Monday, August 14, 2017

Pigeon Forge 14th Annual Old Mill Heritage Day

Sept. 23, 2017


 The 14th Annual Old Mill Heritage Day at Old Mill Square in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, will be filled with music, food, fun and games for all ages, demonstrations, crafts, and best of all-tradition.

 Throughout the day you will be able to see firsthand what a "day in the life" was like.  View live demonstrations by our crafts people, i.e. lye soap making, apple butter, sorghum making and watch wheel thrown pottery being made.  Take a free guided tour of our 187-year-old Historic Old Mill and see antique engines and farm tractors.  Bring chairs and blankets.

 Experience the past now at the Old Mill Heritage Day in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Take the whole family to this event for a fun filled day! At Old Mill Heritage Day you will find quilt demonstrations, a petting zoo, kid’s train rides, basket making, a farmers market and much more!

See firsthand what life in the 18th century was like as you learn to make lye soap and yummy apple butter. Take a free tour of the Old Mill during your visit! People young and old are sure to enjoy the Old Mill Heritage Day.
You have got to make plans to attend this special fall event. It is a fantastic way to kick off the start of fall. There is something for everyone of all ages! Great food and tons of fun!
Call us today or visit our website and schedule your next visit with us and make sure to check out all the special events happening all around town during the fall festival season! See you soon!



Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Gatlinburg's 8th annual Oktoberfest at Ober 2017

Ober Gatlinburg’s 8th Annual OktOBERfest will be held from September 22-October 29, 2017. This beloved event takes place every October and celebrates some of the time-honored traditions of the original OktOBERfest in Munich, Germany. There are plenty of activities and lots of fun to be had by visitors of all ages.


 Ober Gatlinburg is celebrating October with a fantastic festival featuring Bavarian-style food, drink and music, but you don’t have to don your finest lederhosen or dirndls to be a part of the fun.

OktOBERfest returns to its Gatlinburg-style roots with 38 days of merrymaking from September 22 through October 29, 2016 as the resort commemorates the 206th anniversary of the popular festival held in Munich, Germany.

The Bavarian Fun Makers Band, in authentic costumes, will perform traditional Bavarian folk dances, schuhplattling, oompah music, sing-a-longs, yodels and more with daily shows and multiple performances every day during Oktoberfest.  Special Oktoberfest Biers will be served along with traditional German wurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, strudel, pretzels and more.

Oktoberfest was a popular event when the Heidelberg Castle operated its restaurant at Ober Gatlinburg in the 1980s.
The first Oktoberfest was not really a festival at all, but the public celebration of the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Bavaria on October 17, 1810. Held on a large meadow named the Theresienwiese in Munich, the party featured a horse race, beer, food, music and dancing.

 Anniversary celebrations continues each year, usually starting in late September and ending in the first week of October, with some six million people attending annually.

As you can see lots of great food and fun to look forward to! Please call us or visit our website to make your reservations and plan to attend this wonderful event! Hope to see you there!

Monday, June 5, 2017

42nd Annual Gatlinburg Summer Craftsmen's Fair 2017

42nd Annual Summer
Craftsmen's Fair

 
 
July 14 - 23, 2017 over 180 of the finest craftspeople from all over the United States demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale.



 There's even free live country and bluegrass music at the event: Dennis Lee will perform at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day. 




The fair is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except for Sund
ay, which is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $7; children 12 and under are admitted free.

The Gatlinburg Convention Center is located at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg.


Country, Gospel & Bluegrass Music Shows
12, 2 & 4 pm daily - 12 & 2 pm Sundays


Featuring:
Dennis Lee

This is a wonderful craft fair to come walk around and enjoy live music good food and see all the crafter's hard at work creating their crafting specialties. Call us today 865-908-7935 or visit our website at www.berrysprings.com  to reserve your room with us and enjoy the goings on all around town. hope to see you here!

Saturday, April 29, 2017

Sevierville 2017 Bloomin' BBQ & Bluegrass Festival

May 19 & 20, 2017

BBQ Cookoff & Free Bluegrass Concerts

What do springtime blooms, great barbecue cookin’ and the sounds of Appalachia all have in common? They’ve come together again for the 13th Annual Sevierville Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival taking place this May 19-20, 2017 in downtown Sevierville.

Plan to have a big ‘ol time at this fantastic spring festival and book your vacation cabin at Heartland Rentals now. You’ll probably need both days to take it all in and get your fill of bluegrass music and vocal competitions, State BBQ Competition, and local crafts. The festival is free, the concerts are free, and we hope you are free for the weekend!
Grab your lawn chair and bring it along so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy this great lineup of bluegrass music and diverse entertainers on Court Avenue at the Hard Rock Cafe Community Stage, Back Porch Stage, and Sound Biscuit Productions Stage. You’ll want to head to the backside of the Court House for this free entertainment lineup at the Main Stage:


Friday, May 19
5 p.m. — Hogslop String Band
6 p.m. — The Paul Williams & Victory Trio
7 p.m. — Church Sisters
8 p.m. — Kicked Off the Train – Founding members of Pine Mountain Railroad
Starting at 10 p.m., you can share the stage! Bring your instrument and join picker friends for a late night jam session from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Jam session location TBD.

Saturday, May 20 12 p.m. — Bill Mize
1 p.m. — Mountain Ruckus Band
2 p.m. — Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road
3 p.m. — Kenny & Amanda Smith Band
4 p.m. – The Rigneys Award-Winning Family Band
5 p.m. — Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road
6 p.m. — Kenny & Amanda Smith Band
7 p.m. — Joe Mullins & Radio Ramblers
8 p.m. — Headliner: Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder

Champion Barbecue Barbeque cook teams come to Sevierville from all across the United States to participate in this Tennessee State Championship Competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Cookers are set up on and off Bruce Street, and the BBQ judging area is stationed on Court Avenue at the Court House Donuts shop. You’ll have a chance to eat and judge a variety of BBQ from cookers that claim to be the best in the nation! If you’ve never tasted award-winning competition barbeque, you’re in for a treat. BBQ not your thing? There will be plenty of other food choices from vendors tents set up on Bruce Street.

During Bloomin' Barbeque & Bluegrass, Sevierville plays host to barbeque cook teams from all across the United States. If you've never tasted award-winning competition barbeque, you're in for a treat.
The Bloomin' Barbeque & Bluegrass Cook-Off is a Tennessee State Championship Competition and is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

Wednesday, April 26, 2017

Gatlinburg 2017 Bush's Bean & Cornbread Festival

May 11, 2017


Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival presented by Bush Brothers & Company is Thursday, May 11 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the Parkway between traffic lights 6 and 8.


While the festival is free, attendees can purchase a spoon for $10 and sample recipes from all booths while supplies last and children ages 7 and under can sample for free.


 Of course, visitors will be able to taste plenty of beans and cornbread.  Area restaurants, businesses and caterers will be preparing traditional and original beans and cornbread recipes for tasting while vying for top honors in the cook-off. Bush’s Best will be featured in all the recipes served at the festival.
 
 
Jody Medford with Cash Creek will be there live to perform. Come out and enjoy some good ole southern cooking and enjoy in the festivities. See you there!

Friday, April 21, 2017

27th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week Pigeon Forge 2017

May 9-13, 2017
Leconte Center , Pigeon Forge

A week long celebration of the Smoky Mountains featuring guides hikes, classes, history, art and music. From educational programs designed specifically for the youngsters to guided hikes into the Great Smoky Mountains for the more adventurous folks, Wilderness Wildlife Week offers a variety of programs for all ages and interests.

This spring celebration of the great outdoors is free and open to the public Seminars and workshops are offered daily at the LeConte Center.


Outdoor Excursions Schedule May 9 – 13, 2017 
Tuesday, May 9 (Sign-ups at 9 AM on Tuesday in Greenbrier Hall A) 11 AM – 3 PM: Bush Beans Bus Tour – Steve Lutes 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Andrews Bald: Keith Garnes – 3.5 Miles – Moderate Noon – 5 PM: Little River/ Cucumber Gap/Jakes Creek – George Owen – 4.5 Miles – Easy/Moderate 
Wednesday, May 10 (Sign-ups at 6 PM on Tuesday in Greenbrier Hall A) 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM:  LeConte Center Riverwalk Birding Safari – Keith Watson – 1 Mile – Easy 7:30 AM – 5 PM: AT to Charlies Bunion – George Owen – 10.5 Miles – Moderate/Strenuous 7:30 AM – 5 PM: Alum Cave to LeConte – Wildland Trekking – 11 Miles – Moderate/Strenuous 8 AM – 3:30 PM: Behind the Scenes Cades Cove Tour – Mike Meldrum – 3 Miles – Easy 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM: Forney Steam Engine – Mark Snyder – 3.8 Miles – Moderate 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM: Sugarlands Cemetery – Joey Holt – 5.5 Miles – Moderate 10 AM – 4 PM:  American Eagle Foundation/Bush Beans Bus Trip – Norm Kallemeyn  

Thursday, May 11 (Sign-ups at 6 PM on Tuesday in Greenbrier Hall A) 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Seven Islands State Park Birding Safari – Keith Watson – 3 Miles – Easy  7:30 AM – 4 PM: Grotto Falls/Brushy Mountain – Wildland Trekking Company – 6.8 Miles - MS 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM: AT/Road Prong – Jeremy Lloyd – 7.2 Miles – Moderate/Strenuous 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM: Photo Safari of the Smokies – Colby McLemore – Easy 8:30 AM – 4 PM: Andrews Bald – George Owen – 6.5 Miles – Moderate/Strenuous 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM: To the Jumpoff – Mark Snyder – 7 Miles – Moderate/Strenuous 11 AM – 4 PM: American Eagle Foundation/Bush Beans/Dolly Bus Trip – Kathy Gwinn  2 PM – 5 PM: History of Pigeon Forge Bus Tour – Ron Rader 7:15 PM – 11 PM: Cades Cove Loop – Mike Meldrum – 2.5 Miles – Easy/Moderate
 
Local Photographer Featured at Wilderness Wildlife Week
Pigeon Forge, TN. Eric Gebhart  is the photographer we use here at the Lodge for all of our weddings and photography needs. He is the best!
Wilderness Wildlife Week is Pigeon Forge's premier, springtime outdoor lifestyle event. It includes a series of talks, walks, workshops and informative exhibits about the wonders of The Great Smoky Mountains.
This year a new exhibit, In the Shadow of The Smokies will feature Smoky Mountain arts, crafts historical displays and other goods highlighting the people who grew up in The Smokies and the lasting legacy they have left.
The exhibit will also showcase panoramic images of The Smokies by Eric Gebhart. Mr. Gebhart is a nature and landscape photographer who has lived in Sevier County since 2004. He endeavors to initiate the viewers of his work to make a connection with the natural world around them.
Gebhart is best know for his breathtaking, large format, photographic prints of The Smoky Mountains and Southern Appalachia. Fifteen prints up to 4x8 feet in size with such fine detail that viewers feel as if they are a part of the scene will be on display.
Come join in the fun and get back to nature during this week long celebration of outdoor fun. Make sure you tell Eric we said hello! See you soon!

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Dolly Partons's 32nd Annual Homecoming Parade Pigeon Forge

May 5, 2017

 Watch as local entertainers, colorful floats, military veterans, and marching bands make their way down the Parkway in Pigeon Forge to welcome the grand marshal, Dolly Parton, home.


Pigeon Forge’s most anticipated parade usually draws over 50,000 Dolly and Pigeon Forge fans alike, so make sure to get there early to secure a good viewing spot. The parade begins at 6:00 PM and travels from traffic light #6 to traffic light #3.


The Dolly Homecoming Parade is a free event, and has a variety of participants to entertain the entire family.

Enjoy the creatively decorated floats against the backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains, and see Dolly Parton in person!

This is our kick off to summer time fun. Come see us and enjoy this wonderful parade lead by the beautiful Dolly Parton herself. You will be glad you came. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Fun things to do in Gatlinburg


Fun Things to do in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is located SE of Pigeon Forge on US 441. Take the parkway from Pigeon Forge traffic light # 10 continue on US 441 for Approx. 5 miles. When it comes to things to do in Gatlinburg, TN and the surrounding Smokies area, one thing is for sure—there is practically an endless supply of tourist attractions. Below are some of our favorites.
 

Ober Gatlinburg Known for being the only ski resort in Tennessee, Ober Gatlinburg is perfect for visitors planning for some fun in the snow.  For those interested in making tracks down the slopes, Ober Gatlinburg offers eight skiing trails at varying lengths and difficulty levels.  Those who just want to enjoy the scenery, though, can relax and take one of the ski resort’s three chairlifts to the top of Mount Harrison.  
 
 
Or for a more unique, exciting experience, try snow-tubing down a multi-track slide!  Kids might also enjoy seeing the animals at the resort’s Smoky Mountain Wildlife Adventure, which features animals native to the Great Smokey Mountains.
 
 

Ripley's Aquarium Voted One of the Top 5 Aquariums in the USA & the World by TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice! Explore the Amazing Aquatic World Up-Close! Marvel at 12-foot sharks, the giant sea turtle, thousands of exotic sea creatures and playful penguins swimming as you enjoy the State-of-the-Art Clear Underwater Tunnels throughout! An Ultimate Underwater Experience without being wet!


Explore the lush, unique and beautiful worlds of the Tropical Rainforest, Ocean Realm, Coral Reef, and Gallery of the Seas, and the Best Shark Exhibit in the Most Spectacular Underwater Tunnel in Shark Lagoon. Enjoy entertaining dive and feeding shows in Coral Reef, Stingray Bay and Penguin Playhouse. Pet horseshoe crabs and stingrays in the Discovery Center and Touch-A-Ray Bay. Enjoy playful penguins swimming, pop up on the penguins' private beach and get nose-to-beak in Penguin Playhouse, voted by USA Today Travel 10 Best List as one of the best places to see penguins in the world! Fun-Filled family experience and MUCH, MUCH MORE!
 

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Before you head home from your Gatlinburg vacation, make sure you go around the 8-mile loop known as the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.  The community is recognized as the largest group of independent artisans in North America.  Along the loop, you’ll see some 120 shops offering valuable items and collectibles for you to remember your Gatlinburg trip by.  Choose from candles, quilts, pottery, ceramics, jewelry, and stained glass.  You can also pick up oil and watercolor paintings and various framed photographs.
 

Gatlinburg Space Needle No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without some time up at the Gatlinburg Space Needle.  Gatlinburg’s Space Needle is a steel tower 400 feet off the ground, with an observation deck equipped with view finders providing a 360-degree view of Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
 
There is so mu8ch to see and do when visiting our beautiful area. We hope you can come visit us very soon! Call us today for reservations at 865-908-7935 or visit our website at www.berrysprings.com

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

The Great Smoky Mountain 6th annual Spring Wildflower Pilgramiage



Join us for the 67th Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smokies on April 11-15, 2017!

The beautiful Smoky Mountains are open for business and we can not wait for you to come see all the gorgeous spring flowers!




The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual five-day event in Great Smoky Mountains National Park offering professionally guided programs which explore the region’s rich wildflowers, wildlife, ecology, culture, and natural history through walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and evening seminars. Most programs are outdoors in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  All programs are held, rain or shine.

As you probably know, a devastating fire in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP) moved into Gatlinburg, TN in late November, 2016. The fire burned 3% of GSMNP land (17,140 acres) from the Chimney Tops down into Sugarlands Valley. Portions of Gatlinburg contiguous to GSMNP forest land also burned. Embers from the fire drifted off many miles and created secondary fires. All GSMNP buildings within the fire zone were spared. Unfortunately, approximately 2,200 homes and businesses in Gatlinburg were severely damaged or destroyed. The GSMNP is alive and recovering. The business core of Gatlinburg is intact. Most of the hotels and restaurants were not affected by the fire.

This is a great time to observe how the wilderness recovers from fire damage. Several walks this year explore the effects of fire on a natural environment. The Friday evening program by National Park Zone Fire Management Officers, Greg Salansky and/or Rob Klein, discusses “Fire Ecology of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park”.

Other evening speakers also focus on environmental aspects of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. On Wednesday, author and outdoorsman, Charles Maynard, presents “Reading Between the Lines - Stories of Writing about the Smokies’ Waterfalls, Churches, and Trails”. On Thursday, Regional Resource Specialists and Biologist with the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division of the National Park Service, Scott McFarland, talks about his research on natural sounds and night skies in the Smokies.

Call us today 865-908-7935 or visit our website at www.berrysprings.com to reserve this spring and partake in the beauty that is growing all around us. Hope to see you soon!

Monday, February 13, 2017

Dollywoods 2017 Festival of Nations

March 18 - April 9, 2017



Performing at the festival of Nations

Mother Africa : This amazing show combines skillful acrobatics, modern and traditional dance, comedy and colorful costumes, all set to the music of a renowned live band.

 

Slask : One of Europe’s most prominent folk dance and music ensembles, Slask features more than 30 dancers in hundreds of richly embroidered, handmade costumes representing the various regions of Poland.

 

 

 Atahualpa :  These masterful musicians share the history and culture of the Andes Mountains through beautiful traditional music, dance and fun.



Hodman & Sally: These loveable walk around characters from the country of “Oblivia” are sure to bring a smile to your face and a photo op to share.



Dearbhail Finnegan and Robin Slater :  Irish harp and flute duo, Dearbhail Finnegan and Robin Slater, are a charming husband and wife duo who weave together beautiful music and engaging humor to bring you an unforgettable experience.


Streichmusik Alder : Experience the music and traditions of the Swiss Alps with this warm hearted and talented group of musicians, through unique sounds of the alphorn and other folk instruments, yodeling and stories of the Swiss mountain culture.


Invaders Steel Orchestra :  This guest-favorite Festival of Nations act returns with tropical sounds and amazing musicianship of one of the Caribbean’s most recognized steel pan orchestras.

 

 

 This is one of our favorite times of the year to visit Dollywood. The shows and food are fantastic. If you have never visited during the Festival of Nations you have got to schedule a trip this year. Fun times await you! Hope to see you very soon!

Sunday, January 22, 2017

Smoky Mountain Strong A Bluegrass Celebration


Feb 10 & 11, 2017

This event will be held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee at the Le Conte Center to benefit those affected by the recent wildfires in East Tennessee.


The bluegrass music lineup includes:
Flatt Lonesome

 The Grascals


Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Lonesome River Band
Barry Bales & Friends (Adam Steffey, Shawn Lane, Jason Davis, Keith Williams)
and more.
Proceeds benefit the scholarship opportunities for Sevier County youths whose homes were destroyed by recent widlfires.

We invite you to join us February 10th and 11th at the Le Conte Center in Pigeon Forge for a 2-day celebration featuring a lineup of bluegrass music's top artists with ticket proceeds benefitting the Dollywood Foundation Wildfire Scholarship Fund and those affected by recent wildfires in East Tennessee.
Friday, Feb. 10 at 5 pm: Doors open at 4pm
  • Volume 5
  • Flatt Lonesome
  • The Grascals
  • Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Saturday, Feb 11 at 5 pm: Doors open at 3pm 
  • Jimbo Whaley & Greenbriar
  • Dave Adkins Band
  • Newton
  • Barry Bales & Friends (Adam Steffey, Shawn Lane, Jason Davis, Keith Williams)
  • Lonesome River Band
*Artist and show schedule are subject to change
Tickets - General Admission Seating
Free admission for children 3 and under
Single-Day: $30 per person 
Weekend Admission (2-day): $50 per person
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 18, at knoxvilletickets.com or at the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism offices (open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) located at the LeConte Center (135 Jake Thomas Road). *Payment methods for ticket purchases at the LeConte Center include cash, check or credit card (processing fees do apply).*
This ticket is exchanged for donations benefitting scholarship opportunities for Sevier County youths whose homes were destroyed by recent wildfires. In the event of cancellation, no refunds will be available. All donations are final.
Sponsors Include: City of Pigeon Forge, LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, Moonstruck Management, Blue Ridge Sound, Stellar Visions and Sounds, WDVX and the International Bluegrass Music Association, Bullfish Grill and Sevier County Economic Development Council. 
 
Please join us in this wonderful celebration and help us continue to be  Smoky Mountain Strong! Call today for reservations at 865-908-7935 or visit our website at www.berrysprings.com