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.

Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival is the Last Bash for Summer in Myrtle Beach

The Sun Fun Festival – A Celebration of Summer is coming to a close in grand style with the Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival in Myrtle Beach, SC. This festival is taking place September 3rd and 4th and features delicious barbecue contests, live entertainment, arts and crafts, wakeboard demonstrations, beer gardens, and even fireworks on the 4th. It’s a fantastic way to spend some time with family or friends enjoying the end of the summer at Myrtle Beach.

You can’t visit Myrtle Beach without visiting the famous Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. Lords and ladies, jousting, sword fights, and magnificent Andalusian stallions take you back to the medieval period for an evening of wonderful entertainment. As if the show wasn’t enough, you get to eat a delicious meal of garlic bread, spare rib, roasted chicken, and other treats in true medieval style – with your hands. It’s a show and dinner people of all ages can enjoy!

One other place in Myrtle Beach that will also be saying its goodbyes to summer is Myrtle Waves Waterpark. It’s the perfect time to go and enjoy the 20 acres of rides and attractions one last time until you have to wait until next summer. Splash around in the wave pool, have a blast sliding down the 10-story tall waterslide, and relax on the LayZee River in one last hurrah for the summer. You will have a great time with all this park has to offer!

Outdoor Adventures in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN

Take advantage of the wonderful summer activities in beautiful Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge while the summer sunshine lasts. These great outdoor activities will help you make the most of your summer before fall begins!

Zipline at Five Oaks

Go out experience the rush and exhilaration of the zip lines with the Zipline at Five Oaks excursion. This awesome zip line experience will give you thrills and speeds up to fifty miles per hour. All of the equipment needed for the zip lines will be provided for you, so you just have to show up prepared for an adventure unlike anything you’ve experience before!

Waterfall Jeep Tour

Don’t stop with your zip line adventure, there are still several more exciting opportunities for adventure that you can take advantage of with the Waterfall Jeep Tour. This tour will take you up the same trails pioneers used by jeep. A knowledgeable guide will be with you to answer questions and tell you interesting facts about the areas you pass as you head toward the gorgeous waterfalls in Nantahala. Snacks are even provided for you on this tour, so you can relax and just come ready for a good time!

Monster Truck Rides

Don’t settle for anything less than incredible on your getaway in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Get out and do something unique and exciting with the Monster Truck Rides. Hop into a monster truck with 66-inch tires and a 454 motor for a wild ride on a dirt road. While you’re in the truck, don’t forget to look around you. Incredible views of the Smoky Mountains will greet you everywhere you turn. This ride is something that few people can say they’ve gotten to experience!

Smoky Mountain Picnic and Romantic Carriage Rides

For those looking for a beautiful outdoor experience during their time in the Smokies, the Smoky Mountain Picnic and Romantic Carriage Rides will be the perfect activity. With everything from a hay ride to a romantic carriage ride, these tours give a variety of options to explore the area. Some of these carriage rides even provide a picnic so you can eat a delicious meal out in the fresh air of the Smoky Mountains. It’s a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature on your getaway.

Hot Summer Activities to Cool You Down in Gatlinburg, TN

With the heat of summer approaching, many people are looking for options that will keep them cool and comfortable during their vacation. Gatlinburg, TN has several options that make it the perfect place to take advantage of the summer sunshine while still managing to keep yourself from getting overheated. Three favorites of the area include the Waterfall Jeep Tour, the Nantahala River Tour and Scenic Train Ride, and the Pigeon River Rafting Adventure.

Waterfall Jeep Tour

This tour takes place in an open jeep through the beautiful wilderness of the Smoky Mountains. Enjoy the welcoming shade of the forest as you see the sights. A guide will be with you to tell you about the area and point out wildlife as you ride in comfort to the Nantahala area waterfalls. These waterfalls are awe-inspiring in their simple beauty.

Nantahala River Tour and Scenic Train Ride

Start your time on this tour with a train ride on the Smoky Mountain Railway. This ride will take you through the incredible Smoky Mountain mountainside where you will see wildlife and plants native to the area. It’s a beautiful way to start your day. After the train ride, get ready for some thrills on whitewater rapids. The excitement you will feel while on the river will only be equal to your excitement over the scenery. Cliff walls and beautiful boulders will greet you around every twist of the river.

Pigeon River Rafting Adventure

If you’re looking for a thrill, you’re going to find it with this rafting experience. With rapids that go up to Class III, sheer rock walls, and beautiful rock formations, there are plenty of opportunities for excitement. Your safety is taken into consideration, and you will be provided with necessary equipment like a life jacket, helmet, and paddling jacket. When you aren’t out on the river, you will be able to use volleyball courts, picnic areas, a shower, and the river store.

Enjoy Nashville Culture and History at Upcoming Festivals

Nashville, TN has several upcoming festivals and events coming up that will provide visitors to the city a great time and a taste of the culture and history that has made Nashville the entertaining city it is today.

Music City Jazz, Blues, and Heritage Festival

This annual Labor Day festival will be taking place Sept. 5 and 6. The festival takes place in Nashville’s scenic Riverfront Park on the Cumberland River. The headline performers for this event are Boney James, who is set to appear on Sunday evening. Other performers include Phil Perry, Kevin Edmonds, Jackiem Joyner, ZAPP, Guitarzz, and Steve Roper. Tickets for this year’s event are $10 for one day or $15 for the weekend.

Annual Greek Festival

Feel like going Greek? This annual Nashville festival gives you the opportunity on Sept. 11-13. This festival is hosted by the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. This is the 22nd year of this festival. The festival features authentic Greek food, dancing, and entertainment. Overall, it is just a fun celebration of the Greek culture and the Greek community in Nashville. The festival begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s hours are 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. A tour of the church is included in admission.

In addition to these great festivals, Nashville has entertaining attractions available year round. Whether enjoying an evening cruise on the General Jackson or interacting with wildlife at the Nashville Zoo, there is always something to see in Nashville!

Last Minute Summer Vacation Ideas in Nashville

Sadly, summer will soon be drawing to a close as children go back to school, so why not take advantage of the hot summer temperatures and summer activities found in Nashville, TN? From special summer events to days spent in the sun, Nashville has plenty to offer in these waning summer days.

Gaylord Opryland is a one stop Nashville destination. You could never leave the property and still have one of the most fun vacations of your life! Gaylord Opryland’s Summerfest is currently going on until August 16. During Summerfest, the Gaylord Opryland hosts special events and entertainment nightly. For this year, events include Delta Island Country Street Parties, with live DJs and line dancing, nightly Fountain Shows accompanied by music and dancing, Delta Boat Cruises, and Breakfast with the Legends.

In addition to all of the fun activities of Summerfest, Gaylord Opryland has enough activities to keep you busy during your visit. On-site amenities include outdoor pools, a fully-equipped fitness center, and the Relache Spa. The Gaylord Opryland can also take care of all of your dining needs with their on-site restaurants, which include the Ristorante Volare and the Old Hickory Steakhouse. For nightlife options, you can find Fuse, the nightclub seen in Dierk Bentley’s hit music video for his song “Sideways,” Jack Daniel’s Saloon, and Findley’s Irish Pub.

For more delicious food, visit the Gaylord Opryland during the upcoming Southern Food and Wine Festival presented by the Food Network. This event takes place July 31-August 2 and features Food Network chefs Alton Brown, the Deen Brothers, and the Neelys. This event includes live demonstrations, exhibits, and meet and greet receptions. Of course, the rooms at the Gaylord offer some of the most comfortable accommodations in Nashville, along with the convenience of being close to all the attractions of the Gaylord and Nashville.

Another activity that will help you enjoy the sunny summer Tennessee days is the Canopy Challenge Course. This unique ropes course features challenging activities like climbing walls, giant swings, and obstacle courses. This activity is great for family bonding or team building as it gives participants the opportunity to test their strength and help each other, all while enjoying a great experience in the Tennessee outdoors.

Add Some Humor to Your Gatlinburg Vacation

Escape the cares of the world and indulge in a few laughs with a vacation to Gatlinburg. The Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area offers a variety of comedy shows that will let you forget about the world for a couple hours. Luckily, Gatlinburg is a great family-friendly vacation town, so you can be sure that these comedy shows are appropriate for everyone in your group.

The Comedy Barn has been hailed as “America’s Funniest Family Variety Show,” and it continues to be one of Gatlinburg’s most popular attractions. This show is designed to entertain everyone with juggling, comedians, puppets, and barnyard animal acts, one featuring Arnold, the Mind-Reading Pig. With the country theme, this show is a guaranteed hit among visitors from all backgrounds, and your kids are going to love the animals. This show offers two performance times in the summer and offers performances year round.

For a classic comedy show, check out the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre. Done in the style of 1890s Vaudeville acts, this theater features three original live shows. The Knickerbocker Glories is a raucous, fast-paced Vaudeville show that features comedy, dancing, singing, and slap-stick comedy. The Mystical Magic Medicine Show presents the story of the creators of Flim Flam juice, a magical potion to cure all ailments. During the Christmas season, you can catch the Yuletide Madness show, a performance that celebrates Christmas in traditional Sweet Fanny Adams style. Whichever show you choose, you will be amazed at these talented performers.

For a dinner and a great show, check out the Hoot ‘n Holler Dinner Show. You will enjoy a classic Italian meal while being entertained by the hilarious cast. The show features a Vaudeville-style act complete with dancing, music, and slap-stick comedy. When you go, get ready to be a part of the act because the cast loves to interact with the audience and make them part of the show! Sure to be a memorable experience, this dinner show is a great way to spend an evening. 

Get in Touch with Nature in Nashville

Summer is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of the Nashville area. In between catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry and exploring the city, take some time to get in touch with nature at these area attractions.

Experience a wildlife oasis in the heart of the city with a visit to the Nashville Zoo. Named one of the top zoos in the country, this zoo is the perfect destination for a day of family fun. This zoo contains traditional animal exhibits like giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers and more as well as exciting rare animals including macaws from South America, a meerkat colony from Africa, and white-cheeked and siamang gibbons. The exhibits house the animals in environments similar to their native homes, making the animals comfortable. The zoo is open year round and has special summer hours lasting until October. A gift shop and restaurant are also available on site.

If you are feeling like roughing it for a day or two, check out Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch. This attraction contains an RV park, paddle boats, a plantation home, and a theater. Visitors can tour the home, and Loretta Lynn fans will love spending time in the Coal Miner’s Daughter museum that contains artifacts, photographs, and more from Lynn’s life and career. After exploring the property, you can stop in at the Rock-a-billy Cafe or snack shop for lunch or dinner, and you can visit the gift and T-shirt shop on site to grab some souvenirs to commemorate your time here. If you time your trip right, Loretta Lynn may even be performing a concert!

If you are ready to experience some thrills in the Tennessee forest, check out the Eco Adventure Canopy Zipline Tour. This excursion provides you a guide who will take you deep into the forest. You will be securely strapped into a harness, and then you are ready to sail across the canopy for a thrilling adventure! You will have the chance to spot a variety of native wildlife, and your tour guide will describe the eco-system around you and the challenges it faces. This activity is fun for both the young and old and is sure to be a memorable part of your vacation!

Summertime Cruising in Williamsburg, VA

Take a break from exploring the history of the area or spending a day at Busch Gardens with a relaxing sightseeing cruise! While cruising along the various rivers in the area, you will enjoy a peaceful afternoon or evening soaking in the warm Virginia sun and experiencing the views the early settlers might have as they arrived on the Virginia shores.

If you want to enjoy a lunch or dinner on the river, reserve your spot on a Spirit of Norfolk Lunch or Dinner Cruise on the Elizabeth River. The lunch cruises feature a delicious lunch and sightseeing opportunities including battleships from the Atlantic fleet. The lunch cruise also features a DJ and dance floor. The dinner cruise is a bit more low-key. You will enjoy your gourmet candlelit meal while you listen to soothing music. The cruise continues with live entertainment as well as a DJ and dance floor.

The Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruise takes guests through Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads Harbor. This is the only harbor cruise vessel in the area, so you will be sure to have a one-of-a-kind experience. The cruise is full of sightseeing opportunities, including the Jacques Cousteau Center, the Virginia Air and Space Museum, the Norfolk Naval Base, and Blackbeards’ Point. The Norfolk Naval Base is highlighted as one of the guests’ favorite attractions of the cruise. The cruise is fully narrated by a knowledgeable guide, so you are sure to leave this experience with a greater appreciation and knowledge of the Williamsburg area.

For a more classic cruise, check out the Yorktown Sailing Cruises. You will take to the York River in the Schooner Alliance, a classic full-sailed ship like the forefathers may have sailed in on.  On this cruise, you will see such sights as the Yorktown Battlefield, the Victory Monument, and the beautiful scenery along the York River. The Yorktown Sailing Cruises offer day cruises appropriate for families and sunset cruises as well. This cruise will surely give you and your family an experience to remember with this exceptional cruise on the York River.

These cruises would make perfect additions to your July 4th vacation, so plan ahead and book your cruise today!

Don’t Miss These Kid-Friendly Branson Shows!

Are your kids already bored of their summer vacation? Are you ready to get them out of the house to do something fun? Look no further than these exciting limited-time shows in Branson!

Act now and do not miss this rare opportunity to see a special limited engagement at Yakov’s Moscow Circus! For June 23 to July 5 only, the Moscow Circus will present Mishka the Russian Bears. Your whole family will delight in watching these magical bears perform their entertaining tricks. You will see acts like unicycle riding and acrobatic feats performed by these lovable bears. You can catch this special act at the 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. shows at Yakov’s Theatre.

Yakov’s Moscow Circus has been performing at Yakov’s Theatre since June 10, and they will run shows until September 7. The circus tells the story of the unrequited love of Andrei the Clown for Marina the Ballerina. The circus also features a variety of acts including Igor and Dennis, “The Strongmen of Moscow;” Boris the Wonder Dog, and the talents of Irina Markova and her canine troupe. The Moscow Circus is a show the whole family will enjoy. The complete show schedule can be found online at our listing.

For other wild and crazy fun in Branson, check out the Amazing Pets show. Perfect for younger children, this show is led by Sean Paul. He interacts with the audience as he brings out his animal cast for entertaining tricks. The performing animals include a monkey, dogs, cats, and birds. This show runs every day but Sunday until the end of August, making it the perfect show to see before the kids head back to school!

With both shows featuring performances on July 4th, these acts make great additions to your July 4th weekend plans. Plan ahead and book some great lodging close to these theaters and get ready to have a great weekend in Branson!

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