Tag: what to do in Pigeon Forge

Celebrate Irish Month at the Titanic!

Come see if you have the luck of the Irish this month at the Titanic Museum Attraction. What do we mean by that you say? Well, all month long the Titanic in Pigeon Forge will be celebrating Irish month by focusing on the people, culture, and history of the small European country that built the Titanic. The Titanic was built in Belfast, Ireland in 1911.

As is becoming custom each year, the Titanic Museum Attraction shines its light on Ireland in March, with Irish stories, music, and dancing. The Titanic takes St. Patrick’s Day and turns it into an entire month of green festivities.

Want to know what it was like for passengers boarding the ship, their lives, the times, then visit Pigeon Forge’s Titanic attraction. Guests can walk down the hallways, cabins, and even the Grand Staircase of the Titanic – just as it was when it set sail on its maiden, yet fateful voyage. Want to know what that iceberg really felt like? You can. You can even dip your hands into 28 degree water and view over 400 personal artifacts from Titanic passengers that were recovered from the ship. It’s a collection that’s valued at over $4.5 million. A few of the items are on display to the public for the first time ever.

The Titanic’s Memorial Room contains the over two thousand names of passengers and crew who were aboard the Titanic when it sank. As previously mentioned, you can view the Grand Staircase, the heart of the Titanic. The beautiful glass dome illuminates the room where many guests made their appearance on the Titanic.

The dates for Irish month are officially March 1-30. Guests can even explore their own Irish roots with genealogy experts. You never know, maybe even one of your relatives was on the Titanic.

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, TN is located on the main Parkway. The museum is open from 9am to 5pm. Admission is $20.68 per person. Children 5-12 are $10.77, and children under five years of age are free. Group passes are available.

For more information call 1 (800) 381-7670.

Dollywood Express

Hop Aboard the Dollywood Express!

With the popularity of Thomas the Tank engine, it is no wonder that kids from across the country are thrilled when they find out that there is an actual steam locomotive at Dollywood.  And what’s more… you can ride it up around the park for one of the best rides in the park and one of the best ways to take in the park as a whole.  And it Christmas they take this ride to a whole new level by adding lights and the sounds of the Holiday Season to the ride.

The Dollywood Express, the engine and the track came from theme park owner Grover Robbins.  Robbins had built a theme park n Blowing Rock, NC called Tweetsie Railroad.  After acquiring a new engine for his theme park in Blowing Rock, he placed a second one in Pigeon Forge at a new park called Rebel Railroad.  This train, and Rebel Railroad opened in 1961.  That train that started on the tracks in the 60s is still in operation today.  It is a USATC S118 Class 2-8-2 and came from the White Pass.  Engine #192 from this deal – otherwise known as Klondike Katie – is still in operation today at Dollywood.  Along with this engine, they also have engine #70, known as Cinderella that runs on the Dollywood Express track throughout the year.

The train ride is hugely popular.  There is just something to be said for sitting in the passenger cars being pulled behind a steam locomotive that makes the ride up the mountain even more enjoyable.  People line up more than a half hour before the ride leaves the station to make sure that they get a good seat on the train.  After you board, the station master will give you some brief instructions and then you will start your trip up the mountain.  You ride through the theme park itself for most of the ride.  Yo get to wave at the crowds as you journey up into the mountains.  On your trip you will get to see the backside of Dollywood, dioramas of mountain life including a replica farm and of course, you get one of the best views of Dollywood ever – from the moving grandeur of a more then 75 year old steam train.

Make the Dollywood Express part of your Dollywood experience.  Make sure that you get there early.  Make sure you get a good seat.  Buy some refreshments for the journey.  Watch in delight, the children sitting around you.  Marvel at the way their eyes grow as they listen to the steam whistle out of the train and the music that the train makes on the tracks as it journeys through the mountains.

The Park’s Natural Beauty

Every year the Great Smoky Mountains National Park releases numbers reflecting the popularity of the park and on average that number seems to rise with each and every passing year. That was the case this past year and leads to one conclusion: The park’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring and draws people from all over the world and from all walks of life.

Even during the holidays and the cold weather months people are drawn to the park. So why even put it to a question? Well, the natural beauty is the park’s primary factor for bringing in so many tourists, there are other factors as well. And though it’s an overwhelming factor, it isn’t the only factor.

Besides citing the park’s beauty, people consistently praise the locals, exclaiming how nice people are who live in the Smoky Mountain region which includes the towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville.

Many vacationers who come to the area will go so far as to take one of the many guided tours offered of the park, before going of on their own. Tours like the Roaring Fork Auto Tour and the numerous ones offered through Cades Cove in Townsend, TN are especially popular. Cades Cove is especially popular with bikers who cruise the loop early in the mornings hoping to spot a bounding deer or fox.

Others, like the many honeymooners that come to the area opt to get out on some of the park’s many trails by themselves. Surely there is a hike for you of the 150 or so official trails recognized by the National Park Service. Just be sure to check the park’s notices for temporary closures. This is just so that you know whether or not the trail you are considering hiking is open and that there are no warnings for it.

Also, if you’re going to be getting out into nature, make sure that you leave early enough so that you’ll arrive back before dark. On average, Smoky Mountain hikers travel about 1.5 miles per hour, though many do traveler slower. Sundown in the region can occur anywhere from just after 5 p.m. in December to almost 9 p.m. in June.

Forge Cinemas at Walden’s Landing

With all that Pigeon Forge has to offer, one has to wonder why anyone would ever feel like going to the movies anymore!?! Well, for us locals and visitors alike, sometimes a trip to the movies is just what the doctor ordered. I mean, there are only so many attractions to take in, rides to ride, and places to shop. The Forge Cinemas at Walden’s Landing offers movie-goers a state-of-the-art movie theater with such amenities as stadium seating, high back rocking seats, digital 3D, digital surround sound, and digital projection.

All of that, as well as showing the newest films make Forge Cinemas a pretty popular place. Lets face it, movies are here to stay and everyone loves a movie date night, or just swinging by on a lazy day to catch the latest out of Hollywood.

forge024The Forge Cinemas at Walden’s Landing is still a rather new movie theater having opened its doors in the fall of 2010. The theater was constructed to house 5 screens with over 600 seats in the Walden’s Landing development. Each row of stadium seating is elevated so that movie-goers will enjoy an unobstructed view. The theater’s plush high-back rocking chairs are an added feature that you just don’t see in many theaters around here. The Digital Projection feature means each movie will emanate pristine picture quality. In addition to all that, Forge Cinemas features a wide selection of movie concessions from which choose from – popcorn, drinks, candy, nachos, pretzels, etc. The theater also offers online advance ticketing through MovieTickets.com so that you’re sure to get in to the movie you want to see, when you want to see it.

Prices for admission are as follows, matinees (shows before 6pm) are $7, adults are $9, children (3-11) are $7, seniors (65+) are $7, and the 3D Upgrade Fee is $3. Forge Cinemas offers specials every Tuesday with $6 admission all day for all showtimes. However, it excludes select features, special presentations & holidays, and the additional 3D upgrade fee. Other restrictions may apply.

For up to date showtimes, visit the theater’s web site at www.theforgecinemas.com/showtimes.html.

Forge Cinema’s at Walden’s Landing
2530 Parkway, Suite 7
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Titanic’s Sweetheart Month

If a renewal of your wedding vows is something you’ve been planning, the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge wants to assist you in making it one of the most memorable celebrations possible. For an entire month, the attraction is opening up one of its prize displays to couples looking to renew their vows.

Titled Sweetheart month at the Titanic Museum Attraction, the month of February will be devoted renewing that important promise. They’ve gone so far as to allow couples to renew their vows on the museum’s Grand Staircase. And couples have the entire month of February to make it happen. But act fast, cause dates and times can fill up quickly.

Outside of the fateful turn of events, it was said that the maiden Titanic voyage was laced with anticipation, as well as romance when it set sail on April 10, 1912. There were exactly 12 couples traveling aboard the Titanic who were on their honeymoon. In addition to all the couples, there were also a number of young, brides-to-be sailing to America, anxious to begin the next phase of their life.

The power of love will be on full display during the Titanic attraction’s Sweetheart Month this February in Pigeon Forge. The attraction’s focus on love, romance, and the enduring spirit of those who lost their lives aboard the Titanic will be on full display in February. Renew your vows in the most memorable of ways: on the Titanic Museum’s Grand Staircase. All vow renewal ceremonies will be presided over by the ship’s captain.

Again, act fast as reservations are required. If you’re looking for a place to stay within a short distance of the Titanic attraction, check out these Pigeon Forge cabins, as well as these Pigeon Forge cabin rentals and these Gatlinburg cabin rentals. Keep the romance alive and renew your vows during Sweetheart Month at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge this year with a special ceremony on the grand staircase. It’ll be a memory to last a lifetime!

Titanic Pigeon Forge
2134 Parkway, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
800-381-7670

Titanic Museum Exhibits for 2013

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge is always finding new and unique ways to change it up and keep things fresh at their Smoky Mountain location. This month will see the museum close for a few days in order to put up new exhibits before unveiling them to the public.

For 2013, Titanic’s theme will be The Year of the Child. It’s a part of the Titanic story that most don’t think about when discussing that fateful day. This year those children will be at the forefront of the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. Their personal stories will headline the attraction and you can see what shaped their lives as they prepared to board the Titanic. In the Titanic’s words, “Some survived. Some did not. All will be honored.”

But don’t worry, you’ll still be able to see of your favorite exhibits from the past year. The re-creation of the hull is the same, where you learn it took three million rivets to build the ship; there were three anchors and the center anchor weighed 15.5 tons.

Another interesting fact about the people who boarded the Titanic is most of them did not know how to swim in 1912. You can still sort through photographs of those people and wonder who actually survived the crash and who didn’t. It was a different time and most of these people had their lives in front of them. What were they thinking as they boarded the ship? All types of questions come to mind as you peruse the various exhibits.

There are three rare Teddy bears on exhibit currently at the museum; and each has a story. Other highlighted exhibits include a leather coin purse, the size of a 50-cent piece, now valued at $20,000. Some of these exhibits on display at the Branson, Missouri Titanic attraction may even make their way to the Pigeon Forge site this year.

Come find out about the sacrifices married couples made as a part of the ship’s maiden voyage. Read about the story of Isador and Ida Strauss; she refused to leave his side when all knew those who stayed on the ship would perish. Reverend William Lahtinen and his wife, Anna Amelia, as well as Reverend Ernest Carter and his wife, Lilian – their stories are on full display. Find out about these couples, their lives, and each one’s Titanic story.

The year 2013 is going to be one to remember at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge. Come see for yourself and find out the real story of its crew and passengers.

Boy Scout Day at Dixie Stampede

Come join the cast of the Dixie Stampede as they honor some of our local youth on Boy Scout Day at the Dixie Stampede, January 26.

The Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show in Pigeon Forge, TN is one of the most popular dinner shows in Pigeon Forge. It has been here for many years and has remained arguably the one dinner show that families visit each time they come to this area. If you have never been to the Dixie Stampede Dinner Show I definitely recommend it. It costs about $35 per adult, but you get a good meal with the famous Dixie Stampede Cream of Vegetable Soup and about 2 hours worth of entertainment.

If you’re looking for Dixie Stampede Coupons be sure to get your copy of the free Pigeon Forge Coupon book by clicking here. The coupon book includes a $3 off coupon for Dixie Stampede…the best coupon available. You can also check out the official Dixie Stampede Special Offers page at http://www.dixiestampede.com/specialoffers.php, but there aren’t any better deals than the $3 off found in the free Pigeon Forge coupon book.

One of the novelties is that they have no silverware. Your hands are your fork and knife! Some people love it and others thinks it’s nasty…either way it’s fun to dig in and wipe your hands on your neighbor moist towelette (I always wanted to say moist towelette in a sentence).

For more information call 865-774-8114

Wilderness Wildlife Week 2013: Hikes and Field Trips

One of the highlights of the annual Wilderness Wildlife Weed in Pigeon Forge are the number of great nature hikes and outings led by experienced park officials on some of the Great Smoky Mountains’ most popular trails. These trails can be classified as easy to strenuous and we’ve gone ahead and marked what hikers can expect from each hike should they decide to take part.

Hikes and Field Trips Schedule 2013 

Hike and Field Trip Ratings
E = Easy
EM = Easy/Moderate
M = Moderate
MS = Moderate/Strenuous
S = Strenuous

REMINDER:  The number of hikers permitted may change due to availability of transportation.

 

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Times

Trail

Guide

Mileage

Level
6:00AM – Noon Cades Cove Photo Trek Dempster Bus E
7:30AM – 2:00PM Original Road to Walker Sisters Snyder 5 MS
7:30AM – 4:30PM Little River/Goshen Prong Owen 9.5 MS
8:00AM – 4:00PM A.T. / Road Prong Lloyd 7.2 MS
9:30AM – 4:30PM Middle Prong Teague 7 M
10:00AM – 5:00PM Albright Grove McFarland 7.5 M
6:00PM – 9:00PM Owl Prowl Garr Bus E

Monday, January 14, 2013

Times

Trail

Guide

Mileage

Level
7:00AM – 1:00PM History of Cades Cove Iceland Bus E
7:00AM – 3:00PM Finley Cane / West Prong Luckett 6 EM
8:00AM – 3:30PM Greenbrier – Off Trail McFarland 8 MS
8:00AM – 5:00PM Rhododendron Creek Duncan 7 MS
8:30AM – 4:00PM White Oak Sinks Domingue 5 EM
8:30AM – 4:00PM School House Gap Zachry 5 M
10:00AM – 4:00PM Huskey Gap / Sugarland Mtn. Owen 5.1 MS
6:00PM – 9:00PM Owl Prowl Garr Bus E

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Times

Trail

Guide

Mileage

Level
7:30AM – 4:00PM Mt. Cammerer Maynard 11 S
7:30AM – 4:30PM Meigs Mtn / Lumber Ridge Owen 10.8 MS
8:30AM – 2:30PM Cades Cove Snyder Bus E
10:00AM – 2:00PM Injun Creek Cardwell 2 E
10:00AM – 3:30PM Jakes Creek / Avent Cabin Jenkins 3 EM
10:00AM – 3:30PM Little River McFarland 6 EM

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Times

Trail

Guide

Mileage

Level
7:00AM – Noon Cades Cove Photo Shoot McLemore Bus EM
7:30AM – 1:00PM Abrams Falls Owen 5 E
7:30AM – 5:00PM Blanket Mountain Doughty 8 S
8:00AM – 5:30PM Albright Grove Voorhis 7 M
8:30AM – 1:00PM Elkmont Historic District Dietzer 4 E
8:30AM – 3:00PM Old Sugarlands Trail McFarland 6.5 M
10:00AM – 4:00PM Llama Hike Garrett 4 EM
11:30AM – 5:30PM Bus Tour of Cades Cove Harrington Bus E

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Times

Trail

Guide

Mileage

Level
7:30 AM – 3:00 PM Laurel Falls/Little Greenbrier Domingue 7.4 M
8:00AM – 2:00PM Rainbow Falls McFarland 6 M
9:00AM – 3:00PM Round Top – Off Trail Snyder 3.5 E
10:00AM -1:30PM Old Elkmont Town Cardwell 1 E
10:00AM – 3:30PM Cucumber Gap / Little River Luckett 6 EM
6:00PM – 9:00PM Owl Prowl Garr Bus E

Friday, January 18, 2013

Times

Trail

Guide

Mileage

Level
7:00AM – Noon Cades Cove Photo Shoot McLemore Bus EM
8:00AM – 2:30PM Meigs Mtn. – Off Trail Snyder 5 M
8:00AM – 4:00PM Little River / Huskey Gap Zachry 6.8 M
8:00AM – 5:30PM Miry Ridge Whitted 8.4 MS
10:00AM – 5:00PM Barnes Sisters Duncan 5 MS
10:00AM – 5:00PM Llama Hike Garrett 4 EM
6:00PM – 9:00PM Owl Prowl Garr Bus E

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Times

Trail

Guide

Mileage

Level
8:00AM – 3:30PM Birding Cades Cove Alsop 3 EM
10:00AM – 4:30PM Albright Grove Maynard 7 M
10:15AM – 2:30PM Bus Tour to Cosby Cardwell Bus E

Wilderness Wildlife Week 2013: Classes

During Pigeon Forge’s Wilderness Wildlife Week 2013, all workshops, lectures, and discussions will take place at the Music Road Hotel & Convention Center at 303 Henderson Chapel Road in Pigeon Forge.

The schedule for the week as far as classes go, is as follows:

Information Desk: Open from 7 am – 9 pm
Vendor/Exhibit Hall: Open from 9 am – 6 pm

Hike Signups: All hike signups will be held at Holiday Inn Express, located directly across the street from Music Road Hotel & Convention Center.

Saturday, Jan. 12

8 – 11 am: Learn to Use Map & Compass: Terry & LaValla Edgington – Harp Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 50.

8:30 – 9:30 am: Photo Editing for Free: Jim Eastin – Ukulele Room

8:30 – 10:30 am: Fly Fishing the Smokies: Greg Ward – Violin Room

9 – 10 am: The Serpent Handlers: Fred Brown – Dobro Room

9 am – 1 pm: Nature Photography Workshop: Kendall Chiles, Tom & Pat Cory, Daniel Dempster and Harold Stinnette – Guitar Room

9 am – 1 pm: Photo Exhibit Entry Submission – Cello Room (An entry form must accompany each photo entry submitted.)

10 am – Noon: Beginning Mountain Dulcimer: TNT Dulcimers (Deby Libby, Ginny Cliett and Linda Smith) – Ukulele Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 25.  Limited number of dulcimers available.  Observers are welcome.

10:30 – 11:30 am: Rock Formations in the Smokies: Harry Moore – Dobro Room

11 am – Noon: Introduction to the Mandolin: Tony Thomas – Violin Room

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Peter’s Escape from Communist East Germany: Peter Seifert – Harp Room

11:30 am: Sunday Hike Signups at Holiday Inn Express

12:30 – 1:30 pm: Smoky Mountain Ballads, Part One: Boogertown Gap – Violin Room

1 – 2 pm: Discovering October Roads: Fred Brown and Harry Moore – Dobro Room
*Video Presentation.

1 – 2 pm: Pilgrimage: A Pathway to Discovery: J. Greg Johnson – Ukulele Room

1 – 2:30 pm: Take A Hike Safely with the Right Gear While Practicing Leave No Trace Guidelines: Bill Deitzer, Mike Braun and Pamela Rodgers – Harp Room

1 – 3 pm: Stream Stocked Trout Fishing: Greg Ward – Breakfast Room

1:30 – 2:30 pm: A Smokies Murder Mystery: “Murder at the Jumpoff”: Jenny Bennett – Guitar Room
Jenny will discuss how her interest in off-trail hiking led her to write her novel.  Excerpts will also be read.

2 – 3 pm: For Kids – Bear’s First Year: Kate Marshall – Violin Room
*Video Presentation.

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Learning to See Photographically: Bill Fortney – Dobro Room

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Horace Kephart’s Wild Camp Cookery: Ila Hatter – Ukulele Room
Join Ila as she covers Kephart’s personal experience living in “the back of beyond,” and his curiosity about the wilderness leaves a legacy of wild foods and cooking techniques.

3 – 4 pm: Avent Cabin: Carroll McMahan – Harp Room
Carroll will tell of the inhabitants, heritage and folklore of this historic Smoky Mountain cabin near Elkmont.

3 – 4 pm: Searching for Panthers in the Smokies: Dr. Don Linzey – Guitar Room

3:30 – 4:30 pm: For Kids – Garbage Pizza: Keep Sevier Beautiful – Breakfast Room
An interactive class where students follow trash as it’s thrown away and create their own garbage pizza. 
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 30.

3:30 – 5 pm: The White Caps & Blue Bills: Don Williams – Violin Room
Join Don as he tells stories of some of Sevier County’s most heinous shootouts, whippings, night-rides, trials, hangings and the unheralded heroism of men and  women who fought to bring an end to this era of vigilantism, violence and intrigue that approached fever pitch in the 1890s.

4 – 5 pm: The “3D” Tour: Dolly, Duke and Davy: Hills-N-Hollows – Dobro Room
Join Hills-N-Hollows as they perform songs and stories of Miss Dolly Parton as she grew up in these mountains; the early beginnings of the Bush family up through Jay and Duke today; and truths and tales of Davy Crockett. 

4 – 5 pm: The Beauty and History of Switzerland: Shannon Harris – Ukulele Room
*Video presentation.

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Tennessee in 1863: A Sesquicentennial Commemoration of the Civil War: Chris Tipton – Harp Room

4:30 – 5:30 pm: The Bone Hunters: The Discovery of the Miocene Age: Harry Moore – Guitar Room Harry will discuss the discovery of beautifully preserved Miocene Age terrestrial animals in Gray, TN.  This will include photos of different animals and ongoing activities.

5 – 7 pm: Basic Watercolor: Louise Bales – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 12.

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Chattanooga Scenic International Photo Exhibition (SCIPE): Pat Gordy – Ukulele Room

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Forks of the Pigeon Cemetery Walk: Theresa Williams – Violin Room

5:45 – 6:45 pm: Confessions of Snake Boy: Snake Tales, Songs and Lore: Doug Elliott – Dobro/Harp Rooms
Join Doug as he speaks about growing up with snakes, snake boys, horse girls, snake handlers, getting swallowed by a snake, black snakes, rattlesnakes and hoop snakes.

6 pm: Monday Hike Signups – Holiday Inn Express

7 pm: Bagpipe Performance: Piper Charles A. Smith, Commander, TVA Police, Retired – Dobro/Harp Rooms

7 – 7:30 pm: Wilderness Wildlife Week Opening Ceremony and Welcome: Butch Helton, Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events Manager; and special guests – Dobro/Harp Rooms

7:30 pm: Opening Remarks: Ken Jenkins – Dobro/Harp Rooms

7:45 pm: Keynote Program: How to Tawlk and Rite Good: An Introduction to the Native Tongue of Southern Appalachia: Sam Venable – Dobro/Harp Rooms

 

Sunday, Jan. 13

Cello Room Photography Exhibit: 9:00AM – 6:00PM

9 – 10 am: Nature Photography: From the Mountains to the Sea: Tom & Pat Cory – Dobro Room

9 – 10 am: Sunday Morning Sing-A-Long: Tony Thomas – Violin Room

9 – 11 am: World Class Stream Smallmouth Bass: Greg Ward – Harp Room

9:30 – 10:30 am: Marking Time: A Guide to Historical Markers in East Tennessee: Fred Brown – Ukulele Room

9:30 – 10:30 am: A Smokies Murder Mystery: “Murder at the Jumpoff”: Jenny Bennett – Guitar Room
Jenny will discuss how her interest in off-trail hiking led her to write her novel.   Excerpts will also be read.

10:30 – 11:30 am: Learning to See Photographically: Bill Fortney – Dobro Room

10:30 – 11:30 am: Amazing Bears: Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard – Violin Room

11 am – Noon: Across the Alps: Italy to Austria: Peter & Gudrun Seifert – Ukulele Room
*Video Presentation.

11 am – Noon: Seasons on the Trail: Hiking Through Nature’s Bounty: Ila Hatter – Guitar Room
Ila will discuss how Nature’s Bounty provides hikers with trail provisions from spring to fall as long as one knows what to look for in the wild.       

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Native Trees, Shrubs and Vines of the Southern Appalachians: Leon Bates – Harp Room

12:30 – 1:30 pm: Groundhogology: Of Whistlepigs and World Politics: Doug Elliott – Dobro Room
Complete with traditional songs, mountain dialects and lively harmonica riffs, join Doug as he tells of how groundhogs have been a source of food, clothing, medicine and music for Appalachian folks for generations.  Also, you will come to understand the true story surrounding Groundhog Day, as well as how they can teach us about world politics and society.

12:30 – 1:30 pm: Chickadee: Bringer of Truth: Stephen Lyn Bales – Ukulele Room
Stephen will discuss 20 plants and animals important to the Native Americans of the Tennessee Valley.

12:30 – 1:30 pm: For Kids – Kiddin’ Around: A Concert for Kids of All Ages: Lost Mill String Band – Violin Room

1 – 1:45 pm: Smoky Mountain Llama Treks: Hiking with Llamas in the Smokies: Steve Garrett – Harp Room

1 – 2 pm: Africa: A Wildlife Photographer’s Dream Trip: Harry Dunn – Guitar Room

1 – 3:30 pm: Casting a Fly Rod: Greg Ward – Breakfast Room
*Bring own rod if possible.

2 – 3 pm: Smoky Mountain Bears, Whitetails and Wildflowers: Kate Marshall – Ukulele Room
*Video Presentation.

2 – 3 pm: Preaching the Glory Down: Hills-N-Hollows – Violin Room
 Join Hills-N-Hollows as they perform hymns and stories of specific churches, revivals and camp meetings in the mountains.

2 – 3:30 pm: Old Harp Singing: David Sarten, Leader – Dobro/Harp Rooms
 A group of area shaped-note singers will sing traditional songs which were taught in music schools in the early 1900s in the Great Smoky Mountains area.

3 – 4 pm: The Miracle of the North Platte Canteen: Rosemary Deitzer – Guitar Room
Rosemary will share the story of how a small town of 12,000 people in Nebraska fed six million traveling World War II soldiers 24/7 for four years.

3:30 – 4:30 pm: Climb Every Mountain, Ford Every Stream: Carroll McMahan with Stan Creswell, Frank Maples, Coppley Vickers and John Cotter – Ukulele Room
Join Carroll for an interesting adventure as this panel discussion features men who have each hiked every trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
*Panel Discussion.

3:30 – 4:30 pm: Smoky Mountain Ballads, Part Two: Boogertown Gap – Violin Room

4 – 5 pm: Advanced Possumology: Songs, Stories, Lore and More About the Possum: Doug Elliott – Dobro/Harp Rooms

4 – 5 pm: For Kids – Learning About Black Bears: Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 20.

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Characters Met While Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Joel & Kathy Zachry – Guitar Room

5 – 6 pm: The Walker Sisters of Little Greenbrier: Robin Goddard – Ukulele Room

5 – 6 pm: Explorers of the Smokies in the 1920s: Paul James – Violin Room

5:30 – 6:30 pm: For Kids – Quill Pens and Homemade Ink: Pat K. Thomas – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 15: Ages 8 – 12.

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Old Time String Band: The Sound of Days Gone: Tony Thomas and Friends – Dobro/Harp Rooms

6 pm: Tuesday Hike Signups – Holiday Inn Express

6 – 6:45 pm: Knoxville Tennessee Pastor a Titanic Hero: Titanic Museum & Attraction – Guitar Room
Learn the courageous story of Knoxville resident Reverend Robert J. Bateman whose faith prepared him to be a hero April 14th, 1912.

7 pm: Being Open to New Beauty: Ken Jenkins – Dobro/Harp Rooms

7:30 pm: Slow Jam: Bring Your Own Instrument or Simply Plan to Enjoy and Listen: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson – Guitar Room

 

Monday, Jan. 14

Cello Room Photography Exhibit: 9:00AM – 6:00PM

9 – 10 am: Wonderful Waterfalls of Tennessee: Bill Carter – Ukulele Room
*Slide Presentation.

9 am – Noon: Printing Your Photography and Artwork: Dick Ensing – Guitar Room

9:30 – 10:30 am: 10 Hints for Creating a Successful Backyard Habitat – Advice from a Lifetime Master Gardener: Dr. Leo Lubke & Linda Lubke – Harp Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 25.

10 – 11 am: The Civilian Conservation Corps: FDR’s “Tree Army”: Bill Deitzer – Dobro Room
Bill will discuss the legacy of this corps of young men from the 1930s who built several of America’s national parks, including Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks.

10 – 11 am: Hosting Hummingbirds: Regina Garr – Violin Room
*Video Presentation.

10:30 am – Noon: By George, What A Family!: Kathy Gwinn – Ukulele Room
From George Washington to George Bush, Kathy Gwinn will share amusing and touching stories of America’s first families.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Learn to Play Washboard and Washtub Base: Boogertown Gap – Dobro Room

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Black Bear Ecology: Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard – Harp Room

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Wildflowers of the Smokies: Jack Carman – Violin Room
*Video Presentation.

12:30 – 1:30 pm: The Story of Greenbrier Cove: Glenn Cardwell – Ukulele Room

12:30 – 2:30 pm: Prescribed Burns of Cades Cove: Alice Beers – Guitar Room
*Video Presentation.

1 – 2 pm: Old Time Music and Instruments: Roger Helton – Dobro Room

1 – 2 pm: Invasive Exotic Plants: Making Intelligent Landscaping Choices: Kristine Johnson – Harp Room

1 – 2 pm: Bird’s the Word: Bird Stories, Songs, Lore and Natural History: Doug Elliott – Violin Room

1 – 2:30 pm: Beginning Hammer Dulcimer: Tim Simek – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 10.  Must bring own instruments.

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Introduction to the Autoharp: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson – Dobro Room

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Wild Hog Management in the Great Smoky Mountains: Jay Carr – Harp Room

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Goldfinches and Cardinals: Bring Some Color to Your Bird Feeders: Steve Garr – Ukulele Room

2:30 – 3:30 pm: John James Audubon’s “The Birds of America”: Stephen Lyn Bales – Violin Room

3 – 4 pm: Tennessee Butterflies and How to Raise Them: Lois English – Guitar Room

3 – 6 pm: Basket Making: Theresa Tyler – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 10.

4 – 5 pm: Broken Lives in a Broken County: The Civil War in Cocke County: J. Duay O’Neil – Dobro Room

4 – 5 pm: The Makin’s of Granny: Theresa Williams – Harp Room
 Theresa will tell of her experiences playing Granny Lydia in the Store Britches play.

4 – 5 pm: Ranger Recollections: Joe Kelley – Ukulele Room

4 – 5 pm: Being Bear Smart: Kate Marshall – Violin Room
*Video Presentation.

4:30 – 5:30 pm: What’s in My Pack?: The Fundamentals of Lightweight Backpacking: NOC Gatlinburg and Backpacking Light – Guitar Room
Join Nantahala Outdoor Center with Chris Wallace, Gear Editor for Backpacking Light.

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Of Ginseng, Golden Apples and the Rainbow Fish: Ancient Tales and a Modern Mythic Adventure: Doug Elliott – Dobro/Harp Rooms

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Be Careful Out There: Hazards in the Outdoors: Joe Taft – Ukulele Room

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Taking Better Wildflower Pictures: Bob Stephenson – Violin Room

6 pm: Wednesday Hike Signups – Holiday Inn Express

6 – 7 pm: Appalachian Mountain Beauty and Scottish Highland Tour: Daniel & Denise Dempster – Guitar Room
*Video Presentation.

7:30 pm: And Heaven & Nature Sing: Ken Jenkins, Judy Felts and Friends – Dobro/Harp/Ukulele Rooms

 

Tuesday, Jan. 15

Cello Room Photography Exhibit: 9:00AM – 6:00PM

8:30 – 9:30 am: Green Power Switch / Generation Partners: Lucas Harkleroad – Harp Room

9 – 9:30 am: Wiley Oakley Portrayal: Tyler W. King – Ukulele Room
Tyler will share his love of mountain heritage through the stories of Smoky Mountain Guide, Wiley Oakley.

9 – 10 am: The Good News!: 40 Years with Tennessee Nesting Osprey: Ken Dubke – Violin Room

9:30 – 10:30 am: 2012 Grand Canyon Rim to Rim: Bill Deitzer and Bob Turney – Dobro Room

9:30 – 10:30 am: Mountain Marvels: Waterfalls of the Southern Appalachians (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Kentucky): Bill Carter – Guitar Room
*Slide Presentation.

10 – 11 am: It’s Puppy Time: Bays Mountain Cubs: Rhonda & Rick Goins – Harp Room

10 – 11 am: Mr. Herbert Clabo Tells Stories of Old Gatlinburg: Herbert Clabo with Veta King – Ukulele Room

10:30 – 11:30 am: The Garden Unseen: Dr. Alan S. Heilman – Violin Room
*Video Presentation.

11 am – Noon: For Kids – Wild World of Animals: Knoxville Zoo’s Zoomobile- Dobro Room

11 am – 1 pm: Digital and Film Photography: How to Shoot Like a Pro: Richard Iceland – Guitar Room

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: The Art of Dowsing:  Do You Have the Gift?: Charlie Monday – Harp Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 30.

Noon – 1 pm: Meditations on Nature: Phylis Rollins – Violin Room

1 – 2 pm: Meet Some of East Tennessee’s Most Famous Residents: Maranda & Elisa Vandergriff – Dobro Room
Attendees will be impressed by short award-winning biographies of some of East Tennessee’s famous residents including Dr. Robert F. Thomas, Sequoyah, the Coal Creek Miners and the hard-working ladies who helped women across the country gain the right to vote.

1 – 2 pm: Old Time Dessert Tasting Event: Veta King – Ukulele Room
Lifelong residents of the Great Smoky Mountains area will prepare some of their favorite old time family desserts for guests to sample including cobblers, stack cakes, pies, molasses cookies and more!       

1 – 3:30 pm: Carving a Dogwood Friendship Spoon, Session One: Don Taylor – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 10.  Must sign up and attend both sessions.  All registrants must bring own sharpened woodcarving tools. 

1:30 – 2:30 pm: Leave No Trace: The Rules and Regulations of Backpacking and Leave No Trace Guidelines: Mike Braun and Pamela Rodgers – Harp Room

1:30 – 2:30 pm: 60 Years of Fun at Bays Mountain: Joe Taft and David Taylor – Violin Room

1:30 – 2:30 pm: National Wildlife Refuges in Tennessee: Jim Wigginton – Guitar Room

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Civil War in the West, 1861: Jack Carman – Dobro Room

2:30 – 3:30 pm: The Trail of Tears and the Cherokee in the Great Smoky Mountains (Before and After the Removal): Jon Elder – Ukulele Room

3 – 4 pm: How to Get Eaten by a Bear: Joel & Kathy Zachry – Harp Room

3 – 4 pm: Identifying Local Birds of Prey: Stephen Lyn Bales – Violin Room

3:30 – 4:30 pm: Intro to Beginning Bluegrass Dancing: Jack & Doris Parton – Guitar Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 40: Adults and ages 12+ only. 

4 – 5 pm: Growing Mealworms for Backyard Birds: Steve Garr – Dobro Room
*Video Presentation.

4 – 5 pm: The Iron Works and the Forge – Pigeon Forge’s Namesake: Jerry Wear – Ukulele Room
Join Jerry as he discusses the manufacturing of iron in Pigeon Forge around 1820. This early industry is almost unimaginable in today’s bustling vacationing resort town.

4 – 5:30 pm: Intermediate / Advanced Mountain Dulcimer: Tim Simek – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 10.  Must bring own instruments.

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Guarding the President: NPS Special Events Team, 1970s: Joe Kelley – Harp Room

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Photographic Fundamentals: From Composition to Proper Exposure and Everything in Between: Daniel Dempster – Ukulele Room

6 pm: Thursday Hike Signups – Holiday Inn Express

7 pm: America’s Favorite Drive: The Blue Ridge Parkway: Charles Maynard – Dobro/Harp Rooms

 

APPALACHIAFEST! – A Free Musical Celebration of Our Heritage!: Violin/Guitar Rooms

5 – 6:30 pm: Smoky Mountain Inhabitants and Their Music by Boogertown Gap

6:45 – 7:45 pm: Of Home and Hearth by Hills-N-Hollows

8 pm: Carolina Bluegrass Boys with clogging from the Appalachian Cloggers [Attendees welcome to join in the fun!]

 

Wednesday, Jan. 16

Cello Room Photography Exhibit: 9 am – 6 pm

9 – 10 am: The Art of Dowsing:  Do You Have the Gift?:  Charlie Monday – Harp Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 30.

9 – 10 am: Returning the Whooping Crane as a Nesting Species in the United States: Ken Dubke – Ukulele Room

9 – 10:30 am: Civil War in the West, 1862: Jack Carman – Guitar Room

9:30 – 10:30 am: Mountain Chores: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center – Dobro Room
Participants have an opportunity to experience how families took care of the home place.  Chores include gathering wood, collecting eggs and sweeping the cabin floor.  Come dressed to “work”!

9:30 – 10:30 am: Energy, Effort and Passion: Volunteering in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Christine Hoyer – Violin Room

10:30 – 11:30 am: “Heavens to Betsy” It’s a Whole “Kit and Kaboodle” of Expressions Bound to Make You “Crack a Smile”: Kathy Gwinn- Harp Room

10:30 – 11:30 am: Selective Bird Feeding: Regina Garr – Ukulele Room
*Video Presentation.

11 am – Noon: The Spirits of Cades Cove: Mike Meldrum – Dobro Room
*Video Presentation.

11 am – Noon: Carolina Bluegrass Boys and Appalachian Cloggers – Violin/Guitar Rooms

Noon – 1 pm: Wildflowers of Tennessee: Jack Carman – Ukulele Room
*Video Presentation.

12:30 – 1:30 pm: Learn to Play the Spoons and Washtub Bass: Boogertown Gap – Dobro Room

1 – 2 pm: Air Quality Update at Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Jim Renfro – Harp Room

1 – 2 pm: Old Time Banjo and Fiddle: Roger Helton – Violin Room

1 – 3 pm: Creative Photo Editing Made Easy: Richard Iceland – Guitar Room

1 – 3 pm: History of Pigeon Forge Bus Tour: Jane Scott
*Must Pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 20.  Meet at Information Desk at 12:50PM.

1 – 3:30 pm: Carving a Dogwood Friendship Spoon, Session Two: Don Taylor – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 10.  Must sign up and attend both sessions.  All registrants must bring own sharpened woodcarving tools.   

1:30 – 2:30 pm: The Art of Dowsing:  Do You Have the Gift?:  Charlie Monday – Ukulele Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 30.

2 – 3 pm: The Story of Pittman Center: Glenn Cardwell – Dobro Room

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Putting the Pigeon Back in Pigeon Forge: Paul James – Harp Room

2:30 – 3:30 pm: The Music of Appalachia: Past and Present: Lost Mill String Band – Violin Room

3 – 4 pm: A Ranger Family’s Recollections: Joe Kelley with his sons Nelson, Kevin and Travis Kelley – Ukulele Room

3:30 – 4:30 pm: Images and History of Sevierville: Carroll McMahan – Dobro Room
Take a step back in time as Carroll discusses the history of Sevierville and shares pictures from his book “Images of America: Sevierville”, published by Arcadia Publishing.

4 – 5 pm: Watching Wandering Wildlife: W.C. & Glenna Julian – Harp Room

4 – 5 pm: Songs of the Carter Family: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson – Violin Room

4 – 5 pm: Playing Music by Ear: Tim Simek – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 20.  Must bring own instruments.

4 – 5 pm: Mock Trial from the Past: Sevier County High School students – Guitar Room
Sevier County High School students will reenact a local trial from Sevier County’s past to illustrate how the judicial system worked in early courthouse history while the case will portray those of that bygone era.

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Wild Ones Among Us: Lynne McCoy – Ukulele Room

5 – 6 pm: Vintage Views: A Collection of Old Film and Photos from Around the Great Smoky Mountains area: Kevin Tierney – Dobro Room
 *Video Presentation.

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Carolina Bluegrass Boys and Appalachian Cloggers – Violin/Guitar Rooms

5:30 – 6:30 pm: For Kids – The Blue and the Grey: Learn About Life as a Soldier During the Civil War: Mike Meldrum – Breakfast Room
The Civil War needs young folks to enlist for the Union or Confederacy.  As a recruit, you will learn about the life of a soldier during the war.
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 25. 

6 pm: Friday Hike Signups – Holiday Inn Express

6:30 – 7:30 pm: Let’s Meander: Continuing the Meanderings of a Silly Man: Doug Mills – Dobro/Harp/Ukulele Rooms

7:45 pm: Appalachian Tales and Heartland Adventures: Bill Landry – Dobro/Harp/Ukulele Rooms

 

Thursday, Jan. 17

Cello Room Photography Exhibit: 9:00AM – 6:00PM

8 – 11 am: Introduction to Tracking People in the Outdoors: Joe Kelley – Harp Room

8:30 – 9:30 am: Pack a Wagon: Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center – Violin Room
Participants pack a wagon for the journey west to the Smokies and must make the hard decision of what to take and what to leave behind.

8:30 – 9:30 am: Three Must Considerations for Hiking Safety: Wendell Liemohn – Guitar Room

9 – 9:30 am: Water Quality and Its Effects on the Biota and People of Our Area: Matt Kulp – Dobro Room

9:30 – 10:30 am: Nature Recording in the Smokies: Mark A. Dunaway – Ukulele Room

10 – 11 am: Arches Along the Way: A Presentation of Arches and Natural Bridges Along Tennessee’s Trails: Keith Garnes – Dobro Room

10 – 11 am: The People Who Shaped Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Bill Deitzer – Violin Room

10 – 11:30 am: Wolves of Bays Mountain: Rhonda & Rick Goins – Guitar Room

11 am – Noon: Flying Bullets and the Resplendent Badge: Ersa Rhea Noland Smith – Ukulele Room
Listen in wonder as Ersa shares riveting stories about her father Sheriff Ray C. Noland’s years in office in Sevier County.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: For Kids – Photography for Kids (and Parents!): Jim Eastin – Dobro Room

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: America’s Newest Long Distance Trail: The Great Eastern Trail: Warren Devine – Harp Room

11:30 am – 1 pm: Journey on the Camino Primitivo, Spain, 2010: Olga Pader – Violin Room
Join Olga as she recounts her marvelous adventure with her friend Cheryl Morgan as the duo journeyed on the Camino Pimitivo, hiking 208.4 miles over 14 days in the summer of 2010. 

Noon – 1:30 pm: What Separates a Snapshot from a Fine Photograph and How They Are Judged: Douglas Hubbard – Guitar Room
12:30PM – 1:30PM: The Story of Appalachian Bear Rescue: Who We Are: Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard – Ukulele Room

1 – 2 pm: Orioles: Spring and Summer: Regina Garr – Dobro Room
*Video Presentation.

1 – 2:30 pm: Civil War in the West, 1863: Jack Carman – Harp Room

1 – 2:30 pm: Learn Clawhammer Banjo, Workshop One: Boogertown Gap – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 10.  Must bring own five (5) string banjo tuned in the key of G. 

1:30 – 2:30 pm: European Explorations: Sharon & Brad Cottrell – Violin Room
Join Sharon and Brad as they present photos from 21 European countries taken over a 91-day trip to Europe using 28 different modes of transportation.
*Video Presentation.

2 – 3 pm: Lost Attractions of Sevier County: Tim Hollis – Ukulele Room

2 – 3 pm: For Kids – Wild Wonders: Knoxville Zoo’s Animals in Action Show – Guitar Room

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Point and Shoot Flower Photography: Robert Hutson – Dobro Room

3 – 4 pm: Anchors Aweigh in the Great Smoky Mountains: Tom Harrington – Harp Room
Join Tom as he goes over the features and opportunities found in the interior of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as proper preparation and the challenges facing the park.

3 – 4 pm: Wildlife on White: The Story Behind the Global “Meet Your Neighbors” Project: Paul Hassell – Violin Room

3 – 4 pm: For Kids – Learning About Black Bears: Anne Allison and Kathy Sherrard – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 20.   

3:30 – 4:30 pm: Cool Gadgets for Tech Savvy Hikers: Jim Richards – Guitar Room

3:30 – 5 pm: Memories of the Old Country Store: Kathy Gwinn – Ukulele Room

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Special Places, Special Creatures: Joel & Kathy Zachry – Dobro Room

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Black Bear Management in Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Bill Stiver – Harp Room

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Old Time Hymns: Don Huskey, Marcia Huskey Nelson and Roger Helton – Violin Room

4:30 – 5:30 pm: For Kids – Whooo Did This?: Fascinating Owls: Lynne McCoy – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 20.  

5 – 7 pm: My Experience Through-Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Bert Kunze – Guitar Room
*Video Presentation.

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Bears, Boars and Bulls: A Wild Life in the Smokies!: Kim Delozier – Ukulele Room

6 – 7 pm: Rocky Mountain High: Life on the Edge: Weldon Lee – Dobro/Harp Rooms
*Video Presentation.

6 – 7 pm: Old Hymns & Songs of Faith: Whaley Family Singers – Violin Room

6 pm: Saturday Hike Signups – Holiday Inn Express

7:15 pm: Spiritual Lessons from Nature: Chuck Summers and Ken Jenkins – Dobro/Harp Rooms

7:30 pm: Slow Jam: Bring Your Own Instrument or Simply Plan to Enjoy and Listen: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson – Guitar Room

 

Friday, Jan. 18

Cello Room Photography Exhibit: 9 am – 6 pm

8 – 11 am: Famous Searches/Rescues of the Great Smoky Mountains: Joe Kelley, Bob Swabe, Judy Wasak and Joey Holt – Harp Room

8:30 – 9:30 am: For Kids – Animal Olympics: Mike Meldrum – Dobro Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 25.

8:30 – 10 am: Bird Songs of the Smokies: Mark A. Dunaway – Guitar Room

9 – 10 am: Saving the Eastern Hemlock: Stuart Carroll – Violin Room

10 – 11 am: For Kids – Let’s Make Music: Children’s Workshop: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson – Dobro Room

10 – 11 am: Conservation Efforts at Pogue Creek State Natural Area: Travis Bow – Ukulele Room

10:15 – 11:15 am: Do It Yourself: Building a Backyard Bird Habitat: Mark A. Dunaway – Guitar Room

10:30 – 11:30 am: Bringing Bluebirds to Your Yard: Steve Garr – Violin Room
*Video Presentation.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: Tennessee State Natural Areas 101: Robin Wooten – Dobro Room
Join Robin as she presents Tennessee’s 82 natural areas and the ones most accessible to nature lovers.
*Video Presentation.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: The Birds and Bees of Wildflowers: Kris Light – Harp Room

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: For Kids – Silly Safari Show: Amazon John – Ukulele Room

11:45 am – 12:30 pm: Discovering New Species in the Smokies: 922 and Counting!: Todd Witcher – Guitar Room

Noon – 1:30 pm: Journey on the French Way, Spain, 2011: Olga Pader – Violin Room
Olga and her buddy Cheryl Morgan again crossed the Atlantic Ocean in 2011 to walk 200 miles on the Camino Francés, the most popular Camino.

1 – 2 pm: Civil War in the West, 1864: Jack Carman – Harp Room

1 – 2:30 pm: Our National Parks: America’s Best Idea: Chuck Summers – Dobro Room
*Video Presentation.

1 – 2:30 pm: Advanced SLR Flower Photography: Robert Hutson – Guitar Room

1 – 2:30 pm: Learn Clawhammer Banjo, Workshop Two: Boogertown Gap – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 10.  Must have attended Thursday workshop and bring own five (5) string banjo tuned in the key of G. 

1:30 – 2:30 pm: For Kids – Fred the Fish: Keep Sevierville Beautiful – Ukulele Room
Meet Fred and Ted and follow their adventures as they travel downstream and encounter pollutants.
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 30.

2 – 3 pm: The Amazing Diversity of Fall Creek Falls State Park: Stuart Carroll – Violin Room
*Video Presentation.

2:30 – 4 pm: They Road into History: Kathy Gwinn – Harp Room
Kathy will cover the development of America’s earliest transportation routes, as well as why they were made and who used them.

3 – 4 pm: Lakes, Lighthouses and Landscapes of the North Woods: Kendall Chiles – Dobro Room

3 – 4 pm: My African Adventure with Earthwatch: Kathy Sherrard – Ukulele Room

3 – 5 pm: Basic Watercolor: Louise Bales – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 12.

3:30 – 4:30 pm: Challenger Opens Doors: Bob Hatcher – Violin/Guitar Rooms

4 – 5:30 pm: Walking in the Beauty of the Natural World: Don McGowan – Dobro Room
*Video Presentation.

4:30 – 5:00 pm: Birds of Prey – Live Eagles!: American Eagle Foundation – Violin/Guitar Rooms

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Wicked Weeds: Deadly Weeds and Their History: Theresa Williams and Elizabeth Ballard – Harp Room

4:30 – 5:30 pm: Using Alternative Photo Editing Programs: Dale Knight – Ukulele Room

5:30 – 6:30 pm: My Favorite Smoky Mountain Birds: Dr. Fred Alsop – Guitar Room
*Video Presentation.

5:30 – 6:30 pm: Quill Pens and Handmade Inks: Pat K. Thomas – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 15: Adults and Children ages 12+.

5:30 – 7:30 pm: Lords of Nature: Life in a Land of Great Predators: Cougar Rewilding Foundation (Panel Discussion with Christopher Spatz, Ben Shrader, Dr. John Laundre, Dr. Ron Sutherland and Helen McGinnis) – Violin Room
*Video Presentation with Panel Discussion.

6:15 – 7:15 pm: Trekking Planet Earth in Search of Wildlife: Weldon Lee – Dobro/Harp Rooms
*Video Presentation.

7:30 pm: The Living Desert: Chuck Summers – Dobro/Harp Rooms
*Video Presentation.

7:30 pm: Slow Jam: Bring Your Own Instrument or Simply Plan to Enjoy and Listen: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson – Guitar Room

Saturday, Jan. 19

Cello Room Photography Exhibit: 9 am – 3 pm
3rd Annual SMOKIES THROUGH THE LENS: Violin and Guitar Rooms: 9 am – 7:30 pm
Photography Contest Pickup: Cello Room: 3 – 6 pm

9 – 10 am: Take a Liken’ to Lichens: Kris Light – Dobro Room
After covering the different types of lichens in Tennessee, Kris will lead an outdoor expedition to locate lichens in their natural habitats.
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 25.  Dress for outdoors.

9 – 10 am: The Appalachian Trail: An Entertaining Adventure: Jeff Alt – Ukulele Room
*Video Presentation.

9 – 10 am: ProShowGold: Taking Your Photos and Videos to the Next Level: Harry Dunn – Guitar Room

9 am – 1 pm: Photography Workshop: Kendall Chiles, Don McGowan and Warren Bedell – Violin Room

9:30 – 10:30 am: Discovering the Cumberlands: Stuart Carroll – Harp Room
*Video Presentation.

10:15 – 11:15 am: For Kids – Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep It Fun:  Jeff Alt – Ukulele Room

10:30 – 11:30 am: Sanctuary: Meditations From Great Smoky Mountains National Park: J. Greg Johnson – Dobro Room

10:30 am – Noon: What Separates a Snapshot from a Fine Photograph and How They Are Judged: Douglas Hubbard – Guitar Room

11 am – Noon: Life in Cades Cove: Ruth Caughron Davis, Lois Caughron and Dorothy Gregory Sutton – Harp Room
*Panel Discussion.

11:30 am – 12:30 pm: For Kids – Silly Safari Show: Amazon John – Ukulele Room

Noon – 1 pm: Wild Hog Management: Are We Too Late?: David Whitehead – Dobro Room

12:30 – 1:30 pm: The ABCs of Bird Photography: Weldon Lee – Guitar Room

1 – 2 pm: Cades Cove: Sacrifice to Preservation: Kate Marshall – Harp Room
*Video Presentation.

1 – 2 pm: O!  Possum: Lynne McCoy – Ukulele Room

1 – 2 pm: Litter Clean Up Event: Keep Sevier Beautiful – Breakfast Room
Help participate in an organized clean up outside around Music Road Hotel and Convention Center and learn about litter in Tennessee.  Dress for being outdoors!

1:30 – 2:30 pm: For Kids – Children’s Sing-A-Long: Tony Thomas and Judy Carson – Dobro Room

1:30 – 2:30 pm: Turn Your Photography into Art: Karen Jones – Violin Room

2 – 4 pm: Lightroom 4: Come Take a Test Drive: Colby McLemore – Guitar Room

2:15 – 3:15 pm: More About Life in Cades Cove: Bernard Myers, Judy Myers Johns and Vera Myers – Harp Room
*Panel Discussion.

2:30 – 3:30 pm: Family Fun in the Smokies: Katy Koontz – Ukulele Room

2:30 – 5:30 pm: Basket Making: Theresa Tyler – Breakfast Room
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 10. 

3 – 4:30 pm: Old Time Music Concert: Boogertown Gap – Dobro Room

3 – 5 pm: Trial and Error – Fast Track to AHA! Photos in the Digital Age: Paul Hassell – Violin Room

3 – 6 pm: Photography Contest Pickup – Cello Room
Entries WILL NOT be mailed to owners; however, owners may retrieve entries from the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events within a period of one calendar year of event.

3:30 – 4:30 pm: The Life of Tom Sparks: Larry Sparks – Harp Room

4 – 5 pm: A Year in the Life of a Bear: David Whitehead – Ukulele Room

4:30 – 5:30 pm: In Search of the Winning Image: Weldon Lee – Guitar Room

5 – 6:30 pm: For Kids – The Red-Headed Boogertown Bunch: A Tall Tale of the Mountains: Mary Phillips – Dobro Room
Come draw with us! Let’s spin this tall tale and illustrate your conclusions to the bewildering story!  Curriculum standards include Science, Art and Literature.
*Must pre-register at Information Desk, Limit 30: Ages 6 – 12.

5:30 – 7:30 pm: Crossfire Image Critiquing: Colby McLemore and Ron Plasencia – Violin Room

6 – 7 pm: Building Slideshows with Your Images: Dale Knight – Guitar Room

7 pm: Ride for the Brand: How Does a Cowboy Fit Into Nature?: Ken Jenkins – Dobro/Harp Rooms
*Video Presentation.

*ALL SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

Some New Years Resolutions for Traveling to Pigeon Forge

Whatever your reason for coming to Pigeon Forge, it won’t lack for things to do, especially this year. So, in the spirit of New Years, we here at Inside Pigeon Forge have come up with our own list of “resolutions”, or things we want to do in Pigeon Forge in 2013. Take a look and mark a few down on your calendar as well.

With the start of every year, Wilderness Wildlife Week gets things going with a week devoted to showcasing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s beauty, inhabitants and numerous excursions the park provides to its nearly 10 million annual visitors. This year (January 12-19), Wilderness Wildlife Week is offering 304 events that include hikes, programs, lectures, expositions, and basically anything that you can think of that has to do with the park.

Pigeon Forge wouldn’t be Pigeon Forge without the annual Grand Spring or Fall Rod Run. The event turns the Parkway into classic car central each year as thousands of gearheads line the parkway with their slickest ride hoping to sell or just there to show off. Thousands more people just come in to walk, talk, and enjoy the shine of all that chrome in Pigeon Forge.

The next resolution includes something most have done before, but just have to do again this year – whitewater rafting. The Pigeon River that runs through town features two levels of difficulty and is close to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville and the Great Smoky Mountains. There are several white water rafting companies in the area to choose from. Check out wildwaterrafting.com before searching around, they offer great tours in the Smokies. Prices range from $29 to $39 per person for an hour.

Another local whitewater business is The Pigeon River Wildwater white water rafting company. They also offer zipline canopy tours at their facility and have a rock climbing wall for all their climbing guests.

Finally, a show at one of Pigeon Forge’s theater attractions like the Lumberjack Feud Dinner Show should be on everyone’s Pigeon Forge New Years Resolution list. These shows feature some of the most talented lumberjacks performing skill sets as well as comedy routines, and they’ll even get the audience involved in some stunts. And don’t forget about the southern cooking to go along with the show. It’s a great time for the entire family and one you’ll never forget.

What are some of your own Pigeon Forge New Years Resolutions? Where must you visit or what things must you do in Pigeon Forge this year? Let know by leaving us a comment below and you might just see your suggestion on our list. Have a great 2013 in Pigeon Forge!