Smoky Mountain Music Festival

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Gatlinburg
Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton

Gatlinburg is famous for many things, undoubtedly a favorite tourist destination set just outside the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But who would guess they are also host to one of the most exciting and unique music festivals of its kind in the country, the Smoky Mountain Music Festival?
Every year hundreds of students travel to Gatlinburg from across the country, elementary through high school aged, to compete in musical competitions of every variety during the Smoky Mountain Music Festival. The competitions cover a variety of categories such as Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Band to Street Parade, Winterguard, Drum Line, Concert Choir, Chorus, and much more. Since its inception this competition has featured 6,500 bands from over twenty-eight states and even bands from our Northern neighbor, Canada. The festival director is none other than, WJ Julian, the Director of Bands Emeritus of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
The Smoky Mountain Music Festival not only involves the musicians competing, but it brings the music and competition to downtown Gatlinburg. Everyone can join in on the fun of this festival during Saturdays when the town of Gatlinburg comes alive with the musical parade. Competing bands attending the festival form a parade that winds through the strip of downtown Gatlinburg as visitors and supporters can enjoy and cheer on their favorite band.
Established in 1983, the Smoky Mountain Music Festival is celebrating its 30th year this spring. Though, the competition is held several times during the year. The first of the competitions in Band, Choral, and Orchestra categories will be held April 19th-20th in downtown Gatlinburg. Competitions will continue through the weekends of April 26th-27th and May 3rd-4th. City officials work closely with the festival coordinators to make sure it is an amazing visit for students and other tourists enjoying the town at the time. So don’t miss your chance to hear some fantastic musical talent from across the nation and cheer on your favorite band this April as a part of the Smoky Mountain Music Festival.
For more information visit:
www.smmfestival.com

Categories: Gatlinburg Rental Cabin Resort blog, Rentals in Gatlinburg TN, Things to Do | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Hop, Skip and Jump to Gatlinburg for Easter Weekend 2013

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Elk Springs Resort
Gatlinburg Sunrise Mass

Gatlinburg Sunrise Mass

Looking for a place to spend the Easter holiday? Look no further than the beautifully majestic Gatlinburg, TN. This year Easter falls on March 31st, which gives you just enough time to pick out your favorite cabin at the Elk Springs Resort. We are gearing up for a busy Easter holiday weekend with guests visiting us from around the country. There is no place quite like Gatlinburg to spend not just Easter but any holiday with family and friends.

Besides days of relaxation and time spent with loved ones, you may be wondering what exactly there is to do in Gatlinburg for Easter. If you ask the locals, there is only one place that you should really consider for your holiday weekend: the Easter sunrise service at Ober Gatlinburg. Each year the folks at Ober Gatlinburg hold an Easter service that will take your breathe away. Take a tram to the top of the mountain (on Easter Day the tram is free) and take a seat. While you wait for the service to begin, you will be able to watch the sun rise over all of Gatlinburg, a sight that is definitely camera-worthy. The complimentary tram rides start at 5:45 AM and will run every 15 minutes until the start of the service at 6:30. Since it tends to be a bit chilly in March, be sure to wear warm clothing and bring a blanket to warm cold legs. Once the service has finished, you can opt for a buffet breakfast at the Ober Gatlinburg restaurant. Join locals and travelers alike celebrate another beautiful Easter holiday weekend in the Great Smoky Mountains.

If you are traveling with children then you will not want to miss out on the Easter Egg Hunt! This year the event will be held on March 30th at Mynatt Park. Thanks to the Gatlinburg Community Police Program, the kids of Gatlinburg and visitors can join in on the fun of a classic Easter egg hunt. Children aged 1 to 12 can search for as many eggs as possible starting at noon; there will even be prizes given out during the day! Don’t forget to bring an Easter egg basket and your appetite as hot dogs and refreshments. Of course, you can hold your own Easter egg hunt in and around your luxury cabin rental at the Elk Springs Resort. With several families staying at the resort over the holiday weekend, you may find yourself hosting an eggstravaganza!

While you are in town don’t forget to stop by the Gatlinburg Convention Center for the annual Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Festival. Each year local artists gather at the convention center to show their best and most exciting wares to the public. All of the pieces shown are for sale, making this a great opportunity to do some shopping for your home or friends and family. Some artists will even be giving live demonstrations of their craft! Everyone in the family from grandkids to grandmas will find something to enjoy at the show.

Have questions about your upcoming trip to Gatlinburg? Don’t hesitate to contact us at the main office via email or by phone. We look forward to your stay!

Elk Springs Resort1088 Powdermill Rd.
Gatlinburg, TN  37738
865-233-2390

 

 

 

Categories: Gatlinburg Rental Cabin Resort blog, Rentals in Gatlinburg TN, Things to Do | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Fly Fisherman’s Wife Learns the Ropes

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Fly Fishing

Gatlinburg Fly Fishing

I’ve been enchanted with fly-fishing ever since I saw the movie, A River Runs Through It, as a teenager. It wasn’t Brad Pitt’s devilish good looks; it was the surrounding nature, the serenity of the water, the rhythm and peace he seemed to feel as he cast his fly rod.

I had no way of knowing then that I would marry an avid fly-fisherman. In fact the first night I met him almost nine years ago now, he was off to the Smoky Mountains to fly fish.

Needless to say, he has been fly fishing since I have known him. While working in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park a veteran fly fisherman mentored him on different casting methods, and he got to fish some of the most remote mountain streams on the east coast.

He has asked me to join him countless times, but I have been reluctant. It’s his passion, and I felt intimidated. I feared I couldn’t keep up, my fly line would constantly tangle in the trees, and I might grow bored doing the same task all day.

Last fall during a stay at Elk Springs Resort located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, I relented, “Ok, I am ready to try-to see what this is all about, to see what keeps you from me for hours on end.”

We drove into the heart of old growth forest at Greenbrier, a smoky mist rising from the forest floor and up from the mountain streams. We put on special fly-fishing boots with felt bottoms, and stepped into the rushing mountain stream of Porters Creek. Surrounded by thick mossy rocks, fall foliage, and pristine mountain water, I had stepped into another world, away from all the worries and demands of that reality outside.

My husband cast his rod, a fluid rhythm back and forth and dropped his dry fly in clear mountain pools, or above small waterfalls, and near giant rocks that cast shadows on the pulsing mountain stream. “That’s where the trout like to hide, under rocks,” he grinned.

He showed me how to creep up stream, sneaking up on new fishing holes, “You don’t want to spook the fish. They can see your shadow, its instinct they know it’s a predator, and they will hide,” he explained.

Brad handed the rod to me, “Your turn.”

“Ok,” I gulped trying to balance myself in the middle of the stream.

Holding onto the rod, I cast into a clear pool in front of me. I was shaky at first casting back over my head, trying not to hook a tree or my husband. No luck at the first hole, so Brad and I forged up stream.

I understand then, the hunt, the suspense, the push to try just one more fishing hole, to see if you big beauty might be waiting to strike on your line.

Brad caught a small trout, not big enough to keep, “Awesome, I did it. Now, I don’t have to say I was skunked-which means you don’t catch a fish at all on a stream.’ then we forged upstream casting into new fishing holes, move up and over rocks, and water. As the forest light grew dim, the hours having flown by, we agreed on one more hole.

“Your turn, again,” Brad handed me the fly rod. I cast over my head and into the wide water hole. Suddenly a strike, the fly was pulling my fly under, my heart skipped a beat.

Brad shouted, “It’s a big one.” I cast again, another strike, and big splash, I pulled up, nothing-disappointed. I wanted to catch the fish badly, but I had yet to learn how to move the rod fast enough and in the right direction to hook one.

“This ones yours, I don’t think I can get him.” I handed the rod to Brad, he cast quickly, and before I could blink my eyes there was a large rainbow trout flopping at my feet, its bright scales glittering in an array of colors.

My heart leapt with joy, I started clapping. “We did it!”

“He’s definitely a keeper, big enough to eat!” Brad quickly gutted our rainbow trout, put him in our water bag, and we slipped out of the stream to hike back to our car.

We went back our cabin at Elk Spring’s resort and grilled our rainbow trout that night. Though, I didn’t catch that rainbow trout on my own, I like to think it was a team effort. It was also a joy to be a part of my husband’s world, his passion, his devotion, and I am already looking forward to our next fly-fishing trip soon and our next stay at Elk Springs Resort nearby.

Categories: Gatlinburg Rental Cabin Resort blog, Rentals in Gatlinburg TN, Things to Do | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Going out in Gatlinburg

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Brew Pubs

Gatlinburg Brew Pubs

For a small mountain town Gatlinburg has a lively nightlife. So when you’ve got cabin fever and are ready for a night on the town, there’s a variety of hot spots, both family friendly and twenty-one and older, within several miles of Elk Springs Resort sure to delight.

Sherlock Holmes Pub
One of the newest additions to the Gatlinburg bar Scene, this family-friendly pub offers the finest of draft beers, American and Irish cuisine and live music. Their beer list features Irish favorites such as Harps, Newcastle, Smithwicks, Guinness; as well as domestic favorites like Bud, Coors, and Miller products. Guests can enjoy live music on the patio each week and dine on their favorite American and Irish fare such as Fish and Chips.

For more information visit: http://sherlockholmesgatlinburg.com/

Smoky Mountain Brewery
For craft beer aficionados Smoky Mountain Brewery will not disappoint. Their craft beer list includes: Thunder Road Pilsner, Cherokee Red Ale, Windy Gap Wheat Beer, Appalachian Pale Ale, Black Bear Ale, Tuckaleechee Porter, Velas Helas, Mountain Light and seasonal brews.

With two locations in both Gatlinburg and Sevierville, this micro-brewery and restaurant is the perfect place to take the family, enjoy a pint of micro-brewed beer and relax. The restaurant serves quality USDA choice and prime graded beef, fresh seafood, fresh made breads and desserts, and house sauces and dressings made daily.Smoky Mountain Brewery and Restaurant also features live music and pub trivia each week.

For more information visit: www.smoky-mtn-brewery.com

Hogs and Honey’s Saloon

Open daily from 10-1 am, this is a popular sports bar by day and a wild west saloon by night, where sometimes things get a little rowdy. Known for their award-winning ribs and wings, this restaurant and saloon also has a balcony for guests to enjoy the view of downtown Gatlinburg. Hogs and Honey’s Saloon features daily specials and has Karaoke every Thursday night.

For more information visit: www.hoggsandhoneys.com/

Puckers Bar and Grill

With a slogan like, “Eat, Drink, Play,” you can expect to have fun at this grill and sports bar. Located on the strip downtown, Puckers is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The dark paneled bar is known for their great happy hour specials.
There are lots of fun ways to kill a lazy afternoon or night with pool tables, dartboards, and numerous HDTVs. Puckers entertains nightly with Karaoke, DJs, and dancing.

For more information visit: http://www.puckerssportsbar.com/

Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg
The world’s only Hard Rock Cafe with a wedding chapel, the Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg dishes up family and late night fun with handmade food and live music. This restaurant and bar offers the best of food and drink combined with rock memorabilia that has deep roots in Tennessee, where the likes of country music and rock and roll got its start

Make sure to visit the Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg during the months of February and March to see the “Hard Rock Rising 2013 THE Global Battle of the Bands.” Enjoy a drink and cheer on your favorite local band who could be the next “big thing.” This competition, being held at Hard Rock Cafes around the globe, lets area bands compete for a chance at the Grand Prize-a world tour, album, and video as a part of Hard Rock Records.

For more information visit: http://www.hardrock.com/

Blaine’s Grill and Bar

Located at the corner of Gatlinburg Parkway and the historic Nature Trail Road, Blaine’s Bar and Grill has been operating at this Gatlinburg hot spot since 1998. Established by the Smith family, a family descended from one of the original Gatlinburg Families, this popular sports bar is a must. This three story building designed in the New Orleans style has a popular balcony where visitors can have a drink, relax and relish a view of the Great Smoky Mountains and birds eye view of downtown Gatlinburg. Blaine’s features an extensive menu with a variety of American Fare Favorites such as St. Louis Spare Riibs to pickle chips and gluten-free options.

For more information visit: http://blainesgatlinburg.com/

Club 812

Located just above Blaine’s Bar and Grill, this dance club is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights from 10-1am. Featuring a live DJ who spins top 40 hits and special requests, this club has the largest dance floor in Gatlinburg. Featured drinks are created each week by top-notch bartenders. the club also frequently features guest DJs. So, if you’re ready to dance the night away this should be first on your list.

For more information visit: http://812gatlinburg.com/

Categories: Gatlinburg Rental Cabin Resort blog, Rentals in Gatlinburg TN, Things to Do | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Mark your Calendars for Smoky Mountain SpringFest in Gatlinburg

Posted on February 26, 2013 by Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg Spring Fest

Gatlinburg Spring Fest

Smoky Mountain SpringFest in Gatlinburg, TN.

Birds are chirping, flowers and trees budding, and old man winter is saying adieu! It’s springtime in the Smoky Mountains, and there are many reasons to celebrate a new spring and summer fun to come. Smoky Mountain SpringFest offers three months of special events, celebrations, and contests to commemorate this special time of year and this coupled with spring specials at Elk Springs Resort Gatlinburg cabins. This year’s Smoky Mountain SpringFest will run from March 12th through June 2nd.

This three month festival is marked by numerous special events.
Here are some highlights:

Great Smoky Mountain East Arts & Crafts Show
This annual Arts & Craft show features handcrafted works from regional artists. Conveniently located in the downtown Gatlinburg Convention Center, admission is free and visitors can meet and greet members of the area Arts & Crafts Community. There is a rich mountain heritage shared by these local artisans and they crafts they have been creating in this region for decades. Shoppers can browse the works of hundreds of vendors and talk with the artisands who make these one-of-a-kind crafts. This event will run Thursday March 28th-Saturday March 30th.

For more information visit: www.gatlinburgcrafts.com/craftshows.html

The Spring Grand Rod Run
The Spring Grand Rod Run is one of 3 annual car shows held in Piegon Forge. One of the largest car shows in the country, this show brings together classic cars, every make and model from everywhere to Pigeon Forge. Visitors to the area can stop view, sit in, and look under the hood of classic Fords, GMCs, and Gold Wings to name a few. Vendors also set up to sell customized, antique, and hard-to-find car parts. This Spring Grand Rod Run runs from April 19-21st.

For more information visit: http://www.pigeonforge.com/Minisites/Pigeon-Forge-Car-Shows

Ribfest and Wings
Gatlinburg’s annual “Ribfest and Wings,” is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. This fun festival brings vendors from far and wide to share some of the best in sauces, ribs, and wings. The Gatlinburg Parkway transforms into a street fair, with live entertainment and plenty of food to sample. One ticket allows visitors to sample ribs and wings to their heart’s delight. This year’s festival will be held on April 25th.

The Dolly Parade
National singer/celebrity and Sevier County native, Dolly Parton, comes home to proudly lead and serve as the Grand Marshall of the famous “Dolly Parade.”Dolly’s annual homecoming parade draws more than 50,000 spectators every year. This parade is a spectacular event as colorful floats, entertainers, marching bands, and local celebrities cruise down the Pigeon Forge Parkway. This parade draws Dolly Parton fans and admirers from around the globe. This year’s parade will be held on May 10th. The event will start at 6pm and will begin on River Road and traffic light # 7 and run north to the Belz Factory Outlet World and traffic light # 3.

For more information visit: http://www.pigeonforge.com/Annual-Dolly-Parade

Be sure to check out the Gatlinburg Event Calender to find out more information on all the events taking place durinig the 2013 Smokey Mountain Spring Fest: http://www.gatlinburgtnguide.com/events/gatlinburg-events-calendar

Categories: Gatlinburg Rental Cabin Resort blog, Rentals in Gatlinburg TN, Things to Do | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment