Some people may not be aware but, Gatlinburg, TN and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offer miles of streams and rivers that are full of Native and and, in Gatlinburgs case, both native and stocked Rainbow Trout. For the experienced sportsman the national park has some of the best fly fishing in the area. There are guides available in the area or you can just get your permit and go for an adventure in the park alone or with a friend. The City of Gatlinburg stocks trout in about 5 miles of rivers and streams every Thursday in season. This gives even the least experienced fisherman a good chance at catching his or hers daily limit. There are even 2 specific areas that are stocked heavier than the rest and reserved for the young fishermen under 12. Gatlinburgs stocking season runs March to November. Daily or weekly permits can be purchased at the Gatlinburg City Hall on Hwy 321 across from the Food City grocery store. You can fish in Gatlinburgs stocked streams 6 days a week. Fishing in Gatlinburg on Thursday is prohibited. So bring your family, friends and, your fishing poles and be ready to enjoy some delicious fresh trout off of your grill, out of your frying pan, or out of the oven. And, as always sit back in your rocking chair on the deck of your Gatlinburg cabin and enjoy the view.
Fishing In Gatlinburg and The Smokies
Spring time in Gatlinburg, TN
If you are looking for a quick getaway and are not sure where to go, check out Gatlinburg, TN. Right now is the perfect time to visit. The summer crowds are not yet here but, all the beauty of Gatlinburg and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park are here. Here is what Forbes.com recently had to say about Gatlinburg.
“With its charming, quaint old buildings in the center of town, its dramatic mountain backdrop and the only ski resort in Tennessee, Gatlinburg has become a popular tourist destination for regional fun-seekers. Located on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg benefits from its location as a tourist draw and reinforces it with attractions such as an aerial tramway, an aquarium, whitewater rafting, hiking, and even a haunted house. But let’s not kid ourselves: as pretty and irresistible (as) the town is, the real draw in this part of Tennessee is the nature. ‘The wildflowers around Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are absolutely spectacular in the spring as they burst with wildflowers at their peak,’ says Zain Habboo, National Geographic’s director of travel.” Forbes.com
That is some pretty high praise from a very recognized source but, not a suprise to someone that actually lives here. May in the Smokies is one of my most anticipated times of year. Also for someone visiting here, this time of May before Memorial Day weekend is probably the most affordable time to visit us.
What makes you happy? Vacations in the Smoky Mountains
Do Vacations make you happy? Everyone needs to find there place in the World. That means not only finding what your everyday life consists of with work, personal routines, relationships, and family. This also refers to your vacation time, location, hobbies, and activities that are fun and enjoyable to you. The Smoky Mountains offer families and couples not only a beautiful landscape for a vacation, but its very affordable compared to many other US destinations. The vacation home sector of the hospitality industry is growing because the homes offer great amenity packages, value, and privacy. In Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, mountain cabins offer travellers all the conveniences of home plus the pleasures of a highly desirable resort setting. So, your family might enjoy the outdoor hot tub, in-room jacuzzi, pool table, fireplace, and fully equipped kitchen. When you also can enjoy the mountain views, serene wooded surroundings, and privacy it also results in an enjoyable, relaxing vacation setting. Try a mountain log cabin today when you are looking to getaway to leave your everyday stress. I’m sure you’ll find this is just what the Doctor ordered. So, the next time you ask “What really makes me happy?” You should consider the quality time with family or spouse, in a different setting like the Great Smoky Mountains.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY: PARKWAY TO SMOKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
At each Parkway entrance a directional sign indicates ‘north’ or ‘south.’ North, toward the north end of the Parkway, leads to Shenandoah National Park. South, toward the south end of the Parkway, leads to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Outstanding scenery & recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most popular units of the National Park System. “America’s Favorite Drive” winds its way 469 miles through mountain meadows and past endless vistas. You will enjoy the picturesque farmsteads and historic structures, which complement spectacular views of distant mountains and neighboring valleys.
Building the Parkway through mountainous terrain was a monumental labor. Authorized in the 1930s as a Depression-era public works project, it was the nation’s first & longest rural parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway connects the Shenandoah Naitonal Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
Feel free to visit the Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg during your trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s just a short trip away & your family will appreciate the options of attractions, cabin rental lodging, and great restaurants.
Great Restaurants in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg
We recommend 5 restaurants to try when you come to the Smoky Mountains. In Pigeon Forge, we recommend Bullfish Grill. At Bullfish Grill, we specialize in our namesake. Bullfish proudly serves aged Grand Champion Angus Beef. Seafood is delivered daily, offering you the freshest selections available.
At Bullfish Grill, we want all elements of your meal to be excellent. Thats why we carry only the finest wines, lagers and ales to compliment our fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks. Enjoy yourself with the perfect beverage to bring out the flavor of your meal. Enjoy yourself and eat hearty. No bull, just great food.
Remember to try on the many fine restaurants in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, when visiting the Smoky Mountains. Of course, you can always grill out a great meal with your family at your mountain cabin. However, sometimes it is nice to go out & share a great meal with family & friends.
I also recommend Chop House, Calhoun’s, & the Apple Barn. In Gatlinburg, the Cherokee Grill is one of my favorite restaurants. Make sure to get a steak or pork chop. The ambience and location is another reason to give this fine restaurant a try with your date or family! You’ll be sure to walk away feeling good about your dining experience!
Family Reunions in the Smoky Mountains
Patriot Park
The park is a large open space ideal for festivals. A walking trail lined with flagpoles featuring flags from all 50 states surrounds the park, which also features an historic missile, a large model of the Liberty Bell, and in the winter, Winterfest displays. Adjacent to Patriot Park is the historic Old Mill built in 1830. A pavillion with 14 picnic tables and four electrical outlets may be reserved by calling 865-429-7373. A large gazebo overlooking the Little Pigeon River may also be reserved, however a liability release form must be obtained and filed with the Pigeon Forge Department of Parks and Recreation. Call 865-429-7373 for details.
Fall Events in Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge
Autumn in the Smokies has always been a special place to visit for families across the World. If you haven’t been to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park during the Fall, I highly recommend taking in the amazing displays of color. You will be awed by the fantastic assortments of leaf change, as well as mountain views. Gatlinburg & Pigeon Forge serve as great hosts to this amazing seasonal change. You can book a cabin rental for your family or friends. Enjoy a day of hiking, a grilled-out meal, or college football game on your cabin’s tube.
September features several impressive car shows such as Shades of the Past Rod Run XXIX at Dollywood & the Grand Fall Rod Run. October features the
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN PIGEON FORGE (FALL/AUTUMN 2011)
1. Dollywood
2. Titanic Museum
3. Wonderworks
4. Ziplines
5. Horseback Riding
6. Outlet Shopping
7. Walking along the Pigeon River
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8. Staying in a Log cabin rental
9. Attending Auto Show
10. Celebrate Thanksgiving with the Family
AUTUMN IN THE SMOKIES (Gatlinburg, Tennessee)
Autumn in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a special time when a glorious leaf season of several weeks is enjoyed by visitors as fall colors travel down the mountainsides from the highest elevations to the foothills. The kaleidoscope of fall colors in the Smoky Mountains is magnificent and varied because of the amazing diversity of trees. Some 100 species of native trees live in the Smokies, the vast majority of which are deciduous. The timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables that the exact dates of “peak” season are impossible to predict in advance.
In the Smoky Mountains, autumn color displays above 4,000 feet start as early as mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry, clearly visible from such vantage points as Clingmans Dome Road.
The fall color display usually reaches peak at middle and lower elevations between mid-October and early November. This is the park’s most spectacular display as it includes such colorful trees as sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and the hickories. For more information about fall colors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can visit their website at http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm
When visiting Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, you should consider reserving a vacation cabin rental in the mountains. You can take in the amazing mountain views, autumn colors, and grill out outdoors to top it off! The Smokies offer both low (flat land) rentals and higher elevation, mountain rentals. Make sure to book your family’s cabin early, as the Fall is an extremely popular time to visit the Smoky Mountains.
*Some Information credited to Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce