High Gas Prices Force Smoky Mountain Tourists To Change How They Vacation

In a May 29, 2006 WATE News 6 story by CATHARYN CAMPBELL she reports that thousands of people from all over the country spent their Memorial Day weekend visiting the attractions in Pigeon Forge. But the climbing cost of fuel is forcing lots of tourists to change how they vacation.

Elisa Pipkins and her family traveled from Georgia. They stayed at an all inclusive hotel and went to entertainment events that offered meal deals to help cover the cost of traveling. "The money we would've spent food outside of a show we were able to put into our tanks."

Some people say a destination close to home was their only option for a vacation.

Matt Holland and his family drove three hours from Kentucky. "We chose Pigeon Forge because it's a little bit closer. We actually planned on going to Florida but the way gas price are, it wasn't feasible to drive our truck."

I understand that gas prices are historically high but do they REALLY add that much to the cost of a vacation?

For me, a round trip to the Smokies is over 1,100 miles. I just did a quick analysis to see how the current prices would would effect my travel budget. Using 15 mpg, 20 mpg, and 25 mpg gas usage estimates, the cost of my round-trip travel would go up $46, $57, and $76 using a hypothetical price differential of $2 per gal. and $3 per gal.

That means visitors that are one-day way from from the Smokies would only have an average increase in their vacation cost of +/-$60.00.

Looking for the least expensive gas while you're in Gatlinburg try this utility at Automotive.com

Other ways to save money and offset the increased fuel costs?:

1. Try some of these "20 Cheap Date" tips
2. Save money on meals by packing lunch on your travel days.
3. If you're renting a cabin, plan to spend at least one day just hanging out - It's FREE

Gatlinburg , Smoky Mountains , Log Cabin , Attractions

Native brook trout making comeback in Smokies

May 27, 2006 - GATLINBURG (AP) -- The brook trout is making a comeback the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's the only trout native to the eastern United States and more specifically to the southern Appalachians. Click here for the full story.

"Brookies" as they're called are regaining a foothold in the country's most visited national park on the Tennessee-North Carolina line after decades of pollution, poor land management and competition from nonnative brown and rainbow cousins.

For the first time in 30 years, catching and keeping brook trout became legal again in the Smokies under an experimental program begun in April.

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2nd Annual Rhythm In The Hills Festival - Pigeon Forge

The 2nd Annual Rhythm In the Hills, a sensational three-day festival, is scheduled to take place in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at Patriot Park on Memorial Day Weekend, May 26, 27, and 28, 2006. Click here for the full story.

“Another great line up of country music concerts is scheduled for this year. Everyone loved the high energy shows last year and that is what we looked for when working on the lineup for 2006,” said Tim McAbee, Director of Entertainment.

Artists scheduled to perform include Dwight Yoakam, Blake Shelton, Billy Currington, Dierks Bentley, Neal McCoy, Chely Wright, Josh Gracin, Trick Pony, Blue Country, Con Hunley, Greenbrier, and more.

The complete schedule can be found on the website: www.rithinfo.com

“Rhythm in the Hills promises to be an event the entire family can enjoy, featuring everything from country music concerts to Play USA, presenting activities, shows, games and rides for kids.

One ticket is all you need to experience the fun and excitement of the entire festival,” said Jennifer Dyer, Festival Coordinator.“The 2nd Annual Rhythm in the Hills is going to be just as awesome as last year.

Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-877-774-4507 or by going online at www.rithinfo.com. Tickets can also be purchased at any Tickets Unlimited Outlet and at Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge.Gates open at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 26 and at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28.Adult Tickets are $88 for three-day ticket $68 for two consecutive day tickets $48 for one day ticket Kids 12 and under are free.

Smoky Mountains , Pigeon Forge , Attractions , Entertainment , Children

A Virtual Stoll Through the Smokies-sphere

The next best thing to being in the Smokies is reading about it and seeing pictures of where we'd like to be. Check out these sites that can take you on a stroll through the Smokies without really being there: Click here for the full AllSmokies [KNOX News blog] story.

Over at No Direction Home, AllSmokies contributor Fletch has been feeding us a steady diet lately of great photos from his travels around the park.

Ever wonder what it would be like to hike all 900 miles of trails in the GSMNP? Check out Footpounder's journal of her four year trek throughout the park. If you're wondering, you have to hike more than 900 miles to cover all of the trails. It took her over 1100.

If you are planning your first ever climb of Mt. LeConte, check out Ed Wright's excellent site; and you'll discover that you'd only need to climb it 1297 more times to catch up to him. He has a well documented trail guide of the main route via Alum Cave Bluffs.

Most people know about the Look Rock webcam, but there is also one at Purchase Knob on the NC side of the park. This is a great spot to watch the seasons change from afar.

If you like studying maps in preparation for the next real hike, check out this collection of GSMNP maps. It is a pretty comprehensive collection.

This is just a sample of the virtual wandering one can do through the Smokies-sphere. Click here for the AllSmokies blog article.


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Top 10 Fun Things To Do In Gatlinburg - 2006

As the Gateway to the Smokies, Gatlinburg has something special to offer its visitors no matter the time of year. Gatlinburg celebrates the seasons with special events such as parties, craft fairs, concerts and food festivals.

Their calendar is jam-packed with seasonal events such as SpringFest, the nation's first 4th of July Parade and last fireworks display. There are special events throughout the year to make your Tennessee family vacation unforgettable. For those of you who think seeing the natural beauty isn't enough, do they have something for you to see!

Here's a list of the Top 10 Fun Things To Do In and Around Gatlinburg!

1. Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
2. Motor Nature Trail
3. Visit to Arrowmont
4. Stroll River Road by the Little Pigeon River
5. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts
6. Walk on the Parkway
7. Sugarlands Visitor Center
8. Cades Cove
9. Drive to Greenbrier
10. Gatlinburg Overlook

If you need a little help finding all this FUN . . .here's a map to help you get on track.

They even have a contest! Click here and Enter to Win

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Traffic Plan Will Reroute Traffic Through Sevierville

Article Source: Jeff Farrell/The Mountain Press - click here. If all the road projects around Sevierville get finished on schedule, traffic around downtown will have a new look in mid-June. After several delays, city officials hope to premiere a radical redesign of traffic around the city on that date. It will be the culmination of several projects.

TDOT initially had planned to add a new bypass around downtown to help improve congestion at "Malfunction Junction," where Highway 66 crosses Main Street. The bypass, which the city recently named North Parkway, includes a new bridge that will allow traffic flowing north on the Parkway to cross the east prong of the Little Pigeon River without going to Fred C. Atchley Bridge. It will cross through Love Addition Subdivision and come out on Highway 66 across from Garret's Muscle Car Museum.

When TDOT originally proposed the bypass, it called for maintaining five lanes around the city, with two lanes going north and south on each side and a center lane for turning. The city, seizing on the opportunity to relieve more of the stress on the overburdened roads, proposed a more radical redesign called the "Ultraflow" plan that they said would improve flow around downtown.

Earlier this year, when TDOT announced it would remove the "dry land bridge" where West Main Street runs into Highway 66/Forks of the River and replace it with a land crossing, the city took that opportunity to add another lane of traffic going west on the road. Contractors opened all lanes of that project Thursday, although TDOT officials have said they might need to close some lanes later on to complete the project.

TDOT announced recently they will not be able to finish the North Parkway bypass until mid-June, and city officials are hoping to finish the Ultraflow project at the same time.The city released a map of the Ultraflow traffic plan last week. It will host a public information meeting on the plans at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Civic Center.

The biggest change will be for traffic going southbound, coming back down the Parkway from Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Ultraflow design calls for southbound traffic to stay on the Parkway, rather than turning onto the Forks of the River bypass.

Three lanes of traffic will proceed onto the Parkway, while only one will allow traffic to turn left onto Forks of The River.

The design calls for traffic going north on the Parkway to cross the intersection with Dolly Parton Parkway/East Main Street and go over the new bridge over the Little Pigeon River. It will proceed along the bypass through Love Addition subdivision; the Board of Mayor and Aldermen recently voted to name that road North Parkway.

North Parkway empties out onto Highway 66 across from Garret's Muscle Car Museum; officials say they will add a new traffic light and additional lanes at that intersection.

Traffic going south will proceed toward Pigeon Forge as it always has, along the Forks of The River Parkway, but will have three lanes from the North Parkway intersection onward, including at Fred C. Atchley Bridge.

There will be two northbound lanes on the Forks of the River, along with a turn lane for traffic going in either direction, according to the design.

Bob Bowers is an associate-in-charge with Wilbur Smith Associates, the engineering firm that designed the Ultraflow pattern. He said the new design will improve traffic downtown in the short term." This will materially improve traffic flow for some period of time and then as traffic begins to build up it will be similar to existing conditions," he said. It will take several years for congestion to become that bad again, he said. The hope is that when the Middle Creek extension to Highway 66 will be completed, it will further improve the traffic flow around Sevierville."

Basically instead of four travel lanes going through downtown there will be six, so we're adding two lanes to handle the north and south flow," Bowers said. Because there will not be as much traffic going in one direction, the city will be able to alter the timing patterns on street lights throughout downtown, making them more efficient as well, he said.

Congestion should be reduced at Fred C. Atchley bridge because most of the southbound traffic will be traveling over the new bridge on North Parkway, he added.

The new traffic light where North Parkway merges with Highway 66 will become the new focal point for tourist traffic, he said, because that's where traffic going north and south will once again be on the same roadway. It shouldn't be as congested as the intersection of Main Street and Highway 66/Forks of the River, he said, noting more lanes will be available and the lights will be timed differently. The change also means southbound traffic will merge from one direction rather than crossing at Main Street." The signal will be more efficient, and more lanes will be available," he said.


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Roger Brooks - Destination Development Inc. - Assesses Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, & Sevierville

Photo by Brian Davis

Article Source: The Mountain Press - click here. While the tourism gravy train shows no sign of derailing, local officials who depend on visitor dollars would be smart not to assume it will keep on rolling indefinitely with things just as they are now. Change is not only inevitable, but necessary. There are challenges facing Sevier County if it hopes to remain a prime destination. Meeting those challenges will require planning, creativity, compromise and patience.

Roger Brooks knows what he's talking about when he discusses tourism and travel. He laid it out last December during a presentation to local officials. He's back to report on what he has found during his study of the area.

Brooks detailed his findings during a seminar last Thursday at the Sevierville Civic Center. What he had to say is critical to the thinking of those involved in the three local communites.

Brooks, whose Destination Development Inc. based in the state of Washington is one of the best at what it does, has spent several days in Sevier County assessing our situation.

He has evaluated what we do well and what we don't do so well. He does not pull punches or soften his message. Several local business people paid him a lot of money to do what he has done, and they expect candor when he speaks on Thursday.

No matter your interest or involvement in tourism - promotion, assistance, information, service, lodging, transportation - you need to hear what Brooks thinks. People need to hear an outside, independent voice once in a while, according to R.B. Summitt, the president of Sevier County Bank who helped pay the fee to get Brooks back.

See summaries of the three reports:

• Gatlinburg
• Pigeon Forge
• Sieverville

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Fading into the background - Residents compliment beautification efforts along Highway 321

GATLINBURG - The cement-walled "canyon" that visitors and locals felt they were entering when approaching the city via the Highway 321 corridor has disappeared.

Camouflaged by a group of painters working under the direction of Murals & More of Franklin the low parapet walls now look like a handcrafted stone wall, and the tall retaining walls look like a natural rock face.

Beautification of the Highway 321 corridor is a result of residents' complaints about the ugliness of the highway-widening project.

As a result, the Tennessee Department of Transportation began working in March 2004 with The University of Tennessee to put together a Citizen Based Resource Team (CBRT) composed of a cross-section of people with different interests to come up with concepts to beautify the corridor.

The CBRT ultimately came up with the idea to blend the cement walls into the environment with paint, and beautify the corridor with landscaped medians.

Bob Miller, a spokesman for Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a member of the CBRT, said, "We tried to pick a paint pallet that resembles the kind of rock you see in the area where there are cut rock faces. I was not a proponent of the painting originally, but I'm pleasantly surprised at how good the representation of stone blocks looks. I don't think 85 percent of the people zipping by notice that they're not genuine stone."

Miller's opinion is supported by business owners along the corridor who were not members of the CBRT.

Sherrill Crowe, owner of Reigning Animal Crafts, said quite a few of her customers have commented about the beautiful wall put up across the road from her shop.

"They ask who did the rock work," said Crowe. "They can't tell that it's not real rock, and I don't burst their bubble by telling them it's painted."

She went on to say, "Personally, I think it looks like rock. ... Just imagine what the landscaping will do for Highway 321."

Further down the road, Coffee Loft owner Kevin Tierney said the look is what he expected. "I'm pleased. Those big walls were a challenge, but with the blend of colors used, the walls visually just fall away. Knowing about the plans for the plantings that are to be put there, I know the colors will be a great background that won't compete against the flowers and shrubs."

Tierney added that locals who were skeptical about the painting concept have told him they are amazed at the way the walls now blend into the background.

Lee Mellor, owner of the Buckhorn Inn on Buckhorn Road, said the painting is a "terrific improvement."

"We had many guests say they were appalled at the concrete jungle, and some who have come back a year later are now commenting how much more attractive it is," Mellor said, adding her thanks to the city and CBRT members for their careful consideration in improving the corridor.

Marty Nicely, the city's recreation department director, said the cost of the project is covered by a $1.084 million state grant and matching funds of $350,000 from the city.

"We hope to bid out the landscaping project this summer, with the first phase of planting to begin after Sept. 1," Nicely said. He noted that placement of trees, shrubs, native grasses, vines, flowers and ferns will be approved by TDOT in consideration of sight lines from intersections, turn lanes and curves in the road.

Doug Blalock of Charles Blalock & Sons, which has the road contract, said, "We're working feverishly on the medians. ... We may be done (with the medians) by June 30 if all goes extraordinarily well." Final surfacing will take place after the median work is completed.

Click here - for the full Mountain Press article by Candice Grimm

Gatlinburg , Bear's Den , Bears Den , Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival - May 20-21

Announcing the Second Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival

Where? Downtown Gatlinburg at Ripley's Aquarium & River Road

Who? Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts & Sevier County Arts Council

When? Saturday, May 20, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Sunday, May 21, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

The Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival (GFAF) is a family-oriented event that features artists from around the country, delicious cuisine, and music. Volunteers from the community produce the festival to benefit the Sevier County Arts Council and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, an internationally recognized visual arts center, providing creative experiences yearround.

2006 will be the second year of the festival and large crowds are expected.

Gatlinburg is a thriving tourist destination and a gateway city to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 9 million visitors annually.

The festival is being held in the center of the city along River Road and on the grounds of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Free admission to the general public.



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Sevier County - Road Construction Completion Coming Soon?

Photos by Brian Davis

Thanks to Jeff Schoenfield, a Re/Max Realtor in Gatlinburg for posting the following article to his Gatlinburg Real Estate blog.

No matter where you look in Sevier County, road construction and those ominous orange and white cones are everywhere. Even in a state that REALLY likes the colors Orange & White (the colors of the University of Tennessee - the Tennessee Volunteers) this has been too much. At the same time we have been not so patiently enduring the work on Chapman Highway to replace aging bridges, the creation of the new bridge in Sevierville and the improvement to the Main Street bridge, and finally the undergrounding of utilities in Gatlinburg.

Now that our high tourist season is upon us it is reasonable to ask when will it all be done? The answer is soon - very soon if you can believe the powers that be. Based upon discussions that I have had recently with a member of the Sevierville Board of Alderman the majority of the current road work should be completed by Memorial Day.

The city's new ultra-flow plan is designed to allow through traffic to pass more easily while at the same time allowing local folks to get from point A to point B while maintaining their composure and sanity.

To add even more good news the work to underground electrical and phone lines in downtown Gatlinburg is now progressing well.

Despite a slow start construction has been pretty much completed on the east/south side of the parkway and is moving along nicely on the west/north side as well.

According to the city of Gatlinburg this phase of the work will also be completed by the end of May and the next phase won't begin until December when traffic will be less problematic.

In a community that derives the vast majority of its income from tourists it is pretty much a necessity that they be allowed to get into and out of the community without losing their sense of humor. Based on the information available we can now anticipate our roads being freed up and tempers cooling a bit in time for the greatest visitation period of the year.

Now if we locals can all keep OUR sanity for just a few more days...says Jeff Schoenfield

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Second-Home Owner Survey Shows Solid Market, Appetite for More

According to RISMedia, May 12, 2006, A new survey of second-home owners by the National Association of Realtors® shows Baby Boomers continue to dominate the market, and a growing number of second homes – more than one-in-10 – are owned by minorities. A surprising majority of respondents own multiple properties in addition to their primary residence.

David Lereah, NAR’s chief economist, said the market continues to be dominated by the baby boom generation. “Middle-aged, middle-income households are the driving factor in the second-home market, with favorable demographics providing a solid fundamental demand in this sector for the next decade,” Lereah said. “Boomers believe in diversifying their assets, and most second-home owners see their purchase as being a better investment than stocks. A surprising majority of survey respondents hold multiple properties, and they are interested in purchasing additional homes.” About six in ten respondents own two or more homes in addition to their primary residence.

An unexpectedly high number of vacation-home owners, 21 percent, own two or more vacation homes. In addition, 34 percent of vacation-home owners report they own two or more investment properties.

More than half of investment property owners, 53 percent, own two or more investment homes and 12 percent own two or more vacation homes.

Analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data shows there are 6.8 million vacation homes in the United States and 37.4 million investment units in addition to 74.6 million owner-occupied units.

For the full story - click here.


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The Tail of the Dragon - Smoky Mountain Driving Tour

The Tail of the Dragon is one of the best, if not THE best sports car and motorcycle road in the country, and has become a “magnet” of sorts for driving enthusiasts. The road is amazingly twisty and fun, with a good quality surface and spectacular views.

The area surrounding Deals Gap includes many scenic drives through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Forests, gorges, lakes, rivers, and dams make for many beautiful roads worthy of a "Road Trip"!!! Click here for prior blog.

Information on other lodging in the area, as well as maps, history and great background information is available on http://www.tailofthedragon.com/.

R&T has a timely article in this month’s issue about everyones favorite 11-mile stretch of road.
Here’s an excerpt:

"Driving the Dragon requires full-time concentration. Hands at 3 and 9 o’clock are kept busy, as are feet dancing across the pedals. Flailing down the “circuit,” it’s important to stay in the right-hand lane because of opposing traffic. Some curves are so tight that you feel as if the car will bend in half, but most of the 318 turns are fast, on-camber sweepers with nicknames like Gravity Cavity, Wheelie Hell, and Copperhead Corner. After a couple of runs, you’re ready to hit the shower."

You can buy the entire magazine at newsstands throughout the US. However we’re also happy to offer our readers a scan of the full article

(provided by Loren Hickok): [ Tail of the Dragon ] Road & Track (PDF)

Link source: Motoring File

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Ghosts of the Smoky Mountiains - Haunted Places of East Tennessee

Looking for some little "out of the ordinary" fun while visiting in Gatlinburg? Why not try a Ghost Walk? Eeekkkk!!

Two of the more popular walks are Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg and Haunted Ghost Tours . Both of these tours will take you on a leisurely stroll and search along the shadowy streets and alleys of Gatlinburg, to hear stories of the unexplained and strange.

Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg says "Ghostwalk" is not a haunted-house tour. It is a storytelling experience with a twist of murder and mayhem. We get your attention, but we don't chase you around with chainsaws. The stories feature a combination of local legends, history, superstition, folk tales and fiction. The tour's purpose is to revisit many historic and forgotten stories of murder and chaos that took place during the past 100 years in Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park."

Just to give you an idea of some of the stories you might encounter, the following accounts are provided by JND infowire who does not neccesarily support the existence of ghosts or hauntings. The following stories should be considered folk tales and nothing more. Do not visit the listed locations without permission of the owner.

Gatlinburg - Greenbrier Restaurant - At the Greenbrier Restaurant the ghost of a young woman who committed suicide in the restaurant can sometimes be seen.

Gatlinburg - Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort - This place is haunted by many spirits and/or demons.? Being one of the oldest hotels in Gatlinburg many events have taken place here over time.?

Gatlinburg - Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort - The kitchens on the property - First a man by the name of Alvin worked for the hotel as a cook since the hotel had opened.

Upon his 30th anniversary the owners purchased a gift for him, a new boat.

The first time Alvin took this boat out it sank and he drowned.

There are two kitchens on the property the Holidome (for restaurant) and the Tower (for Banquet facilities).

Alvin is said to haunt both of the kitchens.

Cooks coming in for the early breakfast hours have reported hearing their names whispered, dishes breaking and flying across the kitchen, and faucets turning themselves on and off.

There are many other stories of this hotel.

Gatlinburg - Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort - TOWER - First, in room 471, in the summer of 1999, a businessman was out of town staying in this room.

He was walking around the pool (next to this room) for most of the evening and into the night hours.? When the pool closed a maintenance man told him that he would have to leave the pool was closed.

This is the last anyone would see of this gentleman because, the next day when he was supposed to check out and did not, a maid went to the room to check things out.

Upon walking into the room, she found the man had committed suicide with a 357.

He had also left a $3.57 tip on the table.

Many have claimed to see a shadow walking around the pool at night in the windows of the rooms around the pool.

Next, in the early 1980’s, a boy scout group had rented the entire 7th. Floor of the building.

This is hard to accurately describe, since no one who was working there at the time cares to elaborate on any details from this event, but all that was gathered is that the boy scout leader had apparently gone crazy and killed some of the scouts before being caught.

When the building was closed for the winter one year (Gatlinburg is a tourist town which is really only full for the summer and autumn months) an employee was making rounds through the building and stopped on the 7 th. Floor and heard running and screams he ran to check for intruders only to find nothing, no rooms were rented in the Tower that evening.

Gatlinburg - Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort

HOLIDOME - 413 - in the front of the complex outside, in the late 1970’s two young girls were staying there for the night.

They went downtown and picked up a guy from a local bar and brought him back to their room.

While the other girl was out smoking, the guy drowned her female friend in the bathtub and put her body under the bed.

Then while leaving he went down the back stairwell outside beside the kitchen and found the other girl smoking, then he proceeded to strangle her as well, and drug her body to the roof of the building (then easily accessible).

Maids over the years have reported hearing noises from the bathroom and objects in the room moving from one place to another, while cleaning the room.

Gatlinburg - Mount LeCounte - At 3:33a.m. a little girl will appear at the edge of the bed and watch the people sleep.

Gatlinburg - Rocky Top Inn - In the old office located in the back of the building, a multiple murder occurred. An estranged local killed two employee’s of the motel. Motif unknown. The killing’s were of such a perverse nature that you can sometimes still hear them screaming for there lives. People have seen ghostly apparitions around the back parking lot, and near the fountain. These murders occurred over 15 years ago. The killer was charged convicted and sentenced to death by lethal injection.

Gatlinburg - Rumor has it that in the heart of Gatlinburg, near a place called the Mysterious Mansion, a young girl about age, 7 fell off a hotel balcony, and landed in a creek below. Every two weeks before her death’s anniversary, you can see her crying and pointing up to the spot where she fell to her death.

Gatlinburg - Terror on the Parkway - Formerly Known as Hauntings this place is haunted by several ghosts. Especially one of a former manager who ran the operation in the early eighties. - February 2004 update/correction: a visitor to our site states, These Stories are very true. However the room 413 has not been in operation since the events of the evening in your story the room was removed from operation.

They claim to have been associated with this facility for many years and the stories and events are well beyond what has been mentioned here. Of course they realize these are events reported by persons directly involved but they are very surprised there isn't allot more of them.

Pigeon Forge - Family Inn by Dixie Stampede - It’s said to be haunted by an old lady who was killed working late…They say that you can see her shadow watching you from wherever you stand, on the same day as her death.

Sevierville - The Old Eledge House - It is said that Mr. Eledge died of a heart attack in the house and has haunted the place since it had happened. The lights flicker on and off at night and noises are heard throughout the house. The noises are of Mr. Eledge and his children talking and laughing. The basement of the house is haunted by ghost of his children.

Sevierville - Bluff Mountain Old hotel site - Apparitions and voices, a feeling of dread have been reported. - October 2003 Update - Popular in the 1920’s. What few people know about is the old cemetery a couple hundred feet off the trail leading to the bluffs. Reason enough, some would say to see a few spirits. The thing dates back to the 1790’s when the bluffs were used as a look out point for the continental army, watching for Indians along the trade route, from North Carolina to what was the lost state of Franklin(now Tennessee). A small post was there and they were attacked by a rouge band of the peaceful Cherokee. Most were slaughtered in there sleep.

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Been to Gatlinburg, Tenn.? Is it tacky?

Stell Simonton of Gotta Go! blog posted this link to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution article by reporter Pama Mitchell, where she gives her opinions on how to avoid what she calls the ticky-tacky side of Gatlinburg.

They then ask:

• Do you think this Tennessee mountain town is tacky?
• If so, is it possible to avoid the offending areas?
• Or do you think tacky can be fun …. ?

And, by the way, have you been there? If so, got a recommendation or two for where to eat, what to do? Click here for their Comments (38

During my most recent visit to Gatlinburg and the Smokies I stopped at one of the Park Visitor Centers and bought the book "Gatlinburg - Cinderella City by Ed Trout. This is an excellent text for anyone that LOVES Gatlinburg.

After reading some of the comments from the link above, I'm reminded of this excerpt from this book:

"On a hot July afternoon a typical family of four ambles up and down the length of Parkway, buys a few souvenirs, and glides away in their Chevy van. They have seen Gatlinburg. A collegiate backpacker hitchikes to a trailhead in the national park. Through the window of his free ride, he has seen Gatlinburg. From their balcony at the Sheraton, a retired couple gazes down at the town, has one last Bountiful Breakfast at the Burning Bush, and cruises back to Florida. They have seen Gatlinburg. Like the blind men describing the elephant, all have seen, yet none have seen."

"For . . .Wild ducks in the river huddle under the bridges against March winds. The white-crested cirque of Mt. LeConte shrieks above the still darkened streets of a December dawn. Hand looms thump-thump in a synergetic class at Arrowmont. Whitehaired locals tell "liars club" tales over steaming coffee, their Lincolns parked where mules used to plow. This too, is a Gatlinburg that only a few have seen."

"No one will know the Burg in totality. I've been here for years and am still poking and finding. So take your choice. Skim the Parkway and hurry away; or stay a while and really dig in."

My suggestions:

• Rent a cabin, pick up some groceries, hang out . . and really relax.
• At least drive Roaring Forks Rd. (starts at Stoplight #8) and get up into the mountains.
• Take a couple of the easy hikes.
• Try leaving the Parkway and go shopping in the Arts & Crafts shops on Glades Rd.
• Dine at the Park Grill, the Trout House, Maxwell's, or the Applewood

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Clingman's Dome Ranger Guided Hike - Great Smoky Mountains

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is offering a ranger guided sunset hike to Clingmans Dome on Saturday, May 13, at 6:30 p.m. The 1.5 mile hike will start from the Clingmans Dome parking area. At 6,643 feet Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the national park and the third highest in the eastern United States. Article Source: Seymour Herald

Although a half-mile paved trail provides access to the observation tower on the Dome, participants will hike a mile to reach the tower using portions of several trails, including a short section of the Appalachian Trail.

There will be a full moon on May 13 and if the weather cooperates participants could see a sunset and a moon rise. The ranger leading the hike will have maps and historic photographs to help illustrate the natural and cultural history of the area. Although the hike is rated moderate, there is a 300-foot-elevation change up to the tower and portions of the trail are rocky so participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. A jacket and rain gear are recommended because weather in the Smoky Mountains can be very unpredictable, especially at higher elevations. Since the activity will finish after dark, participants should also bring a flashlight.

Those interested in taking part in this hike should meet the ranger at the bulletin board at the west end of the Clingmans Dome parking area. Clingmans Dome is 25-miles, about a 45-minute drive, from the Gatlinburg, Tenn. or Cherokee, N.C. entrances to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. For more information call the national park’s Oconaluftee Visitor Center at (828) 497-1904.

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Singing Dolly’s Songs in Her Own Hometown

(Sevierville, TN) - She was born Dolly Rebecca Parton on January 19, 1946, in Sevierville, Tennessee. A hometown girl, she drew much inspiration from her “Tennessee Mountain Home” and wrote about the beautiful scenery and Appalachian culture that surrounded her. When she moved to Nashville, Tennessee, just after her graduation from Sevier County High School, no one could have guessed what a prolific songwriter she would become. Now, over 3,000 songs later, Dolly continues to create wonderful music for people all over the world to enjoy.

To honor the incredible songwriting of Sevierville’s favorite daughter, the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 2nd Annual Mountain Soul Vocal Competition. During this competition, contestants must sing a song written by Dolly Parton in the style of his or her own choosing (country, rock, rap, bluegrass, etc.).

As far as event organizers know, this is the only vocal competition in the world that specifically honors the songwriting of Dolly Parton. Audition tapes, sent by mail, will be judged by a panel of entertainment professionals who will identify 20 finalists. Those finalists will then perform during the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Finals at Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass on Saturday, May 20, 2006.

The finals will be held at the Sevier County Courthouse near the bronze statue of Dolly Parton. First prize is a Nashville recording session and $500, second prize is $300 and third prize is $200.

Interested vocalists may obtain an application online at http://www.bloominbarbequeandbluegrass.com/ or by calling the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce at 1-888-889-7415.

Return the application and $10 entry fee along with an audition tape, cd, vhs or dvd of the contestant singing a song written by Dolly Parton in the style of his or her own choosing to the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. Entries must be postmarked by April 11, 2006.

For a complete list of Dolly’s songs, competitors – and those that are interested – should visit http://www.dollymania.net/. It is not necessary, nor is it encouraged to impersonate Dolly Parton, either physically or vocally.

Source: Sevierville Springfest

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WonderWorks Attraction Nears Completion

General Manager Sande Weiss stands in front of the new WonderWorks attraction, which is scheduled to open at the end this month in Pigeon Forge. Work crews are rushing to complete the $9 million renovation.

The steel skeleton of the distinctive upside-down facade planned for the new WonderWorks is almost complete. Work crews from Denark Construction are rushing to complete a $9 million renovation in order for the new attraction to open on time.

"The end of May is still our goal," General Manager Sande Weiss said. "We've got crews working day and night, trying to get it up-and-running."The former Music Mansion on the Parkway is undergoing a complete transformation. When completed, the building will sport an upside-down facade that looks like an 82-foot-tall laboratory building crashed on the site. WonderWorks is planned to be an interactive entertainment center featuring a variety of educational hands-on activities.

Thhe interior of the attraction also is nearing completion. Walls now divide the once cavernous interior into several themed zones. Many of the exhibits are being installed as well.

Walking through the building on a short tour, Weiss pointed to a large ride that appeared to consist of two crescent-shaped vehicles attached to pendulums.

"We're calling it the 'Extreme 360,'" she said.The ride is human-powered. Two people sit in each car and begin pedaling.

"Before you know it, mechanics take over and you do a complete 360," Weiss said.

Passing through the entrance of the museum into the "Destruction Zone," guests will be greeted with a smashed ceiling with exposed steel beams. Nearby is a dimly lighted, enclosed exhibit.

"This is the 'Hurricane Hall,'" Weiss said. "This is where they are going to experience what it feels like to really be in a hurricane."

Weiss pauses to pull a tarp from the entrance to yet another exhibit. Inside, it appears to be a small cafe.

"This is called the 'Quake Cafe,'" she said. "The earthquake just oscillates you all over the place.

"In another section, Weiss points out an exhibit called "Swimming with Sharks." "It actually transforms you into the game," she said. "You'll actually see yourself in the game."These are just a few of the exhibits planned for the attraction.

The Pigeon Forge WonderWorks will be approximately 55,000 square feet larger than the attraction's flagship Orlando location. The local version will also feature a 300-seat dinner theater.

The attraction will also feature an optical illusion art gallery and a variety of other themed zones.

Owner Robin Turner purchased the former Music Mansion building for $7.25 million. Bullock Smith & Partners is the architect on the project. Denark Construction is the contractor.The attraction is expected to hire 90 to 100 full- and part-time employees.* jwdavis@themountainpress.com

Read the full Mountain Press story - click here.

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