Satiate Your Artistic Appetite in Memphis!

February 28, 2011 by  
Filed under VME

Vacationers come to Memphis each year to experience the variety of exciting activities and attractions in the area, but you will find that there are a number of great rotating art exhibits in Memphis as well. At the Brooks Museum of Art, you can see a fabulous exhibit celebrating food called “A Feast for the Eyes,” which will be on display through May. “A Feast for the Eyes” premiered February 1st and features images of food, people gathering for meals, still life drawings of produce and kitchen scenes. This unique exhibit has art works ranging from eighteenth century caricatures to modern paintings, so you are sure to see some interesting works of art celebrating food!

 

While you are visiting Memphis, you are sure to notice that the town is characterized by musical culture, and you can see how Gibson guitars have contributed the establishment of Memphis as a musical center by taking a Gibson Guitar Factory Tour. On the tour, you will get to see all of the painstaking detail that goes into making these incredible guitars that are considered to be some of the best musical instruments produced in the United States. And since the Gibson Guitar Factory is located just off Beale Street, you can head over after your tour to hear some of these great guitars in action by catching a blues performance at one of the many clubs located there.

 

During your visit to Memphis, you will want to visit some of the famous historical landmarks in the city, and you will absolutely love your educational visit to the National Civil Rights Museum. This spectacular museum sits in the very spot where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and is full of important artifacts associated with civil rights. At the museum, you can see a variety of exhibits dedicated to events during the Civil Rights Movement like the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. For a great educational experience that is inspiring as well, be sure to include a visit to the National Civil Rights Museum in your vacation plans.

Check Out the Smoky Mountains’ Newest Attraction

December 14, 2009 by  
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN, VME

ZORBIT RideLooking to add the excitement of visiting a brand new attraction in the Smoky Mountains on your next trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area? One of the newest attractions in the area, the ZORB, hails from New Zealand and is one of the most unique activities you can enjoy in the area.

If you liked rolling down hills as a child, this activity is perfect for you! The ZORB features a huge inflatable ball that you will roll down an 820 foot hill in. The globe is approximately 11 feet tall, and up to three riders can ride in it at one time. The ZORB also has the ZYDRO option, which is a wet and wild activity that is available even in the middle of winter. This ride option includes you, the globe, and five gallons of water (cold in the summer, warm in the winter) rolling down the hill. Kids as young as eight can enjoy this attraction, making the ZORB an activity that the whole family can enjoy. A perfect escape from the boredom of winter or a fun addition to your summer vacation in the Smoky Mountains, ZORB is the new must-do activity in the area.

Looking for other ideas for fun winter diversions? Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have many options open year round with indoor fun for all ages. At the Guinness World of Records Museum in Gatlinburg, you will see a unique collection of exhibits, artifacts, and more from the record-breaking history of the Guinness World Records. This museum contains a replica of Noah’s Ark, Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” boat, and a view of the original Batmobile. With so many fascinating exhibits, the Guinness World of Records Museum is the perfect way to spend a fun afternoon in Gatlinburg.

For another interactive activity sure to keep kids entertained, check out WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge. This engaging attraction is known as an “amusement park for the mind” and features multiple exhibits and stations that allow for interaction, creativity, and a true hands-on experience. Here you can experience how an earthquake feels, what lying on a bed of nails feels like, and what it is like to land a space shuttle. With exhibits to appeal to any age group, WonderWorks is sure to be an attraction that pleases everyone in your family.

Fun June Festivals in Gatlinburg

May 29, 2009 by  
Filed under Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge TN, VME

While Gatlinburg offers fun activities and entertainment year round, the summer festivals featured in the city are a great reason to visit. You can visit these events while also enjoying all of the other attractions in the city, which will make your vacation unique and memorable.

A unique annual event in the area is the Smoky Mountain Storytelling Festival. Containing events and features to appeal to visitors of all ages, this festival offers a weekend full of entertainment. The festival takes place June 4-6 and is located at the Country Tonite Theater. Aspects of the weekend include storytelling sessions with professional storytellers, a Haunts and Haints Trolley Tour, and the National Youth Storytelling Showcase. Sure to be a memorable weekend, this festival is a unique addition to any Gatlinburg vacation.

For bluegrass music lovers, the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival is a must-see festival. Happening on June 11-13, the festival takes place at Dumplin Ridge Farm in nearby Kodak, TN. Headliners of the festival include musical acts Rhonda Vincent & the Rage, The Grascals, The Bluegrass Brothers, and Greenbriar. Bluegrass workshops are also planned for the weekend, and an arts and crafts showcase and food vendors will also be on location. This picturesque farm in the Smoky Mountains is the perfect location to experience bluegrass, making this festival a great reason to come to Gatlinburg.

For travelers who are fans of both bluegrass and storytelling, the Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales in Downtown Gatlinburg is a perfect event. This event begins on June 12 and continues for the rest of the summer until August 8. Each night, performers will be placed throughout downtown for your entertainment. The acts you will see range from costumed dulcimer performers to storytellers a clogging act. With many of Gatlinburg’s attractions downtown, this festival will be the perfect addition to a vacation itinerary filled with shows.

We offer a wide range of hotels and attraction options for Gatlinburg that will complete your vacation. Whether spending a day at Dollywood or enjoying the music at the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner & Show, you will be sure to have an exciting vacation in Gatlinburg.