Gatlinburg to Host Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales - June 13 to Aug. 9

Back by popular demand, Gatlinburg’s 3rd annual run of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ begins in downtown Gatlinburg on June 13 and will run through August 9. Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800.

A collection of personalities and performers arrive nightly at 5 p.m. via horse-drawn wagon in the center of town. Visitors witness a magical transformation of sidewalk to stage as the characters disperse along the downtown Parkway for an evening of entertainment and storytelling until 10 p.m.

As many as 14 nightly acts perform throughout the evening. This popular eight-week event truly highlights one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provides guests with an interactive, educational and entertaining experience the whole family can enjoy.
As part of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™, visitors can stroll along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg and catch a toe-tappin’ performance by “The Back Porch Cloggers,” a group showcasing the original dance of the Appalachians.

In addition, guests can meet Whittlin’ Joe as he demonstrates his craft and shares his stories of living in the Smokies, and Miss Nan the school marm shares her experiences and fun stories as a pioneer teacher. “Zeno the Gatlinburg Bear” also makes nightly appearances during this popular summer special event, dishing out hugs and waving to his new friends.

Other popular returning Appalachian characters include Hammer and Strings, the dulcimer duo, and Animal Mac, who sings about his four-legged friends from the Great Smoky Mountains.

Visitors also get a chance to hear traditional mountain music by the Spring Lizards, a musical husband and wife team, who plays the music of the 1800’s. The pure and rustic music and folk-like lyrics tell stories of the joys and tribulations of life of the early pioneer families.

Folks will enjoy hearing from Annie the Quilter as she shows off her family’s quilt noting that each square has its own story. She even gives tips and show how quilts are made to any would-be seamsters.

Since Gatlinburg is the birthplace of the famous bluegrass tune, “Rocky Top”, Tunes & Tales features traditional bluegrass bands each night such as the Tennessee Mountain Boys, Mountain Mike & the River Road Ramblers and White Oak Flats playing favorite bluegrass standards. All performances are free and happen all along the Parkway, seven nights a week until August 9 making every evening a special event in Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales is an official activity of the City’s Department of Tourism.

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

Zeno The "Gatlinburg Spokes-Bear" Invites You To Come Visit Gatlinburg!

Yawn! Well, I've just awakened from my long winter's nap and I can BEARLY contain my excitement at seeing Spring blooming in Gatlinburg! The city is exploding with activity, so now is the perfect time to visit!

Get your paws on the new 2007 Vacation Guide and plan your perfect vacation! Packed full of fun things to see and do, it's one of the bear necessities you need to make the most of Gatlinburg!

Go here to order a printed guide, or download a pdf version now. So don't wait any longer-get your guide, make your plans, and come see me soon! (And bring some honey, will ya?)

Gatlinburg