Dollywood’s KidsFest Kicks Off in Mid-June in Pigeon Forge!

Families can come to one of the best theme parks in the state, Dollywood, to participate in the celebration during KidsFest on June 17 – August 7 in Pigeon Forge. As a special treat, the Gazillion Bubble Show will be performing all types of tricks with literally thousands of bubbles onstage. Watch as they shape and blow bubbles in every direction. Meet some of Dollywood’s favorite characters, including the Scarecrow named Patches, Trapper, Baxter Bear, Walker and Cas, the amazing outdoorsman. You can sing along to some of the tunes written by Dolly at the Imagination Playhouse, where your kids can hear three different children’s stories, all performed by the talented Penguin Players. If you’d like to participate in this event and bring your family, be sure to book your Pigeon Forge hotel room.

You can take your kids on even more great adventures at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, which pulls visitors into a deep, watery world of aquatic beauty. Visitors can walk through the pathways as they’re surrounded by the blue reflections of aquarium glass with each step. There is 350 species of wildlife here, assuring that you’ll never be bored of viewing the more than 10,000 animals. You can lead your children along as they view special exhibits like Touch a Ray Bay, Shark Lagoon, Gallery of the Seas and Coral Reef.

If you’re looking for more discoveries on land, you can head to the RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo, which holds many of the world’s most unique and beautiful animals inside. Look for gargantuan tortoises, slithering colorful snakes and ringtailed lemurs. Visitors can walk through gorgeous environments and see animals habitats like the 25 foot jungle waterfall and lush surroundings. Be sure to come early to see some of the live animals being fed by knowledgeable handlers, and you can stop by the gift shop for a souvenir to take home with you.

Gatlinburg Offers Exciting Ice Exhibits in January

For a truly unique experience during your vacation to the Gatlinburg area, be sure to attend the First Pigeon Forge Professional Ice Carving Competition at the Titanic Pigeon Forge on January 22. At this event, you will get the chance to watch some of the nation’s most talented artists carve amazing sculptures from ice! You will even get to visit with some of the artists as you marvel at their incredible handiwork. This event is perfect for families because there is no admission cost for the Ice Carving exhibit!

Gatlinburg is the perfect destination for a winter vacation during January because there are a variety of exciting attractions that can be enjoyed indoors during the cold weather months. If you are interested in enjoying some of nature’s beauty indoors, you will love visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, where you will stare in awe at the beautiful marine life. Not only will you get to see sharks and colorful fish, but you will also have a chance to touch a sting ray in the Touch a Ray Bay. You will be fascinated by the beautiful sea life, making your visit to Ripley’s Aquarium and pleasant and memorable event.

With all of the fun activities in Gatlinburg to do during the day, you might want to relax and enjoy a show in the evening during your vacation. Country Tonite is one of the most popular shows that Gatlinburg has to offer, and for good reasons: this show has earned titles like “Best Live Country Music Show in America” and “Show of the Year”. You will love the wonderful performances of some of your favorite country hits and the comedic skits that will have you tapping your toes and giggling all night!

Spend Your Thanksgiving Enjoying Entertainment in the Smoky Mountains

Spend this Thanksgiving out exploring the many attractions of the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area rather than stressing yourself out by preparing a huge meal. It will be much more fun for everyone to just relax and enjoy each other’s company. If you’re looking for some fun activities to help you out with that, these activities are perfect and are even open during the week of Thanksgiving.

Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge

As one of the most popular shows in Pigeon Forge, the Dixie Stampede has years of great showmanship under its belt. Come and experience the fun and excitement of 32 horses and their riders doing tricks and competing for your entertainment. You can cheer on your favorites as you enjoy a delicious Southern-style meal of chicken, homemade biscuits, and other treats. This is one show you must not miss during your time in the area!

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

With the cold weather outside, you will want to enjoy some warm indoor entertainment while you visit. Make sure to stop by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies where you can explore the underwater world of marine creatures. This aquarium has over 10,000 marine animals for you to see and learn about during your visit. You will see sharks, sting rays, and even a coral reef as you walk through the aquarium. You will also get the chance to touch some of these astounding creatures at the touch tank!

Magic Beyond Belief

Add a little bit of Smoky Mountain magic to your vacation with Magic Beyond Belief. This fun magic show gives you the dazzling entertainment and illusions of Terry Evanswood. As winner of the Merlin award, Terry has a reputation for putting on unbelievable magic shows. Watch as he works with everything from a 400-pound white tiger to his pet dog to create stunning illusions. With his variety of magic tricks and his incredible showmanship, this magician puts on a show you will always remember!

Winter Magic Carries On in Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge, TN

The holidays may have come and gone, but celebration still blankets the Smoky Mountains with Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge’s Winter Magic! Running through February 28, Winter Magic offers Gatlinburg visitors a festive winter escape complete with inviting light displays, a heart-warming Winter Special Olympics, and extreme sports excitement with Southern Exposure 2010.

In particular, Southern Exposure 2010, set to take place at Ober Gatlinburg Ski and Amusement Park on February 6, will offer adrenaline-pumping thrills as various skiing and snowboarding competitions are held. Aside from the standard competitions, Southern Exposure also features the always anticipated Cardboard Sled Classic Race, a raucous race that highlights homemade sleds comprised of cardboard, duct tape and whatever else participants find laying around their homes!

Those interested in experiencing Southern Exposure 2010 or any other events featured throughout Winter Magic can find a variety of lodging options throughout the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area online.

Aside from the many celebrations that take place during Winter Magic, Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge visitors can find a world of wonder and excitement with year-round attractions including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and WonderWorks.

At Ripley’s Aquaarium of the Smokies, guests will journey through the depths of the sea, experiencing over 10,000 aquatic animals representing more than 350 different species. From Shark Lagoon to Sting Ray Bay, adventure awaits.

From the mysteries of the deep to the just plain curious, WonderWorks offers numerous interactive exhibits ranging from educational to just plain strange. Experience an earthquake at Quake Café, rest on an authentic bed of nails, or even get a work-out in on the indoor rock wall: you can do it all at WonderWorks.

Don’t spend the rest of your winter waiting for spring; get out and make the most of 2010 with Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge and the always memorable Winter Magic!

Start Your New Year Right in Gatlinburg

If you do not already have plans for how you are going to ring in the New Year, spending the weekend in Gatlinburg is a sure bet for a fantastic vacation. Because the New Year falls on a Friday this year, you have the perfect opportunity for a long weekend of relaxation after the busyness of the holidays.

To make planning your vacation in Gatlinburg easy, we have a pre-built New Year’s package for you. The Celebrating New Year’s In The Smokies vacation package already comes with lodging, shows, and dinners for your convenience. With this package, you will have four days and three nights to enjoy everything that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have to offer for the New Year’s holiday. 

This package is full of great Gatlinburg activities and shows, including the Smith Family Theater, Country Tonite, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. In addition, you can experience the lights of the area on the guided Winterfest Light Tour. This package also includes dinner each night. One of the dinners will be at Dolly Parton’s famous Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show. In addition, you will enjoy a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, which will make your holiday extra-special. 

With country music, delicious food, and the convenience of a pre-planned vacation, the Celebrating New Year’s In The Smokies package is the perfect vacation option for anyone looking to get away and celebrate the beginning of 2010. Whether traveling with your family or booking a romantic vacation for two, you will be sure to have a great time on this vacation.

Explore Unique Attractions in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge

Although Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are known for many entertaining shows and great shopping, the area also has several unique attractions that are must-visits for your next vacation to the area. Whether planning a day trip to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage this autumn or are looking for activities for a weekend escape or family vacation, these attractions are sure to please everyone in your group.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

This full-scale aquarium features tens of thousands of marine species and wildlife, with everything from amphibious creatures to sharks. The latest exhibit to open at Ripley’s Aquarium is “Lethal Weapons.” This exhibit exclusive to Ripley’s features a variety of creatures with lethal capabilities, from razor-sharp teeth to potent poison. The “lethal weapons” on display include a Portuguese Man of War, electric eel, and the Crown of Thorns starfish. In addition to this exhibit, visitors can also explore several other areas, including exhibits of the Rainforest, Ocean, Coral Reef, and Stingray Bay. The Shark Lagoon features one of the highlights of the aquarium: a walk-through aquatic tunnel with sharks swimming above and around you.

Cirque de Chine

If you would like to see a show a little different than the usual country shows in the area, this circus performance is a must-see. The Cirque de Chine performers are gold and silver award winning acrobats and gymnasts. The show features a choreographed acrobatic performance accompanied by outstanding traditional Chinese acts, including the mesmerizing mask changing performance, where the mask on a girl’s face changes before your eyes, without being visibly touched or removed. Other features of the performance include the Chinese yo-yo, hoop divers, springboard, and the Jungjo drum group. This performance also features stunning costumes and traditional Chinese music. Cirque de Chine is in its third season at the Smoky Mountain Palace theater. Cirque de Chine is a great activity for all ages.

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.

Adventure Takes on Many Forms in Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited National Park in the United States. However, the Gatlinburg area has much more to see than just the Great Smoky Mountains. Indoor and outdoor adventure can be found in the Gatlinburg area with many exciting attractions to choose from. You can travel through an indoor rain forest, visit an aquarium, or take a romantic carriage ride.

RainForest Adventures

Welcome to the jungle! At RainForest Adventures you can find yourself in the midst of an indoor rain forest that comes complete with a splendid 25 foot waterfall and is teeming with exotic wildlife like lemurs, tortoises, lizards, snakes and tropical birds. Educational presentations introduce you to the jungle animals and help make this adventure enjoyable and informative.

Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies
  
Descend beneath the water’s surface to explore life under the sea at the Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies. Visit exciting exhibits like the Shark Lagoon and the Coral Reef. Have lunch with stingrays at the Feeding Frenzy Restaurant, where you can watch the rays swim about as you eat.

Smoky Mountain Picnic & Romantic Carriage Rides

Take a romantic carriage ride with your special someone and enjoy the country picnic meal and keepsake picnic basket as you dine with your loved one amidst the grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy the carriage ride in any season. You can delight in riding through a winter wonderland, bask in the sun while flowers bloom in the spring and summer, or experience the brilliant fall colors in autumn.