Mountain Facts and Fun

It’s time for my annual trip to the mountains and I can’t wait to get there! As soon as I hit Interstate 40 headed into Asheville, I can feel the muscles in my neck start to relax. Just knowing what lies ahead is exhilarating and relaxing at the same time. My mind usually starts to wander while I recall all my favorite places to visit and my anticipation steadily starts to grow. The Smoky Mountains start to rise up around me forming a protective cocoon. I roll down my car window and slowly inhale the cool, clean mountain air. My drive starts to turn into a series of left and right turns as I start to climb the mountain, and I can feel my heart start to beat a little faster. I begin to see the familiar landmarks and I pull over at the scenic overlooks to gaze at the magnificent rolling hills. The beauty alone is overwhelming, but this time I’m here for more. I’m here to learn about the people. The mountain people whose families have lived here for generations. I’m hoping to embark on a life’s lesson I hope to never forget.

We’re here to provide you with information on the heritage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains . Our goal is to continuously supply mountain facts and fun for you to explore in hopes of optimizing your vacation experience.

Mountain Facts and Fun will supply you with enough valuable information to plan an unforgettable vacation experience from Georgia to Tennessee. You’ll find RV Park locations, motel or bed and breakfast accommodations, activity information on kayaking, fishing, tubing, hiking and gem mining. We also list top sightseeing areas that have museums, antiques, waterfalls, arts and crafts, and an up to date list of festivals. Along with all of this, you will get a basic knowledge of the Appalachia Hill Folk. The skills that have helped them and their ancestors survive in these mountains for hundreds of years. Topics ranging from preserving your own home grown food and butter churning to wild boar hunting and wagon making. Mountain Facts and Fun gives you insight to the skills that represent a way of life free from urban growth.

If you ever get the chance to explore the Southern Appalachian Mountains, you might feel a little sad when it’s time to go back to your every day grind. These mountains have a way of making you feel at home very quickly and the memories you create will be unforgettable. The vast rolling hills will always run through your mind like the beautiful rivers and waterfalls. The mountain tops will always be a beacon welcoming you back, and the mountain people are here waiting to help you learn how to live the good life.

But until you can get there,

Enjoy our site.

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Camping and RV Parks

Some people go their whole life and never get to experience “Adventure Sleeping”. Your idea of Adventure Sleeping may be different than mine, but I’ve been at it since I was about 5 years old. Being the youngest of four siblings, I got to start some things a little early in life.
As a child, every spring we would pack up the station wagon with tents, sleeping bags, fishing poles and coolers, then we would head to the mountains for a long weekend getaway. Of course, I would always get stuck riding up front with Mama and Daddy because I was the youngest. We always stayed at the same campground every year. When we would get there, the owners would come out to welcome us with hugs all around, just like we were family.
Our Dad always pitched our tents near the river stream, because that’s where we spent most of our time fishing and floating in tubes. There wasn’t any big rig RV’s like there are now. There would be a few pop-up trailers, but most people camped out in tents. In the evenings, some of the families would have dinner together, sharing their food and their stories about their day. We made new friends every year and always hoped to see them the next spring.
Being the youngest, I had a problem with not being able to do what my older brothers and sister got to do. Things like rock hopping to the other side of the river or walking across swinging bridges. So one night, I pitched a fit wanting to sleep in my sisters tent and Mama finally said I could for one night.
When it was time for bed, my Sissy zipped me up in my sleeping bag, kissed me on the forehead and said, “ Sleep tight squirt, don’t let the bed bugs bite!” I soon heard her breathing softly and knew she was asleep. I lay there flipping the flashlight on and off while I listened to the other campers settling down for the night. Finally, I dozed off to sleep too.
“Knee-deep! Knee-deep!” That was the first noise that woke me up. It was right beside my head, outside of the tent. “Whippoorwill! Whippoorwill!” Then there was a loud rustling from behind the tent. Something out there went, “Eech! Eech!” That’s when chills started running up my spine and I sat straight up screaming, “Sissy! Sissy!” My Mama was in the tent within seconds. She wrapped her arms around me and said, “It’s alright sweetie, we’re just adventure sleeping.” Once I found out the noises I had heard were only bullfrogs and birds, I was able to calm down. But, I never begged to sleep in my Sissy’s tent again for a long, long time.
Today, campgrounds are loaded with all kinds of amenities we didn’t have back then. These days a lot of campgrounds have swimming pools, convenience stores, laundry rooms and arcades. The prices are still reasonable averaging $20 a day for a tent site with a picnic table, fire ring and grill, and of course use of the bath house. If you’re lucky enough to own a camper or RV, you’ll find full hook-ups that include water, plumbing, electricity and full cable for your TV.

Camping isn’t for everyone. But if you love nature and adventure, or if you’re pinching pennies, camping is the perfect weekend getaway. Why let the kids be cooped up in a hotel room for $70 a night when they can be outside enjoying themselves camping for $20 a night?
To help you explore your camping options, here are a few of my favorite Campgrounds and RV Parks.

Flaming Arrow Campground – Cherokee, NC
* 1 mile from the Cherokee Indian Reservation
* 2 miles from Harrah’s Cherokee Casino
* 4 miles from The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Cullasaja River RV Park – Franklin, NC
* Open all year round
* All sites have full hook-ups…water, 30 or 50 amp electricity, sewer and cable TV
* Laundry facility
* Sunday morning church service

Raccoon Mountain Campground – Chattanooga, Tennessee
(Tennessee Campground of the Year 2008-2009)
* Full service campground
* Camping cabins available
* Go-Kart Track, Game Room, Swimming Pool
* Adjacent to Raccoon Mountain Caverns – (fee)
* 7 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, The Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium

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Nov and Dec 2009

Northeast Georgia Art Tour Nov. 13-14
The Franklin Press

Twenty-five venues in Rabun County are participating in the Northeast Georgia Arts Tour Holiday Road Open House Weekend, Nov. 13-15. The tour will also include artists in White, Habersham and Stephens counties.
Shops, studios and galleries will throw open their doors for a seasonally inspired self-guided driving and walking tour of painting, pottery, hand-crafted furniture, fiber arts, wood and glass works, mixed media, photography and more. Mingle with well-known and emerging artists, rediscover folk life skills such as blacksmithing and chair caning, enjoy painters who sing, soft sculpture “births,” book signings, new uses for kudzu and the extreme spray can challenge. You can try your hand at wheel throwing or chair and ornament painting. Art is “under construction” at every turn!
In addition, you’ll be welcomed by the charming dining and lodging establishments that populate the region and the stars of the Georgia wine industry invite you to tour and sample the best of the vine. One lucky traveler will win a mid-week stay and gourmet trail package provided by The Beechwood Inn, a Select Registry Distinguished Inn of America and a Wine Spectator and AAA3 Diamond Award winner. Simply drop your name in the box at every venue you visit.
The tour is free of charge. Look for bright yellow and black “Art Tour and Art Zone” signs directing you to participating stops. While most locations are open year round, the Holiday Road Open House Weekend begins Friday at 1 p.m., continues on Saturday from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and wraps up on Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
A downloadable tour map, dining and lodging options, and a list of demonstrating artists by county can be found at www.artstour.org.

The Polar Express

11/6/2009 – 12/23/2009
The Polar Express comes to life when the train departs Bryson city for a journey to our North pole. Read along with the magical story and meet Santa. Enjoy holiday caroling, hot cocoa, a special treat and a memento for the children. Daily departure times vary. Ticket price includes admission to the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum!
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – 1-800-872-4681

Western Carolina Pottery Festival

11/7/2009 – 11/7/2009
The work of more than 25 highly skilled southern potters will be featured at the Western Carolina Pottery Festival rain or shine in the historic town of Dillsboro, NC.
Dillsboro Merchants Association – www.visitdillsboro.org

Veteran’s Day Train

11/11/2009 – 11/11/2009
Join GSMR as we honor veterans of all eras.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – 1-800-872-4681

The Polar Express – Home School Day

12/3/2009 – 12/3/2009
Special Student rates available to home-schooled children
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – 1-800-872-4681

Dillsboro Luminary Festival

12/4/2009 – 12/12/2009
Journey back to the days of yesteryear as Dillsboro presents its annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries. Experience magical evenings as the entire town is transformed into a winter wonderland of lights, candles, laughter and song. Live music, refreshments, and shops open late.(First and Second Friday & Saturday each December)
Dillsboro Merchants Association – www.visitdillsboro.org

New Year’s Eve Gala

12/31/2009 – 01/1/2010
Celebrate the New Year uniquely onboard our New Year’s Eve Gala! A festive, fun-filled evening. The train boards at 8:45 pm and returns at approximately 12:30 am. This train features an evening of dining, dancing and live entertainment. Welcome in the New Year railroad style!
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad – 1-800-872-4681

Jan 2010

January 9th – 16th

Wilderness Wildlife Week in the Smoky Mountains
By Bennie McCann © 2009, All Rights Reserved

If you look at statistics from years past, January is not
traditionally a month when people travel. After having spent a
great deal of money during the preceding months, most folks
mistakenly believe they can’t afford a getaway. When you visit
the Smoky Mountains this January, however, you’re headed for a
great time that’s extremely affordable.

It’s called Wilderness Wildlife Week and for twenty years people
from across the country have headed to Pigeon Forge in the Smoky
Mountains to take part. Over 100 experts offer more than 175
seminars and hands-on workshops pertaining to plant and animal
life, Smoky Mountain history, photography, outdoor activities and
more. The best part is that these activities are not only
informative, they’re completely free. Take a look at some of
the classes that will be offered.

Professional Photography Classes

If you like to shoot, photographs that is, there’s plenty to
keep you busy. Classes will be taught on taking pictures
outdoors, including macro (close up) photography. In addition,
you can learn about building web pages for photographers. Where
else can you find this kind of instruction and not pay a cent?

Wilderness Survival Seminars

Numerous classes are available for those who like to camp, hike
and fish. Learn to interpret the signs of changing weather so
you can avoid being caught outside unprepared. Your chances of
getting lost will quickly diminish when you listen to experts
discuss the proper ways to use a map and compass. Other topics
include visual tracking, unique camping tricks and fishing in the
Smokies.

History and Music

History buffs will want to attend lectures on the Civil War in
the Smokies. You can also hear stories about Native Americans in
this area as well as the early settlers of Pigeon Forge. These
mountains have lots of stories to tell.

Music has always been an important part of the Smoky Mountains.
Look for classes on mountain music, gospel music and storytelling
that are native to this area. You can also get instruction on
playing the acoustic guitar and banjo. Whether you opt to attend
clogging classes or concerts by local musicians, get ready to
move your feet.

For the Kids

This event sounds great for adults, but what about the kids?
There’s plenty to keep them entertained as well. Start with the
Animal Olympics where kids will compare human senses to the
senses of wild animals. For the budding musicians, there’s a
hands-on class about mountain music and instruments designed just
for children. They will also get to see live animals and look at
hidden treasures from around the world.

Guided Hikes & Tours

Are you the type that would rather be doing something outside
than learning about it inside? With more than 50 guided walking
tours and hikes categorized from easy to strenuous and ranging
from one to 13 miles, there’s something for every interest and
fitness level. What’s more, you can’t find better scenery than
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With its breathtaking
waterfalls, mountains, plants and wildlife, you’ll find the
perfect combination of beauty and exercise.

Log Cabin Bargains

Concerned about the cost of lodging? Don’t be! Many log cabin
rentals in the Smokies cost less than hotel rooms and offer more
space and better centralized locations.

Don’t spend this January stuck at home. Wilderness Wildlife
Week is an inexpensive way to learn about one of the most
beautiful areas of our country. Rent a cabin and enjoy an
extremely affordable – and well-deserved – break after all the
holiday hustle and bustle.

Bennie McCann is Reservations Manager of Volunteer Cabin Rentals
specializing in Smoky Mountain rental cabins in Gatlinburg and
Pigeon Forge, TN. Visit them today at
http://www.volunteercabinrentals.com to book cabins for weddings,
vacations, reunions and other special events.

Hoot n Holler Pigeon Forge

Hoot N’ Holler
The Funniest Dinner Show in the Smoky Mountains features an Old World three-course Italian dinner served family style Our freshly baked Italian Trio of Baked Ziti, Stuffed Shells, and Chicken Parmesan, is sure to satisfy the hungriest appetite. The two-hour production showcases the Hoot N’ Holler Players, a traveling troop of dancers and singers who collide with the comedic antics of “Scraps,” the would-be chef and emcee of the evening’s entertainment. The show is highlighted by audience participation segments which place unsuspecting guests in the spotlight of this uproarious comedy.

Video Brought to you by:
Smoky Mountain Visitors Channel
SmokyMountainvisitorsChannel.com is a new online and on-demand Television network that showcases destination businesses in the Smoky Mountain area. Our team of hosts, guide visitors through area businesses in Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Gatlinburg with informative interviews and fun demonstrations, a great way to learn all about what to see and do in the Smoky Mountains. Viewers who visit Smoky Mountain Visitors Channel.com have the opportunity to watch these infomercials about area businesses as often as they would like from where ever they like.

Duration : 0:1:7

Continue reading Hoot n Holler Pigeon Forge

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Sevierville is “Where Smoky Mountain Fun Begins!” Part 1of 2

History
Sevierville, located in the beautiful valley of the Forks of the Little Pigeon River, is the eighth oldest town in Tennessee. It was founded in 1795. Sevierville is named for John Sevier, the first governor of Tennessee, and Dolly Parton is Sevierville’s most famous hometown girl.

Location
Sevierville is located between Asheville, North Carolina, and Knoxville, Tennessee, on Interstate 40 at exit 407. Sitting on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains next to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Sevierville is easily accessible by car or plane. It is less than one hour from Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport, with more than 100 commercial flights per day. The Pigeon Forge / Gatlinburg Airport is only minutes away with a 5,500-foot runway which services small aircrafts including corporate jets. Both taxi and rental services are available. Call (865) 453-8393 for more information.

Population
There are over 13,000 residents in Sevierville and over 71,000 in Sevier County. Sevier County includes Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Pittman Center and surrounding communities.

Lodging
Sevierville has over 3,000 lodging facilities including campsites. Types of accommodations include secluded mountain cabins, modern condos, luxury hotels, water park hotels moderate family motels and RV parks. Sevier County provides lodging for approximately 40,000.

Attractions
Sevierville is fun. Our attractions range from museums featuring muscle cars and warbird aircraft to NASCAR themed go-kart tracks, underground cave tours, petting zoos and even interactive mini-golf courses. There is so much to see and do in Sevierville and helpful guides like the Sevierville Vacation Planner and the Sevierville Trip Planner can help you decide what to do while in the area.
Sevierville is entertaining. Six shows fill Sevierville’s two music theaters offering fun, family-friendly shows throughout the day and into the evening.

Shopping
Located in the heart of the best outlet, antique and craft shopping in the country, Sevierville is a shopper’s paradise. From designer clothes and outlet stores to mountain crafts and flea markets, shoppers find a variety of treasures in Sevierville.

Fishing
Sevierville is near beautiful Douglas Lake with excellent bass and crappie fishing – boat rentals available. Many fishing areas in the national park are full of trout and smallmouth bass. For more information on fishing, contact the Park Visitor Center at (865) 436-5615.

Visiting the Great Smoky Mountains
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country. There are 12 major hiking trails and nine self-guided trails. Maps of the trails may be obtained at the Park Visitor Center located at the park entrance.

Festivals & Events
Sevierville is proud to sponsor some of the best festivals in the Great Smoky Mountains. Each year, we celebrate the beauty of the mountains and the history of our hometown.

Home of Dolly Parton
A statue of Dolly sculpted by local artist Jim Gray decorates the lawn of Sevierville’s courthouse, and Dolly herself unveiled the statue on May 2, 1987, while her proud parents looked on. In 1986, she opened her Dollywood entertainment park in neighboring Pigeon Forge. She comes home each April for the park’s seasonal Grand Opening and makes several other appearances in the area during the year. Many of Dolly’s family members still live in the Sevierville area, and several of them, including brother Randy, perform regularly at Dollywood.

Historic Downtown
Sevierville is very proud of its downtown and historic town square. Years ago, at Temple’s Feed Store, County Commissioner Jimmie Temple married over 15,000 couples next to his bags of feed and bedding plants. The feed store is no longer there but Temple continues to conduct marriage ceremonies downtown. A variety of wedding chapels call historic downtown home and so does the town’s bus station which is located in Taulbee’s Restaurant. Sevierville’s 108-year-old courthouse, located in the heart of downtown, is an excellent example of Victorian architecture. Built in 1895-96 for $22,000 and renovated in 1970-74 for $577,000, the courthouse is a direct reflection of the care and pride residents put into keeping the hometown feeling alive in downtown Sevierville. The latest addition cost $500,000 Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse stands proud with 13-inch thick brick walls and a foundation made of limestone hauled from the old McCown place, the site where Vulcan Materials Company now stands. The Seth Thomas Clock in the courthouse tower originally cost $1,353 plus $42.55 freight.
Produced by: Cinemarr Entertainment
www.cinemarr.com

Duration : 0:9:57

Continue reading Sevierville is “Where Smoky Mountain Fun Begins!” Part 1of 2

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Smokey Mountain Boy Elvis Presley

Smokey Mountain Boy
(Words & music by Rosenblatt – Milrose)

I’m just a Smokey mountain boy
Come back to the hills I love
Where the tops of pine all bend in the wind
And the deep blue sky above

The closer and closer I get to home
The more excited I am
Those were the mornings I’d roll out of bed
Start the day off with a hot corn bread
Smothered in huckleberry jam

I’m just a Smokey mountain boy
Come back to the hills I love
Where the tops of pine all bend in the wind
And the deep blue sky above

I can almost hear the hounds running through the woods
Close on the trail of the hare
How I long to be with them following the hounds
a-huntin’ again
Gettin’ me a big old grizzly bear

I’m just a Smokey mountain boy
Come back to the hills I love
Where the tops of pine all bend in the wind
And the deep blue sky above

I traveled around and met lots of girls
No matter how many I see
I left some pretty ones behind
I know back home is where I’ll find
The girl whose love is meant for me

I’m just a Smokey mountain boy
Come back to the hills I love
Where the tops of pine all bend in the wind
And the deep blue sky above

Duration : 0:2:30

Continue reading Smokey Mountain Boy Elvis Presley

Technorati Tags: Boy, Elvis, Mountain, Presley, Smokey

Old Timers Day in Great Smoky Mountains – Eastern National Parks and Historic Sites DVD

This is a bonus feature from Eastern National Parks and Historic Sites DVD and is available on location and from www.finleyholiday.com. America’s eastern national parks and historic sites are special. These are places where people and time come together to create a rich and varied tapestry of national experience. You can discover mile-high mountains, wild seashores, stories of war for independence and war among ourselves, and Liberty’s welcome reach across New York Harbor to the world. Enjoyable. Comforting. Never ordinary. Often unforgettable. From Acadia to Everglades, from Jamestown to Vicksburg, join with us as we explore some of these extraordinary places. Part of Finley-Holiday Films National Parks Series DVDs.