Show All » Gatlinburg, TN Information » Why a cabin in Gatlinburg?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008Title
6/4/06
Thank you so much for this great (but cozy) chalet to visit. Our boys loved the pool and extra TV. My husband and I loved the décor and spaciousness. And the kids do not want to go back home…Mary, Rich, Sam & Andy
6/12/06
We had a wonderful trip and the chalet was perfect for my 2 rowdy kids! Keith, Heather, Summer & Zack
8/4/06
We loved the chalet. My two boys & husband loved the pool table. We also really enjoyed the hot tub. Chalet was very roomy and has everything that you need. We felt very much at home here. Thanks so much…Jamie, Mark, Caleb & Jamison
11/6/06
This is a beautiful Chalet. The hot tub was great…Pam, Garry, Kathy, Danny Ray, Darlene & Kieth
11/10/06
Day 1
Our 1st night and it is so beautiful after finally finding the place (husband doesn’t do directions). But he bought me here for my birthday and it’s truly fabulous. What a life! Thanks for the experience.
Day 2
Today went well we slept late, went out to eat at Cracker Barrel and got a few necessities. We are still enjoying the surroundings. Wish we could see a bear. We have one more day in paradise before returning to the real world. It’s been great thanks to my baby doll.
Day 3
Has been cold, raining, but nice, haven’t’ done much, just relax and take it easy. Went out for a while but there was too much traffic, we just like being here in the serenity and beauty at the cabin. Tonight is one last night, going to hate to leave tomorrow but, got to get back to the real world. It’s been really super, loved every minute of it. But, I wouldn’t want to live here too many people and too much traffic, but most beautiful. This is truly God’s country. Hope to come back some day…George & Pat
7/23/07
Thanks for the great nights we stayed in a very roomy cabin and everyone loved the hot tub and pool table. It was great staying and nobody wanted to leave. It’s very cozy and roomy. I would love to stay. Thanks for the experience – it was lots of fun. Sure we will be back very soon…Tina, Lloyd, Randy, Dasie, Jake, Jacob, Lauren, Michael, Eugene, Krissi, TC
7/27/07
It wasn’t my honeymoon but it sure felt like it! We are still expecting a thunderstorm, but nothing yet. We've been shooting pool to pass the time. None of us are good at it, but what the heck. Crown Jewel – Home of the 2 hour pool game. Then the storm came and lasted all night.
7/28/07
The AC is Crown jewel is really cool. So cool in fact my feet were like ice cubes several times today. To get the blood flowing again we found it necessary to take a trip to Hog’s & Honey’s in town. It was Kristie’s birthday, so the staff at H&H forced all 3 of us to dance on the bar. While apprehensive at first, once we were up there, it was awesome. The feet were not cold anymore at all. I recommend this experience to anyone who decides to stay at the Crown Jewel which is awesome also!
February 24 – March 1, 2005
Thanks for sharing your home “in the Smokies” with us. We were here for a gymnastics meet – the whole family, and enjoyed our stay here. We had 8 adults and 3 kids here and never felt crowded. Shane, the gymnast, competed on Sunday at the
God bless you,
1 Timothy 4: 7 – 12
March 13 – 19 2005
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home! We came for a much needed rest after our sons wedding with our sister-in-law, nephew & niece from
March 28 – April 2, 2005
Thank you so much for sharing your home. We really appreciated the room and how “homey” it felt. We would really like to thank Pam for helping us out when our van “wrecked” by itself. The view is beautiful and it was very relaxing in the hot tub. Thank you again!
This was a “getaway” to escaper to the mountains. My family has always gone to the beach for vacation. This was rewarding as well as a
May 9 – 14, 2005
This was one of our many, many trips to Gatlinburg. ‘God’s Country’ the Chalet was very nice and secluded. Very nice for ‘R & R’. Pam and Ed were super great – so willing to take care of every concern.
Thanks,
June 10 – 13, 2005
Thanks for allowing us to rent this place. This was awesome. We felt right at home. The service was great and I will recommend to all my family and friends.
Ronald, Aleatha, Ruby, Henry, Nisha, Jessica, Oleter, Keesoo, Phyllis & Albert
August 3 – 7, 2005
Thank you for sharing your home. We had a great, relaxing time. Beautiful view!
Thanks again! Gray, Tracee & the girls
August 10 – 19, 2005
The first and only word I could think of when walking in here was ‘wow’. This cabin was extremely spacious and very convenient; it was easily a home away from home. The daily sunrises and sunsets that we could see from the balcony or porch allowed for wonderful visions of God-inspired that we tent to overlook a lot of times. I came here to meet with my immediate family, whom I hadn’t seen in over 2 years. I can’t think of a more perfect place to have come. Thank you for sharing our place with us and giving us the opportunity to rest, relax and enjoy each other as a family. God Bless
Dalin, Julio, Bette, Tracy & Antonette
It’s time to go and it makes us all sad, but all things will end at some time. When I look around and see the things that God made and I feel so blessed to be here and the home is so beautiful. My family and I enjoyed it so much. May God bless every one that enters this house!
Hollow Rock, TN
October 9 – 15
We don’t want to go home! WOW! What a great home away from home. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us. We ha the most fabulous time here and enjoyed every second in the cabin. The loft bedroom was awesome and the young men couldn’t get enough of the pool table. We were a large group (11) and had plenty of room. Pam & Ed actually recommended Ridge Haven and we will request it again. Gatlinburg is just such an awesome place, and your home just added to our enjoyment. Thank you so much! God bless you!
Cissy, Brian, Lindsey, Tyler, Colby, Terri, David, Eric, Kathy & Jerry
We hate to leave! The family got together for a wonderful Thanksgiving. Thanks for the use of Ridgehaven – we made some awesome memories. AL, VA, GA
December 29 – 30, 2005
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful vacation home with our family. Even though we were here for only a short time. We had an amazing time. It was our first family vacation as mother, father, daughter and son-in-law. I definitely will not be our last. It looks like a tradition has been started. Thanks again for sharing your home with us. Happy New Year & God Bless! GA, TX
January 13- 16, 2006
Thanks for sharing your home. This was a great weekend getaway for our family. We had a great time and were even fortunate enough to have snow! GA
March 13 – 17, 2007
This was better than home away from home. We had a great time here in your chalet and Gatlinburg. The home is beautiful. We were here for Spring break! Thanks for everything! Russ, Christy, Tyler, Andrew, Wayne & Andrea
March 31 – April 5, 2006
This was our 2nd stay at Ridgehaven and once again we had an awesome time! We brought another family with us this time. Thanks again for the wonderful memories! Tammy, Gary, Paige, Chase, Leslie, Tyler, Dylan & Lindsay
April 7 -9, 2006
The house is very nice. Kids loved the pool table and the hot tub! The view sure is pretty. We had a lovely vacation despite the bad weather!
April 10 – 14, 2006
We arrived from
April 14 – 21, 2006
Enjoyed hot tub, felt great after driving in mountains when usually driving in flat country. View from balcony is fabulous. Sorry to leave but ready to go home.
Decorating Divas – IL
April 23 – 26, 2006
This is our 2nd stay at Ridgehaven. We love it! The weather is warmer this year. The daisies were so sweet. We don’t want to go home! The chalet is a perfect place to unwind rest and just enjoy God’s beautiful creation. We look forward to coming back for another ‘girls’ getaway. Jenny, Della, Debbie, Glenda,
May 4 – 8, 2006
We came to see our friends get married, but it felt like a vacation. Love the hot tub. Kyle, Brandy, Ryan, Melissa, Chris, Amber, Chris, Amanda & Alan
May 28 – June 3, 2006
This is our first time in Ridgehaven but the 3rd time renting from Stony Brook Chalets. This cabin is really nice. This cabin has a ‘homier’ feel than some. We have enjoyed our stay. Thanks for making it memorable. Jodi, Jamie,
June 3 – 8 2006
This is our 2nd time in Ridgehaven. We stayed here last year. We really love this cabin. It makes me feel right at home. Tina, Scotty & Madison
June 30 – July 4, 2006
Thank you so much for a beautiful stay. WE were married here at the chalet in front of the fireplace (no chapel could have been more beautiful). We had lots of friends and family with us and everyone felt so at home. The cabin is very spacious. Thank you so much, Jeff, Pat and Haley
July 7th
Today is my husband’s 41st birthday and what a wonderful way to spend it here in your lovely home. WE have 2 children and they enjoyed it very much. The view from up here is breathtaking! Thank you for making our stay a wonderful one! Martha & Emilio,
July 7 - 17th, 2006
Wow! What a beautiful home. This is our 1st time to visit Gatlinburg, we our amazed with the beautiful view. We look forward to our stay here. Thanks you for opening up your home to us. Our family is so excited to begin our vacation. Thanks again, Al, Dorothy, Haley & Austin
July 22, 2006
Thank you for sharing your mountain home with us. If it weren’t for people like you – willing to trust your investment with strangers – we would not have the privilege of staying in a beautiful home. Hotels just don’t work like a vacation home! Adding a (clean) spa is an extra bonus! We are a group of friends from
July 26, 2006
We truly enjoyed your home!! We went to Dollywood and downtown Gatlinburg. WE had a great time and the kids enjoyed the game room. There were 10 of us (4 adults and 6 children) and we had plenty of room. We will be back! With great appreciation, Dave, Lynette, Bob, Kellie, Aubry, Meghan, Makenzie, Tanner, Emerson & Brody
August 9 – 14, 2006
Thank you so much for opening your cabin to us! We so enjoyed staying here. The cabin was wonderful and the children were so comfortable here.
The children were able to see a bear in Cade’s Cove. They really enjoyed the park. They were able to play in the streams, collect minnows with their hands and see so many things they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Coming back to the cabin at the end of our busy days here was refreshing. Waking up to the cool mountain air and quiet views was invigorating.
We would love to live here! Thank you! Christy, Rafael, Christian, Lydia & Elaina, Belle Chasse, LA
September 8 – 11, 2006
What a weekend! WOW, it was a great weekend get away. We really enjoyed ourselves. Hot tub was extremely relaxing and enjoyable. Pool table was a lot of fun and very entertaining! Hate to leave such a wonderful place. We all got in touch with our inner selves and raised high to the occasion! Thanks for the memories! KY/IN crew
September 15 – 17, 2006
AWESOME! I guess this sums up our weekend stay. It felt so good to get away and to have our family all together. We really enjoyed Dollywood yesterday. We’ve made lots of pictures and memories that will last us a life time. Thanks for sharing your house. We made a home out of it for our stay. Love you guys!
November 3 – 5, 2006
Our stay was GREAT! We were a wedding party…Anne, Brian, BreAnn, Paul, Cathy, Pattie, Bobby,
November 12, 2006
Your home is awesome! Our family loved it, especially the hot tub. The view is great from the balcony. We think we are going to come every year from now on. THANKS!!!
November 21 -26, 2006
We thoroughly enjoyed spending Thanksgiving in your cabin. It is really beautiful. We cooked a wonderful Thanksgiving meal and enjoyed spending time in the cabin. The kids loved it; there was so much to do. It is ideal for our family. Thanks so much! God bless, Ronnie, Debbie, Terry, Christy, Kelly, Melvin, Camille, Garrett:
November 30 – December 4, 2006
We truly enjoyed our stay in this beautiful cabin. The entire family has lots to look back on and reminisce about. Thank you for allowing us to stay and ad to our family memories. Season’s Greetings: Tim, Kathy, Hollie, Rusty, Kenny, Kristie, Rambo and Roxy
December 26 – 28, 2006
Our first night here was a magical snow filled evening and we immediately recognized the idyllic nature and setting of your wonderful cabin. We were very surprised by the spacious rooms, amenities and of course, the hot tub. Thanks again for allowing us to spend our holiday here and we apologize for disturbing the neighbors. The trip was excellent!
December 31 – January 3, 2007
It was eventful trying to find the cabin because we kept getting lost, but the cabin was well worth the adventure. The cabin is very pretty and well furnished. Our entire family came, 12 people, 3 generations. We had a wonderful time together in our matching polka dot pajamas. We really enjoyed your cabin. Thanks, matt, Tonya, Alyssa, Charles, Sue, Chuck, Melissa, Lauran, Kathy, Rebekkah, Kaitlyn & Mike
February 16 – 21
We left
April 12 – 15, 2007
YEEHAW! I loved the drive up the mountain to the cabin. I will never forget the way my wife looked in her $20 cowboy hat. It’s been a wonderful stay with our friends! We’ll remember the
April 2 – 30, 2007
Thanks Pam and Ed! We really enjoyed our visit! I am not sure which cabin I like best. Country Bear Hideaway was great in February, but it sure is beautiful here. I wish you continued success! Gary & Kim
Thank you for the use of your beautiful home. It is so nice not to have to drag linens along. Very well maintained. Lovely sunsets and beautiful views.
May 31 – June 4, 2007
Thank you for the use of your beautiful chalet. We had a wonderful vacation here. We enjoyed spending time as a family. We get so busy in our every day lives we don’t take time for relaxing with the family. We laughed till we cried while we were here. We enjoyed sitting in the hot tub and rehashing the day. We will call next time we are in town and hope to rent from you all again. Thanks, Karen, Steven, Steffy & Amber
June 15 – 17, 2007
Thank you fro a wonderful stay. The cabin is beautiful and worth getting lost multiple times – both up and down the mountain. There was 3 generations of us – our son and his family from
June 27 – July 2, 2006
We loved the cabin! The scenery was great. A in all around good vacations!
August 3 – 8, 2007
Thank you so much for letting us stay in your amazing cabin. The drive here is a little tricky but it was all worth it when we got into the cabin. Thank you again and we hope to be back soon, Leslie, Lindsey, Bart,
PS. We’re from
October 26, 2007
We have had a very enjoyable time here at this wonderful fun filled cabin! Thank you very much. The cabin was so big that we had to play hide and seek. It was most fun for the 12 year old! It was so beautiful in the fall; it would be in every season though. Especially during Christmas. It would be a tender Tennessee Christmas. Maybe we will get to come back someday!
December 27 – January 3, 2008
Thanks for letting us stay at the cabin. It was great. We went skiing and it was very cold. But it was snowing. The ‘Great Smokies’ were cool. The waterfall was amazing. I have never seen one! Oh and if you read this and you are from
November 9, 2007
Thanks for letting us stay in your beautiful cabin…Pastor David
November 11 – 24, 2007
Thank you so much for sharing your home with us for the Thanksgiving holiday. We got here in enough time to see the beautiful colors of the leaves. WE have been coming to Gatlinburg for18 years and love it, we make it every year! Your home is great! Your accommodations met all our needs. Weather was beautiful! Thanks again: Robbie, Cindy, Amanda, Charlie & Carla
December 22 -27, 2007
We had a great time up in the mountains. The cabin was wonderful. We hope to come back again in the future.
October 17, 2004
What a wonderful mountain get-a-way! IT looks like we may be your 1st guests, but certainly not the last! We thoroughly enjoyed your home: the view is spectacular, the hot tub perfect after a day of hiking and the fireplace very relaxing and inviting to curl up in front of. Thank you for your hospitality. Doyle & Kathy
November 7, 2004
This has been a great getaway for us! We really needed to spend some time together alone. The hot tub, fireplace and everything else here has just been perfect. We’ve needed nothing since we’ve been here but ourselves, and that is what it’s all about. Hope the next people will enjoy the stay as well as we have. Thanks for having us, Cris & Leah
November 24 -28, 2004
Our stay was wonderful. We enjoyed the pool table and the hot tub. Our vacation was the best ever; it felt like we were at home fro the beginning. We highly recommend this rental to anyone. To whoever may have a great stay!
February 19, 2005
Your house is so beautiful. We really enjoyed resting here. It is so peaceful here at Luke’s Lookout. The view is so pretty. My husband and I are planning to watch the sunrise. Everyone says it’s so pretty watching the sun rise over the trees and across the mountains. I would like to thank you for allowing us to visit in this house. I would also like to suggest that everyone go to Cade’s Cove. You will need a whole day to do that. It is spectacular! It takes about 1 hour to get there, but well worth it. We saw tons of deer. One buck walked almost up to a man. The log cabins and the grist mill were very interesting. Driving through Cade’s Cove takes about 41/2 hours. We stopped quite a few times to watch deer and look at the sites. We really enjoyed our stay here and hope to come back very soon. We hope everybody else has as much fun as we did.
March 21, 2005
We truly love your place! Great view immaculate home and furnishings and especially the comfort and friendliness we have felt while staying here. I have enjoyed the hot tub and the comfortable bed. My father has enjoyed the pool table and fireplace. My mother has enjoyed the porch swing and all of your home décor. There is something special here that everyone can enjoy! This is our last night here and we are going to miss the peaceful atmosphere here at Luke’s Lookout. So far while in the Great Smoky Mountains we have gone to Cade’s Cove (great scenery!), eaten at the Alamo steakhouse, gone window shopping in downtown Gatlinburg, watched the sunset from the balcony, ate at the Applewood Restaurant, and spent some of today at the Smoky Mountains Speed park in Pigeon Forge. While we were there, I rode on the ‘Skyscraper’,’Superswing’ and bungee jumped. I suggest for any thrill seekers to go there and get the combination pack. And they do have the fastest go-karts in town! The road up here was interesting too. Mom and I freaked out a few times of dad’s frightening driving (he is easily distracted by the awesome views). Well, thank you once again for sharing your very special mountain getaway with us! It made our vacation memorable, comfortable and it felt better than being at home! Mike, Chloe & Lindsay,
April 9, 2005
This is our 2nd stay with Stony Brook. Each time is better than the other. The peaceful surroundings and wonderful view are great! Our trips to Gatlinburg are always so romantic. Hope your stay is as fulfilling as ours. Linda and Steve
May 15 – 21, 2005
Before we even set foot into the cabin, we pulled up along next to it and were greeted by a fiery red sun settling behind the mountains in the west – what an incredible site! We stayed at Stony Brook last May for our honeymoon, loved it so much we came back for our 1st anniversary! We have spent the majority of our time in the mountains, enjoying all of God’s creation and marveling at His creativity in design! The waterfall hikes are our favorite way to spend the day – this year we did different hikes from last year, even taking a few short hikes recommended by locals.
June 9 – 12
We had a wonderful time here – just love it! And we WILL be back, w have decided to buy a place here in Gatlinburg. God bless all that stay here and a safe trip home.
February 21, 2006
This place was great. From the 1st night we got here we have really felt like we were at home – only we never want to leave. Our 3 kids really loved the pool table and the hot tub. Our daughter really loved having her own room & TV, & the boys never wanted to leave our sight. We all had so much fun that we don’t want to go!
March 25, 2006
We had a wonderful stay. The hot tub was awesome overlooking the mountains – the stars were so bright. We saw sunny days in the 50’s and then awoke to snow on the 2nd morning. The pool table, king beds, satellite TV, gas fireplace and the beautiful chalet itself all made the stay great. This is the best view we have had so far. Thanks for providing everything we needed. Jesus bless all of you! Doug & Renae
April 19 -24, 2006
We came up here when my husband came home on leave from
June 13, 2006
We have really enjoyed our stay at this cabin. We absolutely love the hot tub and pool table. It was nice to come home to a very homey place after a long day at Dollywood or somewhere else. Thank you very much for letting us stay here. We love it! Mike, Kathy, Kelly & Jennifer:
June 18 – 21, 2006
We had a wonderful time all 3 days we were here. We had been to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge before, but had never stayed in a chalet before. It was great, so quiet and peaceful. We went to Dollywood and to the Aquarium. Both places were great! We will never forget this trip. Thanks and God Bless, Jennie & Charles:
July 6, 2006
This has been the best ever! This is my very first time staying in a cabin in Gatlinburg. It’s a beautiful place to be. I am 12 years old and it’s been the best time of my life. Well it’s peaceful and relaxing to me! May God bless and keep you in His care…
July 5 – 8, 2006
We had a wonderful time here at Luke’s Lookout. The owner was extra nice (Mrs. Pam Hill) she greeted us with a smile. This is our 2nd time staying with Stony Brook Chalets and plan to do so again very soon! Thanks so much and God Bless.
October 10, 2006
We had a wonderful time in this mountain getaway!
December 26, 2006
This is a really nice, beautiful place. We had always stayed in a hotel on our vacations. This was much better. This is our first, but not last trip to
March 24 -26, 2006
Our stay at Luke’s Lookout was great! The pool table, hot tub and view were amazing! There’s no doubt about it that we will definitely be back! Lisa, Rebekah & Gary
April 15, 2007
Our stay at Luke’s Lookout was very nice. We have enjoyed coming here. We had every thing that we needed. We love the view, the hot tub, and the pool table. We are sorry that we have not done this sooner. We came to Luke’s Lookout seven years ago in April right after we were married. And you know we celebrated our seventh anniversary at Luke’s Lookout. Thank you so much!
October 4 – 7, 2007
This is my husband’s 1st time to Gatlinburg and my 2nd, although it has been at least ten years since my last visit. My, how things have changed. I had never been up in the mountains and we went on the Roaring Forks motor trail, Cade’s Cove – which was GREAT, Dollywood, the flea market, Bubba Gump’s Seafood, one of the pancake houses and walked up the mountain to the lookout on Clingman’s Dome and to Cherokee Reservation in South Carolina and I would recommend that you do them all! We can say that this chalet is all the way to the top of the mountain. We didn’t spend much time here because there was so much to do and see…David and Debbie,
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Show All » Gatlinburg, TN Information » Gatlinburg Events
Wednesday, November 14, 2007Gatlinburg Winterfest Events List
November 7th the day the lights came on…
We’d like to remind you how beautiful Gatlinburg is when it’s all lit up for the holidays. Lights are up November 7th – February 29. We’d like to extend our winter special to all our repeat guests November 7th – June 12 (excludes all holidays).
For a full list of events for Gatlinburg Winterfest - Click Here
Posted By: Blog Master @ 4:57:45 PMTop
Show All » Gatlinburg, TN Information » Gatlinburg Events
Wednesday, November 14, 2007Gatlinburg, Tennessee Winterfest
Winter Fest Lights and Trolley Tours!
During the day, the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains may glisten with snow, but during the night it's the streets of Gatlinburg that glisten with millions of lights. This winter wonderland is a show worth seeing, by car, on foot, or by trolley. In fact, the best way to enjoy Gatlinburg's Winterfest Celebration is to see the lights all three ways.
Your first impression will be by car as you drive into Gatlinburg. Even during the day, you'll see the tall red candles fashioned out of sparkling garlands. They festoon the light posts with Victorian charm. As you drive down the main parkway to your hotel or cabin, you'll see the tiara light displays overhead and you know you'll want to come back out that night to drive through the tunnel of lights.
In the evenings, you can walk the streets of Gatlinburg, sip some hot coffee or cider, and peek into shop windows decorated with inviting Christmas displays. And it's only during the winter, that you'll walk under brightly lit arches, past red candles and green boughs of holly all created with light. Holiday music even floats through the air. It's truly a magical time.
The most unique and entertaining winter activity in Gatlinburg is to take their Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights. While you sit warm and cozy in an old-fashioned trolley, you can listen to a tour guide tell tales of early Gatlinburg. You'll also get to see all the exciting bigger light displays placed throughout the city and the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, including Gatlinburg's famous Gatlin Bears. Just get your ticket at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center at traffic light 3.
Courtesy of Gatlinburg.com - http://www.gatlinburg.com/winter-fest.asp
Posted By: Blog Master @ 4:56:16 PMTop
Show All » Gatlinburg, TN Information » Gatlinburg Vs. Pigeon Forge
Sunday, July 22, 2007Journey to the east for cheap, relaxing fun
Although city life is grand, what if you feel like getting away from the bustle for a minute? Why not retreat into the mountains for a weekend of relaxation? Beyond Pigeon Forge's tourist traps lies a wonderful world: Gatlinburg, the neighbor to the East.
I recently took the mere three and a half to four hour trip myself. (When going to Gatlinburg you will lose an hour, and returning home you will gain it back.) I had to get away before the new semester started. I took a weekend off from work and rented a top notch, four-star room at the Edgewater Hotel located in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, above a relaxing, flowing creek.
The room included a fireplace, Jacuzzi, king sized bed and great outside patio looking out into the trees that line the side of the mountains. The rates were affordable, and the service was great.
We visited numerous sights, attractions, bars, shops, and restaurants, but most of all Cades Cove and the rest of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. On a humorous note, by mistake we drove through the mountains until we reached North Carolina. But, hey, the scenery was terrific.
You can drive through Cades Cove along a scenic route which allows you to witness species on wildlife in their natural habitats. At any given moment you might find a bear prowling about in the woods or a dear prancing through the meadow.
The weather was incredible during the time of my visit. The temperature was in the 70s even though it was January. We had the windows down, just cruising barely 10 mph. The only cost was the gas.
Along with the park and the mountains, I decided to pay a visit to a haunted mansion located next to our hotel. During the day it is just an old, creepy looking house with a hearse out in front, but at night it transforms into a glowing purple mansion, complete with Michael Myers' Halloween theme music blaring through the outside loudspeakers.
All you can hear is screams from the victims shelling over their 10 bucks. I conned my fiancée into it and we joined the fun. After paying our "death fee" and hearing the story about the house, we spent 15 minutes trying to find the secret entrance. I thought we were stuck until someone gave up on us and whispered "push the fireplace." It was the guy that had taken our 20 combined bucks, wearing a Josh nametag and a Freddy Krueger mask.
Next, I journeyed into the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and once again paid a nominal fee. Here you will find anything from shrunken heads to mummies to former convicts' leftover prison items. If you're into weird facts that possibly are untrue…then this place is one you definitely must check out when you visit Gatlinburg.
We decided to visit the Ripley's Aquarium the following morning. After a quick breakfast at the Pancake Pantry, we shuffled across the street to the enormous aquarium that you cannot miss while staying in town. This 1.3 million-gallon marvel is home to more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures that comprise more than 350 individual species.
There are more fish in this aquarium than there are people living in the entire town of Gatlinburg. You must make a special trip to enjoy what this fabulous wonder has to offer.
After a grueling 18 holes of miniature golf in which I did poorly, we decided to head back for an early nights' rest in our king size bed. Before returning to our hotel we stopped in a local arcade to play some skee-ball and video games. Entering, we met a very unhappy employee who I nick named grumpy. I guess endless hours of arcade noises mixed with children's antics will drive anyone toward a bad day. If it wasn't for skee-ball and the crane machine sitting in the corner, we probably would have left. All in all we had fun and made the most of it.
If you are not the type that's into random tourist attractions or mini golf and are more into shopping, then, believe me, Gatlinburg has you covered. There are more than 400 unique shops, galleries and boutiques, ranging from candle making to candy making. My favorite shopping destination was a unique fudge shop, though I definitely had to hit the gym a little harder once I returned home.
The best part about Gatlinburg is, without a doubt, the Smoky Mountains. It is truly one of the most stunning sights you will find.
When visiting this area, you can honestly escape your everyday, number-crunching, nerve-racking job and transport yourself into a much brighter place.
It gets hard to relax in the city. Everyone needs a chance to drive out to the Smoky Mountains sometime to breathe that clean air. There may indeed be a Rocky Mountain High, but I have been diagnosed with Smoky Mountain Fever. There is only one cure. I must take a trip back.
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Show All » Gatlinburg, TN Information » Gatlinburg Vs. Pigeon Forge
Sunday, July 22, 2007Best Outdoor Towns - Gatlinburg, Tennessee Review
Gatlinburg is well known for its amenities and attractions, but it received an extra plug when it was included in the travel book "101 Best Outdoor Towns: Unspoiled Places to Live, Visit and Play."
Released this month by Countryman Press and written by Sarah Tuff and Greg Melville, "101 Best Outdoor Towns" provides information about possible vacation spots for those who like outdoor activities but appreciate the amenities offered indoors.
This is the first type of book of this genre that we've done," said Tuff during a phone interview from her Vermont home. She and Melville have written many articles about outdoor towns for magazines and used that as the basis for "101 Best Outdoor Towns."
"A lot of research came from stories we've done for magazines and an innate knowledge for hot spots and adventure for outdoor travel," Tuff said. For this book, she said they wanted to look beyond the obvious and locations that have become too expensive for the average tourist.
"We wanted to find small outdoor-oriented towns that were still affordable and had access to national parks and state parks, but also had great coffee shops and pubs and art scenes," she said.
Gatlinburg fit those descriptions well enough that it made the cut among the hundreds of locations the authors considered, among other factors and Census data. Gatlinburg was the only Tennessee spot to make the list. Its closest neighbor on the list is North Carolina's Bryson City.
"We started with hundreds and spent about a year really identifying which towns we wanted to profile," she said. "Neither of us are scientific, but it was a scientific process. The fun part, of course, was visiting and researching and writing, which is what we know best."
Tuff conducted the research on Gatlinburg in April 2006, accompanied only by a "very, very small visitor," she said. "I was pregnant with my daughter at the time. It was right before the barbecue festival and it was just a lively weekend in town with lots of visitors. The hills were extremely green. In Vermont and the hills don't get green until May or June."
The arts and crafts community, Tuff said, added something special.
"It had such a great feel to it, a little oasis," she said.
Gatlinburg's proximity to the Smokies was a big plus.
"I'd heard great things about Gatlinburg, but didn't realize how close it was and you're really smack in the mountains. In fact, you can walk out of your hotel in Gatlinburg and be in the Park in five minutes."
She said she remembers walking out of her hotel and seeing fishermen in the river, surrounded by restaurants and hotels.
"It's a great mix of outdoors and town life in one package," she said.
Tuff said readers can find "101 Best Outdoor Towns" at most bookstores and online at Amazon.com. Along with a short essay on each town, the book includes tips on lodging, dining and preparing for outdoor adventures.
For Gatlinburg, the extra publicity is "always great," said Walter Yeldell of the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism. For the most part, Yeldell said the attention always has something do with the national park. He pointed out a recent publication, "100 Places You Have to See Before You Die," and those from the past like, "Heaven on Earth, 100 Must-See Destinations."
In the latter, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was listed among sites like the Taj Mahal and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Being in such famous company is an eye opener, Yeldell noted.
"The Great Smoky Mountains is listed as one of the top places to visit in the world and we live here," he said.
Yeldell added that Gatlinburg is often the subject of travel articles, but also draws interest from publications related to housing and retirement.
"We get a modest number of people that do express interest in writing general travel information," he said. "I had one called Mature Living, and it was about a hundred great condo sites, a hundred great places to retire, and they listed Gatlinburg in their national publication."
Yeldell said he was interviewed just a few months ago by a couple updating their book, "Great Towns in America."
How much impact these books and articles have is hard to say, Yeldell said.
"To say it's had a direct impact, I would say that it's had," Yeldell said.
gcrutchfield@themountainpress.com
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Show All » Gatlinburg, TN Information » Gatlinburg Events
Sunday, July 22, 2007Gatlinburg Upcoming Events
Just a few events for 2007 in the Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Through July 29: Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair. More than 200 of the finest craftspeople from all over the U.S. demonstrate wood carving, pottery, broom making, jewelry design, stained glass, metal work, basket weaving, wood turning, calligraphy and much more. Live music sets the backdrop for this show. gatlinburg.com or ( 865) 436-7479.
Through Aug. 5: Dollywood's KidsFest -- In Pigeon Forge. The largest kids' festival in the South offering entertainment and more than 100 hands-on activities just for kids. (800) DOLLYWOOD or dollywood.com.
Posted By: Blog Master @ 10:08:53 AMTop
Show All » Gatlinburg, TN Information » Honeymoons
Wednesday, May 02, 2007Honeymoons in the Smoky Mountains
Honeymoon Heaven
Trying to decide where to spend those first few days together as man and wife. We’d like to invite you to stay in Gatlinburg in one of our romantic, private cabins.
Looking for a spot to unwind after the hectic days of planning your wedding? Imagine the peace and quiet of being surrounded by the mountains, rivers and wildlife we have so plentiful here in beautiful
May we suggest a private cabin with a deck facing an incredible view of the mountains. On the deck are rockers for you to relax and unwind in while enjoying the scenery. Or you can enjoy the mountains seated in a spacious, relaxing hot tub. Just the thing to put you in the mood for a relaxing honeymoon.
Would you like to have a gourmet dinner brought to your door hot and ready to eat? No dishes to wash, nothing to prepare – we can arrange that for you.
What about a side by side massage in the privacy of your own cabin, complete with music and candles followed by a dip in your own hot tub?
Or perhaps you’d enjoy a rigorous day of hiking one of the steep trails to catch a view of a one of a kind waterfall. Then an evening alone in your cabin and a dip in the hot tub. Or, perhaps the two of you would enjoy the heart shaped Jacuzzi inside.
Special requests, something just right for the two of you? You have only to ask, if it can be done, we’ll be glad to make it happen.
Posted By: Blog Master @ 1:30:54 PMTop
Show All » Gatlinburg, TN Information » Weddings
Wednesday, May 02, 2007Looking to get MARRIED in Gatlinburg?
Wedding Invitation
Looking for that “perfect spot” for your “special day”. Please consider Gatlinburg. We are surrounded by beautiful scenery and the
Here in
Need help planning, we can put you in touch with a wedding planner. Would you like to reserve a cabin to spend your honeymoon in – we have reservation specialists who can help you do just that. Would you like us to place flowers or rose petals in the cabin for you prior to your arrival – we’d be happy to. Need a place for your family to stay – we have cabins large and small and would be happy to help you make the arrangements.
Gatlinburg is a very popular wedding spot. Each year we have thousands and thousands of couples choose to hold their special day right here in The Smoky Mountains. We invite you to look us over and consider having yours here too.
Honeymoon Heaven
Trying to decide where to spend those first few days together as man and wife. We’d like to invite you to stay in Gatlinburg in one of our romantic, private cabins.
Looking for a spot to unwind after the hectic days of planning your wedding? Imagine the peace and quiet of being surrounded by the mountains, rivers and wildlife we have so plentiful here in beautiful
May we suggest a private cabin with a deck facing an incredible view of the mountains. On the deck are rockers for you to relax and unwind in while enjoying the scenery. Or you can enjoy the mountains seated in a spacious, relaxing hot tub. Just the thing to put you in the mood for a relaxing honeymoon.
Would you like to have a gourmet dinner brought to your door hot and ready to eat? No dishes to wash, nothing to prepare – we can arrange that for you.
What about a side by side massage in the privacy of your own cabin, complete with music and candles followed by a dip in your own hot tub?
Or perhaps you’d enjoy a rigorous day of hiking one of the steep trails to catch a view of a one of a kind waterfall. Then an evening alone in your cabin and a dip in the hot tub. Or, perhaps the two of you would enjoy the heart shaped Jacuzzi inside.
Special requests, something just right for the two of you? You have only to ask, if it can be done, we’ll be glad to make it happen.
Posted By: Blog Master @ 1:27:34 PMTop
Show All » Gatlinburg, TN Information » Gatlinburg Attractions
Monday, April 30, 2007Fishing in the Smoky Mountains ( Gatlinburg )
Anglers can match their skills against wily brook, brown, and rainbow trout on over 700 miles of fishable streams in the park.
Fishing is permitted year-round in the park, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. The park allows fishing in all streams EXCEPT the following streams and their tributaries upstream from the points described:
North Carolina
Bear Creek at its junction with Forney Creek
Indian Flats Prong at the Middle Prong Trial crossing
These streams are closed to fishing to allow fish to repopulate following restoration work. For the exact location, consult the appropriate USGS 1:24,000 Quadrangle Map available at park visitor centers. Detailed information, including a complete list of regulations and a map of fishable park waters, is also available at any visitor center or ranger station.
License Requirements
You must possess a valid fishing license or permit from either
Tennessee License Requirements
Residents and nonresidents age 13 and older must have a valid license. Residents age 65 and older may obtain a special license from the state.
North Carolina License Requirements
Residents and nonresidents age 16 and older need a license. Residents age 70 and older may obtain a special license from the state.
Persons under 16 in
Fishing is permitted year-round in open waters.
Time
Fishing is allowed from a half hour before official sunrise to a half hour after official sunset.
Daily Possession Limits
Five (5) brook, rainbow or brown trout, smallmouth bass, or a combination of these, each day or in possession, regardless of whether they are fresh, stored in an ice chest, or otherwise preserved. The combined total must not exceed five fish.
Twenty (20) rock bass may be kept in addition to the above limit.
A person must stop fishing immediately after obtaining the limit.
Size Limits
Brook, rainbow, and brown trout: 7 inch minimum
Smallmouth bass: 7 inch minimum
Rock bass: no minimum
Trout or smallmouth bass caught less than the legal length shall be immediately returned to the water from which it was taken.
Lures, Bait, and Equipment
Fishing is permitted only by the use of one hand-held rod.
Only artificial flies or lures with a single hook may be used. Dropper flies may be used. Up to two flies on a leader.
Use or possession of any form of fish bait or liquid scent other than artificial flies or lures on or along any park stream while in possession of fishing tackle is prohibited. Prohibited baits include, but are not limited to, minnows (live or preserved), worms, corn, cheese, bread, salmon eggs, pork rinds, liquid scents and natural baits found along streams.
Use or possession of double, treble, or gang hooks is prohibited.
Fishing tackle and equipment, including creels and fish in possession, are subject to inspection by authorized personnel.
Please report violators to nearest ranger or to (865) 436-1294. Posted By: Blog Master @ 2:17:56 PM
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Show All » Gatlinburg, TN Information » The Great Smoky Mountains
Monday, April 30, 2007Bicycling in the Smokies
Ride through Cades Cove on a misty summer morning for a truly memorable way to experience the park.
Bicycles can travel on most roads within the 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.
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
Safety is always a major concern where cars and bicycles must share the road. The State of
There are no mountain biking trails in
Mountain biking trails are open on national forest and recreation lands outside
Big
*The Tsali Recreation Area in
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