Nov-Dec 2007: Winter Magic In Gatlinburg - Zeno, Festival of Trees, Sing-alongs!

Aglow with the charm of the new Winter Magic lighting displays, the city streets look even more beautiful this year following completion of another phase of the undergrounding of utilities. But, the lighting is only part of the pleasure of a stroll down Gatlinburg's Parkway this holiday season.

Beginning Friday (11/23) and running from 5 to 9 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night through Christmas, the popular Tunes & Tales program will feature seven quartets of carolers who will roam the streets singing classic songs of the season. Dressed in Victorian period costumes, the carolers will be delivered to various locations in the city via horse-drawn wagons and carriages.

Saturday (11/24) and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through Dec. 15. : The Annual Gatlinburg Festival of Trees features dozens of trees decorated in themes ranging from whimsical to traditional and extravagantly different. The exhibit of trees lining the halls of W.L. Mills Conference Center will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Of course, to be perfectly magical, it is a must that the Winter Magic program include appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. The Clauses of North Pole, Earth, and their staff of elves work year-round making toys that Santa Claus delivers to children around the world on Christmas Eve. To prepare himself for the big trip, Claus agreed this year that he and his wife should vacation in Gatlinburg during the weekends so they can rest up a bit while visiting with children and the young at heart in the Riverbend Mall right up until Christmas.

Zeno the Gatlinburg Bear is so excited about the Clauses coming to town, and the opportunity to get his picture taken with visitors, that he has decided to postpone his hibernation until after Christmas.

Music will also fill the air every Friday night at traffic light 3 where a Yule Log fireside sing-along will be held to give families a chance to enjoy singing their favorite holiday songs together.
Perhaps even Zeno will try to overcome his fear of fire to hang out with the singers.

Also scheduled at 7 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 24 in W.L. Mills Conference Center is the Nutcracker "Sweet," an adaptation of the classic ballet which will be produced by the Smoky Mountain Regional Ballet Company. Dancers from many area studios and companies will perform in the production. Reservations are encouraged, and may be made by calling 680-7369.

Nov. - Dec. - Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Rides - The best way to view the more than 40 lighting displays and numerous other lights featured in Gatlinburg Winter Magic is to hop aboard the Trolley Ride of Lights and take a leisurely ride through the city. Trolleys depart from the Gatlinburg Aquarium Welcome Center at Traffic Light No. 5 (Mass Transit Center) at 6:30, 7:30, and 8:30 p.m. nightly from November through December 30 excluding Dec. 1, 24 and 25, then continue every Saturday night during January. The Trolley Ride of Lights is a guided narrative tour that lasts approximately 45 minutes. This year tickets are only $4 and advance reservations can be made at the Aquarium Welcome Center or by calling 865/436-0535. Group reservations are also welcomed.

Article Source: Click Here - Lots of holiday thngs to do in Gatlinburg by Candice Grimm:
cgrimm@themountainpress.com

Great Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Update - November 13, 2007

November 12-13, 2007 Courtesy of Steve Kemp, Tom Harrington and the Great Smoky Mountains Association

Fall colors are now near or at peak at the lower elevations of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And they are impressive. Oak trees are showing amazing staying power and their color show may persist through Thanksgiving weekend. At the higher elevations (above 3,500’), colors are now past peak in most areas.

Good places to see fall color include: Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, Foothills Parkway, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Suggested hikes: Oconaluftee River Trail, Cucumber Gap Loop, Kephart Prong Trail, Old Sugarlands Road Trail, and Sutton Ridge Overlook.

Rabbit Creek (from Cades Cove to Hannah Mountain Trail) - Scattered areas with really beautiful fall foliage, especially on ridge tops and in washes.Hannah Mountain (From Rabbit Creek Trail to Abrams Falls Trail) - Pockets of foliage with nice colors.Abrams Falls (Beginning to End) - Little foliage with nice colors.

Suggested hikes: Oconaluftee River Trail, Cucumber Gap Loop, Kephart Prong Trail, Old Sugarlands Road Trail, and Sutton Ridge Overlook. Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop, Kanati Fork, and Sutton Ridge Overlook (Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail).

Click Here for Basic Fall Color Information
Click Here for Fall Drives
Click Here for Fall Hikes
GSMNP Fall Hikes & Drives