season of film debuts and festivals, and New Orleans joins in on the act with its own film festival. Taking place October 8 through 15, this festival is hosted by the New Orleans Film Society. This is the 20th year of this annual event that draws thousands of visitors each year. A gala opens the event, and films are screened throughout the event. Features include red carpet events, an “I Love Louisiana” day, audience awards, filmmaker receptions, and a “Best of the Fest” awards ceremony. Another special highlight of the festival is a series of workshops and lectures for aspiring filmmakers. Film screenings and festival events will take place at various venues in New Orleans, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and Prytania Theater.
Deadwood Jam Offers Lively Reason for Visiting the Black Hills
This September 11 – 12, Deadwood will be hosting the annual Deadwood Jam on historic Main Street for a lively time of country, blues, bluegrass, general songwriters and more for a varied look into the sounds of the Black Hills. Just some of the names set to appear at this year’s festival include Mat Kearney, Rocco DeLuca and The Burden, Randy McAllister with the Brandon Sprague Blues Band, The Outlaws, Sarah Pierce, Savage Henry, and more.
Those interested in attending the Deadwood Jam can find a variety of lodging options throughout the Mount Rushmore area online.
Of course, you can’t stop by the Mount Rushmore area without visiting the monument itself, and along the Mount Rushmore Tour you will see the iconic landmark and more! The Mount Rushmore Tour begins with Mount Rushmore and its visitor’s center. From there, you will explore the area’s other famed sculpture-in-process, the Crazy Horse Memorial. You will then pass through Custer State Park on your way to the Big Thunder Gold Mine for an authentic gold panning experience from the 19th century.
Reserve your Mount Rushmore Tour online.
Aside from sightseeing, the entire family can delight in the down home sounds and tastes with the Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch. The night will feature a hearty meal consisting of tender roast beef, barbecue chicken, biscuits, and more. As for the entertainment, you will be treated to traditional country songs as the house band performs hits from Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Sons of the Pioneers, and more.
Book tickets to the Chuckwagon Dinner and Western Music Show at Circle B Ranch online.
Autumn in the Smokies – Great Tastes and Colorful Sights Abound
August 26, 2009 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN
This September 24, the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area will once again be presenting authentic tastes of the Smoky Mountains with A Taste of Autumn. Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, A Taste of Autumn highlights dishes from some of the area’s most popular restaurants, including Smoky Mountain Brewery, Cherokee Grill, and Calhoun’s Restaurant. Admission to A Taste of Autumn is $25 and provides unlimited sampling of the dishes presented by the participating restaurants. Additionally, live entertainment is scheduled throughout the day to offer a lively and fun atmosphere that highlights the exceptional culinary delights of the area.
Those visiting the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area during A Taste of Autumn may also want to look into experiencing the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. Year-round, the Gatlinburg Sky Lift offers panoramic views of the surrounding Gatlinburg area and easy access to the Smoky Mountains, though during autumn the wonder of the Gatlinburg Sky Lift is undoubtedly increased as you ascend over a natural blanket of reds, oranges and yellows!
Another option for exploring the scenery of Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge from above is the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram. Functioning much like the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram differs in that numerous people can ride the tram at once, as opposed to the intimate maximum occupancy of two that the sky lift provides. The Aerial Tram ride is approximately ten minutes and takes participants from downtown Gatlinburg to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park.
Tribute to “King of Pop” Unveiled at Madame Tussauds Hollywood
The death of pop superstar Michael Jackson is still drawing media focus, and his music and life has never been more popular as people mourn the loss of this iconic figure.
The newly opened Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum is honoring the life and accomplishments of Michael Jackson with a brand-new wax figurine of the pop king. Jackson’s figure will be unveiled at a special event on August 27 at Madame Tussauds Hollywood. The Jackson exhibit includes his likeness in the wardrobe and style that was created for his London concert series that he was in the midst of preparing for. The figure cost approximately $300,000 to create.
The unveiling event begins at 11 a.m. with a Michael Jackson music marathon, hosted by a live DJ. The marathon includes live performances and moon-walking demonstrations. A special feature of the event for 250 lucky customers is the opportunity to be the first to take their picture with the figure and see the exhibit. The figure is set to be unveiled at 4 p.m.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum is located on Hollywood Boulevard next to Graumann’s Chinese Theater. The museum’s most recent figure unveiled was that of director Quentin Tarantino, and a figure of skateboard legend Tony Hawk was revealed before that. The museum features a range of figures, including movie directors, movie stars, sports stars, and music icons.
Hollywood is just a short drive from San Diego, and the Madame Tussauds Hollywood Wax Museum is well worth the trip. Do not miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime event to celebrate the King of Pop.
Zzzoofari Slumber Offers Nashville Visitors Unique Experience Under the Stars
March 21, 2008 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN
On April 19, the Nashville Zoo will be holding its always popular Zzzoofari Slumber, and as the name implies visitors will have the chance to camp inside the zoo. Throughout the course of the night special activities including twilight tours, hayrides, crafts, animal presentations and various games will be held to ensure that there’s something to keep the crowd busy. Special reservations are required to attend the event, so those interested are advised to look into details as soon as possible.
For those that plan on visiting the Nashville Zoo, but don’t want to take part in the sleep over, there are a wide range of lodging options offered throughout downtown Nashville as well as the Music Valley area. Whether looking to spend the night at a quaint motel or hoping to be indulged with the grandeur of the Gaylord Opryland, there’s a stay to find nearly every traveler in Nashville.
