North America Country Music Association, International’s Country Music Week Begins in Pigeon Forge, TN

Country music fans everywhere anticipate the North America Annual Country Music Week in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This event, also known as the NACMAI, begins on March 8th and continues until March 14th. Bluegrass, gospel, and all other forms of country music will be at the event, so no country music fan will be left out. This also includes all fans interested in memorabilia showcases that will allow them to enjoy music from the past as well as current music.

All of this takes place at the Country Tonight Theater. For an entire week, this show is free to the public, but if you want to go any other time a fee is included. It’s an enjoyable event that is appropriate for all ages. Another event in the area going on at the same time is A Mountain Quiltfest, another annual event where over 20,000 quilters gather for workshops and classes at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center.

In addition to any events going on in the area, there are always many other things to do and see in a place like Pigeon Forge. Activities like the Smoky Mountain Picnic and Romantic Carriage Rides are available if one is interested in seeing the scenery the area offers with their family or significant other. For those interested in a bird’s eye view, there is breathtaking scenery from the view of a helicopter on the Helicopter Rides in the Smokies.

Gatlinburg’s Festival of Nations Brings World Culture to the Heart of America!

This March 27 through April 26, the sights and sounds of the world will converge in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area with Dollywood’s Festival of Nations! Throughout the month-long celebration of world culture, guests will be treated to a wide variety of activities and performances with the following acts already scheduled:

• DRUM! – A 20-person group of dancers, musicians and singers who combine a variety of world sounds for a menagerie of entertainment
• Invaders – Ensemble orchestra presented traditional sounds from Trinidad and Tobago
• Jallmay – Offers Peruvian rhythms ranging from traditional to current pop fads
• Atahualpa – Provides a native Incan feel complete with traditional instrumentation
• Imaginé presented by Le Grand Cirque – As always, the world of Cirque will amaze with its multi-cultural, fantastical performance
• Keona – An instrumental duo from Switzerland that is noted for its use of the hang drum
• Zambia Vocal Group – An a capella group that features members from a variety of tribes throughout Africa

Those interested in being a part of Dollywood’s Festival of Nations are encouraged to secure tickets and begin browsing lodging options throughout the Smoky Mountains region, and experience world travel right in the heart of the United States!

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!

Saddle Up! to Cowboy Entertainment in Gatlinburg, TN

This February 25 through February 28 Pigeon Forge, TN will be celebrating the 10th Annual Saddle Up! as part of its ongoing Pigeon Forge Winterfest. Throughout the four-day celebration of all things cowboy the city will host a variety of special concerts and celebrations, each uniquely tying to the rugged individualism of America’s Wild West era.

Visitors will find a variety of ticket options available to help in experiencing as much or little of the festivities as you would like. Single day passes are currently $20 and full weekend passes are currently $50. Below, you will find a tentative schedule for 2010 to help you better plan your visit to Pigeon Forge during Saddle Up!

2010 Saddle Up! Itinerary

Thursday, February 25

• 1 p.m. – Concert at Smith Family Dinner Theater featuring Ray Doyle, Jeff Gore & Silver Valley, Dave Stamey, and RW Hampton
• 6 p.m. – The Bard and the Balladeer Dinner Show featuring Don Edwards and Waddie Mitchell

Friday, February 26

• 1 p.m. – Concert at the Grand Majestic Theater featuring Tim Jobe/Cal Farley, Sisters of the Silver Sage, Waddie Mitchell, and Don Edwards
• 7 p.m. – Concert at the Grand Majestic Theater featuring Ray Doyle, Cal Farley, Jeff Gore and Silver Valley, RW Hampton, Sister of the Silver Sage, and Dave Stamey
• 9 p.m. – Swing Dance featuring Kata Hay & The Blaze. Separate tickets required.

Saturday, February 27

• 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Clabough’s Camping. This afternoon of activity is set to feature cow roping, cowboy poetry, dutch oven cooking demonstrations, and more.
• 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. – The Virginian Cast Reunion. Enjoy an evening of meet n’ greets, Q & A sessions, and more with the cast from The Virginian.
• 9 p.m. – Swing Dance featuring Kata Hay & The Blaze. Separate tickets required.

Sunday, February 28

• 8:30 a.m. – Chuckwagon Breakfast. Separate tickets required.
• 10 a.m. – Cowboy Church

Whether you plan on visiting for the day or the entire weekend, easily find a variety of lodging in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge online and begin planning your wild west adventures in Pigeon Forge with Saddle Up!

Experience Gatlinburg From An Aerial Tram!

There are so many great ways to see the great Smoky Mountains, but if you’re seeking a unique experience for your next visit, then you may want to check out the aerial trams in the area. They offer a unique view of the Smokies while still providing you with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are two aerial trams available, so check them out and start planning your Gatlinburg vacation today!

The first aerial tram is the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram. This tram takes you from downtown Gatlinburg through the Smokies to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views of the Smokies as you ride the lines. The tram also stops at several attractions and provides a unique transportation experience to several activities.

The other aerial tram available in the area is the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. This tram also boards in downtown Gatlinburg and provides stunning views of the town, the mountains, and the Little Pigeon River. Once you reach the top of the lift, you and the whole family can enjoy the sights before heading down. You might even decide to have a picnic lunch at 1,800 feet above sea level!

Watery Adventures Await In Gatlinburg

For a true nature enthusiast, adventure awaits in Gatlinburg! There are several rivers in the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas of Tennessee. If you’re the type that enjoys a leisurely trip down the river or a whitewater rafting adventure, you’ll find it in the Gatlinburg area. Here are just a few of the tours offered by Vacations Made Easy.

Whether you’ve been whitewater rafting for years or you’re looking for the chance to jump in, the Pigeon River Rafting Adventure is a perfect choice. This tour will have you soaring over Class III rapids, zooming past rock faces and bouncing over boulders. Not to worry, your guide is very knowledgeable and the trip is perfectly safe for anyone over the age of 8. The trip includes all the gear you’ll need and there is a picnic area with volleyball courts and a gift store for you to enjoy after your river trip.

Another river rafting tour is the Nantahala River Rafting Tour. During this 3.5 hour tour, you’ll get to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in North Carolina as you raft down the Nantahala River. There are several packages available, allowing you to choose the one that’s right for your vacation. Enjoy the water-worn cliff faces and the smell of the river as your experienced guide maneuvers you down the river.

These are just two of the adventures available in the Gatlinburg area. With activities ranging from monster truck rides to river rafting, there is sure to be an adventure for your vacation! To check them all out, visit our Gatlinburg Adventure Activity page.

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge: A Great Destination for Kid-Friendly Vacations

If you are looking for a great destination to visit with your family, check out Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These jewels in the Smoky Mountains offer a variety of activities that can appeal to all ages. Check out the following ideas of activities every member of your family is sure to enjoy.

Dollywood

An activity that combines thrilling roller coasters and entertaining shows, Dollywood is one of the most popular attractions in Pigeon Forge for good reason. This park contains acres of family fun set in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. This theme park contains multiple roller coasters, water rides, and entertaining shows. In addition, even young children have their own children’s park to have fun in. You will also find dozens of restaurants, shops, and craftsmen scattered around the park. Throughout the year, Dollywood hosts different festivals, so be sure to check the calendar when you book your tickets to see what Dollywood has in store for you.

Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies

If you have budding scientists in your family, a visit to the Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies is a must-do on your vacation. This unique aquarium attraction contains a massive walk-through aquatic tunnel where you can see sharks swimming overhead and around you. The tunnel is just one highlight of this attraction, which contains over 10,000 creatures and a variety of different exhibits.

Monster Truck Rides

If your family is a little more adventurous than most, then check out the Monster Truck Rides. This activity allows you to experience riding in a real Monster Truck with 66 inch tires. The truck can hold 12 passengers, so this is an activity that the whole family can do together. The truck takes five laps around the course, and you get to experience what it is really like to ride in one of these powerful machines. For a unique and memorable vacation activity, you cannot beat the Monster Truck Rides.

Check Out the Smoky Mountains’ Newest Attraction

Looking 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.

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.

Enjoy a Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood!

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.

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