Posts Tagged ‘Fun Stuff’

7 Tips For Last Minute Christmas Shopping

Saturday, 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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Winter Hiking

Monday, 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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Christmas Parades

Friday, November 26th, 2010

Christmas Parade

Friday, December 3: The Fantasy of Lights Parade in Gatlinburg, TN

The festivities will begin at 6pm with Santa’s Autograph Party at the Riverbend Mall. At 7:30pm, the Fantasy of Lights Parade begins as exciting entertainment takes to the streets. The parade will be featuring: light covered floats, marching bands, Budweiser Clydesdale’s, dance teams, huge helium balloons, artificial snow, and the grand finale of Santa Claus and his elves. Along the way, the parade will show off over 100 floats and an estimated 80,000 people will be crowding the sidewalks and balconies for the best view. Come early and join in the hour-and-a-half of fun at the Fantasy of Lights Parade!

The Parade Route: Starting at Traffic Light #1A on Highway 321 and continuing on to Traffic Light #10 at the Parkway and Ski Mountain Road.

Saturday, December 4: The Traditional Hometown Parade in Sevierville, TN

This year will be Sevierville’s 48th Christmas Parade!  Along with the beautiful Winterfest lights, spectators are invited to see the town come too life with wonderful holiday displays. The parade will be featuring: marching bands, cloggers, baton twirlers, beautifully decorated floats, pageant winners, horses, and then the grand appearance of Santa Claus and his family of elves. The Traditional Hometown Parade will begin at 11am, along with elves who will be ready to collect any toys that are being donated to Toys For Tots!

The Parade Route: Starting at the corner of Honey Street and Forks of the River Parkway, traveling North to Main Street and turning East on Court Avenue, the parade then travels South past the Sevier County Court House, and back to the First Baptist Church Parking Lot.

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Winterfest at Creekstone Inn

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010

Creekstone Inn, one of our Pigeon Forge hotels, celebrates Winterfest with a new light show! Featuring 28 hand-made snowlflakes ‘dancing’ to everyone’s favorite tunes.

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