Gatlinburg Vacation Blog

Archive for February, 2012

The Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area offers plenty of year round excitement and adventure for the entire family. But it seems that things really kick into high gear with the warmer days of spring.

The trees and wildflowers in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park burst into bloom and the wildlife awakens from its winter slumber. Meanwhile, the area’s biggest attraction - Dollywood theme park - re-opens beginning March 24, 2012. The attraction, long considered one of the world’s best theme parks, offers amazing entertainment, extraordinary attractions and plenty of thrills, including the all new Wild Eagle roller coaster opening for the 2012 season.

Dollywood’s entertainment includes more than 30 performances daily, including Sha-Kon-O-Hey!-Land of Blue Smoke, a musical celebration of the people, spirit and heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains that features eight songs written by Dolly Parton. Other music includes country, bluegrass, classic rock ‘n’ roll and southern gospel.

The 2012 operating season begins with the kickoff of the park’s Festival of Nations (March 24 - April 30).  Featuring a world of entertainment, the Festival offers food and entertainment from around the globe. This year’s event includes clowns from Ukraine, Los Pampos Gauchos - a family act from Argentina, Spirit of the Dance featuring Irish dancers, stilt-dancing from Germany, and more.

Throughout the season, Dollywood hosts five of the South’s largest festivals and other events, including:

KidsFest: June 22 - July 29, 2012

Barbeque & Bluegrass: May 26 - June 10, 2012
Dollywood Nights: July 30 - August 12, 2012
National Southern Gospel Harvest Celebration: October 3 - November 3, 2012
Smoky Mountain Christmas: November 10 - December 30, 2012

For discount family resort accommodations near Dollywood, visit www.westgatereservations.com.

Spring is just around the corner in the Great Smoky Mountains. That means birds will be chirping, flowers will be blooming, trees will be full of new growth and the abundant wildlife will start stirring from their winter slumbers.

Spring also means it’s a great time to visit Gatlinburg, TN, where you’ll find ample entertainment and activity in addition to the spectacular glories presented by Mother Nature.

It all kicks off with a 3-month long SpringFest celebration that begins March 9 and runs through June 3. Gatlinburg visitors can experience the beauty and wonder as the area begins its transformation from winter to spring. The city’s streets will come alive with baskets of beautiful blooming flowers and live entertainment is frequently found along the quaint sidewalks of the downtown Parkway.

A popular activity in Gatlinburg is shopping and browsing the many hand-made crafts and other wares uniquely created by members of the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.

Another springtime tradition is the 62^nd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, April 25-29. Designed for hikers and nature lovers, there’s no better way to experience the area’s delicate wildflowers bursting into full bloom. This 5-day public program offers more than 150 hiking tours along trails ranging from easy to strenuous. There are also a variety of exhibitions, demonstrations, classroom lectures, and even some motor excursions through the national park.

Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings is another springtime celebration, featuring the sweet smells of hickory smoked barbeque. This event, held April 26 from 5-8 pm, offers up more than 20 vendors ready to serve up their best barbequed ribs and wings as well as free entertainment.

Springtime remains one of the very best times to visit Gatlinburg before the busier summer and fall color seasons. For information on lodging and accommodations at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, visit www.westgatereservations.com.