Enjoy a spectacular festival during the winter in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., and area towns. You will also want to visit a museum, ski slopes and experience the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Winterfest
The 15th annual Winterfest takes place from Nov. 4 through February 2005.
The Pigeon Forge festival was named the Top Event in the U.S. for 2003 by the American Bus Association, and Festival of the Year three times by the Southeast Tourism Society, according to Leon Downey, executive director of the Pigeon Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“The event has one of the most extensive displays of lights in the Southeast where more than 8 million lights adorn the street of the town and throughout Dollywood. Heated, enclosed trolleys make this a great way to visit the city’s winter decorations,” Downey said.
Special events and holiday-themed shows take place during Winterfest as well as shopping extravaganzas.
The event is shared with Pigeon Forge’s sister cities of Gatlinburg and Sevierville, Tenn., making the entire area a year-round destination.
The Wilderness Wildlife Week of Nature is also part of Winterfest. The nine-day event, held Jan. 8–16, 2005, includes workshops, lectures and guided hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
For more information, call 1-800-winterfest or visit www.mypigeonforge.com.
Day Hiking
There is nothing like hiking to explore nature.
Park Ranger Nancy Gray of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park said, “Day hiking in the park at any time can be a wonderful adventure, but in the winter, it takes on a new dimension.
“The scenery is majestic, and all deciduous trees have lost their leaves, providing excellent vantage points from high elevation areas,” she said. “The clear, dry air of winter makes vistas exhilarating, and visitors do not have to deal with the high number of motorists traveling the roads.”
Gray also suggests that precautions should be taken during the winter months.
“Because of the decreased temperatures and increased precipitation, hikers should wear proper clothing and know the weather conditions in advance,” said Gray.
Hikers will also want to remember that park roads can close suddenly due to weather conditions.
A favorite excursion in the park is the Porter Creek Trail. The scenery along the 3.6-mile trail includes a creek with a spectacular 40-foot waterfall.
Hikers can rest at an old camp house, and children will enjoy viewing a vintage springhouse. For information, call Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 865-436-1204, or visit www.nps.gov/GRSM.
Tennessee Museum of Aviation
In nearby Sevierville, the Tennessee Museum of Aviation is a favorite for all, from tykes to grandparents.
Located at the Sevierville Airport, the hangar section of the museum showcases more than 14 Warbird airplanes where you may even witness the impromptu flight of a vintage aircraft.
The museum is honored to display two P-47 D World War II fighter planes. There are fewer than eight of the vintage aircraft flying in the world.
Bob Minter, director of the museum, said, “A special exhibit entitled ‘Faith and Courage’ tells poignant stories of the Chaplains Corps in times of war. Another favorite of visitors is viewing the Jimmy Doolittle Medal of Honor.” For more information, call 1-866-286-8738 or visit www.tnairmuseum.com.
Ober Gatlinburg
A longtime favorite for youth groups, Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort is the perfect stop for the thrill of sliding down the slopes. Snow skiing is available mid-December through early March.
For information, call 1-800-251-9202 or visit www.obergatlinburg.com.
Smoky Mountain Fun features a variety of family-friendly attractions, including a motion ride movie theater.
Fort Fun and Camp Thunder are both located on the Great Smoky Mountains Parkway and offer indoor activities.
Choose from indoor mini-golf, an indoor go-kart racing track, bankshot basketball and more. For more information, call 865-430-7223 or visit www.smokymountainfun.com.
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