Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks

December 25th, 2010

New Years Eve Celebration

Celebrate the New Year in the Smoky Mountains and join the party at Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show!

Thousands of party-goers will be in downtown Gatlinburg Friday night on December 31, at the base of the Space Needle. The party will begin hours before midnight with live musical entertainment and free party favors provided by Mr. Tablecloth. The live entertainment will be stationed on the balcony of the Gatlinburg Convention Center where a disc jockey will excite the crowd with music favorites throughout the night.

Watch the clock countdown to midnight on January 1, 2011 where the Gatlinburg Space Needle will be the highlight of the evening. Leave the past behind and define the New Year as the lighted ball drops and the flash of fireworks begin! The area will illuminate with brilliant colors from the surrounding rooftops while music is choreographed and synchronized into the show by the Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee.

Have a fun and memorable night with family and friends at Gatlinburg’s New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show!

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7 Tips For Last Minute Christmas Shopping

December 18th, 2010

Last Minute Christmas Shopping

Forced to do last minute shopping for Christmas presents? Everybody is in a rush and on the verge of panicking. The holiday season is here already and with it comes gift-giving, entertaining, events, traveling, weather issues, and the emotional overload. Here are some tips to making this Christmas experience less stressful:

1. Be Prepared! Make a Christmas list so you can track your progress.

2. Shop with Comfort! Wear comfortable shoes and a warm jacket that doesn’t limit your movement.

3. Keep Track of Time! Make the most out of your day. If unable to find a specific item move on to the next item on the list.

4. Shop Away From Crowds! Shop at less crowded places to avoid long checkout lines.

5. Shop Early! Arriving early to a store will guarantee a good parking spot, the shelves will be stocked and organized, and that makes it easier to browse and shop.

6. Stick To The Budget! When buying gifts, it’s the thought that counts. Remembering to bring the right amount of cash will also keep you on track with your budget. Also keep in mind, that credit card machines have gone down during busy shopping times.

7. Be Thankful! Being nice and courteous goes a long way with the holiday rush.

Enjoy the last minute shopping and value the spirit of the holidays with all of your loved ones. Have a wonderful Christmas!

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Christmas In The Smokies with The Larkins

December 9th, 2010

The Larkins

Get ready for the excitement at the “Christmas in the Smokies” Festival this year in amazing Pigeon Forge, TN. Beginning on Thursday, December 9 and continuing through Saturday, December 11 at the wonderful Ramada Inn and Smoky Mountain Convention Center. Bluegrass, gospel,  and country music fans are in for a real treat!

The MC for the 15th Annual Bluegrass Festival is Jo Odom who will be presenting the following musicians:

The Larkins:

Tina and Shaunna Larkin both have been blessed with amazing talents. In a unique and inspiring harmony that combines traditional country music with the spirit of bluegrass. After creating their own edgy and modern stylized sound, they have come to the forefront of their music. Tina plays the mandolin beautifully as she sings lead and Shaunna plays the fiddle as she sings with a rich harmony.

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver:

Playing music all his life, Doyle Lawson began with playing the mandolin and continued to learn other instruments, which brought together the group. A group that would initially have “his sound” of bluegrass music that everyone to enjoy and experience.

The Lewis Tradition 1st Anniversary Show

The Lewis Tradition play various instruments such as: an acoustic bass, guitar, and banjo. Setting the foundation for their bluegrass and gospel sound, they are also known for winning several prestigious awards. As America’s First Family of Bluegrass Gospel Music, audiences will enjoy every moment of the experience.

IIIrd Tyme Out

Consisting of Russell Moore (guitar), Steve Dilling (banjo), Justin Haynes (fiddle), Wayne Benson (mandolin), and Edgar Loudermilk (bass), their brand of bluegrass is filled with cappella renditions of masterful songs that enhance and add to their already fantastic performance.

Goldwing Express

The Native American father and his three sons bring the music to life with incredible acoustics and melodies of country and bluegrass. The father, Bob Baldridge, (mandolin & sings lead), the eldest son, Paul (guitar & sings high tenor), the middle age son, Steven (banjo & sings mostly baritone), and the youngest son, Shawn (bass fiddle & sings).

Barry Scott & Second Wind

Forming his own band, after many successful musical journeys, Barry Scott is known for being a spectacular tenor and lead vocalist of mainly gospel music. Having an amazing musical ability, Paul Harrigill has mastered the banjo as well as many other instruments. With Summer McMahan, her love for singing and playing the fiddle brought her talents to the band. Thankful for the opportunity to use his talent on the guitar is John Morgan. The last member of the band is Brayden McMahan playing banjo.

Gary Waldrep Band

After falling in love with the sound of the banjo, Gary Waldrep not only learned how to play amazingly well, but brought a variety of talent together and started a band. Currently one of the most recognizable female lead singers in bluegrass, Mindy Rakestraw has a wonderful harmony on the rhythm guitar. Trading off lead breaks, vocals, jokes and jabs is the fearless musician Stan Wilemon. Then there’s Donna and Kenny Townseell known for their captivating musical skills.

Dana Cupp & The Bluegrass Jam

As an amazing banjo player, Dana Cupp has performed with a variety of bluegrass bands and fantastic performer.

VW Boys

A complete variety show with a unique blend of music, magic, and comedy. Bluegrass entertainment for every audience.

BG Mountaineers

Experience the music shared for four generations as the Bluegrass Mountaineers perform wonderfully traditional bluegrass music.

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Winter Hiking

November 29th, 2010

Winter in the Smokies

Hiking is an enjoyable activity in any weather. Here are some simple winter hiking tips that are designed to keep you safe, comfortable and going strong in the cold winter weather. Winter hiking gives you the opportunity to have a true wilderness experience. Winter hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains can lead to mesmerizing views of snow-covered forests, waterfalls, and so much more!

Best Winter Hiking Places:

Trail Features Miles
Alum Cave Views 4.4
Alum Cave Bluffs Trail Panoramic Views 11
Chimney Tops Panoramic Views 4
Hen Wallow Falls Waterfalls 4.4
Laurel Falls Waterfalls 2.3
Mouse Creek Falls Waterfalls 4
Rainbow Falls Waterfalls 5.4
Rainbow Falls to Mt. LeConte Panoramic Views/ Waterfalls 13.8

Hiking Tips:

  • Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.
  • The earlier you leave the more energy and sunlight you have.
  • Stay on marked trails.
  • Research ahead of time
  • Snowy roads may be closed. Be prepared to change your plans.
  • Swollen streams and creeks are impossible to cross, so check a hiking guide book for unbridged stream crossings.

Things You’ll Need:

  • Wear layers. Take extra clothes and rain gear in case of a quick weather change.
    • First layer: Athletic supportive top and warm running tights.
    • Second layer: Light, close-fitting long-sleeve shirt.
    • Third layer: Fleece zip-up top and pants or wind-resistant soft-shell jacket.
    • Fourth layer: Warm coat, hat, scarf and gloves. Or wear a face mask.
  • Avoid cotton when choosing your clothes. When cotton gets wet, it takes a long time to dry. Wet cotton also freezes very quickly.
  • Take plenty of drinking water (at least two quarts). Carry your water canteen upside down on winter hikes. Water freezes in a bottle from the top down, and if you carry the canteen upside down, it is actually the bottom where the water freezes, not the mouth of the canteen.
  • Bring food. During a winter hike, your body burns more calories and requires more nourishment, so take high-energy snacks and candy to boost your blood sugar.
  • Take a cell phone in case of an emergency.
  • Take hiking maps and snacks. Pack so you can get to them easily as you hike.
  • Choose a backpack made of breathable materials to avoid a sweaty back and sore shoulders.
  • Wear insulated and waterproof hiking boots with vapor barrier socks.

Have an adventure in the Smokies this winter! Be prepared, whether hiking a short or a long trail. Explore the mountain landscape and have a fun and memorable hike!

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