Smokies Trivia

Interesting Facts About Great Smoky Mountains National Park

TheWiseman — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:55:50 +0000

• Established in 1934, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the largest national park East of the Rockies (244,000 acres of the park lie in Tennessee and 276,000 acres lie in North Carolina).
• With more than 10 million visitors annually, it is also the most visited national park in the United States. In comparison, Grand Canyon National Park draws less than 5 million visitors per year.
• Note that NO FEE is charged to enter the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• Designated an International Biosphere Reserve, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to 4,000 plant species, 1,500 wildflower species, 140 tree species, 700 miles of rivers and streams, 600 black bears, campsites, horseback riding, historic sites, picnic areas, scenic overlooks, waterfalls, fishing and 850 miles of hiking trails (including a 70-mile section of the Appalachian Trail).
• Cades Cove – a 4,000-acre scenic valley that features preserved pioneer homesteads, a campground and hiking trails – is the most visited area of the park.

For more information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit www.nps.gov/grsm.

Pigeon Forge to Host Wilderness Wildlife Week

TheWiseman — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:51:35 +0000

Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has created 288 ways for you to get to know Mother Nature and the cultural heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains during the Jan. 7-14, 2012, salute to the outdoors.

This will be the 22nd year for Wilderness Wildlife Week, an eight-day extravaganza of seminars, workshops, photography classes, hikes, owl prowls and even musical performances.

“It’s exciting to look at it by the numbers,” said Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, which presents Wilderness Wildlife Week free of charge. Last year, guests came from 28 states and Canada.

“We have 240 indoor programs, plus 48 hikes, field trips and owl prowls. That’s 288 in all, and 120 of them are brand new for 2012. There are 20 programs especially for kids, 22 that examine the heritage of the Smokies and more than a dozen photography courses,” he said.

Wilderness Wildlife Week, begun in 1990 as a salute to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a major part of the four-month-long Pigeon Forge Winterfest season. Winterfest 2011-2012 in its entirety is a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event.

The keynote speaker is Peggy Callahan, an expert on wolves and other predators, who has presentations on Jan. 7 and 8. She is the founder and executive director of the Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake, Minn.

More than 150 experts – nature photographers, biologists, raptor rehabilitators, social historians, musicians and just plain folks who grew up in the Smokies – donate their time to lead Wilderness Wildlife Week programs about natural history, wildlife, outdoor recreation, nature photography, conservation efforts and cultural history.

Among the topics: bears in the Smokies, reintroduction of elk to the national park, the Smokies’ logging history, possums, bluebirds, trout fishing, bald eagles, the Civil War in the mountains, fire towers, beginner backpacking, how to raise butterflies and how to play the dulcimer.

The 48 hikes and excursions – including a llama trek – into the national park complement the indoor programs and range from easy to challenging. In 2011, 668 hikers trekked a cumulative 3,227 miles. Hiking records have been kept for nine years, and the accumulated total mileage is 17,516.

“The week is extremely flexible. You can come just for one program, for one day or for the whole week,” Downey said. “We have 288 ways to connect you to our beautiful part of the country.”

Wilderness Wildlife Week began as a half-day program and immediately grew into a weeklong activity. By itself, it has been a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event 10 times.

Wilderness Wildlife Week details are at www.MyPigeonForge.com/wildlife. Information about all aspects of visiting Pigeon Forge is at www.MyPigeonForge.com or by calling toll-free to 1-800-251-9100.

Fall Foliage in the Great Smoky Mountains

TheWiseman — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:02:47 +0000

Nature’s annual kaleidoscope of color will visit soon the Smokies this year with great vigor. To help travelers determine where the best altitude is for leaf viewing at any given time, Gatlinburg provides updated leaf reports at www.gatlinburg.com and a fall foliage page at www.eventsgatlinburg.com. These links chronicle the descent of full-fledged color from the highest elevations of the Smokies in September to the climax of the color in November and even suggest walks, trails and short drives to take for the best viewing potential. Autumn in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a special time when a glorious leaf season lasting six to eight weeks is enjoyed by visitors as fall’s vibrant color changes travel down the mountainsides from high elevation of the Smokies to the foothills around Gatlinburg. There’s always peak color at a certain altitude. The adventure is finding out where the best leaf viewing is at the moment, and that usually requires only a short ride to the top. As you Reach Higher Ground, the colors explode into a spectacle of vivid shades of red and electrifying orange, with sprinklings of deep gold and bright yellows. The autumn colors surrounding Gatlinburg are magnificent and varied due to the amazing diversity of trees and plant life. Some 100 species of native trees live in the Smokies, the vast majority of which are deciduous. The timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables that the exact dates of “peak” season are impossible to predict in advance. Weather is a factor, but even Mother Nature has difficulty preventing the Smokies from erupting into a palette of brilliant colors barring a major storm. Basically, the Smokies are magnificent. Color displays above 4,000 feet start in mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry, clearly visible from such vantage points as Clingmans Dome Road. The fall color display usually reaches peak at middle and lower elevations between mid-October and early November. This is the Park’s most spectacular display as it includes such colorful trees as sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and the hickories. Gatlinburg is the Southeast’s premier fall color destination, offering something for all ages. Family-friendly and affordable, this walkable community nestled in the foothill of the Appalachian Mountains provides the perfect setting for fall vacations. Groups, families and couples will find something spectacular to their liking. Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg boasts countless lodging, dining and entertainment options. Explore the popular Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, ride the country’s longest aerial tram, browse through hundreds of unique shops, and revel in the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains as you Reach Higher Ground in Gatlinburg. For more information on fall travel in Gatlinburg including outstanding deals and packages, please call (800) 56-VISIT or visit www.gatlinburg.com.

Gatlinburg Events for Fall/Winter 2011

TheWiseman — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 17:25:24 +0000

Autumn Colors in the Smokies
September 15 – November 15, 2011
Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
September 15 – October 31, 2011
Various Locales Throughout Gatlinburg

Taste of Autumn
September 15, 2011
Gatlinburg Convention Center

Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
September 30 – October 31, 2011
Ober Gatlinburg

Ripley’s Fright Nights
October 1-31, 2011
Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
October 6-23, 2011
Gatlinburg Convention Center

Trolley Ride of Lights
November 9, 2011 – January 30, 2012
Downtown Gatlinburg

Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff
November 9, 2011
Downtown Gatlinburg

Veteran’s Day Celebration
November 11, 2011
Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza

Festival of Trees
November 22-26, 2011
W.L. Mills Conference Center

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Holiday Show
November 22 – December 4, 2011
Gatlinburg Convention Center

Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade
December 2, 2011
Downtown Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg Winter Magic
January 3 – February 28, 2012
Various Locales Throughout Gatlinburg

Planning a fall or winter vacation getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out the latest deals at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort! For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

Planning a Smokies Vacation this Summer?

TheWiseman — Tue, 31 May 2011 19:32:17 +0000

A picturesque mountain town full of fun adventures, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, serves as the principal gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the largest national park East of the Rocky Mountains and the most-visited national park in the United States. Gatlinburg also boasts fine art and antiques, mountain crafts, family-friendly restaurants and live entertainment.

Planning a vacation getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out the latest deals at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort! For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

Pigeon Forge Attractions

TheWiseman — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:57:40 +0000

Adventure Golf
2925 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Adventure Raceway
2945 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Dinosaur Walk Museum
106 Showplace Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.dinowalk.com

Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.dollywood.com

Dollywood’s Splash Country
2700 Dollywood Parks Boulevard, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.dollywood.com

Elvis Museum
2638 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.elvismuseums.com

Fantasy Golf
3263 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Fast Tracks
2879 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Flyaway Indoor Skydiving
3106 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.flyawayindoorskydiving.com

Jurassic Jungle Boat Ride
2806 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.thejurassicjungleboatride.com

Kid’s Country
2575 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.pigeonforgetrack.com

Lazer Port
2782 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.lazerportfuncenter.com

MagiQuest
2491 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.magiquest.com

Pigeon Forge Gem Mine
2865 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennesee
www.pigeon-forge-attractions.com

Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Golf
3010 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.losttreasuregolf.com

Rockin’ Raceway
2839 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.familyfunatrockinracewayinpigeonforge.com

Scenic Helicopter Tours
2174 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.flyscenic.com

Smoky Mountain Car Museum
2970 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Smoky Mountain Speed Park
3275 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Speed Zone Fun Park
3315 South River Road, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Star Tracks
2757 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Titanic – Pigeon Forge
2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.titanicpigeonforge.com

Walden’s Landing Firehouse Golf
2528 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.waldenslanding.com

WonderWorks
100 Music Road, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.wonderworkstn.com

Ziplines of the Smokies
3271 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.smokymountainziplines.com

Zorb Smoky Mountains
203 Sugar Hollow Road, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
www.zorb.com

Planning a vacation getaway to the Great Smoky Mountains? Check out the latest deals at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort! For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

Spring Festivals in Gatlinburg for 2011

TheWiseman — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 16:29:20 +0000

Smoky Mountain Springfest
March 11 – June 5, 2011

Music of the Mountains
April 16, 2011

Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show
April 20-23, 2011

61st Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage
April 26 – May 1, 2011

Ribfest & Wings
April 28, 2011

Gatlinburg Scottish Highland Games
May 13-14, 2011

Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival
May 14-15, 2011

Planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains this spring? Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort provides the ideal locale for your Great Smoky Mountains getaway. Nestled on approximately 70 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort features the 60,000-square-foot Wild Bear Falls water park (the largest indoor water park in the South), two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, fitness facility and 24-hour marketplace. Enjoy award-winning barbecue at the casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill. The adjacent Mason Jar Lounge serves appetizers and snacks along with your favorite beverage. Escape to the Serenity Spa by Westgate and indulge in a mountain hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

Barnstormer Video, Dollywood

TheWiseman — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:00:10 +0000

Barnstormer is a new attraction at Dollywood, scheduled to open for the spring 2011 season!

Enjoy award-winning barbecue at the casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill. The adjacent Mason Jar Lounge serves appetizers and snacks along with your favorite beverage. Escape to the Serenity Spa by Westgate and indulge in a mountain hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com.

Flashback: Dollywood, 1986

TheWiseman — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:18:40 +0000

Top 10 Bizarre Attractions in the Smokies

TheWiseman — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 19:23:14 +0000

CHRIST IN THE SMOKIES MUSEUM & GARDENS
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Formerly Christus Gardens, the Christ in the Smokies Museum features incredibly realistic life-size figures in dramatic settings depicting the life of Christ, a remarkable sculpture of Christ and gift shop. For more information about the Christ in the Smokies Museum, visit www.christinthesmokies.com.

COOTER’S PLACE
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
If you were a fan of the hit TV series Dukes of Hazzard, which ran from 1979-85, you won’t want Cooter’s Place, the brainchild of Ben Jones, who portrayed, Cooter Davenport, expert mechanic and loyal sidekick to the Duke boys. Cooter’s Place features exhibits and memorabilia such as the 1969 Dodge Charger known as the General Lee, Cooter’s Wrecker, Daisy’s Jeep and Roscoe P. Coltrane’s Police Car. Make sure to browse through Cooter’s Place General Store to pick up some Dukes of Hazzard souvenirs. For more information about Cooter’s Place, visit www.cootersplace.com.

DOLLY PARTON STATUE
Sevierville, Tennessee
Country music legend and entrepreneur Dolly Parton was born in nearby Locust Ridge on January 19, 1946, and Sevier County has graciously erected a life-size, bronze statue in her honor on the lawn of the county courthouse in downtown Sevierville.

ELVIS MUSEUM
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Billed as the “World’s Largest Private Collection of Elvis Memorabilia,” the Elvis Museum is a must-see attraction for fans of the “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” View such artifacts as Elvis’ cars, jewelry, costumes, guns and more during your self-guided tour. At the museum’s well-stocked gift shop you can start your own collection of Elvis memorabilia. For more information about the Elvis Museum, visit www.elvismuseums.com.

MUSEUM OF SALT AND PEPPER SHAKERS
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
At the world’s only salt and pepper museum, you can view more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world! For more information about the Museum of Salt and Pepper Shakers, visit www.thesaltandpeppershakermuseum.com.

SANTA’S LAND FAMILY THEME PARK & ZOO
Cherokee, North Carolina
At Santa’s Land, you and your family can celebrate Christmas every day! Highlights include a meet and greet with Santa Claus and his elves, rides (including the legendary Rudicoaster), exhibits, magic show and petting zoo. For more information about Santa’s Land, visit www.santaslandnc.com.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN CAR MUSEUM
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Automobile buffs will have a field day at the Smoky Mountain Car Museum, which features more than 30 famous autos on display such as Elvis Presley’s Mercedes Benz, James Bond’s 007 Aston Martin from Goldfinger, Al Capone’s bulletproof Cadillc, Hank Williams Jr.’s Silver Dollar Car, “Walking Tall” Sheriff Buford Pusser’s 1968 Olds Tornado and Billy Carter’s Service Truck. For more information about the Smoky Mountain Car Museum, visit www.mypigeonforge.com.

TITANIC PIGEON FORGE
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Titanic Pigeon Forge, a half-scale, permanent, three-deck reproduction of the Titanic, contains hundreds of Titanic artifacts in more than 20 galleries, as well as exact replicas of the Grand Staircase, a first-class suite, a third-class cabin and the bridge. For more information about Titanic Pigeon Forge, visit www.titanicpigeonforge.com.

WONDERWORKS
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Known as “Tennessee’s only upside-down attraction,” WonderWorks boasts more than 150 interactive exhibits, a hurricane simulator, virtual reality sports, lazer tag arena, illusion gallery, rock climbing wall, game room, gift shop and much more. For more information about WonderWorks, visit www.wonderworkstn.com.

ZORB SMOKY MOUNTAINS
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
For the “ride of your life,” check out Zorb globe riding and experience the ultimate thrill of rolling down a hill in a large inflatable globe! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience! For more information about ZORB Smoky Mountains, visit www.zorb.com/smoky.

Planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains? Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort provides the ideal locale for your Great Smoky Mountains getaway. Nestled on approximately 70 acres adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort features the 60,000-square-foot Wild Bear Falls water park (the largest indoor water park in the South), two outdoor pools, two hot tubs, fitness facility and 24-hour marketplace. Enjoy award-winning barbecue at the casual Westgate Smokehouse Grill. The adjacent Mason Jar Lounge serves appetizers and snacks along with your favorite beverage. Escape to the Serenity Spa by Westgate and indulge in a mountain hot stone massage, manicure, pedicure or facial. For more information about Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.wgsmokymountains.com