The Best of Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg is full of incredible sights, from the beautiful and powerful Smoky Mountains all the way to the exciting attractions. The city has something for everyone; whether you are interested in taking in the essence of nature, or just want to have some fun, the city is the perfect place to plan your vacation. With unique ways to tour the city’s finest sights – both natural and architectural, and some of the most interesting museums, theaters and shows, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the place to go. The list that follows suggests five of the best activities in the city, so you can be sure to get the most out of your vacation.

5. Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre
From the moment the show starts at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, you will have a smile on your face. The cast will take you on a journey back into the 1890s, where slapstick comedy and witty performances took the stage. You’ll be presented with an American vaudeville performance unlike any other you’ve experienced before. Currently, there are two shows being presented: “The Incredible Adventures of Mary Bright” and “Out on a Whim!” “The Incredible Adventures of Mary Bright” is styled as an 1890s melodrama. The musical comedy will have you laughing from beginning to end. Or, after you see “Out on a Whim!” you won’t be able to find the perfect adjective to sum up the show in just one word. It is silly, charming, unlikely, curious, unbelievable and spectacular. The Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre always brings a good time from beginning to end.

4. The Hard Rock Cafe
The familiar sound of a rumbling stomach is bound to reach your ears at some point during all of the activities. When that happens, the best thing you can do is make a visit to the Hard Rock Cafe. You can still soak in all of the excitement in Gatlinburg, while enjoying a delicious meal. Fans of music love this restaurant, and you will see why from the moment you step onto the premises. Right at the front of the building, a giant guitar stands tall as a beacon to welcome guests into the restaurant. Inside, the musical atmosphere strengthens. Sit among the harmonica Tom Petty used during the “Wildflowers” tour and the red suit that Buck Owens wore at Carnegie Hall. Then, while you are soaking up all the memories of classic music, enjoy the classic meals of cheeseburgers, pork sandwiches and, of course, french fries. The Hard Rock Cafe provides the best place to take a break when you’re not quite ready for the fun to stop.

3. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram
When you’re ready to hit the sights again, the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram will take you on an incredible journey unlike any other throughout the city. This scenic adventure takes you from downtown Gatlinburg to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park in a suspended cable car. The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park is located on a mountaintop, high above the Gatlinburg area. It is filled with fun and exciting activities for the whole family, from ice skating to the Wildlife Encounter. The Aerial Tramway will give you a convenient way to visit the park, and to see the sights. The route of the car will take you over incredible scenes, from the architecture of downtown Gatlinburg to the beauty of the nature on top of the Smoky Mountains.

2. The Gatlinburg Sky Lift
Not quite done with the sights? The Gatlinburg Sky Lift gives you the best sights of the city and the surrounding nature. You will find unparalleled views of the Smoky Mountains, Little Pigeon River and downtown Gatlinburg from heights above the trees. You’ll start with downtown, then climb higher into the mountains to see the trees, flowers and river. A peaceful ride awaits you through some of Mother Nature’s greatest and most beautiful gifts. Your vantage point will give you the chance to truly experience the wonders of the city. It is a great family activity, or is perfect for a romantic date for two. Sit back and let the sky lift take you through the city on a tranquil ride.

1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s name is known across the country for being associated with peculiar things. Well, when you step foot into Ripley’s Aquarium, you won’t find a shortage of exciting, vibrant and unique sights. The exhibits in the aquarium include the Tropical Rain Forest, the Ocean Realm, the Coral Reef, Shark Lagoon, Gallery of the Seas, the Sting Ray Bay and more. Each of these exhibits is home to some of the strangest beings found under the sea. Stare face to face with a shark, watch a jellyfish float throughout the water with their long tentacles flowing behind them, then crawl through underwater tunnels to see the penguins play underneath the surface all around you. There is always much to do and much to see at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and it always provides you with endless entertainment.

Don’t miss out on a beat when you visit Gatlinburg this year. Summer is coming just around the corner, and you won’t want to miss any of the incredible sights the season will bring. See all that nature has to offer in this beautiful city, then head out to some of the indoor attractions to experience the best of the area. When you are staying in Gatlinburg, book a room at hotel nearby all of the excitement. Econo Lodge Inn & Suites, Westgate Smoky Mountain Hotel and Best Western Zoder’s Inn are just a few of the hotels located within a half-mile of these exciting attractions.

ZORB Ride in the Smoky Mountains

I know what you’re wondering, what in the world is a ZORB ride? Well, I’d be lying to you if I told you it wasn’t one of the coolest and most unique experiences you’ll find on this side of the Smoky Mountains. When you climb into a ZORB “globe,” you’ll be settling in for an exciting adventure unlike any other.

ZORB Smoky Mountains is establishing a title of a “must see” attraction in Pigeon Forge. Every year, customers return to check out the latest rides and merchandise ZORB offers. The exciting rides are on the top of the list of many Pigeon Forge visitors. This destination is the only ZORB ride in the USA, with other locations in New Zealand, Guam and Jamaica. The tracks featured in the Smoky Mountains location are nearly twice as long as the original tracks formed in New Zealand, making it an unmissable destination.

So what exactly does a ZORB ride consist of? Basically, it takes the childhood thrill of rolling down a tall hill to a new extreme. You will climb into a large, inflatable globe and tackle the grassy slopes of the hill, either wet or dry. You can choose a Zydro ride, and climb into a globe filled with five gallons of water, or choose the Zorbit, for a 100% dry ride. ZORB also offers you a variety of different tracks to roll down, giving you the chance to try a different experience with every ride.

When you choose the Zydro, the wet ride, your track options are expanded by a variety of different paths. Try a straight, zig-zag or zipper track. You will have the option, also, to ride solo or with two or three of your closest friends or family members. On the Zorbit, the dry ride, you will be safely secured in a harness within the globe, you will ride alone, and you only have the straight ride, but your experience is something you will remember forever.

ZORB rides are appropriate for ages eight and up, and parents do not have to worry about safety issues.  The rides are guaranteed to give you your adrenaline fix, but they are also guaranteed to provide you with complete safety. The ZORB organization has spent millions of dollars developing their sites across the globe to ensure safety. The rides have been manufactured with nothing but the best materials around, and the tracks have been tested throughout the years to make certain that all of the safety elements have been acquired.

ZORB rides always provide with the best in fun and adventure. They are a unique way to spend your vacation to the Smoky Mountains, and you will always want to come back for more. If you do, you’ll also remember your luxurious stay in any of the nearby hotels. The Red Roof Inn Gatlinburg is located only about three minutes away. If you’re looking for more excitement during your vacation, the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas are filled with unique attractions, including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Helicopter Tours of the Smokies and the Dixie Stampede.

Why Dixie Stampede is the Most Fun Place to Eat in the Smokies

Families love Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. With exciting musical acts, amazing stunts and a delicious meal accompanying it all, the whole family has fun from beginning to end. Horses, special effects and bluegrass music join together to give you a fascinating and action-packed cowboy show, all while you dine on a four-course meal.

Walk through the open-air stables and get the chance to meet the magnificent horses that will be performing later in the show. The Quarter Horse and Palomino are two spectacular breeds of horses and you’ll get to see them before they gear up and perform incredible stunts. The Stampede’s charming Belles will take your family to the two-level Carriage Room next, where you’ll be entertained by Mountain Rukus, the bluegrass and country band that delivers upbeat and comedic musical numbers for the opening act of the show. Enjoy popcorn, peanuts and cold Pepsi beverages, or non-alcoholic fruit drinks, in a signature souvenir boot mug.

Next, enter the thirty-five thousand-square foot arena for the main event. Those horses you met earlier? Well, they’re only some of the talented cast members. Sit back and enjoy the meal while they compete in hoof-pounding races, laugh out loud comedy antics and entertaining musical numbers. Dramatic lighting, sound and pyrotechnics combine together to give the show an even more incredible feel. The kids will love watching all of the animals perform their tricks. Horses aren’t the only animals that make an appearance. You’ll find cows, chickens, pigs and even buffalo. Your kids might even get selected to help chase some chickens around the stage! Adults are also picked out of the crowd to have the opportunity to participate in the performance, making it a truly exciting family event. The show is full of action and is centered on providing entertainment for the audience. With interactive elements, you can become a part of the show.

You can never forget about the food, either. While the show keeps you laughing and excited, it is the most fun place to eat, after all. Get a cowboy feeling and eat with your hands the array of delicious food that is served directly to your seat. Homemade biscuits, creamy vegetable soup, hot buttered corn on the cob and herb-based potato accompany the main course of a whole rotisserie chicken and hickory smoke barbecued pork loin. After your main course, enjoy a delicious dessert, and enjoy refreshing iced tea, Pepsi products and coffee.

While you’re visiting Pigeon Forge for the Dixie Stampede, be sure to stay nearby for your convenience, and your comfort. The Creekstone Inn is designed to accommodate families visiting the Dixie Stampede, with luxurious and spacious rooms, less than a half-mile away. Other nearby hotels include All Seasons Suites and Best Western Plaza Inn.

Other family activities you can enjoy during your stay include the WonderWorks Interactive Experience, the Titanic Museum, the Country Tonite show and RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo. All of these activities, and more, are located within five miles of the Dixie Stampede and the surrounding hotels.

Pack your family vacation full of fun this year and head to Pigeon Forge. With all of the exciting activities at the Dixie Stampede, and the delicious meal of course, you’ll want to go back time and time again. The exciting cowboy atmosphere will make you agree – it really is the most fun place to eat.

Sharks in Gatlinburg at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

Dark black eyes stare back at you. Rows of sharp, jagged teeth grin in that dreaded, massive jaw. And when that ever familiar fin breaks the surface, forget about it. I can hear the Jaw’s theme song playing already.  If you’re as much of a fan as I am of the magnificent, terrifying sea creatures, make a trip to the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies during your next vacation to the Gatlinburg, Tennessee area. I know it’s a little early to be celebrating (my personal favorite week of the year) Shark Week, but Ripley’s shark exhibits are perfect to visit during anytime of the year, especially their new Perfect Predators interactive experience.

Ripley’s Aquarium has been voted the number one aquarium in the country by the widely-used TripAdvisor, a website dedicated to reviewing hotels, flights, restaurants, activities and more to give you the perfect vacation. A trip through the aquarium’s different exhibits will instantly make you agree with the title. Explore the ocean, a coral reef and a tropical rainforest. Touch a stingray, watch penguins play and, of course, come face-to-face with a thirteen-foot shark.

At Shark Lagoon, a three hundred and forty-foot long glide path takes you through an underwater tunnel. Above and around you, sharks move effortlessly through the water, among sea turtles, moray eels, tarpons, stingrays and more. Some of the most terrifying creatures from under the sea live among each other in this beautiful tank. The tunnel allows you to see the animals from all different angles, giving you a truly incredible experience.

Sand tiger sharks are, in my opinion, some of the most terrifying-looking sharks. Their white eyes stare lifelessly at you, though at the same time, they seem to be peering deep into your soul, into your darkest fears, as if waiting to bring them to surface. And those teeth! Their rows and rows of crooked pearly whites are almost always open, like the shark is warning you – you see these suckers? Yeah, I can take you. But don’t worry when you board the glide path and one of the first animals you see is this horrifying face, because sand tigers are the most widely-used sharks in aquariums for a reason. Naturally, part of that is its intimidating thirteen-foot length, but sand tigers also have a high tolerance for being in captivity and aren’t typically a threat to humans, with only two fatal attacks on their record.

Ripley’s newest aquarium is all about the sharks. Perfect Predators: SHARKS! was designed to give guests the opportunity to gain a better appreciation for the massive predators. Many people have a fear of sharks, even refusing to go near the ocean waters in case they see that fin break the surface, and rightly so. For years, pop culture has been telling us to hate these creatures. Think back to the first time you saw Jaws. I know I left the room running. The powerful, huge jaws regularly clench down on human flesh in the movies. Many of the programs running during Discovery Channel’s popular Shark Week focus on the fatalities sharks produce. I won’t lie, I’m a sucker for the corny shark horror films, but truth be told, you’re more likely to win a Nobel Prize than to be attacked by a shark.

This new exhibit provides you the chance to appreciate the sharks. There’s a reason they have ruled the seas for millions of years. The exhibit has more than thirty hands-on interactive displays that will give you an authentic shark experience. Get a close-up look at what shark skin looks like. From a distance, it looks smooth, right? Well, you might be surprised when you travel through the exhibit and see it up close. Despite its position in the top ten deadliest shark list, the hammerhead is probably still in the most ridiculous-looking sharks category. In this exhibit, stick your face in a hammerhead model and watch the ocean world through the eyes of this shark. Get an anatomy lesson on the creatures who have been called the ocean’s garbage can, and discover what man-made objects have made their way into their bellies. And do something your mother would never approve of – stick your hand in a shark’s mouth and feel its powerful clutch. Perfect Predators offers you the chance to explore more of these magnificent creatures for a better understanding of why they are so terrifying, but also why you should help keep them chowing down – on fish, I mean.

When the aquarium closes, don’t worry. Your shark experience isn’t over yet. We all remember the fun we used to have at sleepovers as a kid. Truth or dare, pillow fights, junk food, prank phone calling… Well, now bring your kids for a sleepover experience unlike any you’ve ever had before. Watch a professional dive show, search the aquarium in a fun-filled scavenger hunt, chomp down on some pizza, then settle in for a night underneath the sharks. Sleep with the Sharks is a Ripley’s Aquarium favorite event, especially for school classes and groups. The night begins with a warm-up game to get everyone more acquainted with each other and the aquarium. Then, watch a live dive show before enjoying a late night activity and a pizza snack. The scavenger hunt comes next, with a self-guided tour of the aquarium. When it’s time for lights out, the excitement doesn’t stop. Camp is set up in Shark Lagoon, where you watched the sand tiger sharks swim among the moray eels and the ever-hungry tarpon fish. Find out: do sharks sleep? Then, wake up the next morning to a continental breakfast and a creature feature show. At Ripley’s Aquarium, the shark fun never stops.

If you’re not staying the night with the sharks, stay in one of the hotels nearby the aquarium. The Sleep Inn & Suites Gatlinburg, Westgate Smoky Mountain Hotel and Best Western Twin Islands are three hotels that provide a comfortable stay, located within a half-mile of the fun. If you’re looking for some excitement above the sea for the next day, try the Gatlinburg Sky Lift, which takes you on an exciting and peaceful journey over the city’s scenic sights. The Hard Rock Cafe is perfect for your dinnertime needs, with an exciting musical experience with every meal.

Shark Lagoon and the Sleep with the Sharks activity are both regulars at the Ripley’s Aquarium, but Perfect Predators is only available for a limited time. Don’t miss out on the exciting and interactive experience that gives you more knowledge of and appreciation for these great creatures. Spend the whole day – and night – with sharks, as well as the other exhibits in the museum. Then the next time you hear the familiar chords of the Jaws theme song, maybe you won’t be quite so nervous.

The Upside-Down WonderWorks Interactive Museum in Pigeon Forge

One stormy night on a remote island in the Bermuda Triangle, the world’s greatest scientists were gathering at a Top Secret laboratory. Among the formulas and broiling chemicals, the scientists began the task of creating a man-made tornado and then trying to harness the great power that it produced. Something went wrong, however, and the storm lifted the lab from its stone roots and thrust it thousands of miles away. It eventually landed with a resounding “thud” on top of a theater in Pigeon Forge… upside down. Or so the WonderWorks interactive museum of Pigeon Forge would have you believe.

The building features all of the scientists greatest “experiments.” As you walk into the building, you’re standing on the ceiling, looking up at the floor above you. You can see the staircase, checkered tiles and alternate entrance far above your head where the ceiling should be. In order to participate in the exhibits, you must enter the “inversion tunnel,” where you are turned right-side up and are free to experience all of the amazing and unique exhibits and activities that this hands-on museum has to offer.

The WonderWorks museum breaks the bounds of common imagination and allows visitors to experience once-in-a-lifetime activities. Learn about the 1989 San Francisco earthquake, and actually feel a simulated 5.3 quake at the Quake Café. Climb the gigantic indoor rock wall or ride an Extreme 360 Bike. Visit the Sound Lab for a “3D Sound” experience. There, you’ll be separated from your shadow, play virtual air hockey, and play in the Wonder Dome using only your feet.

If you have a space enthusiast in the family, WonderWorks will allow them to board a spacecraft and journey through outer space. Pose in a spacesuit for a great photo opportunity. Kids can also play virtual baseball with their heroes or “mind ball,” an EEG technology game where participants move the ball with their mind, the same technology used for training cadets at West Point.

Get enveloped in a giant bubble in the Bubble Lab, ride a virtual coaster of your own devising, or enter a new dimension and explore the tricks of the naked eye at the Far Out Illusion Gallery.

With so many fun and interactive exhibits at WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge, it’s an excellent addition to any vacation. Other kid-friendly activities in the area include the Titanic Museum, which is less than ½ a mile away and several attractions within five miles, like Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show and the RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo. Lodging within five miles of the attraction includes the All Season Suites, the Best Western Plaza Inn and the Ramada Inn, so be sure to book a great hotel close by and get your attraction tickets early!

Spring to Life at The Smoky Mountain SpringFest in Gatlinburg

As spring starts, the city of Gatlinburg becomes enlivened with the songs of the birds, the blossoming of the flowers, the regaining of the colors in the trees, and, best of all, the Smoky Mountain SpringFest. This festival brings riveting events and entertainment, from art displays to hickory-smoked barbecues. Come out of hibernation and join the dozens of performers, merchants, and artists in this three-month festival of art, music, food, and history.

SpringFest lasts from March 9 to June 3, but throughout the month of April is the best time to go. Easter weekend brings an exciting arts and crafts show and a sunrise service, and the end of the month is packed with exciting nature adventures. Look below for a vivid view when you ride the Gatlinburg Sky Lift over the downtown streets and mountain hills. Or take the kids to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies to visit some of the beauty under the sea, just a block and a half from Sleep Inn & Suites.

Bountiful flowers and live musical entertainers line the streets of Gatlinburg for an animated atmosphere, as you stroll along the rows of merchants at the Easter Arts & Crafts Show. In early April, for three days only, local artists come together and put up their crafts for display and sale. When staying at the Sleep Inn & Suites, hop on the Gatlinburg trolley and be taken straight to the event. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a group consisting of talented artisans from the Gatlinburg area who specialize in woven baskets, hand-crafted jewelry, exquisite quilts, ceramic pitchers, and more. When you visit this spring, you will find these incredible works of art and be able to take a little piece of the Smoky Mountains home with you.

The Easter celebration brings more than arts and crafts. On Easter morning, join the locals in a celebratory tradition of Christ’s resurrection with a beautiful sunrise service. The sun ascends beyond the powerful Smoky Mountains for a magnificent view. This free event provides a beautiful backdrop for your Easter service, as well as a tram ride to the top of the mountain and a delicious breakfast buffet.

There are also a number of lodging and hotels in the area. The Sidney James Mountain Lodge is located on a mountain stream in the Smokey Mountains and is just three blocks from all the downtown attractions. You’ll never be far from any of the exciting activities throughout Gatlinburg when you stay at this resort.

Nature-lovers will be delighted with the Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage at the end of April. Ken McFarland, a botanist and professor at the University of Tennessee, describes the pilgrimage as “a rare opportunity for those with a personal love of flowers.” Participants hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the opportunity to explore nature as a researcher. A photography contest is held in which anyone can enter their portraits of flowers, wildlife, and landscapes. The hike through the mountains provides the perfect opportunity to discover the beauty spring brings to nature, with brilliantly-colored flowers, active wildlife, and rich and alluring plants.

When you’ve worked up an appetite from the hike, don’t miss out on the Ribfest, Wings & BBQ event. Spring weather is the perfect temperature for barbecues, and Gatlinburg never fails to bring out the best of ribs and wings. The sounds of live musical performances and the smells of delicious, hickory-smoked barbecue fill the air. Compete in a hot wing eating contest and test out the flavorful variety of ribs and wings before cooling down your mouth with an ice cream eating contest. Vendors, including Texas Roadhouse and TGI Friday’s, assemble alongside the locals on the streets with unique flavors, competing to be the best-tasting barbecue. The Hard Rock Cafe is another vendor and if you like what you tried at Ribfest, Wings & BBQ, it’s within a mile from your hotel.

SpringFest in Gatlinburg is the perfect way to spend the season. For three months, exciting activities and events fill the city in celebration of spring. So get out of your winter slump and trek to the Smoky Mountains for these incredible festivities.

Join the Veterans Day Celebration in Gatlinburg on November 11!

Honor America’s heroes and veterans with this tribute, featuring a wide variety of events including patriotic music, a fly-by presentation, and even an appearance by an American bald eagle from the American Eagle Foundation. This event takes place at the Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza on November 11 and it’s a great activity for the entire family to come to together and pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Area events and festivities grow larger each year and a variety of veterans and current service members will be there, so be sure to attend. Our lodging options are perfect for your stay, and there are plenty of activities to check out while you are in the area!

Step into the amazing Dixie Stampede to witness an all-in-fun look at the rivalry between North & South in this action packed dinner and show extravaganza. You’ll witness amazing performances by the cast, as well as the stars of the show – 32 amazing performing horses! Ostrich races and a fantastic patriotic finale highlight this family adventure that has made a name for itself around the country. You’ll also feast on a hearty four-course meal featuring Southern favorites like rotisserie chicken, homemade biscuits and much more.

The Titanic Museum boasts a wide range of artifacts and memorabilia as you are taken on a historical journey through the tragic events of the Titanic, as well as into the personal lives of its passengers. The museum features twenty rooms, which include a full-size replica of the Grand Staircase, actual lifeboats used by survivors and victims, the ship’s bridge, and more. Even the building itself has been built to half-scale in the image of the Titanic and sits anchored to water for a realistic effect. Inside the rooms, you will find over 400 artifacts and personal items, as well as chilling accounts, SOS messages, and so much more.

Ascend to the clouds with the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. Watch the world below grow smaller and smaller after boarding in downtown Gatlinburg and climbing above the city, mountains, trees and river for amazing views from the heights of the Smoky Mountains. You’ll end up 1,800 feet above the rest of the world where you can savor the view, enjoy a picnic lunch or take some unbelievable mountaintop photos. Try it at night for a different experience!

Check Out the Circle Yer Wagens Volkswagen Show in Gatlinburg!

September 30 – October 3, 2011 is the Circle Yer Wagens Volkswagen Show at the Sevier Country Fairgrounds in Sevierville, TN. This annual event draws Volkswagen owners and enthusiasts from around the country to Sevierville for a unique and exciting event that features competitions, showcases, activities and more. Volkswagens from across all eras compete in various classes, and owners get the opportunity to show off their pride and joy! The annual Miss Circle Yer Wagens will be crowned as Volkswagens from across the years burn rubber in several heats of burn out. Competition classes range from restored stock and custom classes to the off-road Battered Buggy competition, and kickin’ systems will blast off in the stereo contest and a unique twist on the classic car show, Circle Yer Wagens is calling on all VW owners! While you’re in the area try to stop in to these great activities of Gatlinburg.

Titanic Museum

The Titanic Museum boasts a wide range of artifacts and memorabilia as you are taken on a historical journey through the tragic events of the Titanic, as well as into the personal lives of its passengers. The museum features twenty rooms, which include a full-size replica of the Grand Staircase, actual lifeboats used by survivors and victims, the ship’s bridge, and more. Even the building itself has been built to half-scale in the image of the Titanic and sits anchored to water for a realistic effect. Inside the rooms, you will find over 400 artifacts and personal items, as well as chilling accounts, SOS messages, and so much more.

http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/TitanicPigeonForgeSmokyMountains.cfm

Back to the 50s

You can experience a blast to the past with Back to the 50s at the Smith Family Center. The show features fast-paced songs from the 1950s, Grease, and an Elvis Presley tribute. From time to time T.G. Sheppard performs live. In the 1960s, he performed under the stage name Brian Stacey, and was the opening act for groups like Jan & Dean and The Beach Boys. You can hear Sheppard singing his song from the ’70s, Devil in the Bottle, and his other oldies in the live show.

http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/BlastFromThePast.cfm

Helicopter Rides in the Smokies

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Smoky Mountains with an exciting helicopter ride that travels over the cities of Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, as well as the rolling foothills of the Smoky Mountains! These rides are a guaranteed thrill no matter your age. Choose from a variety of flight options ranging from quick two minute flights covering eight miles to 15 minute excursions that cover a total of 30 miles! These flights will give you unforgettable looks at the majesty of the Smoky Mountains, the charm of Gatlinburg and the Pigeon Forge area, and the natural beauty of Tennessee.

http://www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/GatlinburgPigeonForgeAreaTN/activity/HelicopterRidesintheSmokies.cfm

There Is a Lot To Do in the Gatlinburg Area!

Are you looking for a place to take a getaway soon? Check out Gatlinburg, Tennessee! There are many things to see and experience in the area, you’ll have a great, relaxing time. From shows to activities, there’s a variety of attractions that will meet the interests of anyone. Stroll the zoo as you observe an enormous variety of animals, or ride the Sky Lift to get an incredible view of the city. Don’t miss out on this outstanding Tennessee destination. Search through our lodging options to find one that is right for you, and make sure to check out these recommended attractions.

If you are a fan of acrobatics and incredible performance routines then you can’t go wrong with the Cirque De Chine Acrobatics Show. Over sixty gold and silver medalist acrobats from around the world combine to make this one stunning performance filled with talent that includes juggling, thunder drums, motorcycles and more. You will be blown away and this show will surely be a highlight of your trip.

The family and kid-friendly RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo features hundreds of exotic animal species, including venomous snakes, brilliantly-colored birds, giant tortoises, lemurs and more! A 25-foot indoor jungle waterfall and ancient ruins add to the realistic rainforest feel of this attraction, and an interactive show featuring expert handlers and plenty of animals lets the children get involved in learning about these exciting species. There’s plenty of excitement to keep the entire family entertained, so make the zoo a must on your Gatlinburg trip.

Ascend to the clouds with the Gatlinburg Sky Lift! Watch the world below grow smaller and smaller after boarding in downtown Gatlinburg and climbing above the city, mountains, trees and river for amazing views from the heights of the Smoky Mountains. You’ll end up 1,800 feet above the rest of the world where you can savor the view, enjoy a picnic lunch or take some unbelievable mountaintop photos. Try it at night for a different experience!

Go Country in Gatlinburg with these Wild Western Shows!

Many attractions are available in Gatlinburg, but if you’re looking for pure country music entertainment, the city has some of the best. If you’re yearning for the twang of the steel guitar or the quick dance of the fiddle, it’s time to plan a trip to Gatlinburg. You can attend these remarkable shows when you’re not relaxing at your luxurious accommodations. Put on your boots, strap on your spurs, and get ready for a kickin’ country time with this round-up of performances.

Step into the amazing Dixie Stampede to witness an all-in-fun look at the rivalry between North & South in this action packed dinner and show extravaganza. You’ll witness amazing performances by the cast, as well as the stars of the show – 32 amazing performing horses! Ostrich races and a fantastic patriotic finale highlight this family adventure that has made a name for itself around the country. You’ll also feast on a hearty four-course meal featuring Southern favorites like rotisserie chicken, homemade biscuits and much more. Mmmmmm.

Featuring an all-star cast of performers of all ages, this Country Tonite features current hits, country classics, gospel tunes and patriotic melodies. There’s also plenty of humor in between the stunning vocal and musical performances to keep you laughing, tapping your toes and singing along. The variety and talent of this performance will leave you speechless!

Lee Greenwood may be best known for his patriotic tune “God Bless the USA,” but he has released many other chart-topping hits over his career and now is your chance to see the great Lee Greenwood live. With Lee Greenwood’s popularity across the decades and his incredible number of chart-topping hits, this show is the ideal entertainment option for the whole family to enjoy together.

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