Summer Brings Culture and Legends with Gatlinburg Cherokee Carnival!

Summer will be here before you know it, and the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area has plenty of activities awaiting your arrival, including the cultural Cherokee Carnival on June 6 – 10. Visitors will have a blast experiencing all kinds of great fast-paced rides and delicious foods provided by vendors throughout the carnival. Bring the whole family along and listen to some of the live music or try your hand at a few of the games that are provided inside the park. If you’re planning on staying for the entirety of this great event, feel free to reserve your Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge lodging before you get here.

You can discover even more of the outdoors with Parrot Mountain and Tropical Bird Sanctuary. View all of your favorite birds within their tropical habitat – you may even hear a few of them talk to you! Every color of the rainbow is present on these birds’ feathers, and you’ll see species such as Australian lorikeets and colorful garden parrots. Take the kids to the petting zoo within the preserve, where they’ll be able to interact with all kinds of animals. You can even hand-feed the birds.

Another great animal attractions within the Gatlinburg area is the Rainforest Adventure Discovery Zoo, which holds all kinds of fun animals within their habitats. The entire zoo is indoors, so you don’t have to worry about rain or storms of any kind. You’ll see some of the most amazing animals in the world, including ring-tailed lemurs, enormous tortoises, and slithery, tropical snakes. If you come by at the right time, you’ll even be able to see some of the animals being fed or taken care of by the professional pet handlers within the zoo.

Experience Merry Old England in Nashville this May!

Travel back to 16th Century England during the Tennessee Renaissance Festival held Saturdays and Sundays  May 7-30 right outside Nashville in Arrington, Tennessee. A jolly good time is to be had as costumed villagers, artisans and musicians entertain festival goers and share their love of all things medieval. More than 60 skilled artisans will be on hand to display everything from silks to swords, and toys to jewelery. There will also be plenty of games and activities for kids to enjoy such as camel rides and The Pirate’s Maze.  Also available with festival admission is a free tour of Castle Gwynn, a replica of a typical 12th century castle, and the centerpiece of the Tennessee Renaissance Festival.  If you are planning on visiting this event, be sure to reserve your Nashville lodging.

While in Nashville, make sure to participate in the Belle Meade Plantation Tour, which takes a deep look into the Harding family, the original owners of the mansion. The house was built in 1853 and a tour guide will lead you through the artfully furnished home to the beautifully adorned stables where the ancestors of famous horses such as Seabiscuit and Secretariat were raised. April through October is a special time at the plantation when visitors get to participate in “Living History” demonstrations out at the property’s 1790s log cabin, such as dancing, storytelling and blacksmithing.

For another historical view of Nashville, visit The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson. The property, which was purchased by Jackson in 1804, includes the mansion, several outbuildings and the log farmhouse that Jackson and his family lived in during the first two decades of their land ownership. Explore the beautiful garden that Jackson designed for his wife, Rachel, which includes the same flower species she originally planted and also serves as the couples final resting place. Make sure to stop by the gift shop and restaurant which are located in the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center.

Celebrate All Things Tennessee at A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival!

While visiting Nashville, make sure to set aside some time to visit A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival May 14, touted as one of the area’s most anticipated events. Experience a different side of Music City USA by tasting specialty wines made at local vineyards, many of which have garnered regional and international awards. Vendors will also be on hand selling gourmet foods from area restaurants and handcrafted items from local artisans. The event takes place at Nashville Shores and provides festival goers with a great day of live entertainment, free lake cruises and food and wine seminars. Visitors can also book lodging accommodations if they are interested in staying in the area for an extended period of time.

During your vacation in Nashville, take a day to visit the Loretta Lynn Dude Ranch via a limousine. You will be picked up at your Nashville hotel and driven in luxury to nearby Hurricane Mills. Take a tour through the Lynn Plantation Home or visit Lynn’s recreated Butcher Holler Home. See all things Loretta Lynn at the impressive Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum and then take a walk down to the Old Grist Mill for a look at Lynn’s doll collection. There is also plenty of opportunities for swimming, canoeing or paddle boating on the property. Don’t miss you chance to visit the Dude Ranch and maybe catch a glimpse of a country music legend!

Spend an evening with another one of country music’s legends at the Always… Patsy Cline show. This amazing show pays tribute to the legendary voice of Patsy Cline, who died in 1963 at the height of her her music career. Featuring a stellar performance by tribute artist Mandy Barnett you will hear many of Cline’s number one hits such as “Your Cheatin Heart,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Walkin After Midnight,” and ”Crazy.” This spectacular show will take you back to the golden age of country music, so make sure and book your tickets now!

Vacation Outdoors with the Bellevue Community Picnic Near Nashville!

Take part in the great 34th Annual Bellevue Community Picnic, starting in Bellevue outside of Nashville on May 21. The event is perfect for adults and children alike as a host of gourmet cuisine, exciting rides and attractions and entertainment will be yours to take part in. The incredible event will feature many vendors for visitors to interact with, offering all kinds of arts and crafts to purchase and take home. About 15,000 people are expected to attend, and to mark the finale of the event, an enormous fireworks display will take place after the sun goes down, lighting up the Tennessee sky! To prepare for this great event and remain close by to other attractions, you can reserve your Nashville lodging.

Experience the open air of Tennessee with other attractions as well, including the Nashville Trolley Tour, which will take you to many of the top landmarks of historic Nashville. View famous architecture like the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium and the Tennessee State Capitol. In addition, your old fashioned trolley will travel by Historic Second Avenue, Bicentennial Mall and the Parthenon. Look for famous country music stars as well – you may see your favorites walking along Music Row!

If you’d like to walk a little bit yourself, you can do so with the Nashville Unpublished Walking Tour, providing you with a realistic, unbiased look at Nashville’s history. Listen to stories that have never been publicized about famous Nashville legends such as Patsy Cline, Elvis, and Johnny Cash. Also, you can find out about your favorite historical war heroes like Davy Crockett, Andrew Jackson and Daniel Boone. One of the most glamorous stories your guide will share with you provides the background of a Confederate spy named Fannie Battle, who started the city’s first daycare after returning from the war. To mark the highlight of your trip, you’ll be able to participate in a “Behind the Scenes” look at the Ryman Auditorium!

Shop and Dine at San Antonio’s Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Festival!

Memorial Day can be celebrated in the most grandeur fashion during San Antonio’s Arts and Crafts Festival, taking place from April 27 – 30. The event will attract many visitors to the River Walk, where the majority of vendors and businesses will gather for the festival during the day. Take advantage of the detailed ceramics and pottery displayed along the River Walk and smell the delicious herbs and spices wafting out of many of the restaurants along your stroll across the River Walk. Visitors will have plenty of time to find just the right souvenirs and special items to take back home with them. If you’re interested in staying during the Memorial Day Arts & Crafts Festival, you can make reservations at one of San Antonio’s finest hotels.

San Antonio has many other great features to provide a full vacation once you get here, including a tour of the enormous 86 acre Enchanted Springs Ranch. This ranch is a great experience for both the young and old, and visitors will find plenty to do, from walking through old western buildings to hopping on the back of a rustic wagon for a full tour of the town. You may even see Texas ranchers’ pride and joy – the Texas Longhorn! Visitors can walk through the Texas History Exhibit to fully understand the area’s past.

With all of the walking and touring you’ve been doing, you might need a bit of cooling off, which is easily provided through the Schlitterbahn Waterpark San Antonio. This amazing park features three intense uphill water coasters, a special surfing mechanism and three miles of tube rides for a full relaxation. The park has an incredible view of the bordering Comal River, and the park extends across 65 acres, which gives you and your family plenty to do no matter how long you decide to stay at the park.

Gather in Gatlinburg for the Easter Arts & Crafts Show!

From April 20-23, Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area visitors can view artistic works at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts show, featuring the talented craftsmanship of local artists. The event began in 1937, and it has grown over the years, providing the Gatlinburg area with beautiful art pieces, including quilts, detailed ceramics, silver, photography, watercolor and oil paintings, candles and baskets. Visitors will be astounded at the sheer variety of the artistry in the area, and they’ll be able to make a full vacation out of the event from its start to the finish. You and your family can make Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge hotel reservations in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area as well.

You can learn about other artistic antiques with admission to Titanic – World’s Largest Museum Attraction within the Pigeon Forge area. This museum takes you on an adventure as a passenger aboard the historic ship, providing you with a walk-through of replicated rooms and staircases along the way. The museum is about half the scale of the real ship, so you’re sure to receive the full experience as a Titanic passenger. Send out emergency signals in the communication room, admire artifacts from the real ship and touch the cold surface of a simulated iceberg.

The Biltmore Estate Asheville, NC is another great venue to visit while you’re spending time in the Smoky Mountains region. Tour this beautiful home built with a French Renaissance style and learn about all of the features that have been added to the home since its construction was finished in 1895. The home has 250 rooms and takes up 175,000 square feet, so you’ll have plenty of space to cover during your two hour tour. Explore a few of the mansion’s highlights, including 65 fireplaces, a beautifully adorned banquet hall ceiling and a library with more than 10,000 books!

Celebrate Irish Culture at Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

St. Patrick’s Day is almost upon us, and for those of you that are planning a vacation in Savannah this March, you can celebrate with thousands of other spectators at Savannah’s enormous St. Patrick’s Day parade.  The event features fancy floats and an entire band of great musicians that will be playing traditional Irish tunes. Discover a new side to the cultural heritage of Ireland with this great opportunity, and don’t forget to wear your green clothing to blend in with the rest of the city. To make sure you have a hotel room, be sure to book your Savannah lodging ahead of time.

If you’re still in the mood for great cultural discoveries, the Savannah Historical Experience Tour will be right up your alley. Travel through the quaint Victorian District and view the smooth, flowing architecture adorned with intricate carvings and flower arrangements. You’ll also have your fill of some of the other beautiful sectors of the city, including Thomas Square, Victory Drive, Beach Institute and the Historic District. The area is packed with more than 250 years of history, and you can ask your knowledgeable tour guide any questions you may have.

After an educational overview of the city, you can try out an adventurous activity such as the Deluxe Land and Sea Savannah Package, providing you with several cruises and a trolley tour in and around the outskirts of the city. On land, you’ll take the Historic Savannah Trolley Tour beside places like the bustling City Market and River Street in true historic transportation. In addition, you’ll have the chance to experience the luxurious Davenport House and River Street Riverboat Cruise. Be sure to bring your camera for each location.

Entertain Family with a Mount Rushmore Excursion!

You can make a trip to Mount Rushmore this year and find plenty of attractions for you and your family to experience. South Dakota is covered with large groves of pine, cedar and red maple trees that stretch across the hills, providing you with plenty of scenery. Educational tours, dinner shows and sculptures of historic figures are present near the Mount Rushmore area to provide the perfect vacation for adults and kids. You can spend plenty of time experiencing some of these attractions with a few of the highlights below.

Holy Terror Mini Golf – Keystone, SD

The Holy Terror Mini Golf – Keystone, SD, is a favorite for families who can breathe in the mountain air while putting along the 18 hole course. There are several obstacles along the way, so make sure you avoid the water hazards, steep slopes, and even large boulders that may block your view. The course is guaranteed to appeal to all ages, and its a great way to bond with the whole family.

National Presidential Wax Museum

After your golf game, you might as well head over to the National Presidential Wax Museum, which sits right next to the golf course. Inside, you can identify some of the most important significant historical events in America, such as former President George W. Bush’s visitation to Ground Zero after 9/11, or Roosevelt’s trip to Yalta. You’ll have the chance to view these presidents up close, admiring the intricate detail of each one.

Flying T Chuckwagon Supper and Show

The Flying T is known for its friendly atmosphere, and you are welcome to sing along with these talented performers as they sing of the good ol’ days with traditional country music. The food is absolutely delicious, with a choice of tender barbecue roast beef or grilled chicken, Chuckwagon potatoes, and western baked beans. Entertain the family with this musical group of cowboys that play, dance and even add in their own style of comedy.

Las Vegas Celebrates its 45th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

During the month of March in Las Vegas, visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the Southern Nevada Sons of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, which takes place from March 17-20, marking its 45th year. You can attend this event displaying your green, and there are many activities for you and the entire family to visit and enjoy, including a luxury car show, fun entertainment and a carnival. You can make reservations at one of Las Vegas’ fine hotels while you’re here for the perfect vacation.

If you’re interested in additional entertainment to add to your vacation, you can choose from some of Las Vegas best shows, including the BeatleShow, which captures the incredible talent of the Beatles back in their heyday, and it even provides the antics of an Ed Sullivan impersonator during the show. This great performance features the same brand of instruments that the Beatles used during their performances to replicate their sound. You’ll be able to hear some of the Beatles’ greatest hits such as “Day in the Life.”

Vegas is known for its magical appeal, and you can be a part of the experience with Zen Magic, a performance featuring two lady magicians that will perform some of the most unbelievable illusions you’ve ever laid eyes on. Their charm, skilled acrobatic stunts and even martial arts will keep you on the edge of your seat until the curtain falls for the last time. This show is perfect for any age, and your family is sure to love it.

Take Nashville Tours With Your Family in Nashville!

Head down to Nashville for a full exploration of the city’s culture, arts, history and music. You can take several tours that are specifically geared toward visitors’ interests, whether it’s focused on the Nashville music stars and legends that live here or a look inside some of Nashville’s most famous plantations. Make sure you bring your entire family to share in the joys of your vacation. The city has several restaurants and attractions of all kinds downtown, so be sure to travel slowly as you discover new opportunities in this great city. For some great activity starters, you can book the following tours.

Homes of the Stars Tour

For visitors who are looking to view the quaint homes and large mansions of some of the most famous music legends in the country, this tour is a must-see. The tour will travel past gorgeous neighborhoods where the stars spend their time when they’re not out touring or making records. You’ll travel on a 25 passenger motorcoach, and you’ll see plenty of historical landmarks native to Nashville along the way. Take a look at the legendary homes of singers and musicians like Ronnie Milsap, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride and Alan Jackson.

Discover Nashville Tour

After viewing the high life of the country stars, you can take a comprehensive tour of the entire city. Head out on a large bus and visit exciting places and landmarks like Fort Nashborough, the Parthenon, and the Tennessee State Capitol. The tour offers you information that you won’t get any other way and you can take pictures of the city sights as you travel. Your tour finale takes place in the Legends Corner.

Historic Tennessee Tour

Finally, history buffs can rejoice in an incredible tour of the area’s plantations and homes with this exciting tour. Stop by the Belle Meade Plantation and learn about the 10 rustic outbuildings and the old slave cabin dating back to 1832. You’ll be amazed at the cleanliness and perfect condition this old plantation is in. Afterward, you may visit the Hermitage, which dates back to 1837. This building has its original wallpaper, old furniture and many of the materials that belonged to Andrew Jackson.

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