When's the BEST time for a log cabin vacation in the Smokies?

Everything blooms in the Spring. The entire landscape springs forth with colors you never thought possible. Then there’s Summer. Basking under the warmth of the sun on an innertube or just relaxing next to a splashing river or creek, it’s your best chance to view wildlife. And Fall! Ahhhhh! The brilliant colors of the forest and the memorable crisp autumn mornings. Maybe Winter? Exploring snowy trails in the clear, quiet mountain air.

The BEST TIME to stay at a vacation cabin?

The ANSWER: Right AFTER the owner's have vacationed there . . .regardless of the season!

No matter how well a vacation rental property is managed or maintained, they just cannot compete with hands-on-maintenance by the owner. When the owner shows up it's ususally "ALL Hands On Deck" for a complete status check of the cabin:

• Deep cleaning the grill
• Wash ALL the dishes, pots and pans
• Restock the "Junk Drawer" and other consumables
• Organize the games & books
• Replace worn items
• Check all the appliances, TVs, Internet, etc.
• Upgrade and replace dated items
• In a nutshell . . . getting it ready for "Mom & Dad"!

The problem is knowing WHEN the owner has just been there, right?

Unless the cabin is "Owner Managed", you know the owner, or you're family you probably won't know when they're planning their vacation.

Well . . .You're in LUCK!

You've stumbled onto this blog post RIGHT before we're heading down to decorate the Bear's Den for the Winter holidays. From Nov. 28, 2006 through late Jan. 2007 the Bear's Den will be fully decorated with Winter Lodge decor.

I've posted some pictures of the Bear's Den from the last time we had it decorated but we'll be updating the pictures next week with all the NEW stuff for 2006. Click here.

We added high-speed Internet at the cabin this Summber so we'll keep you posted on our exploits over our post-hanksgiving Weekend!

We'd love to have you stay with us for the holidays!! Click here to check availability and to book your Winter stay.

I just check our calendar for November and see that some LUCKY guests are coming in RIGHT AFTER we have to leave!!!

It's going to take some getting used to, but a new section of Veteran's Boulevard is now open from Dolly Parton Parkway to Middle Ridge Road.

SR 449/Veteran’s Blvd. (previously known as New Middle Creek Road): The City of Sevierville announced that the section of Veteran’s Boulevard between Dolly Parton Parkway and Middle Ridge Road was opened to traffic Thursday afternoon, November 9, 2006. This TDOT-funded road will provide a six-lane route from Sevierville into Pigeon Forge.

City officials plan for Veteran's Boulevard to eventually replace Middle Creek Road as the main thoroughfare running from east Sevierville to Pigeon Forge. More long-term plans call for a bridge crossing the Little Pigeon River and an extension that will intersect with the Winfield Dunn Parkway further north.

City spokesperson Bob Stahlke acknowledged the new traffic pattern was confusing rush hour drivers, but said he thought they would adjust quickly when they try Veteran's Boulevard and get used to the different route.

Gatlinburg , Pigeon Forge , Attractions , Tips

New English Pub in Gatlinburg

The Ship English Pub located in the Arts & Crafts community of Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the realization of the owner's long standing dream to own and operate an authentic English pub. Years of travel to to London and the English countryside on numerous pub crawls, as well as a love of English nautical history, served as the inspiration for The Ship English Pub.

The pub offers a wide selection of beer, both imported and domestic favorites as well as a number of fine English ales both on tap and in the bottle. The pub's restaurant offers an eclectic mix of traditional English pub fare as well as American favorites such as pizza, wings and burgers.

The Ship English Pub done in rustic dark wood and decorated with a wonderful collection of period nautical and English pub memorabilia offers a fine dining experience for the entire family. The pub regularly schedules live entertainment in the evenings which is not to be missed.

Gatlinburg , Bear's Den , Bears Den, Attractions , Entertainment , Tips , Dining

Dollywood's Babes In Toyland! New for 2006

It’s Dollywood’s most elaborate stage show ever—Dollywood’s Babes in Toyland! Featuring a cast of 20 performers and a fully-orchestrated musical score, this family classic follows “Alan” and “Jane” on their incredible adventure through Toyland. Along the way, the pair encounters a variety of characters who come to life through imaginative puppetry, amazing acrobatics, and spectacular scenery—all highlighted by the magnificent, show-stopping march of the giant toy soldiers! Celebrate an old-fashioned family Christmas sure to mesmerize audiences of all ages at Dollywood’s Babes in Toyland. Read more . .

Gatlinburg , Smoky Mountains , Pigeon Forge , Attractions , Entertainment

Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff Warms Up Winterfest

Over 20 chili vendors served up the most mouth-watering recipes of mild and delightful to wild and adventurous homemade chili in portions suitable for sampling as Gatlinburg hosted its 17th Annual Winterfest Chili Cookoff on Wednesday, November 8, at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza and River Road. Judges selected winners in categories including best taste, booth presentation, ,design of aprons and most unique chili name. Click here for the full story.

photo by Tesa Nauman, SevierCountyNews.Com

Gatlinburg , Smoky Mountains , Attractions , Entertainment ,
Tips , Dining , Children

Sevierville Becomes City of Magical Lights with Winterfest Launch

It was a night of "Music, Lights and Magic" at the Sevierville Municipal Complex Monday as the city kicked off its Winterfest celebration. About 5,000 people attend.

Gatlinburg , Pigeon Forge , Attractions , Entertainment

Country Tonite’s Smoky Mountain Christmas

Pigeon Forge, TN - For all those who love the Christmas Season, Country Tonite’s 2006 Christmas show is a “must” on all holiday agendas. This spectacular show premieres November 1st and continues 6 nights a week, with a special New Years Eve Show at 10pm.

Join the Country Tonite family in making this your Christmas to remember! Take a break from holiday worries and head to Pigeon Forge for the best show in the Smokies! Call 865-453-2003 or 800-792-4308 for tickets to the Christmas show that will touch your heart. Sevier County Days will run November 6th – November 12th.

For the full Sevier Co. News article click here.


Gatlinburg , Bear's Den , Bears Den , Entertainment , Internet