Not sure of the Botanist name that gave this information but it seems to make sense.  The second week of October is the projected peak time for leaves between 5,000 and 6,000 feet in elevation.  Every one thousand feet you drop in elevation add 1 week for peak time.

Makes good sense because the higher up the mountain you go the cooler the weather gets. Cool weather is the catalyst for the changing process.

Having said that let me say this, Good luck with trying to time this process in East Tennessee. I have lived here all my life and if there is one thing for sure about our weather, it is for sure unpredictable.

Fall Fantasy

Fall is upon us and within about 3 weeks we will really start to see some changes in the colors here on the mountain. Their is no time of year better to be in the Great Smoky Mountains. Crisp clean air and some of the greatest hiking and site seeing on the east coast. The above view was actually taken from one of the cabins on the mountain.  You would be hard pressed to find a view like this in Pigeon Forge.  Gatlinburg sits right in the middle of the national park. Once you drive into Gatlinburg and stay in a cabin you will never want to leave.

The annual fireworks show is set for 10:00 p.m. in downtown Gatlinburg tonight July the 4th. The launch point will be right at the Space needle on airport road.

Chalet Village Properties wants to wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July.

Chalet Village Properties of Gatlinburg, Tennessee would like to assist you with your retreat or corporate getaway.  Gatlinburg has long been a destination for getting away from it all.  Only a few short miles from the Gatlinburg Convention Center and about 15 miles from the Sevierville convention center. 

Most people settle for a hotel or motel but we ask why? Nothing bonds people together like camping out together. Experience the next best thing to that with a stay in a cabin or chalet.  We have a 12 bedroom unit that will sleep 24 people comfortably. 28 if you need the sofa beds. Plenty of meeting space for the small executive brainstorming session. 4×8 movie screen in the gameroom can and has been used for powerpoint presentations for corporate retreats. Family reunions  will hook up the laptop for a funny slideshow. This lodge can also be rented as a 8,9,10, or 11, bedroom configuration for a discounted price. 

There is no better place to bring the young or more mature couples of the church for a couples retreat and marriage seminar. 12 King Suites w/whirlpools, complete privacy. Each room has a deck with a view of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Whatever the occasion we would love to be able to put that little extra touch on your retreat. We offer every size unit from 1 bedroom to 12 bedroom units. Please email darin@chaletvillage.com with any questions that you might have.  Start planning your trip now before your dates get booked.

For the next 2 weeks the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will play host to one of the worlds most unique events.  Hundreds of thousands of fireflies will light up the night sky all around in sync.  The Gatlinburg Trolley service will be picking up at the Sugarlands Visitor center from 6 to 9. The ride will only cost $1.00.  This is the only form of transportation to elkmont as attendance is expected to be high.

Chalet Village Properties is only 2 miles from the sugarlands visitor center.

If you are wanting to rent a Cabin or Chalet in Gatlinburg Tennessee for your vacation this year then look no further.  Chalet Village Properties is the oldest and most reputable overnight rental company in Sevier County.

For the months of June and July we are offering a 2 night minimum.  If you pay for 2 nights we can give you the 3rd night 1/2 price – Pay for 3 nights and receive the 4th night free. Be sure to ask about a possible pay for 5 nights and receive the 6th and 7th free.  **Some cabins or chalets are excluded from this special**

Sunset view from 743 Leconte Loft

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of the most searched vacation spots on bing.com and it is only a week old. Be sure to do your homework when renting a cabin or chalet, some cabins & chalets are 10 to 15 miles away from Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. Chalet Village Properties units are within 2 – 4 miles of downtown Gatlinburg and only 7-9 miles from Pigeon Forge and Dollywood. 

When staying with Chalet Village Properties you can be sure that the staff is knowledgeable of all the units and we have maintenance from 10 – 6 daily should a problem arise. All units come with free entrance to any of 3 outdoor pools at the owners clubs on the mountain.

This weekend coming has become one of the most anticipated weekends for the whole year by the locals. Bloomin bluegrass and barbeque festival Starts Friday at 5:00 some of the greatest bluegrass bands from our area and abroad will be picking and grinning at the court house in Sevierville. The headlining band this year will be Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver. Not to mention Sevier County’s own Jimbo Whaley and Greenbriar.

If great bluegrass music is not enough then add on top of that a big heaping pile of BBQ ribs,baked beans and a ear of corn that would choke an elephant. While some of the greatest music ever played is taking place you are invited to help judge the best BBQ chefs in the United States as they battle it out for the title. There are arts and crafts vendors and a play area for the children to.

Also this weekend in Gatlinburg the Scottish games will be taking place. If you’ve ever wondered what it would have been like to live overseas back in the olden times this is your chance. Highland athletics,bagpipe competitions,whiskey tasting and border collie demonstrations are just a few of the events that will be taking place. http://www.gsfg.org

If your coming in from out of town to stay the night, be sure to visit our website at www.chaletvillage.com Pay for 2 nights and get the 3rd night free through May(excluding Memorial day)

There is no shortage of great organizations that raise money and help people from all walks of life in the world today.  I want to spotlight one that I personally think is on the top tier.  The shriners are dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our most prized possesions – the children.

The shriners help to fund 22 hospitals that provide care for children up to the age of 18.  Doctors there treat conditions such as burns,spinal cord injuries,cleft palates and various other orthapedic conditions.  These hospitals provide this service free of charge to eligible participants. 

There is something to be said about a group of people who are willing to give their time and efforts to a noble cause for free.  That something is “thank you”.  One of the high points about the shriners are their ambassadors who promote the cause.  These are normally middle aged to senior citizens that travel around the country putting on parades,circuses and other excellent shows to entertain and spread the good word.

Couldn’t be to bad of a gig though, who wouldn’t want to put on a clown outfit and right around in a souped up go-cart. The shriners will be in Pigeon Forge on May 2nd and 3rd to put on a parade and funfest. Bring the kids out and show your support. I am sure any donations that you have to offer will be greatly appreciated and you will receive a blessing for it.

Chalet Village properties

In 1934 The United States government banded together to preserve one of the most beautiful areas in the entire world.  Through their foresight the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most visited state park in the United States. 

I am sure there are other state parks that are bordered by nice little obscure cities that have souveniers and eating spots. I would bet none are lucky enough to have a town embedded right in the middle of the park as cool as Gatlinburg. Johnny Cash pays homage to it in a “boy named sue”, Dolly Parton grew up right next door in Pigeon Forge, and countless other stars have passed through to see what inspired these megastars.

2009 marks the 75th anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  To see all of the special events that will take place across the park please visit http://greatsmokies75th.org/welcome-to-the-great-smokies-75th/  If being on the go is your idea of a vacation then Gatlinburg can accomodate. If being lazy is on the menu then stay in a cabin or chalet for maximum comfort and quiet.

Spring time in Gatlinburg means good weather,good food and good times.It is time for Gatlinburgs annual ribfest and wings event. There are plenty of attractions and activities in Gatlinburg year around but this event is definitely in the top tier.

This event highlights the best of the south. Barbecue,Chicken wings,Music and Southern Hospitality.  There will be childrens activities and eating contests for the not so faint of heart!!!

This years festival will have extended hours from 4 until 10p.m.  If you are coming in from out of town be sure to check out the rates on a cabin or chalet for the weekend. For a few dollars more you can live the good life in your own private home.