Thursday, October 22, 2015

Gatlinburg's 26th Annual Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff 2015

 Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m.
Offering mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, the City of Gatlinburg hosts its 26th annual Winter Magic Kickoff and Chili Cookoff on Wednesday, Nov. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown.

 Gatlinburg will kickoff the 26th year of Smoky Mountain Winterfest with the annual Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff and Winter Magic Kickoff on Wednesday, November 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. City dignitaries will signify the start of Gatlinburg Winter Magic with a ceremonial lighting of more than 3 million lights throughout the city.


This year, Chili Cookoff and Winter Magic Kickoff fall on Veterans Day and in tribute, Gatlinburg will honor all service men and women with the annual Veterans Day Celebration on Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza at 11 a.m. Gatlinburg’s Veterans Day Celebration is recognized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs as an official site for the observance of Veterans Day. In accordance with honoring our military, The Ladies for Liberty will provide entertainment for Chili Cookoff and Winter Magic Kickoff. The Ladies for Liberty perform in WWII Andrews Sisters style with their own rendition of vocals, costumes and the spirit of patriotism reminiscent of the 1940s. The Ladies have performed at patriotic ceremonies around the U.S. and their act is done in order “to honor America – the Greatest Nation on Earth!”


Smoky Mountain Winterfest has had significant economic impact on holiday tourism in Sevier County. Since its debut in 1989 to 2013, the unemployment rate dropped from 14% to 4.5% for the months during Winterfest. Lodging occupancy increased from 20% to 65% in that same time frame across the county.


Participants in Chili Cookoff will be competing for the coveted People’s Choice Award, Best Booth Presentation and Best Apron. While the street event is free, tickets for chili sampling are $10. There is also a special edition t-shirt available for purchase.
We have rooms available for this special event. Call or visit our website and book your stay today! We look forward to seeing you very soon! We will be decorating the Lodge the following week. So make plans to come see us during Winterfest you will be happy you did! Wish you were here!


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Pigeon Forge 26th Annual Winterfest Kick-off at Patriot Park


  - 2/29/2016


Join us as for the 26th Annual Winterfest in Pigeon Forge, the nearly four-month celebration of winter in the Smokies.


This year’s celebration begins with Winterfest Kickoff on Tuesday, Nov. 10, in Patriot Park. The free event starts at 5 p.m. with live musical entertainment.


Beginning at 6 p.m., free rides aboard our Trolley Tour of Lights will show off more than five million twinkling lights on our Winterfest displays.


Enjoy the light displays at your leisure on our Winterfest Lights Driving Tour. Pick up your tour guide at the Pigeon Forge Welcome Center at traffic light #0 or at the Fun Time Trolley office in Patriot Park. Winterfest light displays will shine through the end of February. 

Visit the Pigeon Forge theaters as they present holiday shows during November and December, bringing the spirit of Christmas to our Winterfest celebration.

We will also be all decorated up for the Winterfest holidays here at the Lodge!
Please call or visit our website and come share this special time of year with us! We look forward to seeing you again very soon!
This time of year is very special to us and we want to make it special for you too!

Monday, October 5, 2015

Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration 2015

Veterans Day Celebration

Nov 11, 2015 

Join Gatlinburg in saluting America's veterans of the Armed Forces, featuring stirring musical numbers and words of tribute on Ripley's Aquarium Plaza. Every year since 2000, Gatlinburg, Tennessee hosts a very special event on November 11 to honor our nation’s veterans in a fitting and appropriate manner.


 The title “Gatlinburg Veterans Day Celebration” is an accurate description of the event in that the service and sacrifices made by our veterans are celebrated with the intent to thank those who gave – and continue to give - so much to keep our nation free. The ceremony at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza starts at 11 a.m. and is free to the public.

 Gatlinburg is among only 2 cities in Tennessee to be recognized as an official Regional Site for the Observance of Veterans Day. This is a prestigious distinction, given by the Department of Veterans Affairs, to only 41 sites total in the United States. The distinction affiliates this celebration with the one occurring at the National Veterans Day Observance at Arlington National Cemetery. A number of ceremonies will be performed during the celebration, including music by bands from Gatlinburg-Pittman High School and Walters State Community College. There will also be a military flyover, a bald eagle presentation, and the recognition of present veterans.

Come visit with us and help us thank and celebrate our brave men and women who fight for our freedom! 
 Call us or visit our website and make plans to attend this special event! We hope to see you soon!

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Gatlinburg Fall Craftsmen's Fair 2015

Gatlinburg Fall Craftsmen's Fair

Oct. 8- 2

 Fall in the Smoky Mountains is a complete transformation from lush green colors to spectacular burnt orange, golds, radical reds, and brilliant yellows. 

 

 The celebration of fall also encompasses one of the southeast’s most popular events... the 40th Annual Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. From October 8 through 25, the Gatlinburg Convention Center blossoms into a multi-level mecca of the top craft people from all across the United States.


A unique characteristic of the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair is the fact that artisans not only make their art available for viewing and sale, but also demonstrate their special talents and skills during this show, which is recognized as one of the top 20 events in the Southern U.S. by the Southeast Tourism Society.


Tentative hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Music shows are scheduled at 12, 2 and 4 p.m. daily, 12 and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

We hope you get a chance to visit during this beautiful time of year! Right from our back porch the colors are spectacular!
Please call us or visit our website and make reservations to come experience the beauty of all these gorgeous colors and fall festivities happening all around town!