Halloween in Gatlinburg

With beautiful fall colors and scary attractions, what better place to spend Halloween this year than in Gatlinburg?  One of the most frightful attractions is the Mysterious Mansion, which provides patrons with a walk through spooky hallways and passageways. The attraction also offers dungeons, witches and ghosts, and a moderate entry fee. Another ghoulish attraction is the Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, which offers an unbelievably scary tour of the old Grimsby and Streaper Casket Company. The adventure is filled with characters that go bump in the night and promises a good scare. If haunted houses are not your cup of tea, several stores in Gatlinburg offer trick or treating. The Old Smoky Candy Kitchen and The Village in Gatlinburg both hand out delicious treats for everyone to enjoy.

Volunteering at Wears Valley Ranch

Wears Valley Ranch is located in Sevierville and offers a Christian children’s home and school that provides bible teaching, individualized education, and unconditional love.  The ranch provides a great service to children in crisis situations and they are always looking for new volunteers to help keep their services going. Some of the current projects they need volunteers to help with construction, landscaping, painting, and cleaning. Volunteers can be of any age as long as they are willing help and a sign a release form. The Wears Valley Ranch also provides housing for volunteer groups in their camp cabin. If you are interested in volunteers, visit here

Metcalf Bottoms

Once a family farm, Metcalf Bottoms is now a large picnic area approximately 11 miles from Gatlinburg near the Little River. The picnic area is 24 feet by 60 feet and has a capacity of 70 people. Four grills are just outside the pavilion and there are 15 picnic tables for visitors to sit at. Patrons are able to rent out the pavilion from 8 am until 3:30 pm and then again from 4 to 8 pm. The area also offers fishing streams as well as a hiking trail. For more information, visit here.

All wineries offer free tours and wine tastings

Smoky Mountain Winery

Winery Square – Suite 2
450 Cherry Street
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Tasting Room:   (865) 436-0584

Mountain Valley Vineyards
2174 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-6334

Hillside Winery, Inc.
229 Collier Drive
Sevierville, Tennessee 37862

(865) 908-8482

Apple Barn Winery
220 Apple Valley Road
Sevierville, Tennessee 37862
(865) 428-6850

The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball

The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball was written by Lisa Horstman and the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association and published in April 1997.  It is a children’s book for ages 5-7 years old.  The book is about a young girl’s trip to the Smokies.  While camping with her family, she sneaks out of the tent and watches a salamander ball, but then is discovered by them.  This picture book will keep children intrigued.  The book is about $7.00 and can be purchased through the Great Smoky Mountains Association or other online book stores.

Smoky Mountain Field School

The Smoky Mountain Field School was started by The University of Tennessee to help people utilize the Great Smoky Mountains.   They conduct workshops, hikes and other activities to help people learn more about the mountains.  Their mission is to enhance public appreciation, understanding and stewardship of the Smoky Mountains.  Some of their course offerings are Incredible Edibles and Traditional Medicines, A Smoky Mountain Day Hike, and Tracking and Nature Observation. There are activities for all ages and abilities.  The courses are around $50 and all take place in the Smoky Mountain National Park.  For more information visit http://www.outreach.utk.edu/smoky/.

Volunteers in The Park Program

 

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park needs volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, join the Park’s Very Important People program or VIP. A variety of areas need work, so there is something for everyone. 

 

Visit

http://www.nps.gov/gettinginvolved/volunteer/opportunities.htm?id=grsmfor a complete list of opportunities. 

Shopping in The Smoky Mountains

If you are ready to do some shopping, the mountains are the place to be! Check out this list of some of the outlet shopping in the area: 

Belz Outlet– http://www.belzoutlets.com

 

Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet– http://www.pigeonforgefactoryoutlet.com

 

Tanger Outlet– http://www.tangeroutlet.com 

 

 

Fall Foliage Report

A visit to the Smokies is a must in autumn. Mid-October and early November is usually the peak of color, and the best way to see the fall foliage is to reach a high elevation. If you want to drive, try Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Newfound Gap or Parsons Branch Road. If you are a hiker, try Sugarland Mountain, Albright Grove, Andrew’s Bald or Mt. LeConte.

For more information, visit http://www.gatlinburg.com/.

Hollywood Star Cars

One of the many attractions of Gatlinburg is the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, featuring cars from The Dukes of Hazzard, Gone in 60 Seconds, Back to the Future, Elvis’ Lincoln, Dolly Parton’s Cadillac and many more. Adult tickets are $11.99, Children 6-12 are $6.99, and children under 6 are free. For more information, visit  http://www.starcarstn.com.