Gatlinburg Bluegrass Music

Have you ever been on vacation and found yourself bored after just a few days? At Elk Springs Resort in Gatlinburg, TN it is practically impossible to run out of fun things to do with your family. Since your luxury cabin is ideally situated in the Great Smoky Mountains, you are just a short drive away from neighboring towns that also offer exciting events for your family to attend. If you are feeling adventurous during your next trip to the Elk Springs Resort, take a look at these upcoming events during the spring and summer:

Bloomin’ Barbeque and Bluegrass: This annual event has grown so large that people from Sevierville, Gatlinburg and other surrouding areas look forward to it year after year. As the name implies, you will get your fair share of both tasty meat and foot-stomping tunes at this Sevierville festival. This year, the festival will be held on May 18th and 19th in downtown Sevierville. Located just a short drive from your luxury cabin rental, you will not want to miss out on this event. Admission is completely free, so be sure to bring tons of napkins and your best dancing shoes to get the most out of this family-friendly event.

Dollywood’s Festival of Nations: Sure, you may know Dolly Parton for her classic country music, but did you know that she has an entire amusement park near Gatlinburg? Dollywood is open from the spring to early winter and offers a variety of events that will please everyone in your family and is only a short 15 minute drive from Elk Springs Resort Gatlinburg Cabins. From the beginning of April to mid-May, you can learn more about people around the world at the Festival of Nations. Bring the children along to experience different cultures through exhibits, musical shoes and tasty treats in neighboring Pigeon Forge.

Smoky Mountain Highland Games: Held in neighboring Maryville, Tenn., the Highland Games bring the best of Scottish entertainment into the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. If you have never attended the Highland Games before, you will not want to miss out on the show. From May 18th to 20th, bring the whole family along to witness border collie shows, bagpipers, authentic Scottish dances, compettions, scrumptious food and so much more. The event will be held at the Maryville College.

Gatlinburg Flower Fest: While we don’t like to brag, Gatlinburg does offer some of the best festivals and events in all of the Great Smoky Mountains. From April until late June, you can take in some of the most beautiful sights around at the Flower Fest. As you walk along the main streets of Gatlinburg, you will be able to see all of the different types of flora that Tennessee has to offer. Local artists and musicians can also be enjoyed at different parts of the Parkway during the spring and early summer seasons.

There are many more events scheduled for the upcoming spring and summer season, so stay tuned to the Elk Springs Resort blog to help plan your next vacation. Need directions to one of these exciting events? Don’t hesistate to contact us at the main office and let us print you a map with directions.

Gatlinburg Mothers Day

Gatlinburg, TN – Although we are grateful for our mothers all year long, there is one day on which we get to really lavish them with love and praise. This year, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 13th. If you have not yet made plans for this special day, we encourage you to book a luxury Gatlinburg cabin rental now in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.

While some of our cabins are already booked for Mother’s Day weekend, there are a few left that are begging to be filled with families like your own. Whether you want to bring your own mother or grandmother, your lovely wife or everyone in your family, the Elk Springs Resort has a luxury cabin rental that can accommodate the whole clan. From one bedroom to five bedrooms, our cabins can fit your mother, your spouse’s mother, even your neighbor’s mother!

So what types of things can you do in Gatlinburg, TN that are mom-friendly? With so much to see and do, your mother or wife will be asking why every weekend can’t be a chance to getaway to the Elk Springs Resort. As the name implies, our luxury cabin rentals have all of the amenities that you will find in luxury hotels but nestled deep into the wilderness. Just because you are staying in a cabin doesn’t mean you have to go without the important things in life, like a hot shower, a warm cup of tea and a good movie on the flat-screen TV.

If your mother loves flowers like mine does, there are plenty of florists in and around Gatlinburg that can provide you with a fresh bouquet. However, there is nothing quite like going for a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and taking in all of the lovely flowers that have recently bloomed. There are dozens of trails that accommodate hikers of all abilities, all of which provide uniqely beautiful views of the park, Gatlinburg and the surrounding areas. If your mother is not the trail-walking type, there are plenty of shops and other diversions in downtown Gatlinburg. You could easily spend a few hours just dawdling along the Parkway alone.

Elk Springs Resort
1088 Powdermill Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
phone:  865-233-2390
web: Elk Springs Resort

After a day spent on the trail or downtown, your mother is certain to have built up an appetite. There are tons of great restaurants downtown that will be whipping up special menus in honor of mothers everywhere. Just be sure to book your reservation well in advance to ensure as this will be a busy weekend in Gatlinburg. Of course, your luxury cabin rental does come with a full kitchen, chock-full of all the tools you need to make a delicious home-cooked meal. Let mom sit back and watch everyone else prepare the menu; don’t let her clean up the dishes either, even if she asks to! Give your mother a weekend of peace, relaxation and no responsibilities. While it is just one day a year, we are certain that it will recharge her batteries.

Have questions about your next stay at the Elk Springs Resort? Contact our main office via email, snail mail or by phone. We can’t wait to get your cabin ready for you!

Mt. LeConte at Dusk

Mt. LeConte is the third highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park at  6593 feet.   Some of the best views can be seen in Gatlinburg, TN.  For a live webcam shot see the Gatlinburg Webcam at Elk Springs Resort, 1088 Powdermill Rd.  Gatlinburg, TN  37738.  865-233-2390

Gatlinburg Cinco De Mayo

Searching for something fun and unique to do this weekend in Gatlinburg? Try the Cinco de Mayo festival at the Loco Burro Restaurant. This year Cinco de Mayo, or May 5th, falls on a Saturday, which means that you can top of a busy week at work with a serious fiesta this weekend. Bring the whole family along to experience some fun, culture, music and fantastic Mexican dishes.

The event is sponsored by the Loco Burro restaurant in collaboaration with the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce, City of Gatlinburg Special Events, El Crucero of East Tennessee newspaper and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Wanting to make this Cinco de Mayo memorable, all of these organizations spent months organizing an event that you will not want to miss. Loco Burro is located at 407 River Road, a short drive from your luxury cabin rental.

So what is in store this Saturday? You can expect tons of family-friendly activities that will delight even the oldest kids in your group. To start, there will be food and drinks served by the famously delicious Loco Burro restaurant, just a few minutes from Elk Springs Resort luxury Gatlinburg cabins. A favorite amongst the locals, you can experience the taste of Mexico without ever having to leave the Great Smoky Mountains. While you are enjoying your meal, take in a show featuring traditional folk dancers, groove to the beats of DJ Azul with a karaoke machine or pick up some new salsa moves.

Your kids will love the Chihuahua parade, followed by a dog race. There is nothing cuter than tiny dogs yipping and racing for the finish line! Take the kids to get their faces painted, bounce around in the jump castle and laugh at the clown and mime that will be present on Saturday. Don’t forget to leave with a balloon animal specially crafted for your children.

Although not connected to the Cinco de Mayo, there will be a racing event held on the same day. The Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon starts at 8:15 and will feature athletes from around Tennessee. Available to athletes aged 15 and up, the race is expected to draw hundreds of participants this year. Come cheer on the athletes as they complete the race course which will include a half-mile swim, a 20 kilometer bike ride and a five kilometer run, in that order. Even if you do not known anyone participating in the triahtlon, the athletes will sure appreciate your hoots and hollers as they make their way to the finihs line. If you are participating in the event, we wish you well and hope that you walk away with a medal around your neck!

With the weather already showing temperatures in the 80s for next weekend, you may want to plan a weekend of outdoor activities for your Elk Springs Resort stay. This is the perfect time to go for a hike and admire all of the newly bloomed flowers, take a jog through the mountains or stroll along the

Gatlinburg Caution

Gatlinburg, TN – Elk Springs Resort has issued a traveler warning cautioning visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains that the risk of not wanting to leave has been increased to elevated.  This was recently changed from the previous level of “high”.  An operations manager, not authorized to comment on the situation indicated “the excellent spring weather and longer day light has really made a difference.  We felt it was imperative to notify our guests of the travel risks given these conditions”.   

Gatlinburg Ribfest

How many times this week have you told yourself that you need to get away? If it is more than zero, you should book a luxury cabin rental at the Elk Springs Resort. There is so much going on in Gatlinburg right now and in the upcoming months that you will wonder why you haven’t come to visit us sooner! Here is a sneak peak at some of our favorite events that are located just minutes from your cabin’s front door:

Ribfest, Wings and BBQ in Gatlinburg

This annual event grows bigger and more popular year after year. This is the 11th year that the festival has graced the streets of Gatlinburg and people are really starting to take notice. If you love your meat hot off the grill, pack up your family and your stain-friendly clothes on April 26th. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. between Traffic Light 6 and Reagen Drive. What started out as a small event is now a bustling street fair-style festival that you will not want to miss. Armbands are available for a small donation which allow you to sample all of the vendors present at the event.

Walk on the North Side of Gatlinburg

Locals and visitors alike look forward to the fourth weekend of the month when this event takes place. This family-friendly event will be held on 4/27 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and 4/28 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. You can enjoy special discounts at participating stores, children’s activities, like entertainment and skill demonstrations. If you are a fan of free events that not only support the local economy but entertain everyone in your group, head on down and take a walk on the North side.

Gatlinburg Farmer’s Market

Who says that you can’t enjoy some fresh produce while you are on vacation? Since your luxury cabin rental comes with a complete kitchen, you may find yourself yearning to cook some meals at “home.” From May 19 to October 13, you can visit Gatlinburg’s own farmer’s market every Saturday. It is held at Alamo Steakhouse parking lot from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and features fresh produce and baked goods from in and around Gatlinburg. Rub shoulders with the locals and you may start to feel like one yourself!

Free Parkway Trolley in Gatlinburg

That’s right, you read that correctly. From June 15 to August 18, you can ride the Parkway trolley completely free of charge. The program started last year and was such a success that Gatlinburg town officials have decided to run it again this summer. You can ride the trolley all the way from Traffic Light #1 to Traffic Light #10, and get on and off at any of the 40 stops it services. Knowing that a full day in downtown Gatlinburg can be tiring, you can take advantage of the trolley and save your money for something else. We recommend your return trip back to the Elk Springs Resort.

These are just a sampling of all the wonderful events that Gatlinburg will be hosting during the spring and summer. Stay tuned to our blog to stay updated about current events, things to do in Gatlinburg and so much more. Of course, do not hesitate to contact our main office at Elk Springs Resort Gatlinburg Cabins with any questions you have about your upcoming stay.

Ober Gatlinburg - Photo Courtesy of Dean Brown Photography

Growing up my parents loved to visit Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. In fact my family visited this area almost every three years during my childhood. My favorite visits always included a trip to Ober Gatlinburg. It was there on a warm summer’s day my brother and I rode the twisting Alpine Slides down the mountain side, the cool mountain brushing our faces, as we raced down the mountain. I will never forget the thrills of this place, plus the spectacular view of Gatlinburg and the majestic Smoky Mountains.

Ober Gatlinburg is still a “must-do” for any visitor to the Gatlinburg area. This one stop spot is a Mecca of family fun. There is truly something for everyone!

Start your Ober Gatlinburg experience by taking the “Aerial Tramway” from downtown Gatlinburg up to the Ober Gatlinburg resort. On your 2.1 mile journey you can marvel at the breathing taking view of the surrounding mountains.  The Aerial tramway is just 10 minutes from Elk Springs Resort Luxury Gatlinburg Cabins main property located at:

Elk Springs Resort
1088 Powdermill Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone:  865-233-2390

Once you arrive at the top there are a multitude of activities to choose from. Your young ones can explore the tunnels, chutes, swinging bridges and play ground called “Kidde Land.” There is also a carousel, swings rides and the Amaze ‘N Maze-where they can enjoy getting lost and found.

For your older adventurers that don’t mind getting wet, there is Lightin’ Raft Ride and Shoot-the-Chute and Blue Cyclone Rapids. The whole family can enjoy ice skating, the Alpine slide (my personal favorite), the scenic chair lift, mini-golf, and an arcade and redemption room.

Also, don’t miss your chance to see some of the famous wildlife of the Great Smoky Mountains at the Wildlife Encounter exhibit. This exhibit includes a Nocturnal House with numerous wildlife native to the area like raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles and snakes. This exhibit also has a River Otter viewing area, an enclosed aviary called “Birds of Prey,” and the Black Bear exhibit is a must -see.

During the winter months, Ober-Gatlinburg has many options for the snow-bunnies in your family. Ski Mountain Sports is a full service winter sports outfitter onsite. They specialize in ski and snowboard equipment; as well as winter apparel. The resort offers ski and snowboard runs as well as a recently opened Free Style Terrain Park. For the non-skiers in your family there is state-of-the-art Snow Tubing Park.

Ober Gatlinburg is an all day event, and there are a range of eateries to satisfy your cravings between adventures. They offer a restaurant and lounge with spectacular views of the ski slopes and mountains. For lighter fare there is the Snack Bar and Market and Sidewalk Café. Visitors with sweet tooth should also sample some of the delicious homemade fudge at the Fudge Shop.

For those who like to shop Ober Gatlinburg has an abundance of options including: The Galleria Gift Shop, Kinderspiel, Joyce’s, The Ober Haus, and the Bear Shop. Also, there are two specialty shops that are truly unique. Visitors will want to visit the Family Crest and Puzzled Store to purchase their family coat of arms and browse 3-D puzzles, jigsaws, and specialty games. The Leather Shop also offers quality leather items made onsite.

Visitors to Gatlinburg have numerous choices, but Ober Gatlinburg is not to be missed. I can personally vouch for the barrels of fun to be had there. It’s a visit well worth your while, and something your family is sure to remember for a very long time!

Gatlinburg Wildflower Pilgrimage

If you cannot imagine a home or garden without flowers, you should experience one of Gatlinburg’s most anticipated annual events. The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is held each year for one week in this beautiful town set at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This year the pilgrimage will be held from April 25th to April 29th and is expected to be even more exciting than ever.

There is nothing quite like visiting Gatlinburg in the springtime. Of course, we love Gatlinburg all year long but nothing rivals watching the mountains bloom with hundreds of thousands of flowers. The pilgrimage has been a Gatlinburg tradition for 62 years now and has grown tremendously since its inception year. Thanks to the combined efforts of several local organizations, including the Great Smoky Mountains Association, Friends of the Smokies, the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, the pilgrimage only continues to enjoy success. This event is an absolute must for serious gardeners that want to learn more about making their green thumbs even greener. There are few events like the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage that pair botanical experts with people just like you who want to expand their knowledge of everything botanical.

People from around the country will flock to Gatlinburg next week to take in the natural splendor that is spring in the Great Smoky Mountains. While you can visit the mountains all year long, the pilgrimage is different in that there are special and unique activities planned for every day of the event. You can sign up for guided hiking tours and instructional walks, seminars about the local flora and fauna, and meet like-minded people who, just like you, have traveled to Gatlinburg to experience a vivid display of flowers. With over 150 programs to choose from, you certainly cannot claim to be bored during the pilgrimage week!

Avid and beginning photographers alike love visiting during this time of year as it provides ample photographic opportunities. Realizing that many people will be toting their cameras along, there is a photo contest planned that anyone can enter. There are three categories this year: fauna, flora and landscape. Kids are encouraged to participate as well in this year’s youth division. If you would like to share your photographs with us at the Elk Springs Resort, and given our Luxury Gatlinburg Cabins we would consider ourselves honored. You may even see them up on the website!

Elk Springs Resort
1088 Powdermill Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
865-233-2390

Classes and seminars will run from morning until night at a variety of locations. While most of the activities will take place in the park, you can also sign up for classes at the W.L. Mills Conference Center located in downtown Gatlinburg. You can also pick up a brochure at this location, at the GSMNP or download a copy online. Since your luxury cabin rental is conveniently located near both the national park and the downtown area, you can easily make your way to both throughout the week. If you need any directions to either location, do not hesitate to ask us at the main office. Don’t be surprised if you see us plodding along a trail during the week as well, feel free to wave hello!

Gatlinburg Escapes!

We all need a little sunshine time, some time each day when we step out from our desks, and break away from the noise and demands of our hectic lives. There is just something about being outside, breathing in the fresh air, feeling the warmth of the sun on your cheek. Often we take vacations for this purpose, to enjoy the great outdoors and have a respite from the daily grind.  Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains can provide just the fix to be outside and enjoy a sunny day.

When most people think of basking in the sun, they envision a beach, sand crusted between their toes, the sound of lapping waves in the distance. However, many people find the same serenity sitting on a warm rock beside a cool mountain stream or walking through a grassy meadow on a mountain top.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg has many such serene settings that are guaranteed to relax and replenish every visitor. Whither you want to dip your feet in a babbling mountain stream, enjoy a picnic in a grassy meadow, or hike along pristine mountain ridges, there is something here for everyone looking to get in a little sunshine time!

I have had the fortunate opportunity to live in East Tennessee for several years. During my down time, one of my favorite things to do was explore and discover the natural wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National park, often places not mentioned in the guidebooks. I was fortunate to uncover many serene and majestic places during my adventures. Here is a list of my personal favorites, sure to rejuvenate your spirit and calm your mind:

Andrews Bald

Most visitors the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make it a point to visit Clingman’s Dome, the highest point of elevation in the park. However, many visitors fail to visit this incredible grassy bald accessed just a few miles past Clingman’s Dome. This easy 3.5 mile hike leads you to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains. Families can enjoy hiking through a spruce fir forest on their way to a magnificent bald with a bird’s eye view of the park.

Directions: From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive 13.2 miles south along Newfound Gap Road to Clingmans Dome Road. Turn right onto Clingmans Dome Road and drive 7 miles all the way to the end of the road. Andrews Bald is accessed via the Forney Ridge Trail, which you will see at the far end of the parking lot. Follow the Forney Ridge Trail. About 1 mile from the parking lot Forney Ridge Trail will branch off to your right. Continue straight here to reach Andrew’s Bald.

The Jump Off

This is one of my favorite spots in the whole park. This incredible hike follows the spine of mountain peaks via the Appalachian Trail. at one of the highest elevations in the park. Your reward for hiking at the “Jump Off” is an incredible vista of the park that offers sensational views of numerous mountain peaks including: Charlie’s Bunion, Mt. Guyot, and Mount LeConte. This trail is 3.2 miles each way, 6.4 miles round trip.

Directions: From the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg, drive 13 miles south on Newfound Gap Road to the Newfound Gap parking lot. Hike eastward on the Appalachian Trail, and then turn left on the “Boulevard Trail” to reach the Jump Off. Less than a tenth of a mile after turning onto the Boulevard Trail, you will see a sign for Jump-Off.

Ramsey Cascades Trail

This trail is very special to me, as it’s one of the first hikes I did with my husband (boyfriend at the time). While the trail it is not for the faint hearted, it can be done at slow pace, and viewing Ramsey Cascades, the tallest waterfall in the park, is well worth the effort. This trail follows the Ramsey Prong stream through thick old-growth forests culminating at the spectacular 90-foot waterfall, Ramsey Cascades. This trail is 8 miles roundtrip and a quick drive from Gatlinburg.

Directions: To find the trailhead, take U.S. Highway 321 east out of Gatlinburg and continue 5.9 miles to the Greenbrier Road entrance to the park. Turn right onto Greenbrier Rd. and follow it 3.2 miles to the left turn at the sign for Ramsay Cascades. The road follows the Middle Prong of the Little Pigeon for 1.5 miles and dead-ends at the trailhead for Ramsay Cascades.

Luxury Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals
Elk Springs Resort
1088 Powdermill Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
Phone:  865-233-2390

Earth Week Gatlinburg

One of the top reasons why people visit Gatlinburg, TN is the sheer natural beauty that surrounds it. There is nothing that rivals the gorgeous scenery that can be scene from downtown, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and, best of all, your luxury cabin rental. That is why Earth Week is so special to the people of Gatlinburg: they depend on and appreciate how important it is to take care of the environment, whether you live in a big city or a small mountain town like Gatlinburg. Even if you are not a resident, we invite you to join in the Earth Day celebrations that are scheduled for this year.

This year the celebrations will be held from April 22 to April 28. Each day features a different event that is family friendly and open to the public. Whether you will be our guest for the entire week at Elk Springs Resort, 1088 Powdermill Rd., Gatlinburg, TN 37738 phone: 865-233-2390 or you are staying just a few days, you can participate in the fun and learn how to help take care of the environment for generations to come. Here is a quick wrap-up of Gatlinburg’s Earth Day celebrations:

Sunday: Pull on your gym shoes and race your friends and family in the Earth Day 5K. Starts at 2 p.m. at Food City. You can register early online or on the day of the event for $30. Price includes time chips and t-shirts for all participants.

Monday: Learn how Gatlinburg and other cities stay green at the Gatlinburg Goes Green seminar. Held at the Hilton Garden Inn. Guest speakers will be present to teach you about saving the environment and saving a little green at the same time. Includes breakfast served at 8:30 am.

Tuesday: Dance, skip and sing at the Earth Day Festival held at Mynatt Park. The festivities will be held from 3 pm to 7 pm. This completely free event is a big hit for everyone in the family. Don’t forget to bring some cash for booth events and food. Sponsored by Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.

Wednesday: If you are in town for the Wildflower Pilgrimage, you will not want to miss out on the welcome luncheon. The event will be hosted by Doug Elliot, a local storyteller and member of the Gatlinburg Garden Club. Cost is $25 per person.

Thursday: Fill your belly with some serious mountain treats at the Ribfest, Wings and Barbeque event. Held downtown from 5 pm to 9 pm. A small donation will get you a wristband to try delicious food from a variety of area restaurants and eateries.

Friday: Participate in a new annual event called Community Shred Day. Held at the Gatlinburg library from 10 am to 3 pm. For just $5 you can have all of your important documents shredded at the library. The shredded paper will be recycled and proceeds will benefit the Anna Porter Public Library.

Saturday: Bring the week to a strong finish at the Mountain Hope’s Smoky Challenge Adventure Race. It is certain to get your heart pumping! Register online early to secure a spot. Cost is $40 per person and includes t-shirt.

Of course, you can always celebrate Earth Day by relaxing in your luxury cabin rental and enjoying the natural splendor from your back porch. No matter how you choose to spend Earth Week in Gatlinburg, we are glad that you have chosen the Elk Springs Resort as your spring destination.