*The Rainbow Trout - a Smoky Mountain fixture.

One of the best things about Gatlinburg are the numerous mountain streams and rivers that converge and form the Little Pigeon River. With these bodies of water running through the city, it is no wonder that visitors and locals alike come to Gatlinburg to fish. The accessibility of the streams and the fact that Gatlinburg stocks the river along River Road make for good fishing for the expert or novice. Being able to walk from your hotel to the water, wade into the river, start casting and land that big trout, makes fishing in Gatlinburg something to be remembered for a lifetime.

Which is why not long ago Gatlinburg came up with its own trout tournament – now entering its twelfth year. This year, April 7-8, contestants will be able to compete for over $10,000 in cash a prizes. To get ready for the tournament, Gatlinburg has stocked over 20 miles in local streams with 10,000 trout.

Due to the fact that Gatlinburg has one of the best stocking programs in the area, you do need a special permit to fish inside the city limits as well as compete in the tournament. You can pick up one of those permits at the Welcome Center on 441 South, the ‘Spur,’ before you get to town or City Hall on East Parkway. Gatlinburg has their own trout farm that they use for stocking. The streams are stocked on Thursday so there is no fishing on Thursdays, but any other day of the week is fine. The Gatlinburg Trout License has different rules and regulations depending on whether you are a Tennessee resident or not and there are a few exempt classes that do not need the Gatlinburg permit. You should ask those questions when you get your permit at the Welcome Center or City Hall.

There are some rules and regulations when fishing in Gatlinburg. Fishing in Gatlinburg is allowed from thirty minutes before sunrise to thirty minutes after sunset. There are several children-only fishing areas in Gatlinburg: no one over twelve is allowed to fish in those areas. When fishing in Gatlinburg, you can only use one hand-held rod and you can only use a single hook. No multiple hook rigs are allowed. There are, of course, creel limits to the number of fish you can catch, so make sure that you ask about creel limits, type of bait and lures that can be used when you purchase your fishing permit.

With all of the fishing opportunities it offers, Gatlinburg is a sportsman’s paradise. If you are a fly fisherman from way back, this is a great place to spend some time looking for that big trout in a stocked stream. If you have never fly fished before than you have the chance to fish where the water is easy to get to and you know that there are trout in the water. Good times are to be had fishing in Gatlinburg.

For more information, or to register for the 13th Annual Gatlinburg Trout Tournament, visit rockytopoutfitter.com or call 865-661-FISH

Article fromInside Gatlinburg, TN

Fishing in Gatlinburg & The 2012 Trout Tournament

Nothing this Spring is more delicious than Gatlinburg's Ribfest & Wings.

To say that Spring is just around the corner would be false, but we can eagerly look ahead during these long, cold January days. With every Spring, Gatlinburg ushers in a busy festival season in the old town.

Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Springfest celebration begins March 9 and continues through June 3. People can witness the town’s transformation into Spring when the streets overflow with baskets of beautiful blooming flowers and plants. Pansies, daffodils, tulips, mandevillas, bougainvilleas, lantanas, and wave petunias are among the many varieties of flowers that can be seen throughout town.

On Easter morning, April 8, join in the local tradition and attend Ober Gatlinburg’s 13th Annual Easter Sunrise Service enhanced by the beauty of the Smokies. Free tram rides to the mountain top begin at 5:45 a.m. and continue in 15 minute intervals until the service begins at 6:30 a.m. Complimentary parking at the resort will be provided for those who prefer to drive. A breakfast buffet will be waiting and available at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant from 7 a.m. Until 10:30 a.m.

The smell of hickory-smoked barbeque will fill the air as folks roll up sleeves and dive in to sample their secret sauces on delectable ribs and wings from vendors from all over the Southeast on Thursday, April 26 at Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings from 5-8pm. This festive street party features live entertainment, lots of fun and barbeque ribs and wings on the open grill just for your tasting.

The 62nd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage & Greener Living Expo, set April 25-29, is another great event, especially for hikers and nature lovers who love to see delicate wildflowers in bloom. Hosted by the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the University of Tennessee Botany Department, this five-day program offers more than 150 different hiking tours of trails ranging from easy to strenuous, exhibitions, demonstrations, classroom lectures and delightful motor excursions into the wonderful season of spring in the Smokies.

Members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community will display unique handcrafted wares as they gather at the Gatlinburg Convention Center to host their annual Easter Arts & Crafts show April 4-7.

To learn more about these and other events in Gatlinburg, call 800-56-VISIT (568-4748) or visit the Gatlinburg website at www.gatlinburg.com.

Article fromInside Gatlinburg, TN

Smoky Mountain Springfest 2012

If you plan on skiing in Gatlinburg, TN during your next vacation, church retreat, or Smoky Mountain getaway then the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is where you’ll wind up. This is the only ski resort in Tennessee, so if you’re looking for more choices you’ll need to look a little farther east in North Carolina at slopes such as Sugar Mountain, Ski Beech, Appalachian, etc.

Ober Gatlinburg is a family ski resort that has activities for everyone. If part of your family doesn’t ski or snowboard, there are other fun things to do such as ice skating, arcade, alpine slide, scenic chair lift, and more. Even party poopers have something to do as they can sit by the fire in the lounge or even “people-watch” around the ice skating rink. Ober’s been a Smoky Mountain staple since 1962 when it comes to entertaining family, friends, and even yourself.

If you plan on making Ober Gatlinburg your ski resort vacation destination, then you have two options of getting up there. You can either ride the aerial tramway (which happens to be the largest aerial tramway in America) from downtown Gatlinburg or you can drive up the mountain on Ski Mountain Road. Simply turn at traffic light #9 on the south end of Gatlinburg (closest to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) and follow the winding road (Ski Mountain Road) all the way to the top…just have cash ready to park. The earlier you go, the better. The are three tiers of parking lots and if you get there early, you have a better shot at getting a parking spot at the top near the resort. Otherwise, it’s a short hike from the lower parking lots, but the locals call that the warmup!

The 2012 ski season has started in Gatlinburg, TN!

Lift Ticket Rates:
http://www.obergatlinburg.com/wintinfo.htm

Other Attraction Rates:
http://www.obergatlinburg.com/rates.htm

Latest Ski Report:
http://www.obergatlinburg.com/snowrpt.htm

Article fromInside Gatlinburg, TN

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is NOW OPEN!

Article fromInside Gatlinburg, TN

Ober Gatlinburg – Christmas on Ice 2011 (photos)

Article fromInside Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg Christmas Lights 2011 (photos)

Trolley Ride of Lights (Jan. 1-30) Visitors can soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley by taking the relaxing Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. These popular guided excursions start at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and travels throughout downtown Gatlinburg. Admission $5 (865) 436-0535

Tennessee Winter Special Olympics (Jan. 29-30) – Watch and cheer as Special Olympics athletes compete for the gold in their annual Winter Olympics day. Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort, www.obergatlinburg.com

February

Gatlinburg Improv Fest (Feb. 23-26) – The Gatlinburg Improv Fest is an event for both performers and spectators at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre in Gatlinburg. http://www.gatlinburgimprovfest.com/

March

Smoky Mountain SpringFest (March 6 – June 1) – Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, trees are full of new growth and leaves, frost has melted from the high country and waterfalls cascade onto rocks below. Throughout Gatlinburg

April

Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show (April 4-7) – Unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are placed on display and offered for sale as they host their annual show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Demonstrations are part of the show. www.gatlinburgcrafts.com

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament (April 7 – – The 13th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament in Gatlinburg is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies. www.rockytopoutfitter.com or 865-661-3474

Easter Sunrise at Ober (April – Soak up Easter Sunday sunrise from the top of Mt. Harrison at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort during this service sponsored by the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association.

Smoky Mountain Gatlinburg Regional Bridge Tournament (April 16-22) – This large tournament of the Mid-Atlantic Bridge Conference takes place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center with thousands of players participating in Gold Point events and other programs. www.gatlinburgregional.org

Mountain Man Memorial March (April 20-21) – The Fifrth Annual Mountain Man Memorial March is a 26.2-mile march in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee which will be conducted Saturday, April 20 & 21 in Gatlinburg as a tribute to our men and women in uniform. (865) 974-5371

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage (April 24-28) – Enjoy the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with over 150 different programs, including hiking tours, motorcades, demonstrations & classroom lectures. W.L. Mills Conference Center & various venues, www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org or 865-436-7318

Ribfest & Wings (April 26) – Enjoy the area’s best ribs and wings as well as live entertainment during Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings on Thursday, April 26. One admission price allows sampling until the ribs and wings run out as the Parkway transforms into a Street Fair.

May

Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon (May 5) – The fourth annual triathlon at the Community Center starts at 8:15 a.m. and is open to anyone 15 years and older capable of swimming one-half mile, biking twenty kilometers, and running five kilometers consecutively. Gatlinburg Community Center, 865/436-4990. Entry Fee

Cinco de Mayo Celebration (May 5) – Ripley’s Entertainment and the City are teaming up to produce the second major Hispanic event in the City of Gatlinburg on Saturday, May 5 with the Cinco de Mayo Celebration. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza

June

Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales (June 15 – August 11) – Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800.

July

37th Annual July 4th Midnight Parade (July 3-4) – For the 37th consecutive year, Gatlinburg kicks off America’s Independence Day celebration with the nation’s first parade, which leads off at 12 a.m. on Sunday.

“Stand Here” Fireworks Finale (July 4) – Finish off the 4th in style with a magnificent fireworks show visible from the downtown streets of Gatlinburg!

Gatlinburg’s River Raft Regatta (July 4) – Gatlinburg’s popular River Raft Regatta takes place at noon on Monday, July 4th, on the Little Pigeon River in Downtown Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (July 20-29) – Art, crafts and music lovers can find almost 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gatlinburg Convention Center, www.craftsmenfair.com or 865/436-7479. Admission: $6

August

Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival (Aug. 23-25) – Celebrating the area’s Appalachian musical roots, Gatlinburg will host its first Smoky Mountains Songwriters Festival August 23 through 25. http://www.smswf.com

Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival (Aug. 31 – Sept. 2) – A family oriented fine arts festival featuring juried artists from around the country and music on the campus of Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in downtown on Labor Day weekend, 2012. http://www.gfaf.net

September

Annual Taste of Autumn (Sept.) – Featuring the fare of the area’s finest restaurants and businesses, the performance of jazz performers John Celestin and Peggy Smith, the Taste of Autumn returns to the Gatlinburg Convention Center on Thursday, September, all to benefit the United Way of Sevier County. Admission fee

Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival (Sept.) – Fall decorations, old fashioned hayrides, events, entertainment, and local craft exhibits can be seen throughout Gatlinburg.

Fall Color in the Smokies (Sept. 15 – Nov. 15) – There are still a variety of trees in the low country in the Smokies and Gatlinburg that are hanging on, bearing the more muted brown hues and subdued oranges and golds. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, www.gatlinburg.com

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament (Sept.) – The 11th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies.

October

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair (Oct.) – Art, crafts and music lovers can find almost 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Gatlinburg Convention Center, www.craftsmenfair.com or (865) 436-7479. Admission: $6

November

Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff (Nov.) – Offering mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, the City of Gatlinburg hosts its 22nd annual Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff on , Nov. from 5 to 8 p.m. on the popular Downtown Parkway. Admission fee

Veteran’s Day Celebration (Nov.) – Join Gatlinburg in saluting America’s veterans. Stirring musical tribute on Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza.

Festival of Trees (Nov.) – Festival of Trees and weekend performances of a holiday classic presented in Gatlinburg. W.L. Mills Conference Center, www.gatlinburgfestivaloftrees.com. Admission fee

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Holiday Show (Nov.) – Unique handcrafted gifts made by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are offered as they host their annual holiday show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Visit www.gatlinburgcrafts.com or call (800) 568-4748.

December

Article fromInside Gatlinburg, TN

2012 Gatlinburg Calendar of Events

Insider tip: Most of the best vantage points are on the balconies of hotels on the opposite side of the street from the space needle. There are also some parking garages in that area that are good spots if you can get up top. Just make sure you can clearly see the top pf the space needle and you’ll be fine. If you are planning driving out of Gatlinburg that night, then park along River Road or on either end of town…just stay away from downtown…the closer you get to the space needle, the more likely you’ll stay all night…besides…that might be more fun anyway!!!

More Gatlinburg info:
Local Phone: (865) 430-4148
Toll-Free: 1-800-588-1817

Have a blast and HAPPY NEW YEAR from all of us in Gatlinburg, TN!

Article fromInside Gatlinburg, TN

New Year’s Eve in Gatlinburg

Article fromInside Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg Christmas Parade Photos

Presented by Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Sharky and Sharkette of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies will serve as the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade’s Grand Marshals as it travels through downtown Gatlinburg. Distinguished entries in this year’s parade include the world-famous Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. The first Wienermobile was designed by Carl Mayer, nephew of Oscar Mayer, in 1936. The Wienermobile itself is 24 hot dogs high, 60 hot dogs long, 18 hot dogs wide and weighs 140,500 hot dogs.

If you plan on attending the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade, here is some inside info that can help you out. Santa will start his “Autograph Party” at 6pm at the Riverbend Mall which is located in front of the Welcome Center at traffic light #3. The parade itself is scheduled to start at approximately 7:30pm. It will will begin at traffic light 1A on highway 321 and will make its way downtown to traffic light #10. If you’re anywhere between those two traffic lights, you’ll have front-row seats for the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade! The parade will last about an hour and a half, so bundle up and bring some hot chocolate!

They are expecting around 80,000 to view the parade, so it’s wise to find a spot early. Also, make necessary dinner plans as most restaurants in Gatlinburg will be packed between 5pm-7pm. Either call ahead to your restaurant of choice, grab some fast food, or eat wherever you will be staying (hotel, cabin, etc). It’s not suggested to eat in Pigeon Forge as it will be difficult driving into Gatlinburg before the parade. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s something to prepare for that will make your evening more enjoyable.

The Gatlinburg Christmas Parade is a great event for the entire family. It’s an enjoyable experience to see the faces of children light up as they see all of the lights, floats, cars, entertainers, etc stroll down the street. The music, sights, smells, etc add to what makes a Smoky Mountain Christmas so special to the locals. We hope that you get to experience it along with us! Besides the parade, you’ll also find yourself in a place where people still say Merry Christmas and enjoy sharing their faith and the true reason for the season with others. Christmas in the Smokies is truly one of God’s blessings. We sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Article fromInside Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg Christmas Parade

The light switch to Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic lighting display will be flipped up on Nov. 9  and for four months visitors can cruise, mouths agape, through the wintery lighting spectacular. The town promotion has continued to grow in popularity and it shows with the million dollar investment in LED (light emitting diode) bulbs strung across every light post and city tree. Displays highlight the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its inhabitants including deer, foxes, squirrels and rabbits. Many of the timeless displays visitors have grown accustomed to over the past 22 years have been converted to crisp LED as well. Most recently, fanciful snowmen, dancing fountains, a group of international children and a shiny rocking horse joined the lineup.

The first three phases of the $1.6 million-plus rollout of custom designed and fabricated lighting displays are marked by sections reminiscent of winter forests, evergreens and romance. Now, Hwy. 321 features an injection of new displays. In all, switching to LED displays have saved some 95 percent in energy costs and allow for 120 days of lighting.

But don’t just come down for the lights on Wednesday, Nov. 9, stay for the  Chili Cookoff on Wednesday, November 9. Homemade chili ranging from mild, hot, to really hot will be served from 5 to 8 p.m. on the Downtown Parkway, highlighted by the Winter Magic LED lights unveiling.  The Winter Magic Chili Cookoff will feature more than 20 restaurants, attractions, civic groups, retailers, banks, and public service agencies serving more than 30,000 cups of chili and competing for a variety of awards.

Those attending are encouraged to vote for their favorite chili. These votes will be tallied to award the coveted People’s Choice Award to the most popular chili. A panel of judges will cast their votes for other awards, including: Best Presentation, Best Chili Apron, and Best Chili. Cookoff winners will be announced and trophies awarded at 7:15 p.m.

Verified chili sample providers for this event include: Corky’s BBQ, Crawdaddy’s Restaurant, Dick’s Last Resort, Fox & Parrot Tavern, Gatlinburg Elk Lodge #1925, Gatlinburg Fire Department, Gatlinburg Police Department, Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn, Johnny Rockets, Loco Burro Cantina, Mellow Mushroom, MountainBrook Village, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Partridge & Pear, Puckers Sports Bar & Grill, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Sevier County Utility District and Titanic Museum Attraction.

This year’s event will be spiced up by the smooth Motown music of The Tams, featuring original member Charles Pope and Little Redd. The Tams have been entertaining for over 40 years and are known for such hits as, “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy”, “What Kind of Fool”, “I’ve Been Hurt” and “Untie Me.

Although admission for the event is free, an $8 wristband is required for chili sampling and can be purchased on-site the day of the event, with a portion of proceeds going to benefit Pi Beta Phi Elementary School PTA. Wristbands will be available for purchase onsite the day of the event at four convenient ticket booths. For more information, please call 800-568-4748.

Other holiday events occurring in the Great Smoky Mountains region during Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic festival include Gatlinburg’s own Trolley Ride of Lights and Pigeon Forge’s Winterfest.

Article fromInside Gatlinburg, TN

Gatlinburg Winter Magic & Chili Cookoff