Gatlinburg’s Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show

If there is one thing that Gatlinburg is known for other than its thriving tourism economy, it’s the broad spectrum of arts & crafts that are produced by the town’s local artisans. Here, local artists even have their own community and put on such big events as the 2013 Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

Now this isn’t the town’s first go-round with such shows, Gatlinburg is known nationwide for its numerous arts and crafts shows, but a few specific shows like the one that occurs every year at Easter, stand out above the rest. The Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show takes place, as you guessed it, Easter weekend (March 28-30). You’ll see some of the finest artisans from the area demonstrating their craft and selling their wares.

The Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show is FREE to the public and features all local artists. You won’t find that to be the case at any other arts and crafts festivals you may encounter. If you’re wanting to capture the true essence of the Smokies in the form of a gift, or just something special to remember your trip by, this show is a must-see. Put on by members of the Great Smoky Mountains Arts & Crafts community – one of the oldest of its kind in the country made up entirely of artisans, its become widely renowned for its uniqueness when it comes to the types of crafts on display. A number of the artists in the community are second, third, and even fourth-generation artists, their trades inherited and passed down among their family members.

After you visit the Convention Center, feel free to visit the 8-mile loop trail that makes up the Great Smoky Mountains Arts & Crafts Community located just three miles from downtown Gatlinburg on Highway 321 N or East Parkway. Here, you can visit with over 100 artists and craftsmen in their shops, listen to their stories, and pick up a few tips as well.

What kinds of Smoky Mountain-inspired arts and crafts appeal to you? Whatever it may be, you won’t want to miss this show!

Indian Flats Falls

Looking for a beautiful trek to a Smoky Mountain waterfall near Gatlinburg? Check out Indian Flats Falls, which is located 3.8 miles from the Tremont Trailhead, just south of Townsend, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Via a spur off the Middle Prong Trail, Indian Flats Falls features 4 medium-size cascades. This is a great area for a summer dip in the Smokies as the falls each tumble to an enclosed pool ideal for swimming and wading.

Smoky Mountain visitors will find the trail to Indian Flats Falls especially appealing during the spring and summer months as it doesn’t see many people, is an easy hike, and provides for some wonderful fishing opportunities along the way.

You’ll find that once you reach the area of the falls, they are partially hidden by forest growth. There is also easy access to many smaller but equally scenic cascades leading to and past this point.

The trail continues up the wide south bank of Lynn Camp Prong in a mixed hardwood forest to the Panther Creek Trail split. Note that you’ll seamlessly branch off along Indian Flats Prong shortly beyond this point.

The trail moves steadily under a vine-draped canopy and rhododendron understory to a bridge; once over it climbs away from the creek and winds into a thick forest.

Though water is no longer visible, Indian Flats Falls will be audible as you near the unmarked spur, located behind a large boulder on a sharp, steep bend in the trail.

Note that if you reach the Lynn Camp Prong Trail split, you’ve gone too far.

The unmarked spur undulates ruggedly to the top tier of Indian Flats Falls. The first fall offers the largest viewing area, and a precarious look down upon the second.

To reach the lower falls you must backtrack on the spur and improvise a few steps off trail – never climb or descend rocks adjacent to flowing water. Be mindful of timber rattlesnakes and copperheads as you negotiate the busy forest to the lower falls.

Golf Digest Rates Gatlinburg Course #1 Municipal Course in Tennessee

The title of Best Municipal Golf Course in the State of Tennessee was recently awarded to the Gatlinburg Golf Course, as published in Golf Digest magazine this past August.

The magazine concluded that the Gatlinburg Course was best by using a combination of star ratings from Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” rankings and the magazine’s “Best In State” ratings. This was done by a panel of editors and contributors to the magazine.

“Muny” course was defined as a course owned by a city, town, county or state. Gatlinburg Golf Course received a rating of 4 and one-half stars out of 5 in the magazine, rating among the nation’s top courses, with a listed green fee of $60. Only one municipal golf course, Bethpage State Park (Black) in Farmingdale, N.Y., which in recent years has held such prestigious tournaments as the U.S. Open, received a rating of 5 stars.

A year-round golf course with modern facilities, the Gatlinburg Course features a newly designed, fully equipped pro shop. It’s been a staple in the area since 1955 and is located off Dollywood Lane near Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country. Esteemed golf course architect William Langford designed the 18-hole course before undergoing major renovations in 1993 and again in 2007.

The Course has always been public and has had only two PGA Professionals – Harry “Cotton” Berrier, a Hall of Fame inductee who retired in 1998, and Tucker, the current director of the Golf Course, which is a Department of the City of Gatlinburg.

In addition to a $500,000 hole renovation project, a new $1.24 million clubhouse opened in 2007, featuring a full-service pro shop and patio deck overlooking several holes. All of the clubhouse’s utilities have been placed underground at the 7,500 square foot facility, which includes modern locker rooms and restroom facilities and is fully handicap accessible.

Acclaimed as one of the most picturesque courses in America with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the course includes the legendary #12, affectionately known as “Sky Hi.” The hole is 194 yards in length and drops 200 feet, tee to green, making it one of the most dramatic holes in the country.

Winterfest Lights Get Top Nod

The Society of American Travel Writers has included the lights of Winterfest on its list of The Top 10 Lesser-Known (But Just as Bright!) Holiday Lights in the U.S.

Winterfest lights are displayed in the cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The display ranks 8th on the society’s list, which also includes light displays in Kauai, Hawaii; Charlotte, N.C.; Pine Mountain, Ga.; and Louisville, Ky.

The Winterfest lights will remain lit through this month.

“Designs include snowflakes, rocking horses, waterfalls, trains, bears, a gristmill and toy soldiers, all lining the Parkway leading to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” the society notes.

“I guess it’s no surprise that people are recognizing our beauty,” said Brenda McCroskey, Chief Executive Officer of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce. “A lot of people have been coming here to enjoy the holiday festivals and the shopping, for a long time.”

But, she added, “There has not been that much recognition on a national level.”

Based in Milwaukee, Wis., the Society of American Travel Writers is an organization of more than 1,100 journalists, public relations workers and other professionals. It was founded in 1955.

“Notices like these are much more powerful than direct advertising,” said McCroskey of the list. “This comes from an unbiased source. This says someone else who has credentials thinks we’re doing a good job.”

Honors related to Sevier County’s winter offerings are rare, McCroskey said. “We tend to get recognition more for springtime and summertime activities.”

Winterfest was established to boost the Sevier County economy during the cold months. Upcoming Winterfest events include Wilderness Wildlife Week, the Tennessee Winter Special Olympics and the Rose Glen Literary Festival.

Hard Rock Cafe

Even though Gatlinburg’s roots are based in old-time mountain music, that doesn’t mean they don’t know how to rock. So much so that they’ve got some of finest rock memorabilia aligning the walls of the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Gatlinburg.

But lets talk less Gatlinburg and more Hard Rock Cafe. The world famous eatery brings in scores and scores of visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains every year thanks to their rock and roll memorabilia and their great food.

To many people’s surprise, this is the only Hard Rock Cafe in East Tennessee. You would think that there might be a few more, but Hardrock Gatlinburg is one of only 45 of the franchises anywhere in the world. One of its two founders, Isaac Tigrett, was even born in Jackson, Tenn., despite the restaurant originating in London. And talk about all the comforts of home, you’ll find a number of Tennessee dishes aligning the menu, including the Memphis-style barbecue beef brisket.

Hey, if the menu doesn’t get you, the rock-n-roll museum will. The Gatlinburg locale just went through a recent re-decoration. One thing you must stop and check out next time you’re there – the stairwell that is lined with drum kits, the set of reindeer bells John Lennon used in recording “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” and a vest worn by Jimi Hendrix for a concert in Canada in 1968, which he then gave to a fan. You won’t see rock memorabilia like this anywhere else.

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If you’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg and think the Hard Rock will be one of your stops while in town, here’ what to expect: a full-service Rock (as in “and Roll”) Shop, museum-quality memorabilia, a delicious menu full of local fare and recipes from around the world like the Legendary 10 oz. burger with its “proprietary chuck blend”, and a fully stocked bar with a myriad of signature Hard Rock cocktails.

Whether you’re in the mood for a quick burger or some shopping and sight-seeing, the Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg is a rockin’ good time.

Oh, and here’s one more thing you might not know about the Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg: it’s the only Hard Rock Cafe with a wedding chapel. So, if the time is right and a rockin’ wedding is right up your alley, say “I do” while you’re here. It will be a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Hard Rock Cafe Gatlinburg
515 Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Things to Do in Downtown Gatlinburg

While there seems to be endless things to do in Gatlinburg, there are still folk who come in to town wondering what Gatlinburg actually has to offer. Well, with that in mind, here’s a little taste of what you can look forward to if you decide to take in downtown one day.

From Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies to the Hard Rock Cafe to Ripley’s Believe It or Not to the Village Shops, there are a number of stores and attractions that will leave a schedule packed and asking, “What’s there not to do in Gatlinburg?”

For all the outdoor opportunities in the Smoky Mountains, you might think that there just wouldn’t be that many unique shopping opportunities. Totally the opposite. Along the Parkway and in the scenic Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Loop, you’ll find some of the most unique stores anywhere selling things that you simply won’t find anywhere else. Many modern galleries have set up shop on the brick streets, as well as quaint little boutique shops. It also doesn’t hurt that Gatlinburg is close to the Five Oaks Tanger Outlet in Sevierville, which lures shoppers to the area from around the country to browse and buy at all the name-brand stores.

When you shop in Gatlinburg you know it’s going to be a unique experience. You can gaze on in awe as craftsmen fire ceramics and spin pottery, then take a few steps to a store full of over 100,000 magnets, or 1,000 different hot sauces. Grab some homemade jams and jellies and bring a taste of the Smokies to the breakfast table back home.

Hit the malls or one of the specialty stores and studios. Gatlinburg shops are filled with handmade Gatlinburg arts and crafts, unique clothing, jewelry, accessories and souvenirs.

Whether you’re looking for bargains at one of the top outlet malls in Tennessee or you want a unique gift from a local artisan, the Gatlinburg shopping scene has it all. Browse a list of shops, stores and malls below.

Need a copy of the Shops to take with you? The Gatlinburg Shopping Guide is here as a downloadable PDF.

Smoky Mountain Trout House

If your idea of a vacation centers around trying out some of the best, and freshest local fare that you can find wherever it is you decide to go, then let us give everyone a heads up if they’re planning a trip to Gatlinburg in the near future. For the freshest Smoky Mountain trout around, you have to try the Smoky Mountain Trout House.

In business since 1975 in Gatlinburg, TN, the Smoky Mountain Trout House gets its signature item straight from the streams of the Smoky Mountains. They’re caught, packed in ice, and sent straight over to the restaurant. It’s by far the best Rainbow Trout you’ll ever eat! It’s almost as if you’ve traveled back in time and are sitting at a table eating the same trout the early Smokies settlers ate when they first came to the region all those many years ago.

Just take a look at the Smoky Mountain Trout House’s menu and try not to get hungry. Read on if trout is your dish of choice.

For starters, try the fried pickles or trout fritters, deep fried, freshly battered, Southern-style. Heck, try them both, especially if aren’t going to be in town for awhile. They are equally delicious.

Moving on to the main courses, the Trout Eisenhower – house specialty, headlines the page, and most people probably stop right here because who wouldn’t want to order something called a “Trout Eisenhower”? Either way, it’s pan fried trout using a breading of corn meal and bacon, served with bacon-butter sauce, and sauteed mushrooms and onions.

If you do happen make your way past the house specialty, you’ll find such Southern entrees as Broiled Mountain Trout, Pan Fried Mountain Trout, Parmesan Trout, Trout Almondine, Mountain Trout Specialty cakes, Cheese-Baked Trout, Blackened Rainbow Trout, etc. If it’s trout, they know how to prepare it, and they’ve tried most ways. You really can’t go wrong.

Other house menu items include prime rib, rib-eye, country ham, chicken, and fried catfish. But really, how could you make it past the trout? Either way, it’s going to be something that you love and is going to taste great.

Trout is also an item listed on the kid’s menu. They can also choose from chicken, grilled cheese, or hamburgers.

For desert, key lime pie, lemon ice-box pie, coconut cream pie, or the special of the day can be ordered to settle that sweet tooth we all have.

Smoky Mountain Trout House
410 Parkway Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: (865) 436-5416

Hannah Mountain Trail

If you’re one of those hikers who loves a good challenge, then look no further than the Hannah Mountain Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail is a meandering 9.5 miles from Parson Branch Road to its junction with the Hatcher Mountain Trail at Abrams Creek.

You’ll trek across a number of Smoky Mountain ridges along the way after starting out on Parson Branch Road. To get there, turn off the Cades Cove Loop Road in Townsend just past the Cable Mill. Then follow the signs to Parson Branch Road.

Over the years, this trail has become known for its great hiking opportunities. And by that, meaning it’s a very even trail and smooth thanks to pine needles that fall along it. You’ll come to a massive tuliptree 1.9 miles on the trail – the first major natural marker. Accordingly, another natural marker found on Hannah Mountain is Mount Lanier, the mountain’s highest peak. You’ll descend its flank above Bell Cove and hike into a mixed hardwood forest.

Hikers will circle the north end of Hannah Mountain as they move further along the trail before coming to backcountry campsite No. 14. From there, hikers will follow the trail around the north end of Deadrick Ridge. You’ll climb Polecat Ridge after passing an old home site. This occurs before descending Scott Gap 7.6 miles in. Scott Gap is named in honor of George Scott who lived in the area that backcountry campsite No. 16 now occupies.

The Hannah Mountain Trail reaches its steepest point during the final 100 yards as it approaches Abrams Creek. You must wade the creek in order to cross it which can be hazardous after a rainstorm. Happy hiking!

Gatlinburg Cabin Deals

There is no shortage of luxurious Smoky Mountain cabins to be found in Gatlinburg. The area is home to thousands of cabins nestled in the mountains surrounding town and within driving distance to most of the area’s biggest attractions. Like other cabin companies, Gatlinburg Cabins Online has a pretty large footprint in the area and offers guests a number of deals throughout the year to entice them into staying at one of their spacious, luxury Gatlinburg cabins.

Some of Gatlinburg Cabins Online’s current specials and deals include:

Get 20% off on your next stay! Book for 2 or more nights and receive a 20% discount off the nightly rate To receive this offer, it must be a NEW reservation booked January 18 – March 14. Guests can’t use this special with, or in combination with any other special.

Stay 5 and get a 6th night FREE! If you stay at Gatlinburg Cabins Online 5 nights, the 6th night FREE! This offer runs all year long. The least expensive night is free and can not be combined with other discounts or offers. This offer excludes holidays.

For all our returning guests: Gatlinburg Cabins Online wants to do everything possible to encourage return visits from our guests. Therefore, returning guests will get a 15% discount if you book for 2 or more nights. There are stipulations though. The offer excludes peak season periods such as June, July, October and select holidays. This is another special offer from Gatlinburg Cabins Online that can’t be combined with other specials.

These specials are just another way that Gatlinburg Cabins Online works to provide the best possible experience for their guests coming to the Smoky Mountains. These specials are always being updated and can change at any time, so it’s best to bookmark their specials page and check the most up-to-date offers before booking. Or, give Gatlinburg Cabins Online a call, Toll Free at 1-877-60-CABIN to get the most current details and any unadvertised specials.

Crystelle Creek Grill

A lot of people, before they decide on place to eat out at, we take into consideration the atmosphere, or ambiance, of a place, in addition to the food. For an unbelievable combination of the two, try Crystelle Creek Grill next time you’re searching for a great Gatlinburg restaurant with a unique atmosphere.

Just think about dining at a place with flowing creeks just below the windows and an 80 foot raining light tree. And that’s just the scenery. The menu is stocked with such flavorful dishes as fresh trout, streaks, chicken and Italian recipes even the most staunch of Europeans would love.

Taking a look over the menu, charbroiled shrimp jumps out immediately on the appetizer’s list. We’re talking large Louisiana Gulf Coast shrimp, not the small little crawlers you find in the grocery store. Other yummy starters include catfish bites, fried mushrooms, and queso dip among others.

The burgers and sandwiches section is highlighted by their catfish sandwich, perfect any time of year. On down the menu you come to the straight off the grill section where you’ll find rib-eye steaks, T-bones, and racks of ribs. Your mouth is watering, right? Ours too. Maybe it’s time to head on out to Crystelle Creek.

Still reading? Well then let’s take a look at the chicken offerings on down the menu. Fried chicken, southwestern chicken, stuffed chicken, it’s all here. Some of their specialty offering include skillet fried or blackened grilled trout, lemon pepper trout, catfish, salmon and Cajun shrimp. You really can’t go wrong at Crystelle Creek – the food, the atmosphere, they’ve got it all.

Come relax by the creek and enjoy a delicious Smoky Mountain dinner at same time at Crystelle Creek next time you’re in Gatlinburg.

Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill
1654 E Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738-5832
(865) 430-1551