Author: dstech

Harley-Davidson Dealer Contributes to Smoky Mountains Tourism

Posted on September 15, 2015 by - Activities, Blog

With attractions like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park; Ober Gatlinburg; University of Tennessee athletics; and Dollywood; hundreds of hiking trails and fishing areas; a seasonably mild climate and as much shopping as one could ask for, it is no surprise that East Tennessee has become a popular tourist destination in the Southeast.
While much of the region’s tourism can be attributed to these well-known, popular attractions and amenities, there are some “under the radar” places that are peaking people’s interests across the country and having a positive impact on East Tennessee’s tourism industry. One of those is Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson (SMH-D) in Maryville, Tenn.
When Scott Maddux opened Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson dealership more than 11 years ago; he envisioned a place where his passion for motorcycles and music could come together. Little did he know, the 60,000 sq. ft. vacant Lowe’s home improvement store building he purchased, near the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, would become the tourist destination that it is today.
Since its inception, Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson has been a different breed of motorcycle dealerships. From its proximity to “The Dragon,” the popular and internationally famous 11-mile, two-lane, 318-curve mountain pass along the Tennessee-North Caroline state line; the modern rustic design of its expansive showroom; to its vibrant music venue and restaurant known as The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint, located on-property and featuring live shows every Saturday night; both riders and non-riders have helped transform the dealership into a regional landmark and social hangout.
There’s a unique vibe at SMH-D that rings of East Tennessee, and it’s being noticed by tourists from all parts of the country who make the dealership a key stop on their visit to East Tennessee each year, regardless of whether they ride a motorcycle.
“From the day we opened our doors, we’ve tried to create a real sense of community here,” says Scott Maddux, Owner of Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson. “To us, it’s not about selling motorcycles. It’s about promoting a certain lifestyle and helping people experience the freedom and kinship that only comes from being a rider. I think people appreciate that.”
As an extension of this commitment, Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson has developed a free program called Rider Guest Services, which is designed to assist group ride planners interested in visiting East Tennessee with recommended riding routes and preferred lodging, dining and entertainment options.
Here are some additional facts and figures that speak to Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson’s potential impact on East Tennessee tourism:
• Visited by riders from all 48 contiguous states and around the world.
• More than 200 musicians have performed on the stage of The Shed, including Blackberrry Smoke, Jason Isbell, Sturgill Simpson, Kentucky Headhunters, John Hiatt, Drive By Truckers, and Leon Russell, among others.
• Served as the rally point for more than 100 charity/community rides.
• The list of celebrities that have visited SMH-D includes: Rusty Wallace, Bill Francis, David Keith, Little Big Town, Kyle Petty, Albert Haynesworth, Phillip Fulmer, Herb Brooks, Bruce Pearl, and multiple NASCAR drivers.
• Set the Guiness World Record in 2006 for the “World’s Largest Simultaneous Motorcycle Burnout” with 213 participating motorcycles.
Today, Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson is the top Harley-Davidson dealer in Tennessee and is considered one of the top dealers in the Harley-Davidson network for sales, service and merchandise. What started as one dealership with 25 employees has grown to a family of three dealerships and three retail stores proudly serving East Tennessee with 250 employees and locations in Maryville, Pigeon Forge, Kodak, Gatlinburg, US-129 The Dragon and the Cherohala Skyway.
SMH-D is just one example of the many “hidden gems” that are impacting the region’s tourism efforts.
To learn more about Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson, visit www.smh-d.com.

Have Small Kids with You? Check Out These 3 Hikes, Suitable for the Little Ones

Posted on August 22, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains are truly a nature lover’s paradise, and the best way to explore this incredible area in Tennessee is on foot. One of the great things about Blount County is that there are plenty of day hiking trails that are ideal for the whole family, including the little ones. When you decide to take small children out for a hike, be sure you choose trails that are less strenuous, and pack plenty of snacks and water. Here are three of our favorite day hikes in the Smokies that are perfect for your little ones.
The Trail to Abrams Falls
The Abrams Falls trail starts out in Cades Cove and covers a total of 5.2 miles by the time you make the round trip. The cool thing about this trail is that it is listed as moderate in difficulty, which makes it perfect for most kids. You can even backpack the littlest members of your family if needed. Following the trail takes you across several footbridges until you reach the falls that drop 20 feet down a rocky slope. Be sure you prepare your kids for the few rougher areas of terrain you will encounter, then enjoy the many forms of wildlife you might be lucky enough to see on your hike, especially black bears.
The Schoolhouse Gap Trail
If you are a lover of wildflowers, you simply must take your family along the Schoolhouse Gap Trail during the spring months. Spring is the time of year when the incredible wildflowers that grow in the Smoky Mountains are at their peak beauty. Your kids will love this 3.8-mile trail with its gentle climb. The trail is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers just getting started on what may become a lifelong hobby. The trail runs along a creek, which, once it warms up, is an excellent place for your kids to cool off and splash around in. As you walk along, you can see glimpses of the mountain peaks through the trees.
The Maryville-Alcoa Greenway
If you prefer a paved trail, the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway may be just what you are looking for. It runs close to the city and winds its way through schools, shopping centers, parks, and places to stop for a picnic. There are lots of places to take a break from the trail, perfect for when your kids need something new to keep them occupied. The trail passes through vast expanses of greenery and over several tiny hills, which are sure to delight the younger members of your family as you walk along. This is the perfect hike for those who want to enjoy a nice walk without having to be out in the woods.
Blount County offers a number of hiking trails that meet the needs of hikers at all skill levels. They make a great way to get your family out in the fresh air and sunshine. Try different trails each time and experience all the Great Smoky Mountains and Blount County have to offer you and your family.

Here are 7 Reasons You'll Be Glad You're Visiting the Smokies this Fall

Posted on November 5, 2018 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Are you already thinking about the autumn season and all of the fun and beauty it brings? If so, you might also be thinking of a visit to The Smokies. The autumn months are an amazing time of year, with the first colors showing up high in the mountains and slowly moving to the valleys below. The changing tree colors last for weeks and is the #1 reason to pay an autumn visit to the area.
Yet, there are many other reasons that millions of people visit the region, during the fall and all year long, but we’d like to remind you of seven great reasons you’ll be glad you made the choice to pay a visit this fall.
#2 The Weather
While the weather is cooling down quite quickly in the northern parts of the country, the fall months remain remarkably comfortable well into October. That means you can get outdoors without worrying about bundling up, wearing all kinds of rain gear or freezing your way through a day of hiking.
In fact, the weather is so pleasant that you can spend days and days outdoors, enjoying the National Park, visiting the attractions of the region or sitting back on a porch (cabin rentals are a great option for accommodations in the region) and savoring the scenery. Because many people associate October and November with cold weather, it is a time without crowds, but also a time of great conditions in the woods and town.
#3 The Food
Harvest season is always great no matter where you live, but in The Smokies, it is simply unforgettable. Apples, cider, any number of fruits and veggies, pies, different meats and, of course, the delicious spirits that are such a part of the history of the region all appear in food festivals and shops.
#4 And About Those Fairs and Festivals…
The autumn season is a great time for different festivals and events. While the farmers markets and other ongoing activities are still around, you can also enjoy the region’s Oktoberfest – which is a five-week event – as well as the street festivals of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg.
#5 The Wildlife
With fewer crowds arriving in October, you’ll have a much greater chance at spotting wildlife whether from a car or on foot. This is the time of year when lots of visitors see everything from wild turkeys to full-grown bears fattened up for the winter. In Blount County, you’ll find that a stroll along the rivers and fields often means lots of rabbits nibbling up the last of the year’s greens.
#6 The Scenery
Not only do fewer crowds mean better chances at spotting wildlife, but the natural setting is also less crowded. You’ll enjoy lots of peace and quiet when you do any hiking, and this is most definitely the time of year to visit the different waterfalls and scenic overlooks, all set against the backdrop of beautiful, autumnal yellows, oranges, and reds.
#7 The Foothills Parkway, Clingmans Dome,  and the Rest
There is little that will compare to the views of fall foliage and the beauty of the season than your visits to the many scenic spots. The drive along the Foothills Parkway, through Cades Cove, up to the top of Clingmans Dome, and even places like the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel or the Ober Gatlinburg, are all fantastic places to savor the scenery at this majestic time of year.

Highlands in the Foothills: Smoky Mountains Scottish Festival

Posted on June 4, 2015 by - Activities, Blog, Events, Smoky Mountains

Maryville College plays host to the annual Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games every May. The home of the fighting Scots seems an appropriate venue for this event, although many of the attendants would say that pairing the words “fighting” and “Scots” is entirely redundant.
The festivities commenced on Friday night at the opening gala. People traveled from various states to be present, many having done so for as long as 20 years, and wear the tartans of their clans. This event celebrated the history and culture of the Scots who came through Wilmington, North Carolina, and settled in this area. Their descendants remained intimately connected with their heritage, and for many these games served as a family reunion.
The gala set the tone for the weekend, combining levity and gravity. Robert Valentine, this year’s compére or Master of Ceremonies, invited laughter with jokes about Scottish temperaments, as well as reverence with reminders of Scottish courage and innovation. Later the haggis was marched in, led by the piper and followed by the armed guard, and blessed by a recitation of Robert Burns’ “Address to a Haggis.” And of course the evening would not be complete without a whiskey toast.
A theme of the night, and the whole weekend, was the importance of cultural heritage. A person may belong to many histories and cultures, and there is joy and strength in celebrating them (in this case particularly if one of them is Scottish). With the ease of connectivity nowadays, actively pursuing one’s roots or engaging with other cultures has never been more readily possible or desirable.
As he spoke, the Chief of Clan Skene, the honored clan of this year’s Smoky Mountain games, expressed his hope that Scottish Americans would not limit their political interests to their country of residence; he wanted very much for the Scots across the pond to take an active interest in contemporary Scotland. And the invitation to connection and possibility was not restricted by genealogy. As Robert Valentine said in his address, “If you’re at the Scottish games this weekend, you’re Scots. Welcome home.”
On Saturday, the games opened to the public. Most people showed up in their kilts, but those that didn’t have one need not worry—there are plenty for sale. Food was even more plentiful. For those who’ve never tasted Scottish treats like haggis or deep-fried Snickers, this was the chance to do so. The bakery tent was especially busy, as was the beer tent. Clans had set up stands where visitors could come and learn about their families, and some have even been known to “adopt.”
At noon, massed bands of pipes and drums officially opened the Scottish games. This was truly a sight and sound to behold. Dozens of bagpipes accompanied by snares and basses: there’s just nothing else like it. As they played and marched with the Smokies in the background, these musicians brought the Highlands to the foothills.
Other exceptional exhibits include sheepdog demonstrations and, of course, the sports. Both were displays of incredible dedication. Everything at the Scottish games was remarkable, but one event that was especially outstanding was the caber toss. Athletes lifted an enormous tapered pole and launched it into the air. The goal was to have the top of the caber rotate to land on the ground, and it was clearly extremely difficult.

History Buffs Love Learning the History of the Smokies at Cades Cove

Posted on August 3, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

Cades Cove is one of the most visited parts of America’s most visited national park, but there’s more going on in these Tennessee woods than breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors to the Cove with a taste for history will get more than their fair share when they experience the famous Cades Cove loop for themselves.
How to Do the Loop
Cades Cove is a wide valley famous for its wildlife viewing, and it’s also one of the most accessible ways to experience a national park. No hiking is necessary; visitors can drive an 11-mile, one-way loop road through the park, and pull off at certain points to stretch their legs and experience the Cove. It takes from 2 to 4 hours to make it through the Cades Cove Loop in a car, but bikers and pedestrians have the loop road all to themselves on Wednesdays and Saturdays before 10 AM, and so they won’t be slowed down by traffic.
Look Out for the Locals
Cades Cove isn’t just popular with people; animals like white-tailed deer, black bears, coyotes, ground hogs, and wild turkeys also love the valley. Foxes and even the occasional beaver also make the region their home. The hiking trails nearby, like the trail to Abrams Falls or to Rocky Top, offer even better chances to see some animals in action, since they are less likely to be spooked by crowds. Birders will want to keep their eyes peeled for Great Blue and Green Herons, as well as Golden Eagles and American Kestrels.
Check Out the Architecture
Cades Cove was settled by Europeans beginning in the 1820s, and some of their architecture is still standing. Pioneer life in early Appalachia wasn’t easy, and the buildings reflect that. The John Oliver cabin, built in 1822, is sturdy and still stands, as do a number of churches from the mid-1800s, and other 19th– and early 20th-century pioneer cabins and outbuildings.
Cades Cove is also famous for the John Cable Grist Mill, which features the typical mill wheel. The mill actually still works; Cades Cove visitors can watch grain being ground, and then purchase the results at the Cades Cove Visitors Center (along with various jams, jellies, and locally-made trinkets). How’s that for a taste of history?
Take in History, Step by Step
One of the great things about Cades Cove is how visiting these buildings in the Tennessee woods feels like stepping directly into the past. Make sure to stop at the Cades Cove Visitor Center for trail maps and historical information to give you all the context you need to fully appreciate your visit, and don’t procrastinate about taking your trip to see Cades Cove. Even history buffs shouldn’t wait forever!
 

Is Wine Your Thing? Indulge in a Visit to Blue Goose Vineyards

Posted on July 6, 2018 by - Blog, Uncategorized

Located just outside Maryville, TN, is a local sight that many visitors pass right by, without even realizing what they’ve missed. Nestled into the heart of the peaceful side of the Smokies is the Blue Goose Vineyard and Winery, a family-owned business that produces some of the best wine in the state. The winery operates under the Appalachian spirit of farm-to-table – everything needed to create, store, package, and sell the wine is located right on the family vineyard, which has been in the family for five generations. Here’s why any wine lover should stop at the Blue Goose when visiting Maryville.

Have a Chic Date at the Rustic Farm Winery

The tasting room of the winery is located in the classic barn that was transformed from a working barn to a chic gathering space. Relax in the beautiful area while you sip, check out the gift shop, look at art from local artists, and more. The wine is a traditional Appalachian muscadine, which is sweet but not overly so. Whether your palette is very dry or more familiar with dessert wines, you’ll love Blue Goose.
The property is also home to livestock and crops – it is a real working farm in every sense of the phrase. You’ll be able to see some of the livestock and farm life as you visit, which makes it a unique adventure if you’ve never had the chance to see a farm up close before. The winery is open to visitors Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 11AM to 6PM, and Friday from 11AM to 7PM.

Bring a Bottle of Blue Goose Home

A bottle of locally made wine is the perfect gift to bring home to family or friends, or for your own souvenir. Grab a bottle to take with you back to your cabin rental, hotel, or RV while you stay with us here in the Maryville area, and enjoy your night like the locals do. The wine selection is quite varied, so you can try a little of everything, or stick to your favorites.
The property is also used for local events frequently. The winery can be rented out for a wedding, a community event, and more. In recent years, the community held an eclipse-viewing event here, and many of the locals came by to get a good look at this celestial wonder – and sip some local wine, of course!

Make This Local Gem a Must on Your Vacation Itinerary

Find out more about Blue Goose or take a look at their wine menu online. The winery is a fantastic way to have a relaxing afternoon before you head into the city for dinner reservations, or as a way to wind down after a day of fun.

Learn About Appalachian Music and Instruments from the Experts: Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop

Posted on June 8, 2018 by - Activities, Blog

In the Smokies region, history is all around you. Some might think that this history mostly just involves all the historic buildings in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and nearby, but there’s also an important musical legacy available to all who are curious, and there are two experts in Townsend with tons of knowledge on the subject. Connie and Mike Clemmer own the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop and keep an Appalachian musical tradition alive around the world with their handmade dulcimers.
Decades of Knowledge
Mike first began building dulcimers as a hobby in 1976, and eventually he and Connie opened up their shop. Each dulcimer takes weeks to build, using local woods like walnut, sassafras, butternut, cherry, or wormy chestnut, and customers can custom-order their own dulcimer with the soundhole pattern design that suits them.
Plenty of Innovation
Mike invented an instrument called the Ban-Jammer, his own banjo-dulcimer hybrid. Known for its distinct sound, ease of playability, and high-quality construction, the Ban-Jammer is tons of fun for musicians looking for an authentic Eastern Tennessee sound. Mike also created, upon request, a dulcimer called the “Baby Grand,” an extra-large dulcimer with a deep and resonant sound.
Besides both hammered and mountain dulcimers, the shop also offers banjos, guitars, harps, psaltries, lap harps, bohdrans, and even some steel drums and djembes, as well as a huge selection of books and CDs relevant to the Appalachian music scene.
Music for Everyone
Mike famously says, “If you can count to twelve without taking off your shoes, you can play a dulcimer.” That may be true, but musicians still need an audience! At Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop, Mike and Connie host free concerts on the “Pickin’ Porch” every Saturday evening, May through September, and all are welcome to bring their camping chairs, relax and enjoy the music and the scenery of the shop’s woodsy location.
Mike and Connie also release their own CDs of mountain music. They actually have a book and CD combo, called Simple Faith & Homestead, that includes 2 CDs and tablature, so that listeners can actually learn to play the songs, whether in time along with the CDs, or on their own.
Fans of the music can also check out the resources they’ve gathered online, especially hours of free videos of their Saturday evening concerts, and clips from Tennessee Home and Farm, Tennessee Crossroads, a PBS special, and other clips that include tours of the shop or interesting facts about dulcimers and Appalachian music.
Come on Down and Visit
Mike and Connie invite everyone to visit them and learn more about the dulcimer and dulcimer music. The shop is open from 10 AM to 6 PM, Monday through Saturday, at 7645 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway in Townsend. More information, including an online shop (yes, they ship instruments!) is available on their website. Check them out, and whether you’re new to Appalachian music or an expert, you’re guaranteed to learn something before you leave!

Learn About the History of the Region with a Tour of Cades Cove

Posted on March 1, 2019 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

If you are coming to the Townsend, TN area for a vacation, a trip into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must. And if you really want to learn all about the history of the region, then the best place to do so is by taking a tour of Cades Cove.

A First-Hand View of Cades Cove

If you are looking for a first-hand experience of what it must have been like to live here “back in the day,” then you have only to go inside the park and visit Cades Cove. From long walks through the grassy valleys, hikes in the mountains, a chance to see some of the local wildlife, or a walk through the historic buildings, this is the place to be. You and your family can get a taste of what it was like to live here in the early days.
The Cades Cove Loop Road typically takes around 3 to 4 hours to drive, but if you go this fast, you might miss out on a lot. Most of those who come here tend to be here all day since there is so much to see and do.

Things You Might Not Know About Cades Cove

Many of the buildings on display here in Cades Cove have been moved here from elsewhere or were built here after the park opened. For example, the Gregg-Cable House was built out on Forge Creek Road in 1879 by Leason Gregg. Many of the buildings around the John P. Cable Mill have been moved from their original location.
Did you know that the Cades Cove area is the most popular spot in the entire park, bringing in 2 million visitors every year? They come for the hiking trails, the biking opportunities, the spectacular scenery, and the deep history the area has to share with everyone who visits here.

Just Like It Used to Look  

Perhaps the one thing that makes Cades Cove the perfect place to learn about the history of the area is the number of historic buildings and structures you get to see as you drive or walk along the route. There are churches, barns, a working grist mill that just got a new waterwheel, plenty of log houses, and many others to see. Make sure you pick up one of the Tour Guide Booklets at the entrance to the loop.
The guide can provide you with a vast amount of information on the various buildings, the park, and the history of the entire region. Be sure you stop by the Cades Cove Visitors Center to learn about the many Park Ranger-led tours scheduled for the day you plan to be here. Between the knowledgeable and friendly staff in the visitors’ center and your tour guide, you can learn all about the history of Cades Cove, the park, and the surrounding area.
When you are all done for the day, be sure you stop back in at the visitors’ center and pick out a few souvenirs to take home with you. No matter what else you do, be sure you take lots of pictures so you can show the folks back home how beautiful the Peaceful Side of the Smokies truly is!
 

Learn About the Peaceful Side's Native American Heritage

Posted on January 14, 2019 by - Blog, Smoky Mountains, Townsend

A recent article out of Maryville, TN asks a very simple question: “Do you know who lived in your house before you did? How about what stood a century ago on the land where your house now sits?” And it is a good question to ask anyone since few of us could explain who may have lived in our family home or on our family’s land. We might guess that Native Americans may have lived in certain areas, but few of us are certain of the facts.
If you are eager to discover the facts about the Native American history of the Great Smoky Mountains region, you have a rare chance to do so thanks to a permanent display created by the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
Asking just that same question as the one above (Do you know who lived on your land before you?), but increasing the time to ten thousand years, the museum offers a great deal of information as an answer to it.

Looking Back Thousands of Years in the Smokies’ History

The modern city of Townsend, Tenn. was once the home of the Cherokee people. They lived in the region more than ten thousand years ago and inhabited the area today known as the Tuckaleechee Cove area. The Heritage Center has a collection of more than one thousand artifacts by this ancient people, and even had the Townsend Archaeology Project from 1999 to 2001 in order to gather and curate the collection on display.
Because so many people envision pioneers as settling the area, they overlook that there is a great deal more history to discover prior to the pioneer days. Today, there are still Cherokee people in the area, but there is a difference between those who live today and the ancient Cherokee. Historians and archaeologists even have a specific way to describe them, calling them historic Cherokee since their land holdings actually ran from modern day Cincinnati over to Atlanta and eastward to Asheville, NC as well as westward towards Birmingham, AL. They lived through three different periods, known as the Archaic, Woodland and Mississippian, and visitors can see artifacts dating from all three eras of the historic Cherokee peoples.
It is difficult to imagine a time of hunters and gatherers in modern North America, but this is precisely what the historic Cherokee of the Smokies area were. They followed their animal game and foraged for wild foods. Artifacts include some of the actual arrowheads used in hunting, and even fishing tools and household tools like axes. They were also adept with clay pottery and built wooden structures in which to live.
If you want to learn all that you can about these historic people, the Center’s Native Americans of East Tennessee Collection is on permanent display at the Heritage Center and can be viewed whenever you pay a visit to this fascinating destination.
 

Learn Why Appalachian Folk Music is Still Being Played in the Smokies

Posted on September 21, 2018 by - Activities, Blog, Smoky Mountains

No matter where you go in the Smoky Mountains, you are sure to hear someone playing Appalachian folk music. It might be coming from one of the many bars, clubs, restaurants, venues, or even on the street corners. What’s funny about this particular genre of music is that no matter what your personal preference in music might be, you can’t help but stop to listen to the banjo and fiddle combinations (along with a vocalist in some instances). Before long, you will likely find your foot tapping along with the tune as the music swells in your soul.
Multiple Influences
The music favored for decades in Appalachia is thought to have its roots in English, Irish, and Scottish ballads and hymns, and later in African-American blues. Over time, this unique blend of vocals, fiddles, and banjos led to the development of other forms of music, including blues and country. Along with the fiddles and banjos, you might also find guitars and the fretted dulcimer being played.
Among the many well-known artists who are known to have been influenced by or played Appalachian music are country stars like Earl Scruggs, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn. But country music artists are not the only ones to be influenced by this form of music. Legends like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, The Statler Brothers, even Jerry Garcia (The Grateful Dead) have all play songs from Appalachian music or have rewritten them to suit their musical style.
Appalachian Music Will Never Die
There is an old saying that goes “Rock and roll will never die,” but the same can be said of Appalachian music. With a history dating back centuries, instead of waning in popularity, this beautiful music seems to be growing in popularity. Maybe this simply represents a change in tastes, or perhaps more people have become interested in the roots of the music they prefer and suddenly find themselves lost in the sound of the banjo and fiddle together.
Like many other popular forms of “old-school” music, there are numerous Appalachian music festivals all along the Appalachian mountain range from the Appalachian String Band Music Festival held annually in Clifftop, WV to the Museum of Appalachia’s Tennessee Fall Homecoming that takes place in Clinton, TN every year.
Why do people still love this form of music? There are millions of reasons, but for many, it is the simplicity of the music, the stories told, and the ability to sit back and relax while you take in the melodies. For others, listening to Appalachian music is a great way to get back to the roots of so many different varieties of music being played today.
In the early days, Appalachian folk music was considered to be a great way to bring the entire community together. People would sit on the front porch or stoop, in the town square, or around a big fire just to listen to the music, dance to it, and enjoy the spirit of camaraderie that came with it. Today, it has a similar effect on anyone listening to it; they want to get together to celebrate the music with others, share in the stories, and be washed clean of their normal lives, if only for a few minutes.
 
Take a few minutes out of your busy day to stop and listen to the many wonderful local musicians on “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” in Blount County, who truly love the music they play.

Let Local Wedding Planners Help You Plan a Winter Wedding in the Smokies

Posted on December 24, 2018 by - Blog, Events

It seems like spring and summer weddings get all the attention when you look at the various wedding planning sites online. Typically, these times of the year are when the majority of weddings take place. But if you are thinking about having a winter wedding, then there is only one place to go: the Smoky Mountains when they are covered with snow. From cinnamon scented rooms to hot cocoa bars, the Smokies during wintertime provide the perfect backdrop for your wedding! Imagine the magical photos of you and your spouse kissing with the snow falling all around you.
Winter Weddings Take Skillful Planning
Like any wedding, no matter what time of year, a wedding in the Smokies takes careful planning to make sure everything goes off without a hitch.  To help you with this, you should consider engaging the services of a skilled wedding planner service. To go one step further, you should use one whose base of operations is close to where you plan to hold the ceremony and reception.

Using local wedding planners can help to keep costs down as they probably have an established list of local vendors such as caterers, florists, photographers, and so forth for you to choose from. Being local, these vendors won’t have as far to travel, keeping their costs and yours down. As an added advantage, they will likely show up even if it is snowing (unless it’s a blizzard)! Plus, they know the lay of the land and all of the local venues, which can also help with costs and the success of your event.
Here Are Three Highly Recommended Wedding Planners in the Smoky Mountains
If you are going to hire a wedding planner for your winter Smoky Mountain wedding, you need one who comes highly recommended.
Almost Heaven Resort & Weddings
A spectacular location for a sparkling winter wedding, this Smoky Mountain Resort covers 130 acres and includes helping you plan every aspect of your wedding. Almost Heaven can provide you with a full range of services such as catering, flowers, your wedding cake, photography, and private log cabins for your honeymoon. For more information, check out their wedding packages and services here.
Warren Weddings & Events
Warren Weddings & Events can help you plan your ultimate dream wedding in the snow-covered Smokies and serves Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg. From traditional church weddings to outdoor weddings in the snow and everything you need to make your wedding perfect, Warren is here to help make planning your special day less stressful and more enjoyable. Visit them here to learn more.
Sampson’s Hollow
At Sampson’s Hollow, they love the chance to decorate for a winter wedding. Fences wrapped in garland and evergreen boughs. Staircases and banisters decorated with greenery with hundreds of tiny lights illuminating the entire room. Hot cocoa, spiced hot apple cider, flannel, and so much more. From helping plan your wedding to making sure everyone stays nice and warm throughout your ceremony and ensuing reception, the folks at Sampson’s Hollow provide full-service weddings in beautiful venue choices.
Choosing to have a winter wedding in the Smoky Mountains may be the best decision you could possibly make. From snow-covered fields and mountains to a sleigh ride for the bride and groom. It’s hard to imagine what could be better than the clip-clop of horses’ hooves under cover of snow as the sleigh takes you to your honeymoon cabin! Make your plans now for a winter wonderland wedding in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Lodging Options to Suit Every Need on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on December 19, 2018 by - Blog, Lodging, Smoky Mountains

So, you have decided to book a holiday to the Smokies, and whether it is for the autumn season, the upcoming Christmas holidays or as a winter retreat, you need to have a place to stay. Fortunately, the beauty and the popularity of this region make it necessary for there to be every possible type of accommodation. That means you can find whatever type of lodging you desire.
If you’re traveling to the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, and if you are traveling alone or with a large group of family or friends, there are places to book that can fit any number of guests—and even some with pet-friendly policies, too.

Types of Lodging in the Smokies

Though you might think that your options might be limited to large hotels or resort-like properties, you can actually choose from:

  • Bed and Breakfasts
  • Cabins
  • Cottages
  • Hotels
  • Motels
  • Campgrounds, and more

The best way to begin narrowing down the options is to start with the general location you hope to spend most of your time. For example, you may be planning a visit at Christmas and eager to spend time in the charmingly decorated and cheerful downtown areas of Maryville or Townsend, perhaps even enjoying one of the Santa Calls visits or an official tree lighting! You’ll have several family members and want to stay in one spot together. Did you know there are cabins that can accommodate groups of ten or more? There are many options of that kind in Blount County as well as the entire region. You can gather together around a fireplace, enjoy time spent playing pool or cooking meals together, and you might even find a hot tub on the deck!
Naturally, you may prefer something like a stay at a traditional hotel, and there are scores of options. Just begin with your location.

Think Group Size

As just noted, the many cabins and lodges of the region are a great choice if you are part of a large group. They can allow everyone to stay under a single roof and relax together in shared spaces while also having private bedrooms, and often private baths. The cabins are also a great way to really experience the scenery and natural surroundings since many are situated outside of town and in wooded areas or ridges with amazing views.
This is not to say that the hotels or motels are a less favorable option, it is simply that memories are often made around dinner tables, game boards, or when sprawled out on sofas in a living room, and this is something cabins offer.
Keep in mind that some of the best resort-style properties also have group packages to ensure a similar opportunity, with everyone just a single door apart! If you are traveling in the winter, some of the resorts will have special offers, too!
Also think about the needs of your group. Will you require handicap accessibility? Perhaps you want to bring your dogs along on vacation? Maybe you would like year-round amenities like a pool or gym. Perhaps camping is more your style and you’d prefer a campground that’s near a stream or has a playground?
The good news is that whatever sort of need or wish you have for lodging on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, you will have many great options! Just book early since this is one of the most popular year-round destinations.