Ripleys Aquarium Of The Smokies Mermaids
Ripleys Aquarium Of The Smokies, Gatlinburg Tennessee, will have live mermaid shows at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm on August 6th-8th.
Visitors to the Gatlinburg and Smoky Mountains area can enjoy several new restaurants popping up all over Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Off 321, Alamo Steakhouse parking lot, is the Gatlinburg Farmers Market. Be sure to stop in for farm fresh produce, local crafts, and occasional music.
Tennessee Smoky Mountains Hopping!!!
The Tennessee Smoky Mountains is caught up in a whirlwind of activity this April 16th weekend.
Gatlinburg is hosting the Mountain Man Memorial March April 17th.
Pigeon Forge is wall to wall with antique autos and custom hot rods for the Spring Grand Rod Run. Thousands of these cars line the Pigeon Forge Parkway from one end of town to the other and all points in-between. Bring plenty of film or digital media as the sights are just endless. Several of the custom and antique automobiles are for sale, prices and deals seem better than past years.
Sevierville is having a big Flower And Garden Show & Sale at the Sevier County Fairgrounds (Old Knoxville Highway behind Lowes) Saturday April 17th from 9am - 4pm. They will feature flowers, plants, shrubs, yard art, lawn equipment, tools, children crafts, music, an auction and snacks. Admission is $3.00 or $2.00 with nonperishable food item.
Gatlinburg Tennessee Gets More Parking
Gatlinburg Tennessee has long struggled with available parking and with the additional events added to the Gatlinburg Convention Center schedule, the demand is even more apparent.
The Shade Tree parking lot, across from the Gatlinburg Convention Center and behind the Gatlinburg Space Needle, plans to have a three story parking garage in place by next spring, construction will begin this coming fall.
Suggest Your Tennessee Gatlinburg GreenWays Trail Idea
Gatlinburg Tennessee has spent millions to pretty up. They moved cables and power lines underground, instituted new laws on building decor, took timeshare staff off the streets and more. Well 2009 was a year for “Green” efforts and they are continuing in those steps.
Gatlinburg is holding a second workshop, next Tuesday January 26th, to get citizens ideas as what a Gatlinburg Greenways Trail should include. Greenways are generally described as corridors of protected land along waterways, ridge-lines and utility corridors used for recreation purposes. These greenways normally contain trails serving walkers, runners, bicyclists, skaters and hikers.
What a great opportunity for people such as yourself whom either visits the Gatlinburg area or owns property to add your ideas to the Gatlinburg Greenways Master Plan. You can do so by contacting:
Marty Nicely, Parks and Recreation Director City of Gatlinburg
1230 Parkway East, Suite 2, P. O. Box 5
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 436-4990 or (865) 430-1390
Gatlinburg New Year’s Eve To Be A Bang
Gatlinburg Tennessee will bring in the new year in with a blast. Gatlinburg will host its 22nd New Year’s Eve ’s Ball Drop and Fireworks Show from the Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Leading to the New Year’s hour, Kevin McGuire will perform music from the balcony of the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Party favors will be available near the Gatlinburg Space Needle. At midnight strikes, onlookers will witness the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop from the Gatlinburg Space Needle along with a spectacular choreographed fireworks show.
Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies and several other Gatlinburg businesses will host various events to reign in the New Year. For answers to questions or additional events information, call 800-568-4748.
Gatlinburg And Tennessee Smoky Mountain News
Gatlinburg Parade - December 4th, 7:30pm is the start of the Gatlinburg Parade. A major annual event, visitors to the Smoky Mountains are sure to enjoy the memorable thrills of the various parade activities. Cabin Fever Vacations is honored to have a float in the parade this year. Many local businesses and performance groups will travel the route from traffic light 1A on Highway 321 to light #10 downtown Gatlinburg. Be sure to dress warm and have a great family Winterfest in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
Gatlinburg TN- Gatlinburg city officials are considering forward movement of Undergrounding Phase VI. Surveys and studies seem to show that efforts to remove unsightly electrical, phone and data cables wires to underground have proved effective in the appearance of Gatlinburg. Visitors seem to appreciate the more open views and seemingly reduce clutter of high pedestrian walkways.
The Nutcracker Sweet - Great Smoky Mountain Dance Theatre and the City of Gatlinburg will host a presentation of The Nutcracker Sweet November 27th and 28th at 7pm. at the WL Mills Auditorium, downtown Gatlinburg. For more info call 865-453-9702.
Gatlinburg City Hall held a public meeting for the proposed 15.6 mile , 12 segment, Gatlinburg Greenways Master Plan. Efforts are underway to seek interest and support for 12 segmented stretches of property that would form Greenways, multipurpose trails, throughout the Gatlinburg area.
Seems promoters of the idea are quick to share the Greenways would service hikers, while skateboarders and skaters would not be allowed. Considering most visitors to Gatlinburg bring families with children and there is little room for bikes in the trunk. What is your opinion as to if provisions were made to allow skateboards and skates? Please post opinions and refer back for updates as this story develops. Constructive comments, pro or con, will be posted.
Pigeon Forge - Dollywood’s Splash Country Waterpark won the Must-See Waterpark Award at the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo in Las Vegas.
Smoky Mountains Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville News
Tennessee Smoky Mountains - The rain has stopped for the moment and the temperatures are brisk. The town is busy getting ready for the fall season. Last night I had to fire up the wood stove, love the smell of wood permeating the early morning air.
Visitors to the Smoky Mountains should be very happy, the fall colors are starting in at higher elevations. Looks as though the colors will be very vibrant this autumn.
Pigeon Forge Tennessee -
Got their grant to build a new fire station. The fire station will be located off Veteran’s Boulevard.
Pigeon Forge city leaders are looking to the possibility of adding some needed features to their new fire truck for better service to the community. They will also be discussing adding 3 in-car cameras to their police cars.
Unaware Pigeon Forge High School had a greenhouse, they were selling mums from there, called and they are sold out. Maybe next year folks.
PANCAKES After High Noon - The Kiwanis Club of Sevierville will host its annual fall pancake day from 4pm-7:30pm at Flapjacks Pancake Cabin on the Parkway. Tickets are available at the door for $5.00. For more information call Leslie at (865) 453-7545.
Gatlinburg Tennessee -
General Lee Comes To Gatlinburg - Ben “Cooter” Jones, who starred in “The Dukes of Hazzard” tv series, will lead the charge of the first “Hazzard County Run.” Owners and drivers of General Lee replica cars will gather in Nashville starting noon Friday. They will leave Nashville Saturday morning to arrive in Gatlinburg late afternoon to early evening Saturday. Get those cameras ready folks and start your engines for Gatlinburg Tennessee!
Christ In The Smokies Museum and Gardens has opened in Gatlinburg. Appears several area locals pulled their resources, talents, and dedication so see this attraction to completion. The Gatlinburg museum replaces the former Christus Gardens. Located at 510 River Rd Gatlinburg. Hours are 9am - 9pm. Admission $11 Adults $5 Children 6-12. Additional info, call (865) 436-5155.
Hard Rock Cafe celebrated their 10th year in Gatlinburg.
Gatlinburg has made large efforts to “Go Green” and encouraging local businesses to get on board. Would be very interested in hearing from Gatlinburg businesses and Gatlinburg officials as to what efforts have been made utilizing solar and wind as sources for power? Ever see the small windmill generators mounted atop higher end sailboats, these little lightweight but sturdy wind generators pack a lot of power and are virtually invisible due their very compact size. Mount a few of these on the Gatlinburg Space Needle, the Ober Gatlinburg Tram line, and dozens of other suitable structures, see some power savings then. By the way, does any of the GatlinburgCity staff have information as to if the city is looking into replacing some of the Christmas light displays with longer lasting LED lights that consume far less power?
Military Widows Meet In Gatlinburg Tennessee
Members of the non-profit American Widow Project, dedicated to military widows from this generation, will meet in Gatlinburg Tennessee this Friday. The organization holds events across the country to bring military widows together.
This weekend they will enjoy horseback riding, relaxing at a cabin in the Smoky Mountains area, and a day at one of the local spas.
For more information on the American Widow Project and tour events visit http://www.americanwidowproject.org .
Shark Race In The Smoky Mountains Of Gatlinburg !
September 19th will be the start of the 6thAnnual United Way Great Gatlinburg Shark Race. The rubber sharks start their swim on the Little Pigeon River, downtown Gatlinburg Tennessee, in front of the new “Christ In The Smokies” museum. The sharks will swim to the finish, where else but in front of Ripley’s Aquarium.
These United Way sharks cost $10 each and there are 15000 available to compete in the race. The first shark across the finish line wins the Grand Prize, a brand new Nissan Cube! There are several other nifty prizes to be given away and you don’t have to be present to win. The start of the shark race is 3pm Saturday September 19th. For additional information call (865) 453-4261 or visit their web site at http://www.uwosc.org .
This event has been a large draw for Gatlinburg Tennessee and United Way, come on out and enjoy the fun!
Smoky Mountains Recent News Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge
Sevier County recent area news.
Appears the Sheriff’s office is back in the light with claims of inadequate investigation capabilities. was quoted as stating ” I think our department is handling it properly”, speaking of the Hercutt accident now a homicide investigation. What a powerful statement hampered by the very words “I Think”…throws doubt in itself.
Wanted New Police Cruiser - Anyone have a new cruiser for sale cheap, seems one of the Deputies underestimated his driving skills and totaled their cruiser on the way to a fire. They were treated and later released, however the cruiser will be unable to attend any car shows this year.
Dennis Bolze, accused of running a lucrative Ponzi scheme in Sevier County, seems to be scheming his way to a plea deal. Others allegedly duped out of millions of dollars are trying desperately to get their money back through bankruptcy proceedings. Goo luck to the small people as it appears to many large companies have their hand in this, too many for the little person to succeed.
Sevier County Marine Corps League 1206 to hold car parking fundraiser September 10-13 and 19-20 in the Red Roof Mall parking lot.
Pigeon Forge is still entertaining approval of a 340 acre condo developmentoff the Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge River Spur. Appears citizens and taxpayers have nothing to worry themselves over, obviously the sewage treatment facility is not over taxed and sewage handling pipelines are adequate in size to handle the flow. We are getting a much needed road off the scenic Gatlinburg - Pigeon Forge River Spur, wow what the land values will be along both sides of that new road!
Relay For Life wrapped up the year with having raised $313,000. This fell short of their goal, however in these very tough economic times the volunteers generous donators and hard working staff all deserve a hearty “Well Done”!
Gatlinburg Tennessee has received the honorable distinction of having been designated as “an official regional site for the observance of Veterans Day” by The Veterans Day National Committee and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Bravo Zulu to Gatlinburg Tennessee! The 7th Annual Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration will begin at 11a.m. November 11th. For more info contact:
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Gatlinburg City of Gatlinburg Mr. George Hawkins 303 Reagan Drive Gatlinburg, TN 37738 |
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| Phone: (865) 436-0500 Fax: (865) 436-3970 e-mail: georgeh@ci.gatlinburg.us |
Pigeon Forge TAX Deserves “F”- The city of Pigeon Forge didn’t get all the facts before they lept and now their attempt to raise even more taxes for the Sevier County schools looks to be in peril. After doing some research it appears taxes collected in the Tourist Development Zone (TDZ, most of Pigeon Forge) must be kept there to fund development, according to state law. Another twist to this, the Department of Revenue actually receives all local sales tax collections directly from the businesses, then distributes the money to the cities, county and school system based on percentages provided to it for those allocations. Well now this is a fine mess discovered the Pigeon Forge City Commissioners and city officials. So by their next meeting it appears the Mayor of Pigeon Forge wants an amendment to their resolution that would take the burden off the city and place it with the state. Aside from the willingness to shift responsibility, what happens now? All the city legal minds, city officials with years of experience and vast business skills, school officials with all their collective education lead to a few big Oops. Oops that have raised taxes collected from Pigeon Forge businesses by projected millions for Sevier County schools appear as though they won’t be, thus where will the school system go next to get these lost millions? It is the opinion of Charles Rhodes, a local citizen, that the tax needs to disappear until it can be applied as intended, rather than shift responsibility. Why not looking into applying taxes collected from within the Sevier County TDZ zones to schools in the TDZ zones, thus releasing some funds to these schools for use by Sevier County schools outside all TDZ zones?
Ripley’s Aquarium Gatlinburg Tennessee - Ripley’s is keeping its newest addition under wraps, however the Veranda Restaurant is now being removed to make way for a new attraction. Will post as more develops.
Christ In The Smokies Museum, formerly the site of Christus Gardens, is well under way with exhibits scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks.
Christmas Wonderland Light Show Smokies Stadium- Winterfest in the Tennessee Smokies is like a big compitition for the cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. This year Shadrack Watersport and RV will bring “Christmas Wonderland” to Smokies Baseball Stadium, off exit 407 and I-40, starting November 6th and continuing through January 3rd. Nearly a mile long drive-through featuring hundreds of thousands of LED lights fully computerized and synchronized to holiday music. Drive through time is approximately 20 minutes. Hours of operation will be Sun-Thur 6-10pm, Fri-Sat 6-11pm, and cost $10 per vehicle. For more information call (423)652-0120. Unlike the Bristol Motor Speedway, there was no mention of vendors, eats and other winter festive treats. Will keep blog readers informed if this changes.
