In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Cades Cove will be the site of an afternoon of music with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, featuring Senator Lamar Alexander on the piano! This will be a unique and exciting event!
Access will be by car pass (a maximum of 1500 will be sold) purchased in advance only. Car pass sales are through the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra box office only...865-291-3310. Cades Cove will be closed to all other traffic for that day.
Please read the information in the link below for all of the details, including what you are allowed to bring and what you are not allowed to bring.
http://greatsmokies75th.org/files/pdf/CadesCoveKSO.pdf
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Fireflies!
Its time for the synchronous fireflies display in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/fireflies.htm
The firefly beetle responsible for the awesome synchronized show, Photinus Carolinus, is best seen in Elkmont and usually starts around the second week in June. The start and duration of the fireflies mating behavior can vary depending on when they emerged, current temperature and other factors. Its impossible to know the exact dates, but City of Gatlinburg trolleys will be running from June 6th to the 14th. For the cost of $1.00 per person, you can ride a trolley from the Sugarlands visitor center parking lot to Elkmont. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Elmont Road from 5 pm to 12 pm to all vehicles other than those of registered campers in Elkmont Campgrounds. You can't park in any of the pull-offs or along the road during the times the shuttles are running. The trolleys to take you to the Elkmont synchronized firefly display run from 6 pm to 9 pm or will stop sooner if the parking area is full. Though the last trolley is scheduled to leave Elkmont by 11:00 pm it sometimes runs later as needed. Since it is unsafe to walk or bike along roadways at night, you must take the trolley if you want to see the firefly display.
You may bring along a blanket or small folding chair and your own food and drink (NO alcoholic beverages). Coolers are not allowed and what you bring must fit on your lap in the trolley. A small flashlight with a red or blue lense cover so as not to disturb others is recommended.
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/naturescience/fireflies.htm
The firefly beetle responsible for the awesome synchronized show, Photinus Carolinus, is best seen in Elkmont and usually starts around the second week in June. The start and duration of the fireflies mating behavior can vary depending on when they emerged, current temperature and other factors. Its impossible to know the exact dates, but City of Gatlinburg trolleys will be running from June 6th to the 14th. For the cost of $1.00 per person, you can ride a trolley from the Sugarlands visitor center parking lot to Elkmont. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park will close Elmont Road from 5 pm to 12 pm to all vehicles other than those of registered campers in Elkmont Campgrounds. You can't park in any of the pull-offs or along the road during the times the shuttles are running. The trolleys to take you to the Elkmont synchronized firefly display run from 6 pm to 9 pm or will stop sooner if the parking area is full. Though the last trolley is scheduled to leave Elkmont by 11:00 pm it sometimes runs later as needed. Since it is unsafe to walk or bike along roadways at night, you must take the trolley if you want to see the firefly display.
You may bring along a blanket or small folding chair and your own food and drink (NO alcoholic beverages). Coolers are not allowed and what you bring must fit on your lap in the trolley. A small flashlight with a red or blue lense cover so as not to disturb others is recommended.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Gatlinburg Goes Green
Our little town has mounted a huge effort to "go green" as a gift for the Great Smoky Mountains National Park 75th Anniversary! As relative newcomers to the area, Warren and I are very impressed by the efforts that are being put forth to preserve the gem of nature in our backyard! In addition to Gatlinburg's efforts, Sevier County is also very pro-active in preserving our environment. Just some the changes already in place:
Gatlinburg's trolley system, used by nearly 800,000 riders in 2008, is the fifth largest mass transit system in the state. The 20+ trolley fleet is fueled by ultra low sulphur biodiesel.
The Gatlinburg Convention Center has reduced it kilowatt hours usage by 31% over the past year.
City of Gatlinburg Winterfest light displays have been converted entirely to LED bulbs over the past 3 years, saving more than 75% on power bills for the 5 month period.
Gatlinburg Wastewater treatment plant has increased efficiency, resulting in a 22% reduction in electrical consumption. The facility has also been honored with the Operational Excellence Award for 2008.
The Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce has launched a "Gatlinburg Goes Green" campaign to encourage area businesses to make environmentally-friendly changes in their operations. The goal is 75% participation to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Park.
The brand new Sevier County Composting Facility (one of only eight in the WORLD) went into operation. This state-of-the-art facility converts 70% of our solid waste into compost, leaving only 30% going to landfills.
We are proud to be part of a community taking seriously the responsibility to care for our earth!
Gatlinburg's trolley system, used by nearly 800,000 riders in 2008, is the fifth largest mass transit system in the state. The 20+ trolley fleet is fueled by ultra low sulphur biodiesel.
The Gatlinburg Convention Center has reduced it kilowatt hours usage by 31% over the past year.
City of Gatlinburg Winterfest light displays have been converted entirely to LED bulbs over the past 3 years, saving more than 75% on power bills for the 5 month period.
Gatlinburg Wastewater treatment plant has increased efficiency, resulting in a 22% reduction in electrical consumption. The facility has also been honored with the Operational Excellence Award for 2008.
The Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce has launched a "Gatlinburg Goes Green" campaign to encourage area businesses to make environmentally-friendly changes in their operations. The goal is 75% participation to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the National Park.
The brand new Sevier County Composting Facility (one of only eight in the WORLD) went into operation. This state-of-the-art facility converts 70% of our solid waste into compost, leaving only 30% going to landfills.
We are proud to be part of a community taking seriously the responsibility to care for our earth!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
One of the really cool things about Gatlinburg in the summer is you never know who you'll meet while strolling downtown. This is true partly because people are visiting from all over, and partly because of Tunes & Tales.
Beginning June 12 on Friday and Saturday evenings and beginning June 26 every evening until August 8, the Parkway downtown is a stage! Twenty acts on a rotating schedule stroll the heart of downtown from 5-10 pm and provide interactive entertainment. Musicians, singers, a quilter, a bear, an 1800's schoolmarm, storytellers, and cloggers are all among the performers who will keep you so engrossed you'll forget you're learning something about Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains!
Beginning June 12 on Friday and Saturday evenings and beginning June 26 every evening until August 8, the Parkway downtown is a stage! Twenty acts on a rotating schedule stroll the heart of downtown from 5-10 pm and provide interactive entertainment. Musicians, singers, a quilter, a bear, an 1800's schoolmarm, storytellers, and cloggers are all among the performers who will keep you so engrossed you'll forget you're learning something about Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Great Smoky Mountains Arts and Crafts Community of Gatlinburg
http://www.gatlinburgcrafts.com/
One of the most unique treasures you will find in Galtinburg is "the Glades" aka The Arts & Crafts Community. For over 70 years, this area has drawn crafts men and women to live and create among other artists. It is now the largest enclave of independent artisans in North America!
This eight-mile loop, located just three miles from downtown Gatlingurg, is home to over 100 studios, galleries, shops and eateries. You will find candlemakers, basketweavers, woodcarvers, photographers, dulcimer makers, jewelers, painters, sculptors, potters, broom makers, quilters, candy makers, weavers, spinners....all the traditional mountain arts, and some less traditional. The beauty of the place is that this is where the artists live and work, so many are on site as you visit. You can watch them work, talk with them, purchase a piece and have it signed. Some artists even offer classes, demonstrations and private instruction.
This is a rich tradition in East Tennessee, deeply ingrained in the local culture. Many of these artists are from families that have lived and worked here for many generations, so they know and love this beautiful place!
The yellow trolley runs from Gatlinburg to the Glades for only a one dollar fare. You may also like to drive, and there is plenty of free parking. The website link at the top of the article shows a map listing all the shops and galleries, as well as an alphabetical listing of all of the members shops, with phone numbers and websites.
One of the most unique treasures you will find in Galtinburg is "the Glades" aka The Arts & Crafts Community. For over 70 years, this area has drawn crafts men and women to live and create among other artists. It is now the largest enclave of independent artisans in North America!
This eight-mile loop, located just three miles from downtown Gatlingurg, is home to over 100 studios, galleries, shops and eateries. You will find candlemakers, basketweavers, woodcarvers, photographers, dulcimer makers, jewelers, painters, sculptors, potters, broom makers, quilters, candy makers, weavers, spinners....all the traditional mountain arts, and some less traditional. The beauty of the place is that this is where the artists live and work, so many are on site as you visit. You can watch them work, talk with them, purchase a piece and have it signed. Some artists even offer classes, demonstrations and private instruction.
This is a rich tradition in East Tennessee, deeply ingrained in the local culture. Many of these artists are from families that have lived and worked here for many generations, so they know and love this beautiful place!
The yellow trolley runs from Gatlinburg to the Glades for only a one dollar fare. You may also like to drive, and there is plenty of free parking. The website link at the top of the article shows a map listing all the shops and galleries, as well as an alphabetical listing of all of the members shops, with phone numbers and websites.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
http://www.nps.gov/grsm
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/trip-planner.htm
One of the most wonderful treasures of this area of the country is the Smokies! With over 800 square miles of land at the Tennessee/North Carolina border, the Smokies are home to over 10,000 identified species (scientists believe only 12% of resident species have been identified) and elevations from over 6600 feet to 875 feet, making it a world-renowned center of bio-diversity! Some of the largest stands of old-growth forest in the eastern US are located here. We even qualify as a temperate rain forest in the highest elevations, with over 85 inches of rain a year!
The Appalachian Trail runs along the ridgeline in the park, only one of 150 official trails throughout the park. Whether you want secluded forest paths, waterfalls, or strenuous hikes to endless vistas, its all here. Get detailed information, descriptions and maps at the links above.
FREE is a wonderful word, especially when it is paired with FUN, family adventures! You don't have to spend a lot of money to vacation in the Smokies. The park is full of free or almost-free things to do from hiking, biking and horseback riding, to fishing, tubing, rafting, or just drinking in the beauty! There are also ranger-led programs available, many of them free as well.
If you are interested in learning more about this natural splendor, check out the Smoky Mountain Field School (through University of Tennessee) at http://www.ce.utk.edu/Smoky/ There are many classes offered throughout the spring, summer and fall.
More information to come about things to do in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area, but don't come to visit without planning to spend some time in this national treasure! This year is the park's 75th Anniversary, so many special events are planned the you won't want to miss. Get more details at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/parknews/75th-anniversary.htm
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/trip-planner.htm
One of the most wonderful treasures of this area of the country is the Smokies! With over 800 square miles of land at the Tennessee/North Carolina border, the Smokies are home to over 10,000 identified species (scientists believe only 12% of resident species have been identified) and elevations from over 6600 feet to 875 feet, making it a world-renowned center of bio-diversity! Some of the largest stands of old-growth forest in the eastern US are located here. We even qualify as a temperate rain forest in the highest elevations, with over 85 inches of rain a year!
The Appalachian Trail runs along the ridgeline in the park, only one of 150 official trails throughout the park. Whether you want secluded forest paths, waterfalls, or strenuous hikes to endless vistas, its all here. Get detailed information, descriptions and maps at the links above.
FREE is a wonderful word, especially when it is paired with FUN, family adventures! You don't have to spend a lot of money to vacation in the Smokies. The park is full of free or almost-free things to do from hiking, biking and horseback riding, to fishing, tubing, rafting, or just drinking in the beauty! There are also ranger-led programs available, many of them free as well.
If you are interested in learning more about this natural splendor, check out the Smoky Mountain Field School (through University of Tennessee) at http://www.ce.utk.edu/Smoky/ There are many classes offered throughout the spring, summer and fall.
More information to come about things to do in Gatlinburg and the surrounding area, but don't come to visit without planning to spend some time in this national treasure! This year is the park's 75th Anniversary, so many special events are planned the you won't want to miss. Get more details at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/parknews/75th-anniversary.htm
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