Monday, December 30, 2013

Happy New Year...New Years Day Traditions here in the South

Happy 2014 Everyone

New Years Day Traditions here in the South
Hog Jowls
Black Eyed Peas
Greens
Corn Bread

 I probably need to explain what a hog jowl is. Some Northerners have never heard of this cut of pork. It's the "cheek" of the hog. It tastes and cooks similar to thick cut bacon. It's a tough cut that is typically smoked and cured. Hog jowl is used to season beans and peas, or fried and eaten like bacon. 

 Do you know why black-eyed peas are lucky on New Year's Day? As with most superstitions, there are several answers to the question. Typically, the belief that black-eyed peas are a lucky New Year's meal is especially popular in the south.

 Collard greens (or any greens) sub for cabbage in the south because that's what we grow here in the late fall. The southern tradition: each bite of greens you eat is worth $1,000 in the upcoming year.

Corn bread represents pocket money or spending money. It's another soul food we eat on New Year's. The tradition stems from the color of the bread. It's color represented "gold" or "coin" money. Plus, it goes well with collard greens, peas and pork. 

It is said if you eat this meal on New Years day you will have a very prosperous and lucky year ahead!

You should try it...you might just make this unique meal part of your New Years Celebration year after year! 

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Gatlinburg New Years Eve Celebration Ball Drop & Fireworks Display

Gatlinburg New Years Eve Celebration Ball Drop and Fireworks Display

 Gatlinburg will welcome the arrival of 2014 in unique style with its 26th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show around the intersection of Parkway and Historic Nature Trail at the base of the Space Needle late Tuesday night, December 31.
 At the stroke of midnight on December 31, 2013, fireworks will blast off the rooftop of the 400-foot tall Space Needle with music choreographed for the show produced by Pyro-Shows of LaFollette, Tennessee.  The Space Needle has added sequencing LED lights to the tower, making for a spectacular display. 

Leading up to midnight, there will be free music and entertainment in the parking lot adjacent to the Gatlinburg Convention Center.  Actress Rachel Grant will host “Witness The Impossible,” a Las Vegas style stage show beginning at 11:00PM.  SUPERHUMAN Chad Netherland and Mentalist Bill Gladwell will amaze the audience with an electrifying showcase of mental and physical abilities including; Man vs. Machine SUPER-BIKE hold, the Human Bullet Catch and stunning mental predictions.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Christmas Breakfast Candy Cane Cherry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe

Christmas Breakfast Candy Cane 
Cherry Cream Cheese Danish



Cake & filling
3(8 oz. each) pkgs. refrigerated crescent rolls
8 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 egg
1/2 tsp. vanilla or almond extract
21 oz. can cherry pie filling


Glaze
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2-3 teaspoons milk



Quick and easy to make! Enjoy!

Have a  very Merry Christmas!

Monday, December 16, 2013

The Traveling Red Chair visits Berry Springs Lodge

 Dec 13, 2014 Traveling Red Chair visited us!

Earlier this week we had a special visit from the Traveling Red Chair and we thought we would share it with you! You can visit the link www.RedChairTravels.com to see all of the places it has been so far!

                    Stopped by Berry Springs Lodge on December 13, 2013

 It was cold outside! 
                           They invited me in to warm up by the fire!

 The Lodge was decorated for Christmas. 
                              The tree reminded me of my cousin Holly.
           After feeling warm and toasty I felt a hike would be a in order.

                                  I found a canoe and took it for a spin.

                          Across the water I found myself ship wrecked
                          on a Nude Beach!! Good thing I had a fresh
                          coat of paint!
                          P.S. Found out that it was not really a nude
                          beach. It was a joke of the owners Son.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Scrapbook Weekend Getaway 2014 at Berry Springs Lodge

 Announcing Berry Springs Lodge 2014 
Scrapbook Weekend Getaway! 
Jan 31-Feb 2, 2014


Ladies you do not want to miss this weekend getaway!
The cost will be the same as last year $205.00 per person for entire weekend (based on 2 guests per room)
 If anyone wants to come in on Thursday night the rate will be $150.00 for that night.
 The weekend starting on Friday; Includes, a week-end full of scrapbooking (traditional or digital), fun, food, fellowship, door prizes, gift bags, new ideas, handouts, & teaching sessions.  We have a great group of sweet/fun ladies who attend year after year. The food, hospitality, accommodations, & mountain view are wonderful! 
 Please give us a call 865-908-7935 or you can go to our online reservations system to reserve.  http://www.webervations.com/magic-scripts/resbook.asp?memberid=berrysprings

Monday, December 9, 2013

Gatlinburg's Winter Magic Tunes & Tales

Winter Magic Tunes & Tales


Through the holiday season, Gatlinburg visitors can meet characters and storytellers and enjoy caroling along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg, TN every Friday and Saturday evening. Dickens-style holiday carolers dressed in traditional Victorian era costumes stroll along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Schedule
Most performers will do a brief opening show together at 5:00 pm in The Village and then another opener at 5:30 in Baskins Square.   Most performers will have scheduled staging areas for 15 minute shows on the hour and half hour on a rotation basis.
 We will have a closing performance at 8:45 pm each night as Reagan Terrace Mall – the “Yule Log Finale”.  As you know the old ‘Hoedowns’, now known as the “Smoky Mountain Shindig”, are always a popular performance!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Ober Gatlinburg in the Winter

Ober Gatlinburg Winter Sports
 December 23 thru March 16
Hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg. The resort offers snow tubing, ice skating, an alpine slide, aerial tramway, dining, shopping and more.

 

 

Tubing SESSIONS scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5:
 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
$20 Per person, ages 3 and upTicket sales open at 10:30 am
Tubing sessions may sell out and/or be delayed or
canceled due to weather and temperature changes.

 

For information please call:

(865) 436-5423
Snow Report: (800) 251-9202
or visit our website at obergatlinburg.com



Sunday, December 1, 2013

Berry Springs Lodge Christmas Gift Certificate Special

Are you looking for that perfect last minute gift for the person who has everything! Well look no further! Let us take the stress off of your Christmas list with this amazing Gift Certificate Special Offer! Have a fantastic day! Hope to see you soon!


Purchase a "TWO" night Weekday (Sun -Thurs) Gift Certificate to be used February 1st, 2014 to September 31st, 2014 and save up to $200 off the regular rate..

Regular Rate: Special:


Queen Room: $416.00 $250.00 Includes Tax

Fireplace Room: $460.00 $300.00 Includes Tax

Hot Tub Room: $508.00 $325.00 Includes Tax

Deluxe Suite: $550.00 $350.00 Includes Tax

Must be purchased by December 31 and is not valid with any other specials, offers, weekends, holidays or during October.

Certificates are also available in dollar amounts from $50.00 to $1,000.00

For more information or to purchase a gift certificate please call us toll free at

1-865-908-7935 or 1-888-760-8297
Merry Christmas to All!

Friday, November 29, 2013

Gatlinburg’s 38th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade

Gatlinburg’s 38th annual Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade travels through downtown Gatlinburg on Friday, December 6 starting at 7:30 p.m. to the cheers of an anticipated crowd of more than 80,000 spectators.

The parade excitement for young and old also includes more than 100 parade entries, over a dozen marching bands from Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama, and giant helium balloons taking to the streets.
The parade begins at Traffic Light #1A on Hwy 321 at 7:30 p.m. and ends about an hour-and-a-half later at Traffic Light #10.
Santa and Mrs Claus will be in the parade! So bundle up and come out and enjoy one of the many Christmas festivities with us in Gatlinburg!
Merry Christmas To All!
To All A Good Night!

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Christmas In Wears Valley

This is a new event this year we wanted to share with everyone! Sounds like a fun time awaits us!
 
 Wears Valley wants to take you back in time to the days of old-fashioned Christmas trees, horse-drawn wagon rides, hayrides, and storytelling. Lots of fun awaits you in the Valley during the holiday season.  A four-week long event, "Christmas in Wears Valley" will begin with a tree lighting ceremony at 6:00 pm on Friday, Nov. 29, 2013 at Wears Valley Ranch which borders Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The event will run through December 31st. 

In the late-November dusk on Nov. 29th, choirs will gather at Wears Valley Ranch, 3601 Lyon Springs Road, Sevierville, TN for a magnificent tree lighting ceremony. A blazing bon-fire will warm the night air as favorite Christmas carols warm our hearts as a trumpet plays. A rich tenor voice singing "Oh Holy Night" with the words echoing throughout the Valley could cause us to hear the angels' voices. After the final "Silent Night," everyone heads to Friendly Falls for "The Best Cup of Hot Chocolate in the South!" 

Earlier in the day fun attractions, stores, art galleries, and restaurants will be bustling with activity.  Food vendors at Cove Creek RV Resort on Wears Valley Road will be serving up tasty items like barbecue pork, turkey legs, Philly cheese steaks, smoked sausage, chicken, ribbon fries, funnel cakes, corn dogs, and caramel or candy apples. A tree tour throughout the Valley will feature trees decorated the old-fashioned way. Hayrides, horse-drawn wagon rides, and carolers will liven up the day's activities.


Friday, November 15, 2013

Great Smoky Mountain Thanksgiving Arts & Craft Show

Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show
November 26 - December 1, 2013


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

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights

 Pigeon Forge Trolley Tour of Lights 
November 13-January 10

 See five million shining lights while you're on a winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights. The heated, enclosed trolley comes complete with a personal tour guide who will share stories about Pigeon Forge's history and famous Winterfest displays.
Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights begins and ends at Patriot Park, so returning to your vehicle isn't a hassle.
Tickets can be purchased the day of the tour and reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. With many dates to choose from be sure to make your plans now to experience a Smoky Mountain Winter in the heart of Pigeon Forge.
Please note that the Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights will be running everyday, three times a night in November and December at 6:30 PM, 7:45 PM and 9:00 PM. In January the tours are only on Mondays and Fridays and there must be a minimum of 15 passengers for a tour to depart.

Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights
Nov. 7, 2012 – Jan. 26, 2013


With the holiday season really kicking into gear, trolley rides will continue through the month of January, departing at 6:30 p.m. each Saturday (except on December 2, 24 & 25) at the mass transit/trolley center at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies with additional tours at 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. Admission is $5 and be sure to call 865-436-0535 for reservations.
The Trolley Ride of Lights is a chance to soak up every last bit of Gatlinburg’s holiday spirit as the trolley winds its way through streets decorated with garlands, wreaths and the occasional elf. The 45-minute tour is completely narrated so that no one will miss that oh so elusive display just around the corner, or the place you keep meaning to drive by, but have simply forgotten.
Cruise along Gatlinburg’s River Road taking in the one-of-a-kind LED lighting display. This latest lighting endeavor has a price tag of $1.6 million. You’ll notice newly-designed sections reminiscent of evergreens, winter forests, and romance. Bright lighting displays will align Hwy. 321 as well.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Gatlinburg Festival of Trees

Gatlinburg Festival Of Trees


November 26-30

Surrounded by the twinkling lights and sounds and smells of the holidays, shop the many handmade centerpieces and craft items, and return to the joys of celebrating Christmas in the Smokies.
  Hundreds of Festive Christmas Trees, Sounds and Smells of Christmas Time Years Ago in the Smokies, Gingerbread House Contest, Gatlinburg-Made Holiday Decoratives and Gifts by Donation, Entrance by donation. All Proceeds Benefit the Smoky Mountain Area Rescue Ministries.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Sevierville Winterfest

Winterfest

November 5-February 29

As part of the annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest, Sevierville Parks & Recreation maintenance staff work diligently to transform the city streets into a winter wonderland of lights each year!  Preparation for this event takes approximately 1600 man hours year round with  lights being displayed November through February. The annual Winterfest Kick-off Celebration, which marks the official start of Winterfest, takes place the first week of November and is full of fun for all ages! Hope to see you there! 

Friday, October 18, 2013

Pigeon Forge 3rd Annual Veteran's Parade & 24th Annual Winterfest Kick-off

Pigeon Forge 3rd Annual Veteran's Parade & 24th Annual 
Winterfest Kick-off

Patiot Park Pigeon Forge
This year’s Winterfest kickoff will occur on November 12th!
Join us for the 3rd Annual Salute to Veterans Parade as we pay tribute to the men and women who have served in America’s Armed Forces. Other activities include a kids’ play area, food vendors, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and musical entertainment. The traditional lighting of more than five million lights on the Winterfest displays, followed by fireworks, will top off the evening.
The parade will wrap up around 5 p.m. and the festivities for the Pigeon Forge Winterfest kickoff will begin! Activities include a kids’ play area sponsored by East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, food vendors, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and musical entertainment. The traditional lighting of more than five million lights on the Winterfest displays, followed by fireworks, will top off the evening.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

BOO at the ZOO

Knoxville's LARGEST Halloween Event! 

BOO! at the Zoo 2013 presented by U.S. Cellular® will celebrate 12 nights of safe and not-too-scary Halloween fun on October 10-13, 17-20, 24-27, 2013 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.

BOO! at the Zoo, a Halloween tradition for 27 years, is a family event featuring devilishly good music and games at the Monster Mash tent in The Clayton Family Kids Cove, your favorite costumed characters throughout the zoo, and the only "haunted" carousel in East Tennessee, the Scary-Go-Round. (How can you tell it's haunted? It goes backwards, of course.)  And best of all, you can trick-or-treat down the BOO! trail for your favorite treats!

Tickets

$7 per person
Children under 2 are free
Parking is $5

Friday, October 4, 2013

Foothills Fall Festival

 Foothills Fall Festival
Oct 11 -Oct 13, 2013    
Maryville, TN -
Great concerts, food, juried arts and crafts and kids' activities Festival is 14 years old.

October 11 - 13, 2013! Nestled at the Foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Maryville, Tennessee hosts three days of amazing world class concerts, juried arts and crafts, and activities, shows, and much more for the whole family. We’re setting the stage for you this October!

Concerts offering amazing entertainment

Three Days, Fifteen Concerts, Big Fun in our beautiful Park at the Foothills Fall Festival!
2013 Artist Lineup



Friday, Oct. 11
Blues Traveler
The Black Lillies
Hillbilly Jedi

Saturday, Oct. 12

Lynyrd Skynyrd
Kix Brooks
Robin Meade
Maggie Rose
Andy Gibson
Kelsey’s Woods

Sunday, Oct. 13

Rascal Flatts
Brett Eldredge
Tyler Farr
Janelle Arthur
The Fairview Union
Texas Tony and the Tornado Ramblers

Juried arts and crafts at the Artway

Nearly 100 Juried Artists & Craftsmen bring their unique creations for a weekend of shopping and free fun.

Adventure Land family fun

Sixteen acres of fun for the whole family! Rides, Inflatables, Activities, Games and Shows – All Free!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

 

Frosted Pumpkin Cookies

Ingredients
 
1 cup butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Frosting

3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 1/2-2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Have ready some ungreased baking sheets.
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and the sugars together until light and fluffy.
Blend in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract.
In separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt.
Mix flour mixture into butter-sugar mixture.
Drop tablespoonfuls 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes until golden around the edges.
Remove warm cookies and transfer to racks.
Let cool completely for a least one half hour, then frost with glaze.
 Frosting
 In a medium saucepan, heat butter and brown sugar over medium heat until bubbly. Cook, stirring constantly, for one minute or until slightly thickened. Beat in the milk. Blend in confectioner's sugar until the glaze is smooth and drizzle cookies! ENJOY!

Friday, September 20, 2013

Berry Springs Lodge just for Fall Pumpkin Raisin Loaf

Just for Fall Pumpkin Raisin Loaf 





Ingredients:

1/3 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup pumpkin
2 teaspoons orange rind, coarsely grated
1/4 cup orange juice
1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon clove
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup raisins

Directions:

Cream butter and sugar.
Beat in eggs.
Whisk together--pumpkin, orange rind and juice.
Measure dry ingredients.
Mix together.
Spoon batter in a 8 x 8 pan.
Bake at 350 for 50 minutes.

Let stand 5 minutes then apply topping. Brush butter over top of cake and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. You can also top with nuts before baking.

Monday, September 16, 2013

Harvest Festivals happening now!

 Harvest festivals under way now!

Beginning in late September, the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival season finds the folks of Gatlinburg, Sevierville & Pigeon Forge decorating and celebrating the beginning of fall with a variety of events and festivals in Tennessee. September’s warm, sunny days and cool, clear nights mix with just the right amount of rain to transform 800 square miles of lush green forest into a brilliant palette of vibrant Autumn colors. You do not want to miss the beautiful fall season with us!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Our New Smoky Mountain Beach here at Berry Springs Lodge


We are still putting some finishing touches on our new Smoky Mountain Beach but it is all ready for sun bathers. Our oldest son P.J was supposed to be weed eating the other day but I found out he had some extra time to make an interesting sign for the beach. What do you think? We want to hear from you. Should we leave the sign up? We are in the mountains after all?

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Start Fall out by Picking your own Appples

A wonderful Fall Season awaits you in the beautiful Smoky Mountains!

Early September -Late November
 

 Stop by the front desk at Berry Springs Lodge for directions to partake in this awesome event.

At Baxter's Orchard in Cosby, TN you can pick every type of apple you could want; Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Milam, Staymen Winesap, York, Rome Beauty, Granny Smith, Jonathon. Get all you can then take home and make apple crisps, caramel apples, apple pie or anything else apple that makes your taste buds soar. Baxter's also has pumpkins.

Open: Early September to late November; Mondays - Sundays, 8:00am-6:00pm.
Map & Directions



Happy Fall Ya'll

Friday, August 16, 2013

Delicious Fall Carmel Apple Crisp Dessert

  • Apple Filling:
  • 5 large Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water

  • Crumble:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup quick cooking oats
  • 1 cup butter, softened

  • Caramel Sauce:
  • 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
  • 1 (5 ounce) can evaporated milk


    Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F (175 degree C).
  • In a medium size bowl, toss apples with sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water; spread evenly into a 8x8 inch pan. In another bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter; spoon mixture evenly over apples.
  • In a heavy sauce pan over low heat, melt the caramels with the evaporated milk. Heat , stirring frequently, until mixture has a smooth consistency. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the crumble.
  • Bake in preheated oven for about 45 minutes (apple mixture will bubble and topping will be golden brown).
  •  
  • The Perfect Fall Dessert! Enjoy!

Monday, August 5, 2013

Knoxville Tennessee Valley Fair Sept 6-15


There will be lots of celebrity appearances during the 2 week fair event.
For more information visit the official website for the Fair at tnvalleyfair.org
You do not want to miss the fair. Make your plans to join us ahead of time! Located only 30 minutes away from the Lodge.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Tennessee Back to School Tax Free Weekend

Tennessee Tax Free Weekend 


Back to School tax free weekend will take place from August 2-4 2013, and applies to the following types of merchandise:
  • Clothing under $100
  • School and art supplies under $100
  • Computers under $1,500