The 23rd annual A Mountain Quiltfest, one of the leading quilting events in America, will be held at LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge March 21-25, 2017.
Hundreds of beautiful new and antique quilts will be on display, over 75 classes and lectures will be offered, and over 50 vendors will be on hand for all your quilting needs.
This year RaNae Merrill, an award-winning quilter from New York City, will be a featured instructor for the 23rd annual A Smoky Mountain Quiltfest. RaNae’s unique spiral-patterned quilts, as shown above, have already become sought after works of art. Learn more about her at RaNaeMerrillQuilts.com.
To see the variety of quilting classes offered and prices, and to enter a quilt in the Quilt Show, please visit A Mountain Quiltfest Registration.
The 23rd Annual A Mountain Quiltfest is hosted the City of Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events. For more information, give them a call at 865-429-7350.
Rose Glen Literary Festival in Sevierville features lectures, workshops and book signings by authors from the Smoky Mountains and Appalachian region. One of this year’s featured authors is Ben Montgomery who wrote Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail, which won the 2014 National Outdoor Book Award for History/Biography.
Ben Montgomery’s National Outdoor Book Award winner Grandma Gatewood’s Walk. (photo: Carol DeGuiseppi)
Ben Montgomery, who is actually Emma Gatewood’s great-nephew, has authored the only biography of the hiking celebrity known as “Grandma Gatewood.” What made her so famous? Her amazing story began in May 1955 when she began her 2,050-mile walk on the Appalachian Trail. Gatewood wore canvas Keds and carried only a homemade drawstring sack. In September of that year, she became the first woman to thru-hike the AT alone. Emma Gatewood was 67 years old. Then she went and hiked it two more times.
At Rose Glen Literary Festival, meet Grandma Gatewood through the words of Ben Montgomery, a 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist and staff writer at the Tampa Bay Times.
The Rose Glen Literary Festival will be held at the Sevierville Convention Center on Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. All programs at the festival are free with the exception of the Luncheon ($20 per person).
Other Featured Authors and Books at the 2016 Rose Glen Literary Festival
Dr. Bill Bass and Jon Jefferson – Heard of the Body Farm? This writing team coauthored Death’s Acre about the University of Tennessee’s Anthropology Research Facility known as the Body Farm which Dr. Bass founded twenty-five years ago. Meet the famous forensic anthropologist, Dr. Bass and National Geographic documentary writer and producer, Jon Jefferson to learn more about this critically-acclaimed book.
June Hall McCash – Her most recent Marguerite’s Landing was published in April 2016. A published poet, McCash has also written four historical novels and seven non-fiction books. Almost to Eden, her first novel won the Georgia Author of the Year Award for First Novel in 2011. Since her retirement from Middle East Tennessee University, McCash writes full-time and has won more awards for her work.
Jim Stokely – Jim Stokely discovered an unpublished manuscript after the death of his mother, author Wilma Dykeman entitled Family of Earth: A Southern Mountain Childhood which he’s since published. Wilma Dykeman (1920-2006) was living in the English Mountain area of Cocke County, TN during the last months of WWII when she authored this memoir where she tried to explain the purpose of life in wartime.
Hey 2017! To get this brand-new year started off in the right direction, HeySmokies has compiled a list of the 17 Best Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains 2017 Winter Edition! There are some things that you can only enjoy in the Smokies during winter, so don’t let this wondrous season pass you by. On the list, you’ll find some of our tried and true favorites along with a few new places that we’re looking forward to exploring and hope you will too! Happy New Year! We’re so glad you’re here!
HeySmokies’ List of the 17 Best Things to Do in the Great Smoky Mountains | 2017 Winter Edition:
#1 Newfound Gap Car Snowmen and Icicle Viewing
There’s nothing quite like the sight of little snowmen atop vehicles around Gatlinburg, especially when there’s no snow on the ground in the downtown valley. From where do these little snowmen come? A short 14 mile drive on U.S. Highwy 441 (Newfound Gap Road) takes you to the highlands of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) and during the winter season there’s usually a good chance of snow on the ground. And if there’s no snow, you’ll still be amazed at the beautiful icicles that hang off the rockfaces alongside the road. Newfound Gap Road can be temporarily closed 15-20 times each winter, so check current driving conditions by calling 865-436-1200 or check GSMNP’s Twitter.
#2 Cross Country Ski on Clingmans Dome Road
Although Clingmans Dome Road is closed to vehicles in winter it is not closed to people. On any given day, you’ll find folks out and about with their cross-country skis and snowshoes enjoying the snow-covered road. Or, you could just grab your snow boots and enjoy a walk in the highlands of the Great Smoky Mountains. For more info, visit The Clingmans Dome Experience in the Smokies.
#3 Downhill Skiing and Snow Tubing at Ober Gatlinburg and Cataloochee Ski Areas
Cataloochee Ski Area, with a summit elevation of 5,400 ft., is located in Maggie Valley, NC. Cataloochee offers 18 slopes with 740 ft. vertical drop. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area, with a summit elevation of 3,300 ft., is located in Gatlinburg, TN. Ober offers 9 slopes with 600 ft. vertical drop. Both ski areas offer snow tubing and snowboard free-style terrain parks. Ober Gatlinburg also has an indoor ice skating rink! For more info on lift packages, rentals and lessons, visit Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area 800-251-9202 or Cataloochee Ski Area 800-768-0285.
#4 Alum Cave Trail Hike
Take a hike on the new and improved Alum Cave Trail. Be one of the first to check out the great works of the Trails Forever crew and volunteers who’ve spent the last two years rehabbing one of the Smokies’ most popular trails to Mt. LeConte Lodge. Wide and graceful native stone and timber stairs have replaced the rutted gulleys on the trail. Even if ice prevents a hike to the Bluffs, you can still enjoy a walk in the old-growth forest at the trail’s beginning off Newfound Gap Road. The ancient forest here boasts a thick under-story of 10-foot high, evergreen rosebay rhododendron, dog-hobble along with a variety of mosses and ferns.
#5 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
If you need to take the chill off and you’re feeling lucky, head to Cherokee, NC to the beautiful Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort for live Blackjack and Roulette and, of course, rows and rows of the latest slots. However, if gaming isn’t your thing Harrah’s offers a spa and some great restaurants you can check out while attending an upcoming concert: Air Supply on January 13, Jamey Johnson on January 28, YES on February 3, Purple Reign – Prince Tribute Show on February 18, Michael Bolton on February 24, and Rodney Carrington on March 25, 2017. For more info and tickets, visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort or call 828-497-7777. Events at Harrah’s are for guests at least 21 years old.
#6 FACE Amusement Group’s Arcades in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
The under 21 set will love an afternoon of bright lights, great music and games at one of FACE Amusement Group’s arcades in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. They offer a squeaky-clean environment, friendly staff, and great prizes! Visit Arcade City and 7-D Dark Ride Adventure at The Island in Pigeon Forge. Also in Pigeon Forge is Rockin’ Raceway and Big Top Arcade on the Parkway. In Gatlinburg, you’ll find 7-D Dark Ride Adventure in the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler on the downtown Parkway. For more info, check out our Top Five Favorite Arcades in Gatinburg and Pigeon Forge!
#7 Cades Cove
Everyone knows Cades Cove is beautiful anytime of the year, but there is a special quietness to be found there during wintertime. Fill your thermos with some hot cocoa, pack a picnic, and take a drive around the 11-mile loop, or if you’re looking for some extra adventure, plan a camping trip. Cades Cove Campground is open year round and reservations can be made by calling 877-444-6777 or visiting www.recreation.gov. For more info, check out The Cades Cove Experience.
#8 The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant in Gatlinburg
When it’s chilly outside who doesn’t love a little heated pot of cheese or chocolate with your favorite dipping munchies. And with Valentine’s Day coming up, what better place to cozy up for a romantic meal. The Melting Pot on the downtown Parkway in Gatlinburg is a great place for a unique and delicious dining experience. For more info, visit The Melting Pot Gatlinburg or call 865-430-4430 for hours and reservations.
#9 Alcatraz East Crime Museum in Pigeon Forge
More weird and wacky fun has arrived in Pigeon Forge in the form of the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. Open 365 days a year from 10:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. this new attraction offers a unique glimpse into American crime history. Originally located in Washington DC, the museum features OJ Simpson’s famous white Ford Bronco among hundreds of other artifacts. Surprisingly, Alcatraz East is super kid-friendly and offers some great programs for children of all ages. For more info, visit Alacatraz East Crime Museum or call 865-453-3278.
#10 Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Tuckasegee River Excursion
Climb aboard one of the enclosed and heated train cars of the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in Bryson City, NC. During the winter season, they offer an 11:00 a.m. trip on Saturdays. The Tuckasegee River Excursion is a 32-mile round-trip train ride that takes about 4 hours as you travel to the town of Dillsboro. You’ll have a 1 1/2 hour layover in historic Dillsboro to enjoy dining and shopping. Not only can you enjoy the beautiful western North Carolina countryside, you get to pass by the movie set of Harrison Ford’s The Fugitive. Choose from First Class, Crown Class and Coach Class seating. For prices and reservations, visit Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.
#11 Score some Big Deals at Tanger Outlets Sevierville
Polls report that shopping is a top activity of visitors to the Smoky Mountains, and budget-minded shoppers know that now is the time to score some awesome bargains. Extra-savvy shoppers may even get their next Christmas’ shopping done now! And why not with all the huge discounts and great brands to be found at Tanger Outlets? For more info on winter hours, visit Tanger Outlets Sevierville.
#12 The Donut Friar in The Village, Gatlinburg
Early birds flock to The Donut Friar at 5:00 a.m. to gather up some of the warmest, tastiest donuts in the Smokies. The Donut Friar in The Village has been a fixture in Gatlinburg for generations. Just smell your way there and enjoy some time in the cozy, old-world atmosphere of The Village with 27 unique shops. For more info, visit The Village Shops.
#13 WonderWorks Pigeon Forge
When the weather outside is frightful and little natives are restless, we’ve got just the thing for you! WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge is 35,000 sq. ft. of lively “edu-tainment” and will delight the senses of kids of all ages. With interactive, learning fun WonderWorks offers an indoor ropes challenge course, laser tag arena, live magic show and more! For info on the 100+ hands-on exhibits and tickets, visit WonderWorks Pigeon Forge.
#14 Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge
Built to half-scale of the original luxury liner RMS Titanic, the museum’s collection contains over 400 personal artifacts from passengers and crew and is valued at more than $4.5 million. A unique self-guided tour tells the stories of people who were part of Titanic’s fate. Visitors can walk an exact replica of the $1 million Grand Staircase, put their hands in icy waters of 28 degrees, and learn the history of world as it was in 1912. Prepare to spend a few hours here if you want to take it all in and read everything. For more information and ticket prices, visit Titanic Museum Pigeon Forge.
#15 Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend
Learn all about east Tennessee’s Native American and Euro-American history at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center in Townsend, TN. With both indoor and outdoor exhibits on the center’s six-acre property, this is a great place to take a historic journey back in time from the early 1800’s to the establishment of the national park in 1934. For more info and tickets, visit Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center or call 865-448-0044.
#16 Horseback Riding in the Smokies
For those of you who just don’t like the heat of summer, perhaps a horseback ride in the brisk, winter air will suit you. With no flies out this time of year, it’s a great opportunity for a bug-free ride! Waldens Creek Stables in Pigeon Forge will be open beginning February 14, 2017. Davy Crockett Riding Stables in Townsend is open by appointment during the winter season. Five Oaks Riding Stables in Sevierville is open on weekends during winter.
#17 Fishing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Fishing is permitted year-round and in all streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, however, you must have a valid North Carolina or Tennessee fishing license. Fishing licenses can be obtained at area fly shops and even at Walmart. The streams within the national park boundary protects one of the last wild trout populations in the eastern U.S. For more info, check out our Reel Fly Fishing Experience.
Ring in the New Year 2017 with friends and family in the Great Smoky Mountains at one of these five fantastic celebrations on Saturday, December 31st. Hello brand new year, we’re so glad you’re almost here!
New Year’s Eve Concert & Midnight Ball Drop with Fireworks Downtown Gatlinburg This is the 29th year for the annual Midnight Ball Drop and Fireworks from roof of the 400-ft. tall Space Needle to specially choreographed music. And this year, visitors will enjoy a free concert at 10:00 p.m. by Country Music’s Beau Brasswell and rising Country Star Cassidy Diana. The Space Needle is located near the intersection of The Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at traffic light #8. For more information, call the Gatlinburg CVB at 800-588-1817.
Cherokee Lights & Legends and Annual Cherokee New Year’s Eve Fireworks Cherokee Indian Fair Grounds
Gates open at 5:00 p.m. to Cherokee Lights & Legends where interactive displays tell ancient Cherokee Christmas legends. There’s an ice skating rink and other fun activities for the entire family. Live entertainment begins at 9:00 p.m. and the big fireworks spectacular is at 10:00 p.m. For more information visit, Cherokee Lights & Legends or call 800-438-1601.
4th Annual New Year’s Eve Celebration The Island in Pigeon Forge
Free festivities for the whole family begin at 6:00 p.m. until the big countdown to midnight. Enjoy a free concert by Jackie Lee beginning at 10:45 p.m.! For more info, visit islandinpigeonforge.com or call 865-286-0119.
New Year’s Eve Variety Show Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Welcome in the new year beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Rotunda for a special New Year’s Variety Show. Afterward, a DJ spins hits and entertains until 2:00 a.m. Special balloon drop at midnight. For more information and reservations, visit Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Rockin’ New Years Eve with The Kincaid Band Hard Rock Cafe Pigeon Forge
Bring the kids and enjoy a great meal before The Kincaid Band kicks things off at 10:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve! For more info, call 865-430-7625 or visit Hard Rock Cafe.
New Year’s Eve Show and Balloon Drop Country Tonite Theater, Pigeon Forge
Enjoy a special New Year’s Eve Show and Balloon Drop beginning at 10:00 p.m. Guests will enjoy complimentary party favors along with Country Tonite’s popular and festive show. Then as the countdown to midnight begins sparkling, non-alcoholic, cider will be served to toast the New Year along with their famous balloon drop and sing along to Auld Lang Syne. For tickets, visit Country Tonite Theater.
Best Western Twin Islands in Gatlinburg, surrounded by the west fork of the Little Pigeon River, has been a vacation getaway for families through the decades; however, the time has come for a newer and bigger island-themed getaway called Margaritaville Resort in the Smokies, or as we like to call it, Margaritaburg! The new resort promises to offer the same lush, island landscape along with a new laid-back atmosphere and oasis of amenities.
Two of the Best Western Twin Islands buildings on the smaller island will be remodeled to house the St. Somewhere Spa and hotel suites. The beautiful stonework from the demolished Twin Islands buildings will be preserved and used throughout the new 5-acre, island landscape.
In case anyone is wondering, the long-standing Best Western Twin Islands was not affected by the wildfires; this development is just progress and has been in the works for a while.
The four-star Margaritaville Resort in the Smokies will consist of a seven-story hotel with 174 rooms. Each room will have a wet bar equipped with a Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker. The resort will offer room service, bellhops, valet parking, concierge, fitness facility and indoor heated pool. The 4,000 sq. ft. outdoor pool will offer a two-loop slide, splash pad, and hot tub. Guests will also enjoy signature Margaritaville food, beverage and shopping concepts.
An additional part of the project includes the building of a LandShark Restaurant to occupy the space of the former Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg. Resort guests will have direct walking access to the new restaurant. According to a release by Margaritaburg, LLC, the consortium of local investors in the project, the resort will cost around $35 million and create about 150 jobs for the local economy.
The LandShark Restaurant is scheduled to open Spring 2017. Margaritaville Resort in the Smokies, located at 539 Parkway, Gatlinburg, is expected to open July 2018.
And if you’re wanting to just dive right into that relaxing Margaritaville atmosphere now, no worries. Just head to Pigeon Forge to the Margarita Island Hotel and kick back and enjoy the season! Give them a call at 844-434-6787.
