Dollywood Heritage and Crafts

Tradition is very important to the people of East Tennessee. In Dollywood’s Heritage and Crafts, the craftsmen and artisans have daily demonstrations of centuries-old traditions including blacksmithing, wagon making, hand blown glass making, and others. There are 11 demonstration shops available within the amusement park. Your children will love the Sweet Shoppe while mom will enjoy buying candles at the Old Flames Candles shop. While you are visiting Dollywood, make sure to stop into the heritage and crafts demonstration shops and witness the original customs of East Tennessee.

Fine Morning Coffee in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Need some fresh ground coffee to keep in your rental while you are in town? At the Gourmet Coffee Shop in Pigeon Forge, you will able to purchase a variety of fine coffee. Choose between the flavored coffees, seasonal blends, specialty blends, or the straight blends. There is a lot to do in the Great Smoky Mountains area, so enjoy a good cup of morning coffee to keep you going. The Gourmet Coffee Shop has seasonal promotions and an Upper Room with inspirational gifts and art.

Experience More at the Smoky Mountain Field School & the University of Tennessee

The University of Tennessee’s Smoky Mountain Field School is a great opportunity for workshops, hikes, and adventures. They are celebrating their 30^th year with their partners the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The programs offered at the school are led by instructors who have dedication, experience, and are designed to expand your interest and knowledge. This week there is a program on the Waterfalls of the Smokies, and next week the theme is “Old Growth Forest: Albright Grove.” There is a wide range of course categories including bugs, overnight hikes, literary & arts, cultural history, family programs and more. These are Southern Appalachian Naturalist Certification Programs. If you enjoy visiting the Smokies and want to learn more about the beautiful nature around you, the classes at the Field School are a perfect way to enhance your experience.

Rent-a-Harley for the Smoky Mountains National Park, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee- Motorcycle Adventure Maps

If you like driving on mountain roads to enjoy the view, renting a Harley Davidson from the Smoky Mountain Cycle Rentals is a great idea. Not only can you see the mountains, but you can feel them around you. You can rent a motorcycle anywhere from a half a day to seven full days. You must be a qualified rider with a valid motorcycle license. Smoky Mountain motorcycle adventure maps are available and easily fit in your tank bag window for on-the-road use.

A Western Adventure at Walden Creek Stables in Sevierville, Tennessee

At Walden Creek Stables you have the choice of two horseback riding trails. You can choose to ride in the valleys or up through the hills, during the day or under the stars of night. After riding the trails, guests have the opportunity for a wild west show and hayride. During 2008, visitors can enjoy this event for ½ off. Walden Creek Stables offers BBQ sandwiches, hot doges, and vegetables. If you prefer you can cook your own hot dogs and marshmallows over the open bonfire.

New Speedway Opening in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

In five days the Wild Wheels Speedway will be opening. There is something for the whole family, including go-cart racing, bumper boats, kiddie rides, a video arcade, and bungee jumping. The Speedway is located off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Click here for more information on attractions and lodging in the Pigeon Forge area.

Hiking Tips in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

As the weather gets warmer, there will be an increasing amount of hikers in the National Park. Here are a few tips to keep you safe during your hike.

- Consider the weather: if you get caught in a thunderstorm, stay off the balds and away from open areas (meadows) in order to avoid getting hit by lightening. Always carry raingear.

- Know your limitations: on average, hikers travel 2 miles per hour

- Stick to the trails: you are more likely to get lost or injured if you wonder off the established trails. If you do become lost or overtaken by darkness, stay calm and remain where you are. If you do this, you are more likely to be rescued within a few hours. It may take days to locate hikers who have wondered off the trails. You should never hike alone!

- You should wear bells, whistles, or take loudly in areas if you are afraid you may come across a bear.

- Stream water may contain impurities and parasites that can make you sick. So before drinking it, you should boil, filter, or treat it with iodine pills.

Shopping & Mini-Golf at Walden’s Landing in Pigeon Forge

Walden’s Landing is a shopping center, located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, that has great food and great shopping. With five restaurants, over 20 unique stores, and Firehouse Mini-Golf, Walden’s Landing is a great place for the entire family. Visit the website for details on shopping and printable coupons. Remember, tomorrow is Tennessee Sales Tax Day. In the area sales tax is 9.5%, so take advantage of the no sales tax day.

Ride the Trails: Horseback Rides around Douglas Lake, Tennessee

Douglas Lakeview Stables is a family fun spot in the Smokies. Your family will enjoy the lakeshore horse rides and the 40-mile views along the ridges. Guests of the stables can also visit the family farm of Dolly Parton. The stables also offer hayrides and a petting zoo. Groups are welcome and campfires, cookouts, and karaoke entertainment options are available upon request. Douglas Lakeview Stables also offer a unique ways to celebrate your wedding day…horseback weddings, lake cruise weddings, and horse drawn carriages.

Pigeon Forge Gem Mine & Fossils

While visiting the area, you should bring the family to the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine. At the mine you can find, cut, and polish your own gems and make them into jewelry if you choose. You can also visit the Rock and Fossil Museum and the General Store (which includes a Rock Shop, Fossil Corner, jewelry counter, and other gifts made from rocks and fossils). The price for the gem mine varies depending on the gems in the bucket you purchase, the buckets range from $15 to $500. Click here for other attractions in the Pigeon Forge area.