The perfect getaway

We came up to have a nice, small, intimate wedding ceremony. They set everything up for us and it turned out beautiful. We can't wait to go back on our anniversary. The rooms were beautiful and so were the views.

Georgia

Sep 30, 2009

Carmelitas

Makes 4 dozen:

   36 caramels                                            3/4c. brown sugar                                    6oz. white chocolate chips

   5 Tbsp. evaporated milk                         1/2 tsp. soda                                            3/4c. chopped pecans

   1c. flour                                                 1/4 tsp. salt

   1c. rolled oats                                         3/4 c. melted butter

 

Step 1: In a small saucepan (double boiler), heat caramels an evaporated milk until mixture is smooth and creamy.  Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, soda, salt and melted butter.  Press half of mixture into greased 8x12 inch baking pan.  Bake for 10 minutes at 300deg.

Step 3: Sprinkle white chocolate chips and pecans over cooked oatmeal mixture.  Cover with caramel mixture.  Crumble remaining oatmeal mixture on top.  Return pan to oven.  Bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 4: Cool in refrigerator for 2 hours before cutting.  Cut into bars and store in refrigerator or at room temperature.

Fly Fishing in the Great Smokies

Great Smoky Mountains National Park has about 2,115 miles of streams within its boundaries, and protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. The park offers a wide variety of angling experiences from remote, headwater trout streams to large, coolwater smallmouth bass streams. Most streams remain at or near their carrying capacity of fish and offer a great opportunity to catch these species throughout the year.

Fishing is permitted year-round in the park, from 30 minutes before official sunrise to 30 minutes after official sunset. The park allows fishing in all streams EXCEPT the following streams and their tributaries upstream from the points described:

Lynn Camp Prong upstream of its confluence with Thunderhead Prong.

These streams are closed to fishing to allow fish to repopulate following restoration work. For the exact location, consult the appropriate USGS 1:24,000 Quadrangle Map available at park visitor centers. Detailed information, including a complete list of regulations and a map of fishable park waters, is also available at any visitor center or ranger station.

 

License Requirements
You must possess a valid fishing license or permit from either Tennessee or North Carolina. Either state license is valid throughout the park and no trout stamp is required. Fishing licenses and permits are not available in the park, but may be purchased in nearby towns or online (links provided by state below). Special permits are required for fishing in Gatlinburg and Cherokee.

Tennessee License Requirements
Residents and nonresidents age 13 and older must have a valid license. Residents age 65 and older may obtain a special license from the state. Buy a license from the state government of Tennessee.

First Fall Fire at the Lodge

Tuesday September 29^th marks the day for the first fire in the lodge. Cool weather ascended on us Monday night. The cool morning was perfect for a warm fire. Not sure what is, but something about the crackling wood and the smell of a real fire that makes you feel so content and relaxed. This fall season should be spactacular. The leaves are just starting to turn. So it is time to get a cup of hot apple cider and sit and enjoy the fire.

This is the place to stay

If we ever visit the Smoky Mntns again there is no point in looking elsewhere to stay. We enjoyed the beautiful lodge, very clean room, private balcony w/hot tub and awesome scenery, and most of all the innkeepers. Patrick and Sue made us feel as guests in their own home - very warm and inviting. They are knowledgable about the area and gave some good recommendations for bike trails. The breakfasts and homemade desserts were heavenly. They offer lots of movies, books and board games. This was a home away from home.

Milwaukee Area, WI

Sep 29, 2009

Forbidden and tuckaleechee Cavern Adventures

Tennessee is home to the most caves in the United States, with over 8,350 caves registered to date. Forbidden Caverns, located in Sevierville, Tennessee is one of America's most spectacular caverns. Visitors are provided with an entertaining and educational tour past sparkling formations, towering natural chimneys, numerous grottos and a crystal clear stream. Special lighting effects, a stereophonic sound presentation and well-trained tour guides combine to make this a most enjoyable experience. The trails are well-lighted, with handrails at all necessary points.

Hundreds of years ago, Forbidden Caverns was known to the Eastern Woodland Indians who roamed East Tennessee's forests and mountains in search of good hunting grounds. The cave was used as a shelter in the winter and the cave river provided a constant supply of water. Scientists believe the source of the water to be an underground lake located beneath English Mountain, now famous for it's spring water. Flint or chert is found here in limited quantities and was used to create arrowheads, knives and scrapers. The cave also contains many unique calcite formations that are still growing and boasts the largest wall of rare cave onyx or dripstones known to exist. An interesting Indian legend explains the fate of an Indian princess who was lost in a "hollow mountain of two streams"..." which is forbidden". During the early twenties and until 1943, the cave was used to make moonshine. The constant water supply and the isolated location was ideal for Moonshiner's to make their homemade whiskey. In 1964, a group of business and professional men began the planning and vast undertaking of opening this natural attraction to the public. After 3 years of excavation and development, Forbidden Caverns was opened in June 1967. The approach to the caverns is through a picturesque valley that affords a beautiful view of the majestic LeConte range and English Mountain of the Smokies. Primitive farm houses, a quaint old grist mill-museum and a trout farm are among the many points of interest along this route. A 35-minute drive from Gatlinburg, and 45 minutes from Knoxville, Forbidden Caverns should be a must in your plans to enjoy beautiful East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains. The average guided tour is 55 minutes. Free parking is provided for cars and buses and in addition, there is a souvenir shop, refreshments, and a picnic pavilion.

 

White Water Rafting in the Tennessee Smokies

Guided whitewater rafting adventures are available only 45 minutes from Berry Springs Lodge with miles of challenging and exciting Class III and IV rapids on one of the country’s premier rivers. Experience the excitement of whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River. The Pigeon River in Tennessee has become the most popular whitewater rafting adventure in America with over twenty continuous rapids and many play spots for miles of endless fun and adventure. Located near the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the Pigeon River flows through a beautiful gorge surrounded by scenic wildlife and natural wonders. Pigeon River rafting trips run on weekends only in the months of April, May, September and October. During June, July and August, trips run daily except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. 

Biking in Great Smoky National Park

Spring summer and fall are great times for biking in Tennessee, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the perfect place to bring your bicycle. Not far from ourSmoky Mountains Bed and Breakfast you will find Cades Cove Loop Road, an eleven mile long, one way road that is closed to vehicles Wednesday and Saturday mornings from mid-May through September. Keeps an eye out for wildlife during these early morning rides: look for woodchucks, wild turkeys, raccoon, white-tailed deer and black bear. It is estimated that there are over 1,500 black bear in this national park, one of the few places in the eastern part of the country where they can live undisturbed in their native habitat. Please remember to observe animals from a safe distance, and do not approach them.

Both cyclists and walkers who venture out on this road will find several 19th century home sites; there are more than 70 historic structures in the park preserved from the early European settlers who lived in the area before it became a national park. Unfortunately, the villages built by the Cherokee who lived here before being forced out in the 1830s have not survived.

At our Smokey Mountain Lodge on 33 acres, you will find more opportunities for riding. We offer complementary bikes to ride on property. Bikes can also be rented for the Cades Cove area. Greenbrier and Tremont roads in Tennessee, and Lake View Drive, and Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina are great places to explore by bike. Unfinished portions of the Tennessee Foothills Parkway are also open to cyclists. Mountain biking is prohibited in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“A Little Slice of Heaven on Earth!”

For a couple or individual who needs total relaxation and gentle pampering, this is the ultimate. The food is divine. The country setting is perfect for sitting on the spacious porch(es) and rocking while the mind/brain takes a vacation worth a billion dollars. Soft music, pleasing scents, wildflowers, songbirds galore, pasture land, cattle grazing in the distance....a feeling of complete peace. Berry Springs Resort is truly the best place we've ever stayed. It is immaculate and there is absolutely no wish or need that is not automatically there for one's enjoyment already! The owners are welcoming, available and helpful with any information. We can't say enough about Berry Springs and Patrick and Sue. It is a place we would gladly LIVE!

Sep 18, 2009  thetindells

Rainbow Blondies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened


• 1/2 cup shortening


• 1 cup packed light brown sugar


• 1/2 cup granulated sugar


• 2 eggs


• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract


• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda


• 1/2 teaspoon salt


• 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour


• 1-1/3 cups (10.5-oz. pkg.) candy coated chocolate chips


• 1 cup white chocolate chips


• 1 cup chopped pecans(optional)

Directions:
1. Heat oven to 375 F.

2. Beat butter and shortening until blended. Add brown sugar and granulated sugar; beat well. Add eggs, vanilla, baking soda and salt; beat thoroughly. Gradually beat in flour (if dough becomes too stiff to use mixer, stir in remaining flour with spoon). Stir in candies and pecans, if desired. Press dough into ungreased 15-1/2x10-1/2x1-inch jelly-roll pan.

3. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until top is golden. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. About 3 dozen bars.

Heritage Day at Old Mill Square

Heritage Day at Old Mill Square 9/19/2009 10:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. The Old Mill Heritage Day is full of events and activities honoring the history of

Pigeon Forge, TN The Old Mill 175 Old Mill Avenue Pigeon Forge, TN   37863 Map this location

Smoky Mountain life and culture | More Detail

The Old Mill will be hosting the 6th Old Mill Square Heritage Day in 2009. Heritage means tradition and tradion means passing down information, beliefs and culture by word of mouth and example. During Heritage Day, our visitors (both local and tourists) are able to experience demonstrations of how life was when the Mill was the center of the community beginning in 1830. Everyone gathered on the porch of the Mill while their corn and wheat were being ground to catch up on the happenings in the community. A tour of the Mill will take you back 179 years in time as you watch the stones grind the corn which are powered by the water turbines with the water from the Little Pigeon River. Throughout the day, music is being played on the square, food (fried cornbread and pinto beans, fried apple pies are being cooked in cast iron pots and apple butter is being stirred as it simmers in an iron pot over an open fire. A lady is making lye soap (like our grandmothers made) whle nearby, ladies are quilting. For many of the children, this is the first time, they are able to see how tasks were accomplished by previous generations. It's exciting to hear folks say "I remember my grandmother doing that" Antique tractors and engines are also on display. Children are busy playing games on the lawn, such as horseshoes, bean bag throws and doing a cakewalk to win a delicious cake. To sum up Heritage Day at Old Mill Square is to "Take a walk back in time for a few hours of experiencing the culture of the early days living in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Categories: Arts And Crafts, Children, Educational, Family Oriented, Food, Heritage, Music, Outdoor Recreation

Tennessee Fall Foliage Reports

Click here for: Tennessee Foliage Report.

Every autumn, nature puts on a brilliant show of color in many parts of the United States. From bright yellows to vibrant reds, the leaves transform, showing their rich and vibrant hues. From the Northeast United States, to the Southeast and Midwest United States, the foliage season begins in early September in the northern regions and ends in southern locations in late October or early November. Every year, people flock to these areas to take in the fall foliage, to catch a glimpse of natures splendor.
The Foliage Network was developed to provide accurate foliage information for various locations across the United States. During the months of September, October, and November, The Foliage Network collects data from our foliage spotters twice a week. This data is collected, plotted, and analyzed by The Foliage Network. The end result is The Foliage Network Report which is transmitted to newspapers, television stations, and web sites. The Foliage Report uses actual data unlike other "reports" which use annual averages. Please check your local newspaper to see the latest report. If your newspaper doesn't carry The Foliage Network Report, let them know you want it!

Peanut Butter Pie

  Single layer pie crust

Filling

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 - 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

¾ cups creamy peanut butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup heavy cream

Topping

3 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped

2 tablespoons heavy cream

Prepare the crust and bake as directed. Then cool.

Prepare the filling: In a large bowl with electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in condensed milk, peanut butter and vanilla.

In a medium bowl beat the heavy cream until soft peak form. Fold whipped cream into peanut butter mixture. Pour filling into the crust.

Make the topping: In a double boiler, melt the milk chocolate over hot not simmering, water. Add heavy cream and stir constantly until well blended.

Set aside to cool slightly, then drizzle the chocolate over pie.

Refrigerate until firm. About 2 hours.

Forbes Fall Travel Article

Travel

America's Prettiest Fall Drives

Hannah Elliott, 09.07.09, 09:00 AM EDT

With good timing, these excursions offer some of the most vivid autumn colors in the country.

Elevation plays a key role in when and how quickly leaves change color. Higher elevations, like those of the 12,100-foot high Independence Pass, can see leaves change as early as September, while hill sides under 4,000 feet are likely to have leaves that change in October and even November.

Patrick Eisert, the innkeeper at the Berry Springs Lodge in Gatlinburg, Tenn., recommends driving the 5,100-foot Newfound Gap Road in mid-October, and then heading down to Cade's Cove, at less than 2,000 feet, a month later. That extended season is what makes the Smokey Mountains such a draw for fall tourists.

"It's not like up north, where everything changes real quick, and you have to hit it just right within a week," Eisert says. "Here, because there're so many different elevations, you come earlier and the higher elevations are going to give you color. And as time goes on, the color goes down lower and lower."

Peanut Butter rich and creamy fudge

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups white sugar


• 1 cup milk


• 1/2 cup butter


• 1 (7 ounce) jar marshmallow creme


• 12 ounces peanut butter


• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS:

1. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish, set aside.


2. In a saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and butter. Bring to a boil, and cook 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the marshmallow creme and peanut butter. Gradually stir in the flour. Spread into the prepared pan, and let cool.

• Prep Time: 5 Minutes


• Cook Time: 20 Minutes


• Ready In: 1 Hour 25 Minutes


• Yields: 60 servings

Elk in the Smokies

Come and learn about the experimental elk release in Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Elk have been extinct in NC and TN for approximately 150 years, but they roam again now in the valleys of Cataloochee in Western NC. We will view elk and their behaviors during the mating season, hear bugling, and learn how researchers track and monitor elk in the Smokies.     

Meet at the Cataloochee Ranger Station. Additional information enclosed. Teachers seeking in-service credit should call us (865-974-0150) after class ends.