Christmas at Graceland in Memphis, TN
Celebrate this holiday season with Memphis and memories of the King with Christmas at Graceland! Running from now through December 25, Graceland will be transformed into a veritable winter wonderland through a variety of holiday lighting, exhibits and general joy. As has been done for years, Graceland will be adorned with the same décor Elvis used during his residence, offering yet another way to catch an intimate glimpse into the life of one of America’s brightest stars. Other seasonal touches are set to include a lighted Christmas tree. Whether an avid Elvis fan or simply looking for a unique way to celebrate the season, Christmas at Graceland can warm the hearts of one and all!
Learn more about Christmas at Graceland and find hotel options near Graceland online.
Of course, if you are visiting Memphis this winter, then a visit to Graceland is practically a must-do. Tours of Elvis’ legendary house will take guests through eight rooms of the actual mansion, as well as Elvis’ custom airplanes and even the final resting place of The King himself. And while a walk through this famed estate is always memorable, the addition of Christmas at Graceland is sure to make the moment all the more special.
Enjoy a Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood!
November 20, 2009 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN
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.
Grand Ole Opry Performers For November 20 &21
November 19, 2009 by admin
Filed under Grand Ole Opry
Dear Grand Ole Opry Visitors,
If you’re headed to the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, this is what’s happening at Ryman! Please note that the performances are subject to change at the last minute.
Friday, November 20 - Buy Tickets!
7:00 – 7:30
George Hamilton IV
Jesse McReynolds & The Virginia Boys
Jason Michael Carroll
7:30 – 8:00
Jimmy Dickens
Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press
Shane Yellowbird
8:00 – 8:30
Mike Snider
Stonewall Jackson
The Whites
Connie Smith
8:30 – 9:00
Vince Gill
Ralph Stanley
Little Big Town
Saturday, November 21 – Buy Tickets!
7:00 – 7:30
Jimmy Dickens
Jimmy C. Newman
The Whites
7:30 – 8:00
Jack Greene
Ralph Stanley
8:00 – 8:30
George Hamilton IV
Jan Howard
The Lovell Sisters
Opry Square Dancers
8:30 – 9:00
Mike Snider
Connie Smith
Charlie Daniels Band
INTERMISSION
9:30 – 10:00
Jimmy Dickens
Jimmy C. Newman
The Whites
10:00 – 10:30
Jack Greene
Ralph Stanley
10:30 – 11:00
Mike Snider
Ray Pillow
Charlie Daniels Band
Opry Square Dancers
11:00 – 11:30
Vince Gill
Connie Smith
The Lovell Sisters
Past Meets Present In Gatlinburg Accommodations
October 30, 2009 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN
If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg or the Smoky Mountains area, you’re probably looking for lodging. Nothing says “Smoky Mountains” better than a cabin. If you’re looking a great hotel that offers you the ambiance of the Smoky Mountains, look no further than these two great cabin-style accommodations!
This is the perfect log cabin style place for you to stay during your visit to Gatlinburg. The exterior of the Smoky Getaways Cabins resemble the classic log cabin of the pioneers, but the insides have all the amenities of your favorite hotels. Relax in front of the gas log fireplace or take in the breath-taking views from the front porch. You’ll be in the Smoky Mountain mood from the moment you drive through the covered-bridge entrance.
Hickory Mist Luxury Cabin Rentals
Don’t miss a single moment of excitement during your vacation to Gatlinburg with reservations at the Hickory Mist Luxury Cabin Rentals. These 5-Star accommodations offer every luxury amenity that you would expect from your favorite hotel, but they also offer the look and ambiance of the iconic Smoky Mountain log cabins. The convenient location places you within 10 miles of all the major attractions Gatlinburg has to offer. Hickory Mist is the perfect combination of past and present.
Experience A Country Christmas in Nashville, TN
October 21, 2009 by admin
Filed under Featured, Nashville TN
Winter cheer is fast approaching Music City as the Gaylord Opryland Resort prepares for its annual A Country Christmas! From November through December, the elegant Gaylord Oprylandbecomes adorned with festive, holiday decorations and presents a variety of Christmas activities ranging from performances by the iconic Radio City Rockettes to a fantastical ice sculpture display that will place you directly within the Christmas classic A Charlie Brown Christmas. And from general information to complete package options, Vacations Made Easy has recently released all of the information and tools necessary to help you plan your Country Christmas in Nashville, TN!
A long standing favorite in Nashville, Louise Mandrell’s “Joy to the World” Christmas Dinner and Showwill be returning for another season, presenting a down home celebration complete with filling holiday meal and entertainment as only Louise Mandrell can provide. Throughout the performance, Louise’s nephew, Mathew Dudley, will emcee the event as Louise and friends entertain through song, dance, comedy and more while you enjoy chicken roulades with cranberry cornbread stuffing, candied yams, and other seasonal favorites.
Another seasonal tradition returning to A Country Christmas is the Radio City Christmas Spectacularfeaturing the world-renowned Radio City Rockettes. Throughout this electric performance you will be treated to a wide range of heart-warming sights and sounds as the Rockettes perform a variety of dance routines centered on themes including “12 Days of Christmas,” “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “the Living Nativity.”
Rounding out A Country Christmas, ICE! offers a veritable winter playground complete with life-sized depictions of classic scenes from A Charlie Brown Christmas carved from two million pounds of ice. Children and adults alike will delight in being present for the rehearsal hall practice, visiting Snoopy’s house and helping Charlie Brown choose a Christmas tree as Charles Schulz’ family classic takes on life-like dimensions before your very eyes!
If you are looking for complete package options you will find a couple different choices to help you experience A Country Christmas. The Gaylord Opryland Resort Country Christmas combines both admission to ICE! and main floor seating for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular with three nights lodging.
Additionally, Nashville’s Radio City Rockettes Winter Vacation Packageoffers a concentrated look at the Rockettes that can fit into a weekend and comes complete with main floor seating for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and two nights lodging.
Great Smoky Mountain National Park Offers Great Activities
October 19, 2009 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN
If you’re planning on traveling to the Gatlinburg area via Highway 66, you are going to see road construction. The Tennessee Department of Transportation has begun a major project along this highly-traveled thoroughfare so why not try a neighboring attraction? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just on the other side of the Tennessee-North Carolina border and there is plenty to keep the family busy during your trip.
One of the best way to see Great Smoky Mountains National Park is by car, especially in the winter season. There are 384 miles of roads weaving their way through the Smoky Mountains just waiting for you to travel them. Just a heads up, these roads are not paved but they are kept in suitable condition for most passenger cars. If you are looking for information to guide you, you can purchase booklets that act as your travel guide as you explore the park.
While approaching, feeding or disturbing wildlife in a national park is illegal, watching them is not. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a few great spots to observe white-tailed deer, black bear, raccoon, turkeys, woodchucks and other animals from the safety of your car. The best part is, you won’t be breaking any laws. Three of the best spots are Cataloochee, Cades Cove and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. The best time to see wildlife is in the morning or evening and if you’re patient, you are sure to see your share of Smoky Mountain wildlife. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera!
If you are planning a weekend trip, you may want to check out the Junior Ranger Program that runs through October 31. The program is open every Saturday and Sunday from 1- 1:30 PM. You kids will love this hands-on look at Cades Cove. Stop by the Cades Cove Visitor Center to get started. After the workshop, why not take advantage of everything else the park has to offer?
If you’re interested in visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are also plenty of hotels to choose from in the area.
Day Trips Showcase Nature in Chattanooga
Chattanooga is home to everything from river rafting to cave tours to sight-seeing. If you are looking for a way to fill a Saturday with the family, this beautiful city has plenty to offer. Just in case you were looking for a some ideas, here are a few ways to spend the day in Chattanooga.
A Day of Natural Wonders
If you enjoy natural history you should spend the day taking tours of the local caves! There are two guided tours that are incredibly popular with visitors, and your family is sure to enjoy them, too. The first tour is located at The Sequoyah Caverns and Ellis Homestead. Check out the homestead before the tour begins and you’ll have the chance to mine your own gems. The guided cave tour leads you through Looking Glass Cave where you will see a variety of rock formations and hundreds of reflection pools.
Once you’ve toured Sequoyah Caverns, head over to Crystal Palace Cave for a guided tour that will lead you through the front quarter-mile of Crystal Palace. Your knowledgeable guide will point out the interesting formations around the cave as well as factoids about Crystal Cave. There is plenty to see on this tour, and your family will see it all. Don’t miss this amazing look at a natural wonder!
If your family enjoys nature but the idea of walking around underground isn’t appealing, then the Chattanooga Nature Center is the place for you. Situated in the countryside of Lookout Mountain, the Nature Center is home to more than 30 native species of animals ranging from turtles to wolves. Spends some time on the 1,400-foot boardwalk and you’re sure to see them all. Also be sure to stop in at the ecologically-engineered constructed wetland and the George S. Bryan Tree House. The Nature Center also has several beautiful gardens for your family to explore. Don’t miss this natural slice of Chattanooga.
If you’re planning on visiting Chattanooga with the family, this is a must-see tour. Blue Moon Cruises offers a guided tour through the Tennessee River Gorge that the whole family will love. You will see local inhabitants in their natural setting, including hawks, eagles and raccoons. During the tour, the guides will share native stories about the area and point out key features of the Tennessee River Gorge. These tours offer a look at the cultural and historical aspects surrounding the Gorge that will educate and excite your whole family.
One-Day Trips to Memphis Entertain the Whole Family
Whether you’re trying to fill a Saturday or trying to keep the kids busy on a break from school, Memphis has plenty of one-day activities for you to choose from. You can choose everything from city tours to museums. Your family is sure to love Memphis for a day.
Elvis Fans One-Day Get-Away
If you are a fan of The King, there are several things you can do to fill a day in Memphis. The first is the Graceland Platinum Experience. During this tour of Graceland, you will spend the first part of the tour guided through eight rooms of the main house. Following the guided tour you will be allowed to explore Elvis’ two custom airplanes, his collection of cars and motorcycles, and the Sincerely Elvis Memorabilia Museum. At the museum guests can see his personal wardrobe, Presley home movies, and family photos. Before leaving, be sure to stop in the Meditation Garden and leave flowers on his final resting place.
After visiting the home of The King, fans should definitely see where he worked. The Sun Studio Guided Tour leads you through the Memphis studio where Elvis recorded his early albums. You will see the microphone he used to record “That’s All Right” and other memorabilia. After the guided tour, be sure to stop at the Sun Studio Soda Shop and Record Store for a fountain soda and souvenirs.
If you are looking to entertain a younger crowd, the Children’s Museum of Memphis is the perfect place for a day-trip. This museum is filled with hands-on exhibits ranging from Growing Healthy, which teaches kids about anatomy, to Art Smart, where kids can paint, sculpt, or perform. There are hundreds of things for your little ones to do, and you’re more than likely to enjoy it, too. If you don’t want to go out to eat, bring a picnic lunch and let the kids play the day away. The Children’s Museum of Memphis is the perfect place for a family day of fun!
If you and the family simply want to explore Memphis and get a feel for this wonderful city, jump aboard the bus! The Memphis Mojo Tour is a guided bus tour of the city. You will visit Cotton Row, The Lorraine Motel, Sun Studio and Stax. Your “guides” will keep you laughing and singing, and the best part is guests are encouraged to help out with the music. Just grab one of the many shakers, bongos or tambourines on the bus and join in! Don’t miss this chance to soak up a little of American music history and have a little fun at the same time.
Gatlinburg Offers Great Food and Spectacular Entertainment
October 12, 2009 by admin
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN, VME
The weather is getting cold and the summer activities have ended. If you are looking for a fun indoor activity for the family, Gatlinburg has just what you’re looking for. Make a night of your trip to Gatlinburg and take in dinner and a show. The cit of Gatlinburg has plenty to choose from!
Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show
Your whole family will love this Broadway-style musical revue at the Black Bear Jamboree. With music ranging from bluegrass to oldies and country to gospel, everyone is sure to hear one of their favorites. The wonderful cast use music and dance to portray the story of the Black Bear Jamboree, a favorite local legend. You will savor a hearty Southern feast while you enjoy a musical experience in a state-of-the-art theater.
Hoot ‘n’ Holler Dinner Show
This Vaudeville-style music and dance show will have the entire family involved because audience participation is a huge part of the show. You will start the show with piano music while you are served your first course, and then it really takes off! If you desire something other than southern food, try this Italian feast including freshly-baked pasta entrees, desserts and more. This show will leave the whole family singing, laughing and full.
The Smith Family Theatre, voted one of the best in the area, is home to the band Exile. This show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience because the band broke up but has reunited for this show. Exile had success in the ’80′s with hits like “Give Me One More Chance” and “Kiss You All Over.” While you enjoy the music of Exile, you will be treated to a scrumptious dinner. Don’t miss this family-friendly show during your next trip to Pigeon Forge!
Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show
If you’re in Gatlinburg and looking for a morning activity to get the family going, look no further! This show offers you an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. While enjoying your meal, you will laugh at hilarious comedy and sing along with southern gospel. Members of the Blackwood family have won 8 Grammy Awards, 27 Dove Awards and 5 All American Music Awards. Don’t miss this wonderful show next time you and your family are in Pigeon Forge!
Nashville Entertains CMA Attendees
October 9, 2009 by admin
Filed under Nashville TN
If you are planning on attending the Country Music Awards on November 11, in Nashville, you may want to stay for the weekend. There is plenty to keep any country music fan entertained should you choose to stick around Music City for a few days.
The legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville has housed some of the greatest country music performances in history. For fans of country music, this is reason enough to visit Nashville. If you’re already going to be there you can’t miss this experience! Not only do audience members get to see a great show, they get to be a part of it. Cheering and applause is encouraged and fans are allowed to “rush the stage” to get close-up pictures of their favorite stars. The weekend following the CMA’s, Steve Wariner, The Band Perry, and Carrie Underwood are scheduled to perform. Reserve your seats early so you don’t miss these fabulous shows!
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The 40,000 square-foot building is beautiful, but it’s what’s inside that the fans are after! You have to stop at the wall of honors, which showcases every gold and platinum record to grace the country music charts. You will get to hear rare recordings and see memorabilia, traveling exhibits and exhibits dedicated to the legends of country music. If you get hungry during your visit, there is a restaurant near the 5,500 square-foot gift shop.
The most devoted fans won’t want to miss this guided tour of Nashville. This tour chauffeurs you around to the homes of your favorite Nashville residents. Don’t forget your camera because you will be seeing the homes of Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Dolly Parton and many more! The comfortable 25-passenger bus picks you up at your hotel lobby and you spend the rest of the day star gazing!
When in Nashville, you can’t ignore the presence of the King. Elvis still rules Nashville and there is an entire show dedicated to his reign. Tribute to the King is a show performed by Award-winning John Beardsley and showcases more than 30 of Elvis’ hits. These hits span the length of Elvis’ career from the studios of Nashville to the stages in Las Vegas. Don’t miss the opportunity to re-live one of the greatest performers in music history!
