My child loves the 12 Days of Christmas. He loves the song he was taught in preschool almost as much as the rock version on his iPod.  Depending upon the version you sing, we’ve calculated the number of birds (23) & people (50) there would be if your true love was such a generous gift giver.  Did you know those 50 people include 23 musicians?

Each year, my family piles in the car and drives to Sevierville–less than 12 miles from downtown Gatlinburg.  We then make a big U-turn and drive the Parkway through Pigeon Forge toward Gatlinburg to pass the 12 Days of Christmas light displays.  The 12 Drummers Drumming marks the end of Pigeon Forge and the beginning of the Spur through the National Park into Gatlinburg.  We do all of this while singing at the top of our lungs…in time with the displays.

Of course, the light displays were certainly not installed with our family tradition in mind, and traffic lights don’t always cooperate.  So, we find ourselves singing as slow as molasses-uphill-in-the-winter between some displays and tongue-twister fast between others to keep up.  It ends in uncontrollable hot-chocolate-spewing laughter.

So that we could share our family fun with you this year, we stopped and photographed each display (Four Calling Birds is our favorite).  Instead of just singing it once like we normally do…We sang the song in the car, parking the car, at the displays and driving to the next displays.  Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

On the First Day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me…

A Partridge

in a Pear Tree.

 

On the Fifth Day of Christmas,

my true love gave to me…

Five Golden Rings,

Four Calling Birds,

Three French Hens,

Two Turtle Doves,

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the Sixth day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me…

Six Geese a Laying, Five Golden Rings, Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves

…and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the Seventh day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me…

Seven Swans a Swimming, Six Geese a Laying, Five Golden Rings,

Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves

…and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the Eighth day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me…

Eight Maids a Milking, Seven Swans a Swimming, Six Geese a Laying,

Five Golden Rings, Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens,

Two Turtle Doves

…and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the Ninth day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me…

Nine Ladies Dancing, Eight Maids a Milking, Seven Swans a Swimming,

Six Geese a Laying, Five Golden Rings, Four Calling Birds,

Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves

…and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the Tenth day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me…

Ten Lords a Leaping, Nine Ladies Dancing, Eight Maids a Milking,

Seven Swans a Swimming, Six Geese a Laying, Five Golden Rings,

Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves

…and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the Eleventh day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me…

Eleven Pipers Piping, Ten Lords a Leaping, Nine Ladies Dancing,

Eight Maids a Milking, Seven Swans a Swimming, Six Geese a Laying,

Five Golden Rings, Four Calling Birds, Three French Hens,

Two Turtle Doves…and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

On the Eleventh day of Christmas,

My true love gave to me…

Twelve Drummers Drumming, Eleven Pipers Piping, Ten Lords a Leaping,

Nine Ladies Dancing, Eight Maids a Milking, Seven Swans a Swimming,

Six Geese a Laying, Five Golden Rings, Four Calling Birds,

Three French Hens, Two Turtle Doves

…and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Traditional family holiday time doesn’t just mean football on the TV and a turkey in your home oven anymore. Gatlinburg is a popular destination for families to spend holidays year ’round.  You don’t have to worry about finding something to do or somewhere to eat; Gatlinburg has something to offer families of every size from 2 to 32 and larger.  Here are just a few ideas for the upcoming winter holidays:

1. Food, glorious food.  Let’s face it…most of us equate holidays with a chance to eat all the traditional family favorites from turkey and ham to sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie.  Don’t be afraid to try it away from home.  The local Food City offers holiday packages that only require that you place the order and pick out the fixings.  You can leave the rest to the professionals.  However, if you just can’t imagine not cooking this holiday season, renting a cabin could be your solution.  Cabins usually come with fully-equipped kitchens, but make sure you bring specialty pans and cooking utensils with you.  And for those of you that just want to show up to the meal, there are plenty of restaurants open every holiday.

2. Shopping.  Are you afraid to miss out on the post holiday sales and specials?  Never fear.  Gatlinburg offers the ultimate shopping experience with everything from local artisan crafts to brand-name outlet stores.  The deals abound and many stores are clustered for your shopping convenience.  Read more about Shopping in the Smokies.

3. Decorating.  Don’t think that have a destination holiday experience means you have to forgo the holiday decorations.  Many rental cabins come fully-decorated for the holidays, and if you are looking to bring your own decorations…just ask.  Gatlinburg is known for customer service and hospitality.  ERA In The Smokies thinks of visitors as their guests and always try to accommodate requests.

4. A White Christmas.  Do you live somewhere that never sees snow?  Come on over to the Great Smoky Mountains.  The Smokies get a small amount of snow each year.  Even though it rarely snows at Christmas, the ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg are often open by mid-December even if it requires man-made snow.   Ober Gatlinburg now offers snow tubing, too!

5. Holidays on Ice.  For many people, winter holidays conjure images of ice skating, woolen mittens and hot chocolate.  Ice skating is a popular year ’round activity at Ober Gatlinburg ski resort.  Don’t worry about driving up the mountain in icy weather; the aerial tram offers a breath-taking view and eliminates the need to drive.

6. Winter Adventure.  There are lots of activities that shut down in the Mountains during the winter due to the temperature or precipitation; however, there are just as many that are great fun regardless of the weather.  Take a wild and wacky and snowy roll inside an inflatable Zorb ball or take an off-road Hummer tour with the whole family!  And Walden Creek Stables offers horseback riding even in December!

7. Twinkling Lights.  Does your home town offer a beautiful lights display?  So does ours.  Gatlinburg loves holiday lights so much that they are up from the first week in November to mid-February each year.  From Dollywood to Downtown, whimsical LED light displays are a beautiful reminder of the holiday season and a great reminder of Gatlinburg’s vow to go green.  Read more about Holiday Lights locations.

8.  Fa La La La La.  Most of the Smoky Mountain musical shows that your family loves have special holiday editions.  From the always-funny Sweet Fanny Adams and Hoot ‘n’ Holler to the sacred Miracle theatre, holiday music abounds.  You won’t miss caroling either.  Each year the City of Gatlinburg sponsors roving minstrels, carolers and story tellers.  The Village even has photo opportunities with old Kris Kringle himself!

9. Buy an Ornament.  Did you buy an tree ornament for your baby’s first Christmas?  First year in school?  Why stop there?  Gatlinburg offers a varied assortment of shops dedicated to just holiday decorations.  The Christmas Tree offers a quaint shopping experience in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg where you can buy your Department 54 favorites or a hand-painted one-of-a-kind. Christmas Eve Gift is a world of Christmas all year long and is located in the heart of the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community.  In addition, many of the Downtown Parkway’s shops carry souvenir Christmas ornaments as well as other ornaments and souvenirs for each and every holiday.  Make collecting ornaments part of your family’s tradition.

10. 12 Days of Christmas.  This is one of my family traditions.  Pigeon Forge puts up a light display featuring the 12 Days of Christmas from the Partridge in a Pear Tree at the Sevierville end to the 12 Drummers Drumming on the Gatlinburg end.  Each year, my family piles in the car and sings the song as we pass the individual displays for each day.  Of course, traffic lights and placement mean we end up singing  v – e – r – y – s – l – o – w – l – y or sometimes very very fast to keep up, but it always ends in laughter.  I’ll photograph the 12 Days of Christmas light display this year and feature it in a separate blog post.    Don’t miss this light display.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Thanks to our sponsors ERA In The Smokies, you could win a free 3-Night Stay in a beautiful Gatlinburg cabin like the cabins of Winfield Heights (pictured left)! To be eligible for the December 19th drawing, just click on the Subscribe button (in the right sidebar) and fill in your email address–no name needed. Everyone subscribed by Dec. 18th will be included in the drawing to be held Dec. 19th, 2009.

By subscribing to this blog, you’re sure never to miss the newest update about the Smokies. Whether you want to visit or plan to “Live on Vacation” in the Smokies, ADayInTheSmokies.com is a great resource for information about Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The winner will receive a gift certificate for a free 3-Night stay from ERA In The Smokies. The gift certificate cannot be used during July, October or around holidays. Otherwise, the folks at ERA In The Smokies will work to find the perfect cabin (like Moose Crossing pictured right) for the winner–no catch.

If you simply can’t wait for a vacation until the December 19th drawing, you can always check out ERA In The Smokies’ up to the minute Specials, Discounts & Deals and book your reservation today! Call 1-800-309-0277 or email if you have any questions!

Pets are often like children in your family.  You usually take your children on vacation with you so why not your pets?

A significant number of the 9 million + visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains each year bring along their 4 legged family members too.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty & Rentals, and they love pets, too.  Because ERA has pet-friendly accommodations that sleep 2 to 10 people, ERA In The Smokies is now the proud sponsor of a second blog and website dedicated solely to the traveling pet lover in us all.  Now you don’t have to leave them at home.  Visit www.GatlinburgPetFriendlyCabins.com and take a look around.  From pet activities to cabin coupons, GatlinburgPetFriendlyCabins.com will help you turn your family vacation into a pet-friendly family vacation.

Here’s a great excerpt from the Pet Fun page on the new Gatlinburg Pet Friendly Cabins.com:

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of hiking trails and is the country’s most popular National Park. Dogs are welcome in the camp grounds, picnic areas & along roads, but your pet must be on a leash at all times. Pets should be well-behaved, and you must clean up after them.

Dogs are not allowed on most of the park’s extensive trails but are welcome on the Gatlinburg Trail.  The Gatlinburg Trail travels 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city of Gatlinburg, TN. It is relatively flat and runs through the forest along side the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. The trail offers beautiful views of the river, which is crossed by a pedestrian foot bridge. Foundations and chimneys of several old home sites are visible along the trail. The Oconaluftee River Trail is the second walking path on which visitors can walk dogs and bicycle.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

If you’ve been to Gatlinburg or any part of East Tennessee lately, you might be wondering, “Will it ever stop raining?” In 2007, I would venture a guess that the word “drought” was the most commonly used and repeated word in the average Tennessean’s vocabulary.  But, oh, how things have changed.

According to the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), for the 80 days from August 1 to today, October 20 of 2009, there has been 50 days of measurable rain.  It is enough to make my heart go out to those living in notoriously rainy climates like Seattle.  This much rain really does require an adjustment in your attitude.

Luckily, living in the Great Smoky Mountains tends to make people happy and optimistic. So, here are some of the wonderful benefits and great things to do inspired by the bounty of our recent rain:

1.  Autumn Color.  According to Richard Evans from UT Forest Resources Center and Arboretum at Oak Ridge, “In the last few years, we’ve had conditions of early freezes, which tends to knock the leaves off the trees. We’ve had conditions of drought, which essentially dries the tree up and they’ll naturally lose their leaves to try to compensate for the drought conditions, so if we can hold onto the leaves, we should have a great show of fall color.”  And indeed, the leaves are already significantly changed in color in the higher elevations.

2.  See a Show.  It isn’t raining in any of Gatlinburg’s great theaters, so take the opportunity to take in some music or comedy or both.  Among our favorites is the Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre, Gatlinburg´s only musical comedy entertainment and the oldest Purveyor of professional, live-on-stage, original musical comedies. And, it’s the ONLY alternative to country music shows in the area.

3. Waterfalls.  According to the GRSM National Park, “The Great Smoky Mountains abound with the two ingredients essential for waterfalls—ample rainfall and an elevation gradient. In the Smokies high country, over 85” of rain falls on average each year. During wet years, peaks like Mt. Le Conte and Clingmans Dome receive over eight feet of rain. This abundant rainfall trickles and rushes down the mountain sides, from high elevation to low, sometimes dropping more than a mile in elevation from the high peaks to the foothills at the park’s boundary.”  If you’ve ever been wanted to see the full force of one of nature’s amazing natural waterfalls, now is the time.

4. Go to the Aquarium.  You can spend a whole day in and around water–and never get wet.  Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies where 10,000 exotic sea creatures comprise more than 350 individual species.  There are more fish in Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies than there are people living in the entire town of Gatlinburg. The scenic beauty and the abundance of water all around make the town of Gatlinburg a “natural” location for a world-class aquarium, America’s most fun aquarium.

5. Happy Fish.  According to R&R Fly Fishing, abundant rain “has kept the trout streams in the Smoky Mountains full and the fish are happy. We’re still experiencing water levels similar to March and April and it’s a nice change after two previous years of record drought.”  Sources close to ADayInTheSmokies.com say the fishing is good as of last weekend although the water directly after a heavy rain can be a little muddy.

6.  Spin your Wheels.  When is the last time you went roller skating?  If the idea conjures awkward images of retro fashions and braces, maybe it is time to try again. Spin City USA, the newest indoor Pigeon Forge attraction for family fun, is a state-of-the-art roller skating rink located in downtown Pigeon Forge.  Spin City USA offers theme nights including retro skate and live entertainment by their own DJ for affordable fun, with holiday special events held throughout the year. When looking for fun things to do in on a rainy day, try Spin City Roller Rink.

7. Lots of Hay.  During 2007, farmers in the Smokies were selling off cattle due to an inability to find hay with which to feed them.  The abundant rain of 2009 has made hay plentiful; however, finding a dry day or two to harvest has been a challenge.  Milk and dairy prices went through the roof in late 2007 and early 2008 due to nationwide drought issues.  Will milk prices eventually go down due to abundant rain and feed for cattle?   I’ve got my fingers crossed.

8.  Shopping and Spa Day.   You’ve got to buy all those holiday presents eventually, right?  Take advantage of a rainy Gatlinburg day and take leisurely approach this year. Gatlinburg has the best of your shopping possibilities–from hand-crafted goods made by local artisans to brand names offered by local outlets.  Once you’ve worn out your feet, or your wallet, head on over to About You Salon to finish out your day with well-deserved pampering.  Read more about Shopping in the Smokies.

9. Smoke, but no Fire. The Great Smoky Mountains are named for the wispy smoke-like fog that often hangs over the range and presents as large smoke plumes from a distance. This fog, which is most common in the morning and after rainfall, is the result of warm humid air from the Gulf of Mexico cooling rapidly in the higher elevations of Southern Appalachia.  And while the old addage is “where there’s smoke, there’s fire,” in this case, the increased presence of wispy smoke due to rainfall really means there is less chance of fire that could destroy one of our country’s greatest treasures–The Great Smoky Mountains.

10.  Take a Nap.  No really, I mean it–what better way to spend a rainy day?  Most of us live life in a rush from the time the alarm clock sounds in the morning to the time we set the alarm again that night.  Take a nap and stuff the clock in a drawer, take off your watch and turn off your phone, start a crackling fire in your cabin, and make like a bear–hibernate.  I love the cabin Above the Rest because it even has a fireplace next to the bed in the Master Suite.

Visit Gatlinburg and experience the historical sites and stories!

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Perhaps no other state proudly showcases its unique culture and history the way Tennessee does, and there’s no better display of that Great Smoky Mountain history and culture than in Gatlinburg.

In 1807, Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, her children and other family arrived in a remote locale of Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee to honor the wish of her deceased husband, William, to settle in the “land of paradise” he had found.

Today, that remote locale is known as Gatlinburg.  Here are some great historic and cultural facts about Gatlinburg:

Picture from Gatlinburg.com

1. Gatlinburg was first named White Oak Flats for the abundant native white oak trees that still cover the landscape to this very day. It is believed a middle-aged widow, Martha Jane Huskey Ogle, was the first official settler here after her husband died before being able to return himself.  Soon after, such now very familiar family names as McCarter, Reagan, Whaley, and Trentham took up residence along local streams and hollows.

Thanks to the Radford Gatlin MySpace page for the pic!

2. Gatlinburg is named for Radford C. Gatlin.  In 1854, Radford C. Gatlin arrived in White Oak Flats and opened the village’s second general store. Controversy soon surrounded him.  He was flamboyant and, as a preacher, established his own “Gatlinite” Baptist Church. He was a democrat in a republican community, and was eventually banished from the area. However, the city of Gatlinburg still bears his name.

Picture from Gatlinburg.com

3.  Elijah Lawson Reagan is an important Gatlinburg historic figure.  He established a woodworking business here in 1910. It is believed to be the oldest, continuously operated business of its kind in the Great Smoky Mountain history. For over a decade, he practiced his craft with simple hand tools, but in the 1920s, he harnessed the power of the Roaring Fork to operate his new electric power tools. He built a water-wheel and installed a turbine and generator which furnished power to his shop. Today, one of his sons-in-law, Lester Flynn, runs the shop still making fine furniture in the Reagan tradition.

Pi Beta Phi Campus Picture from the Libraries of UT.

4. 1910 the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity, a national women’s organization, established the first public school system in Gatlinburg. The provision for basic education was later expanded to include vocational and home economics for the community’s adults. Many area residents were educated at Pi Beta Phi, and the school’s focus on promoting local craft skills helped establish Gatlinburg as a prominent arts and crafts center. Many of its original buildings and are still used today.  Today it is known as the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

Historic Ogle Cabin

5.  Although this area was settled by Presbyterians, their first church was Baptist. History records that the White Oak Flats “arm” of the Sevierville Baptist Church convened in the early 1800s on Baskins Creek, probably at the present location of the Ogle cabin (pictured right). A second church was later built on River Road near the mouth of Mill (now Le Conte) Creek, and in 1837, they formed a new church and called it White Oak Flats Baptist. The congregation met in a log cabin on Baskins Creek, which also served as a school. The congregation changed its name to Gatlinburg Baptist Church in 1932.  In 1951, they constructed a landmark stone church. As businesses crowded around them, First Baptist moved to its present location on Highway 321, east of downtown, in 1991.

To be sure, Tennessee’s history is rich and diverse.  And to showcase that rich history, the Tennessee Heritage Trail has been recently developed by the State in order to highlight that cultural heritage. In order to maximize your time on the Heritage Trail, it is divided into 3 distinct pathways featuring local heritage through art, history and music of the region:

1. The Arts & Crafts Trail pathway will show you folk art, trolls, candles of all descriptions, hand-made pottery, oak and willow baskets, watercolors, sculpture and lithographs.
2. This post leads you down the Gatlinburg, TN History Trail that is meant to help you discover the people and events that made Tennessee what it is today.
3. And finally, the Music Trail pathway will find you tapping your toes to styles evolving from 3 cultural traditions. Most notably, East Tennessee’s Appalachian region is known for folk songs and bluegrass, which evolved from the immigrant influences of the 1700’s.

Visit Gatlinburg and experience the historical sites and stories!

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

The holiday season will soon be upon us, and no one celebrates the holidays like Gatlinburg. I don’t know how many towns celebrate the start of the winter holidays with fireworks, but it is a heart warming way to have it all begin.  If you are one of those folks that cry at parades, you’d better bring your Kleenex.  Here are just a handful of ‘bright” ways to celebrate the season starting the first week of November each year and stretching through to February!

1. Gatlinburg Winter Magic Lights.  Listed as one of winter’s “Top 20 Events” by the Southeast Tourism Society, Gatlinburg’s four-month Winterfest Celebration transforms the mountain resort town of Gatlinburg into a spectacular winter wonderland from November through February. The light display has received a $1.5 million injection of new displays plus a 100-percent conversion to energy-efficient LED bulbs over the past three years reduced the City’s electricity cost for the program by some 85 percent.  Check out this map of all the light displays.  Gorgeous holiday lighting displays–and fireworks to boot!

2. Gatlinburg Chili Cook-off.  Offering mouth-watering recipes of home-style chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, the City of Gatlinburg hosts its 20th annual Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff ( in 2009) on Wednesday, Nov. 4 from 4 to 9 p.m. on the popular Downtown Parkway.  With the purchase of a ticket, receive a spoon and a voting ballot, then starting at 5 p.m. be pleasantly tempted and tested before casting your vote for the People’s Choice Award. Also, judges will select winners in categories including Best Taste, Booth Presentation, Apron Design and Most Unique Chili Name.

3. Smoky Mountain Christmas.   See one of the Smokies’ most spectacular light display and a lineup of live Christmas shows that celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, all at Dollywood.   4 million lights drape the park in holiday splendor, casting a warm glow that sets the scene for a winter wonderland like no other. Don’t miss Santa’s Workshop, where larger-than-life-sized toys and an 18-foot-tall Christmas tree fill guests of all ages with wide-eyed wonder as they discover a giant wagon, sailboat, dollhouse and more amid the hustle and bustle as Santa and his helpers ready for their big night!

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

When the whether cools off each fall, folks in the Smokies start looking for more ways to spend time outdoors.  Cycling is a great option for all ages. Bicycles can travel on most roads within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  However, due to steep terrain, narrow road surfaces, and heavy automobile traffic, many park roads are not well suited for safe and enjoyable bicycle riding.  Always wear a helmet and use safety gear!

Cades Cove Loop Road is an exception. The 11-mile one way road, is a popular bicycling area. It provides bicyclists with excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and touring 19th century homesites.

During summer and fall, bicycles may be rented at the Cades Cove Campground Store (located near Cades Cove Campground). For information on bicycle rentals and hours of operation, please call (865) 448-9034.

Beginning the second week in May, the loop road is closed to motor vehicle traffic Wednesday and Saturday mornings until 10:00 a.m. to allow bicyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the cove. This closure continues through the second-to-last Saturday in September.

Other areas suitable for bicyclists include Greenbrier and Tremont roads in Tennessee, and Lakeview Drive, and Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina. Cyclists may also traverse unfinished portions of the Foothills Parkway in Tennessee. Download a park map to locate these areas.

Safety is always a major concern where cars and bicycles must share the road. The State of Tennessee requires that children age 16 and under wear a helmet. We strongly recommend that all riders wear helmets, use rear view mirrors, and ride properly fitted and well-maintained bicycles. Please obey all traffic regulations.

There are no mountain biking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Gatlinburg Trail, the Oconaluftee River Trail, and the lower Deep Creek Trail are the only park trails on which bicycles are allowed. Bicycles are prohibited on all other park trails.

Mountain biking trails are open on national forest and recreation lands outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For information on mountain biking in these areas, please contact the following offices:

Chattahoochee National Forest (770) 297-3000
Cherokee National Forest (423) 476-9700
Nantahala National Forest (828) 257-4200
Pisgah National Forest (828) 257-4200
Big South Fork National River Area (423) 286-7275
Mount Rogers Nat’l Recreation Area (800) 628-7207

Special thanks to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Page of the National Park Service site for provide great content on bicycling in the Park.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park assists the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds and public awareness, and by providing volunteers for needed projects.

Friends of the Smokies is an independent, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowable by law.  Wherever you go in the Smokies, you can see the results of their collective efforts, but they still have a lot more work to do.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Romance is always in the air in Gatlinburg. And, love has no price…but weddings sure do. According to CNN Money.com, in 2008 the average price for a wedding rang in at $21,814. (That’s down from $27,490 in 2007.)  According to The Wedding Report, a Tucson, Ariz.-based research firm, the average amount couples are spending on a wedding is expected to drop in tandem with the economy, decreasing at least 10% in 2009.

Gatlinburg is known as the United States’ second most popular  place to get married as of 2008 (behind Las Vegas) with approximately 42,000 weddings each year. It might surprise you to know that we are only 3rd in the world behind Las Vegas and Istanbul.  We want to help you have the destination wedding of your dreams without the stress and the huge price tag.  Here are some of our best wedding tips and suggestions:

1.  On Top of Old Smoky.  Why Gatlinburg?  Because of the Great Smoky Mountains, of course.  There are too many beautiful wedding locations to mention.  One of our favorites is a section of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park known as Greenbrier.  In spring, the Greenbrier area of the park is renowned for its wildflowers. The drive to the Ramsey Cascades trail provides good wildflower viewing, and the Porters Creek Trail makes a good wildflower walk.  Displays of wildflowers can be seen along the first 1.5 miles of trail. Wildflowers generally start in March and peak in mid to late April.  This is a great option for a handful of your closest friends and family.  Call Smoky Mountain Weddings for an officiate for your ceremony–simple, private and affordable.

2.  Capture the Memories.  Don’t forget to capture your Smoky Mountain Wedding memories with pictures of your beautiful day.  Everlasting Memories offers photography as a part of their all-inclusive wedding packages or wedding photography as a stand alone service the wedding that you plan on your own.  Regardless of which route you take to the altar, don’t forget the beautiful photography for your day.

3. Beautiful Wedding Chapels. Whether you are looking for a rustic log-cabin wedding or a breath taking Victorian Chapel, Gatlinburg has the perfect place for your wedding.  Victorian Gardens is one of Gatlinburg’s premier wedding chapels and is styled after a local historic church and sits on a hillside not far from the center of Gatlinburg.  Feel free to call one of their experienced wedding coordinators; they are well informed to provide full service-from ceremony to receptions or limousines.

4. Dress the Part.  Can’t imagine hauling that ballgown-style wedding dress to Gatlinburg from home?  Why not get a dress while you’re here.  Fantasy Bridal & Formal Wear is located on the main parkway in downtown Gatlinburg and offers parking right next door to their boutique.  They carry over 2000 gowns of the latest styles from sizes 0 to 82. Capes are available for sale or rental. Veils, Tiaras, Bras, Slips, Shoes and Jewelry are available FREE to use with your gown rental.  They also have over 800 tuxedos in stock for immediate rental.

5. Unconvential Weddings.  Want a Rock ‘ n’ Roll wedding?  Try the Hard Rock Cafe.  That’s right–Gatlinburg is home to the world’s only Hard Rock Cafe with a wedding chapel! They profess before one and all, their true intention henceforth to walk the road of life as your rockin’ destination for great tunes, times and a weddings.   For more ideas on how to spend your Rock ‘n’ Roll honeymoon, check out Gatlinburg Rocks.

6. Stress Free Receptions.  For stress free receptions, you have your choice of several options.  For a more traditional experience for 10 to 100, you can choose an all-inclusive wedding package with one of Gatlinburg’s wedding chapels.  For a more casual experience for a smaller group, we invite you to think about having dinner out at a restaurant like Bear Creek Grill where they offer a great everyday menu as well as a special wedding package menu.

7. A Bed for Every Head.  One of the challenges of destination weddings is finding group accomodations for everyone that feel like home but are still affordable.  Cabin rental is a great option for wedding parties.  You can rent cabins–like the cabins of Anne’s Road or Winfield Heights–that are within walking distance of each other.  Close, but not too close.  The price per person is often less than a hotel, and you have all the comforts of home like a living room and kitchen plus bonuses like game rooms and hot tubs.  To take best advantage of Price Discounts, avoid planning your wedding during peak season.

8. Wedding Gifts.  How do you get the perfect gift for a destination bride?  You have lots of options.  Gift certificates for dining at wonderful places like Greenbrier Restaurant or Bear Creek Grill are always great options.  Is your favorite bride and groom the adventurous type?  Why not treat them to an exciting Zorb experience or Zipline thrill.  And, you can send them the gift from their registry to their home.  Wedding gift etiquette dictates says it is perfectly acceptable to send a gift directly to the bride or groom’s home several weeks prior to the wedding and up to 6 months after the wedding.

8.  Your Love Nest.  A log cabin honeymoon is special indeed.   Decide what you want first.  Do you want a mountain view, city view, or wooded view?  Are you looking for an outdoor hot tub and and indoor whirlpool tub?  Would you like to have a pool table, swimming pool access or the latest in electronics?  Gatlinburg has an option for almost everyone.  On a budget, make sure you check out the off-season specials.

9. Take Care of Yourself.  Take the time to pamper yourself before and after the wedding.  About You Salon offers special bridal treatment for you and your wedding party.  From hair and makeup to spa treatments.  About You Salon offers you an opportunity to look and feel your best on your special day.  After the wedding, In Cabin Services will bring rest and relaxation to you–from relaxation spa and massage packages to steak dinners and gift baskets.  Check out their romantic packages.

10. Special Treats.  Are you still looking for that special treat to make your honeymoon memorable?  Everyone is looking for a little something different.  Take time to indulge yourself in the beauty of the Smokies and experiences that can become family traditions in the years to come.  Here are some suggestions:  take a private tour, take in a show, do a little shopping, get a bird’s eye view, or take a dinner cruise.

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.