The City of Gatlinburg launched the renovation of the Gatlinburg Parkway visitors center at 520 Parkway adjacent to Fred McMahan Parking Garage in downtown Gatlinburg around traffic light # 3 at the intersection of US 321 and US 441. Construction began on March 11, 2013 and the project is expected to be completed July 22, 2013.

The renovation will include adding a splash pad with four water falls and a river bed with a splashing brook along the base. Interactive elements such as musical instruments will also be included in the area surrounding the splash pad. There will be a pavilion area with plenty of seating for families to take a break from the hustle and bustle or to watch kids play in the splash pad. The pavilion will also house charging stations so visitors can charge their electronic devices and continue their day with communication. The new area will also include a depiction of the Great Smoky Mountains featuring various mountain peaks.

A splash pad is an area for water play that has no standing water. It eliminates the need for lifeguards, as there is practically no risk of drowning. They are usually surfaced in textured non-slip concrete or in crumb rubber.   Typically there are ground nozzles that spray water upwards out of the splash pad’s rain-deck. There may also be other water features such as a rainbow, a mushroom shower or a tree shower. Some splash pads also feature movable nozzles similar to those on a firetruck to allow users to spray one another. The showers and ground nozzles are often controlled by hand-activated motion sensors, to run for a limited time. Typically the water is either freshwater, or recycled and treated water that is usually treated similar to swimming pool water standards.

Visitors will be able to get more information about attractions, accommodations and the mountains at this interactive play area.

Wine On The Lawn is an event hosted by Rocky Top Wines every 3rd Friday of each month from 5:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. This Friday June 21, 2013, the event will be held at Hillside Winery in Sevierville, TN. The event will change locations and have a featured wine each month. This is a free event and is open to the public, and fun for the whole family!! There will be live music and games provided, so be sure to bring a picnic dinner and chairs and or blankets and sip wine for free! At the event you can enter into the Corn-hole Tournament. There will be multiple boards and brackets so bring as many teams as you can! Prizes will be awarded to winning teams, courtesy of Hillside Winery.

Hillside Winery is is one of five wineries on the Rocky Top Wine Trail, a 12 mile wine tasting route. The wines featured at these wineries are all from local vineyards. The Rocky Top Wine Trail is now offering a free wine glass after your third stop on the 12 mile route and a free gift after your 5th stop on the trail. A printable passport to record your stops on the trail is available at rockytopwineries.com. The Rocky Top Wine Trail offers a great way to learn about the wine making process through educational and family friendly tours! The Hillside Winery focuses on making bubbly and Italian style wines ranging from dry to sweet.

Experience Hillside Winery’s specialty bubbly wine and then learn the steps that are added to the wine making process to produce the bubbly wine. Hillside Winery is affiliated with 14 amazing restaurants, five different brands in the Sevierville-Pigeon Forge area! Hillside Winery is located at 229 Collier Dr. Sevierville, TN 37862. Their hours are April 1st to December 1st Sunday-Thursday 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Friday-Saturday 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.

The Wineries in the Rocky Top Wine Trail are:

• Mountain Valley Winery- Pigeon Forge
• Apple Barn Winery- Sevierville
• Hillside Winery- Sevierville
• Sugarlands Cellars- Gatlinburg
• Eagle Springs Winery- Kodak

Gatlinburg is expecting to open the new “Rocky Top Sports World” sports tournaments and events center new Summer, 2014. This $20 million indoor/outdoor sports campus is on 80 acres of land next to the Gatlinburg-Pittman Highschool. It is becoming the most talked about new tournament destination in the Southeast. Less than 10 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance and downtown Gatlinburg, this facility is a tournament and event organizer’s dream.

Many sports will be able to be played at this facility including:

• Soccer
• Lacrosse
• Football
• Ultimate Frisbee
• Wrestling & Martial Arts
• Table Tennis
• Band
• Other turf-based tournaments and events

The facility will house 7 outdoor fields, 6 basketball courts plus 4 more on site, championship stadium field, 12 volleyball courts plus 5 more on site and an indoor climbing wall. The indoor facility is 86,00 square feet and features state-of-the-art synthetic turf and field amenities. It will also include seating for 1,500 people complete with a press box.

Space for any event!

The development and management of Rocky Top Sports World is overseen by the Sports Facilities Advisory (SFA), a global leader in the development and operation of sports and special events complexes. Construction began in March 2013 and is expected to continue through late spring 2014. The SFA works closely with the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau to make sure that the level of service provided by the Rocky Top Sports World is parallel with the friendly reliable service that Gatlinburg is known for. The facility will offer a fantastic concessions area, convenient drop-off and pick-up area and the best spectator viewing options of any facility of this type. With seating capacity for several thousand and over 40,000 square feet of column free, weather proof, indoor events space, Rocky Top Sports World will be able to host any event imaginable. The staff at Rocky Top Sports World will help you plan the perfect holiday or birthday party, team event and awards ceremony, corporate and community events or faith gathering. The facility is currently booking tournaments and events. Contact (865)325-0044 or email info@rockytopsportsworld.com for further information. Play and Stay at ERA In The Smokies!!

These fantastic cabins are located just minutes from the future Rocky Top Sports World!

The Hard Rock Cafe in Gatlinburg has free live music every Friday night featuring acoustic performances by local and regional musicians. This Friday night, June 21, 2013, Calico Theory will be performing! The band has performed at the Hard Rock Cafe previously for the Hard Rock Rising Competition.

The members of Calico Theory are: Jonathan Sword- vocals and guitar, Ryan Eastridge- vocals and bass, Evan Pease- guitar, and Caleb Coe- drums. This band sounds like Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Matchbox 20. They have been endorsed by the Bristol Herald Couier, the Washington County News, the WCYB TV station, and Pop Vulture Magazine. Songs by the band have been played on several radio stations ranging from Southwest Virginia, to Tennessee and also in South Carolina where their hit song “Sympathy” is currently still in rotation with several plays per day. “Ghost Town” has also been featured on a jazz guitar web site as the video of the day. The up and coming band also had a very complimentary write up in the Bristol Paper about their upcoming album.

The band has also earned a lot of local support for their willingness to help numerous fundraisers and benefit groups through providing entertainment at the events. Such events have included: several Cancer Awareness walks, a Veteran’s Day Expo at UVA, a relief event in support of the residents of Glade Spring, and as the special guest of the Virginia Highland’s talent show. They are also respected for their performance at the Virginia Highland’s Fall Festival held over the last summer.

“There is music in everything we hear, and there are those that have the gifts and passions in order to hear it. This is what it means to be a musician–to discover this music. To feel the rhythm of the earth. To find beauty where most wouldn’t. To explore the music of the ultimate soundtrack we hear everyday. This is why our music is as original as we are, and why we plan on keeping it that way. This is also why we play music because it is what we live for, rather than living for fame and wealth.  We appreciate each and every one of you who have helped us pursue this goal and we are grateful for all of the support we have received so far.” -Calico Theory

ERA In The Smokies has several cabins within walking distance to the Hard Rock Cafe. Check out a few of the convenient options we have to offer!

City Lights 3 bedroom, behind the Aquarium Rivers Edge 2 bedroom, Roaring Fork Rd about 1-1.5 miles from the Hard Rock Dreams Inn 2 bedroom, Roaring Fork Rd

Gatlinburg Safari 1 bedroom condo, walk to downtown Winfield Heights cabins, behind Benett’s Barbecue

Reserve your cabin with ERA In The Smokies now and join the Bass Pro Shops in Sevierville, TN every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from June 8,2013 to July 14,2013 Noon to 5 P.M.. There are numerous activities for the whole family and the best part is they are all FREE! Bring the family together to learn about nature and make lasting memories in the Smokies.

“This is our way of helping families enjoy affordable, fun activities together and create lifelong memories. Bass Pro Shops is committed to helping adults and children out away their laptops, video games and cellphones this summer and head outdoors.” -President Jim Hagale

Activities being featured this summer are:

• BB Shooting Range- New in 2013
• Carousel- Let the kids enjoy a ride while dad shops for new gear!
• Casting Challenge- Test your skills using a fishing rod and reel at the target casting area.
• Homemade Ice Cream- Saturdays only 5-6 P.M. while supplies last.

Free Workshops:

• Archery- Learn about bowhunting, equipment and safety tips and more about bowfishing.
• Birdwatching- Learn about the function of different types of feathers.
• Backyard Adventure- Learn about insets and animals that could be in your backyard and what they eat and if they help of hurt your backyard.
• Fishing- Saltwater vs. freshwater
• Camping- Learn about the animals you might see while camping.
• Wildlife Exploration- Learn about mammals, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods.
• Exploring, shooting and hunting- Learn about the history of hunting and conservation benefits and safety tips.
• Water Safety- Learn about safety while swimming and boating.
• Outdoor Discovery and Conservation- Get tips on how to enjoy the outdoors and hiking, discuss comfort, safety and ways to conserve the beauty of the outdoors.

Free Crafts

• Make dad a bobber key chain-June 18, 20
• Color your own slap bracelet- June 22, 23, 25, 27
• Design a lizard door hanger-June 29, 30, July 2, 4
• Create a popsicle stick fish- July 6, 7, 9, 11
• Paint a deer track- July 13 & 14

While you’re here take the family fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains area! Click the picture above for a link to more information.

The Island in PigeonForge opening June 21st features a 200 foot high observation wheel. The wheel offers the best view of the Great Smoky Mountains from right in the middle of Pigeon Forge! At the Island visitors can eat, shop, play and end the night with a spectacular view of the city lights. Shops opening on the 21st are:

• Auntie Anne’s
• Cinnabon
• Island Yogurt
• The Fudgery
• Poynor’s Pommes Frites
• Timberwood Grill
• Mellow Mushroom
• Dude’s Daiquiris
• Arcade City
• The Flying House Carousel
• The Euro-Burgy Dome
• The Island Trading Post
• The Great Smoky Mountaini Wheel Gift Shop

The anticipated Spring 2014 opening will offer even more shops, attractions, and restaurants inside The Island!

The Smokies look to tie the series at two games a piece against Mississippi on Sunday June 16,2013 at 5:00 P.M. at the Smokies Park. The series started Thursday June 13,2013 and will last until Monday June 17,2013. The Smokies three-run lead in the eight inning lead them to a 5-2 win Saturday June 15,2013. This win breaks the four game losing streak and improves the Smokies record 33-34.

In the game against the Mississippi Braves last night, the Smokies took the lead in the second inning from the Mississippi Braves starter Michael Lee when Jonathan Mota hit a two-run home run to left field, scoring Christian Vilanueva who singled earlier in the inning. Mota now has five home runs for the year. Mississippi cut the Smokies lead in half when Braeden Schlenhuber scored on Barrett Kleinknecht’s fly in the fifth inning. The Smokies starter Kyle Hendricks went seven innings in his first start after being named the Southern League Pitcher of the week. He scattered eight hits, allowing an earned run and struck out three. Leading 2-1, the Smokies plated three runs in the eighth inning to put the game out of reach. Tennessee’s Kevin Rhoderick tossed a perfect eighth inning and Frank Bastista surrendered a home run to Edward Salcedo in the ninth inning, but was able to secure the victory for the Smokies.

The mascots for the Smokies are at every game and are a home run with kids. They can be seen at concessions, in the suites and even come around to fans throughout the stadium! Be sure and bring Dad out to the ballpark for Father’s Day and play catch with him on the field from 3:30 to 4:30 before the game. Bring the whole family out for a night of fun and excitement at the Smokies Stadium!

Book your cabin today with ERA In The Smokies and don’t miss out on fun for the entire family!

The Incredible Christmas Place is hosting a wonderful opportunity for children to make their fathers a Father’s Day card on Sunday June 16,2013. Plenty of art supplies will be available at their disposal for ample opportunity for creativity! While you are in town, celebrate Father’s Day at the Incredible Christmas Place where the staff are always full of Christmas cheer.

        While at the Incredible Christmas Place, Mrs. Claus’ will honor the fathers present by holding a cookie decorating session in her Candy Kitchen. Guests will also get to eat the cookies they decorate. You don’t want to miss this one of a kind store so make sure to look around the Incredible Christmas Place after you finish with the activities!

The Incredible Christmas Place is the largest Christmas superstore in the South. It opened in 1986, and has earned widespread recognition for the products it sells, including personalized Christmas tree ornaments, a large variety of gourmet teas and coffees, ice cream, candy and much more. This awesome store feels like the kind of place Santa and his reindeer would feel at home!

The Incredible Christmas Place is also famous for the garlands and other plants it sells. On Father’s Day weekend, the store’s courtyard is overflowing with abundant plant life!

Don’t forget to book your cabin today with ERA In The Smokies!

For the first time ever Greeneville, Tennessee’s very own The Band Perry will be playing at the Smokies Stadium in Sevierville, Tennessee on August 29, 2013. Opening for The Band Perry will be Charlie Worsham and Kristen Kelly. Tickets are $35.00 each plus service charges for On Field Reserved in front of stage (chairs provided), On Field General Admission (no chairs behind reserved seating), and Reserved Seating in the seating bowl (regular baseball seats). General Admission (bleacher seats in seating bowl) are available for $25.00 plus service charges. Children under 2 years of age are free (in lap). On Field General Admission ticket holders are welcome to bring a blanket and enjoy the show as stadium policy does not allow outside chairs brought into the stadium. Only “Reserved Field” and “General Admission Field” ticket holders will be allowed onto the field.

Tickets may be purchased at the stadium, all “KnoxvilleTickets.com” outlet locations, by phone at 1-877-995-9961, locally at (865)656-4444, or via internet at www.mystadiumevents.com. Gates will open at 6:00 P.M. for the 7:30 P.M. show.

The Band Perry at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country have always been a must see attraction here in the Great Smoky Mountains.With only a short drive away from Gatlinburg, visitors can experience endless fun and build memories to last a lifetime at these great theme parks. Dollywood now has 46 different rides, shows and attractions and Dollywood’s Splash Country now has more than 23 water adventure rides with something for the entire family!

 The newest addition to Dollywood is the Wild Eagle roller coaster which opened last spring. It is 21 stories above the park and gives riders a one of a kind experience. Instead of having the train on the track, seats are placed on either side of the track so there is nothing but air above and below the rider providing a true flying experience.

Dollywood has opened a National Roller Coaster Museum inside the park that is available for viewing all day from May 25,2013 to October 30,2013.  This museum is located in the Craftsmans Valley area of Dollywood.

The current festival at Dollywood is the Great American Summer festival. This festival includes Gazillion Bubbles: New Dimension, The Little Engine Playhouse, and Salute to America. GACTV and Dollywood also team up to present the Great American Country Show May 10,2013- October 26,2013. There is something for the whole family to enjoy! Every night from June 22,2013 to January 04,2013 visitors can enjoy Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors, a spectacular firework show that you don’t want to miss! Dollywood has extended hours of 10:00 A.M-10:00 P.M. June 22,2013- August 04,2013 

 New this year at Dollywood’s Splash Country is the River Rush, Tennessee’s 1st and only water roller coaster! It features 4 drops, 4 stories high with its highest drop at 25 feet at a 45 degree angle and holds four people at a time. This hydromagnetic roller coaster open in May and offers guest a truly one of  a kind experience!

Make sure and book your cabin at ERA In The Smokies today and don’t miss all the Summer time fun at Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country! 

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