It’s Baseball Time in Tennessee!
Warmer weather means it’s time for baseball to begin. Sevier County has its own minor-league baseball team, the Tennessee Smokies. And what better way to spend a sunny spring day than at the ballpark?
International Flair in the Smokies
By now, you’re probably aware of one of the signature attractions of the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood. It is a very unique experience, with lots of different opportunities for people of all ages. And this month, Dollywood creates a cultural atmosphere of fun by introducing visitors to world music, global art and foreign food. All right here in Sevier County!
Gatlinburg Artisans Display Their Wares
There’s a stretch of road in Gatlinburg that is home to the largest group of independent artisans in North America. The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community encompasses an 8-mile loop that has been designated a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. Since its foundation in 1937, this community has everything associated with arts and crafts – candles, quilts, brooms, pottery, jewelry, photography, art, ceramics, dolls, stained glass, leather, silver smithing, etc. And for a weekend in April, you can see what the members have to offer at one location.
Come See the Smokies in Your RV
For most of us, taking a vacation means traveling in a car or a plane to reach our destination. A plane usually gets you there faster, while a car trip usually costs less and lets you enjoy the scenery. There is another option that involves taking your vehicle and your home at the same time – that’s right, an RV.
Wild Ride in Pigeon Forge
You’re probably familiar with Dollywood, the signature attraction in Sevier County that’s not a national park. And you know it has a little of everything for the family. Some of the most popular rides they offer are their rollercoasters. And they’ve got a real doozie debuting this spring – the Wild Eagle.
A Bed and Breakfast for Your Next Mountain Stay?
Usually when I travel, I stay in a hotel. And that’s probably true for most travelers. But when I can, I like to find a bed and breakfast for a different perspective of the area. Lots of times, a B&B is an old farmhouse, or historic building, with a more intimate feel and a chance to get to know the owners and the other visitors. We’ve got several in Sevier County, and this time, we’re going to look at the Blue Mountain Mist Bed and Breakfast and Cottages.
Smoky Mountain Springtime
Ahhhh, springtime. The season of rebirth and renewal. Spring means more daylight, warmer temperatures, spring training, even inspiration for Mel Brooks’ musicals. Even better for visitors in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg’s three-month celebration Springfest begins.
Cut to the Point
If you travel often, you learn about businesses that are unique to their community. Maybe it’s a local restaurant serving specialty food, or a custom tailor who uses cloth or patterns not generally found. If you come to Sevier County, chances are you’ll see or hear something about the Smoky Mountain Knife Works, and for good reason.
Giddy-up in the Great Smokies
When you think of cowboy boots, chuckwagons and country and western music, you probably think of Texas, Montana, Arizona, etc. And the Smoky Mountains may not be high on your list for cattle drive nostalgia. But a trip to Pigeon Forge from February 23 – 26 for Saddle Up! may change your notion of having to go past the Mississippi river to see real cowboy culture.
A Stitch in Time in the Smokies
If tessellation, duvet, counterpane and Broderie Perse move your needle, then I think I know where you need to be this March. Now, I have no idea what those words mean, but every spring in Pigeon Forge, there are a bunch of talented people who do.
Apple of the Smokies Eye
As we continue our culinary tour of the Smokies, our next stop is a place you may have heard of. The Apple Barn Cider Mill & General Store started with just a barn and now has a full campus featuring a cider mill, general store, winery, and restaurants. Located just off the parkway in Sevierville, this outfit is more than just apples.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in the Smokies
You’ve probably noticed the number of cupcake/bakery stores that have opened across the country in the last few years. The reason they keep opening is that we Americans have an appetite for delicious sweets. And for those of us with incurable sweet teeth (plural, because there’s no way I just have one sweet tooth), we got good news in Pigeon Forge recently – Nom Nom’s Cupcake Factory & Sweets Shoppe is open.
Smokies Romance
As I’m sure many of you know, this year is the 1,516 anniversary of Valentine’s Day. Ok, maybe you didn’t know that, but you do know that on Tuesday, Feb. 14, there will be romance in the air. That means cards, candy, flowers, poems, a set of 4 new tires (hey, romance is different for everybody). And perhaps the one thing that most symbolizes romance is a wedding.
Hitting the Theatres in Pigeon Forge
For a lot of travelers, part of the appeal of the Smoky Mountain Area is the opportunity to be entertained by professionals. And during the winter months, there’s a lot to be said for being inside a warm theater and seeing something you probably don’t have at home. While all three cities have theaters and shows, Pigeon Forge has a huge variety to choose from.
Get Outside and Get Moving in the Smokies
The last few entries have dealt with perhaps the most important part of your trip to the Smokies –eating. Now, once you have all that energy from a great meal, what are you going to do with it? You probably know there is a world of options in Sevier County. The hard part is narrowing down your choices to find activities that suit you best. So if you want to keep working on your New Year’s resolution, you’ll have to find a way to get those calories off. How about hiking, camping, biking, rafting, or paddling? They get you outdoors and get you moving. If this is your idea of fun, you better head to Nantahala Outdoor Center (or NOC) in Gatlinburg.