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.

Chalet Village Properties is offering a Pay for 3 nights and get 2 nights free if you stay during the week. Spring Break is in full swing and the weather is beautiful.  Do yourself a favor and stay in a Chalet or Cabin in Chalet Village. True mountain setting with hot tubs and beautiful views await. 

 Avoid the 1 hour wait at the restaurants and grill out at your own place. Fully furnished kitchens hold everything you need to craft your masterpiece meal.  Once you have sufficiently stuffed yourself gather the boys up for a game of pool.  Ladies can relax in the hot tub and make fun of their men.

Gatlinburg is just a few miles away if shopping and a funnel cake is your idea of vacation.

Chalet Village Properties is running an amazing special for March and April. Pay for 3 nights and receive 2 nights for free. This special is good for Sunday thru Thursday.  Spring break is upon us and the weather in Gatlinburg is perfect to catch a clear mountain view. Come stay in the best cabins or chalets in Chalet Village and take advantage of the best special of the year!!

12 Bedroom Lodge/King suites

Whitewater rafting is one of the best family activities in the Gatlinburg TN area.  There are multiple companies to choose from, some offering trips on different rivers.  Here is a short list of websites that can help you plan out a trip. 

www.smokymountainoutfitter.net, www.carolinaoutfitters.com, www.pigeonriverexpeditions.com, www.raftinginthesmokies.com

These trips are great for a family of all ages. There is no experience necessary. You will be accompanied by trained raft guides. There is a short safety course that the guides will go over with you before you hit the water.  This is an activity that requires the whole family to cooperate as one team.  Husbands and wifes,brothers and sisters will come away with a closer bond and memories for life. There are some companies who offer all day trips with lunch.

If your planning a Gatlinburg vacation then you will be at the central hub for access to most of these rafting companies. Be sure to stay in a cabin or chalet with a hot tub to rest your waterlogged bones.

It is amazing what you can find out about your hometown if you just pay attention.  On the 11:00 news Wednesday night they ran a short piece on Ober Gatlinburg’s new snow tubing area.  They have constructed a 9 lane 350 ft snow tubing chute for children of all ages.  The ride was receiving rave reviews from young children and their parents.

These last 2 weeks of weather have really helped the business at Ober Gatlinburg. With temperatures dropping into the 20′s it has been perfect for them to blow man made snow often.  Monday night and Tuesday night gave them some much needed natural snow to help balance out the slopes.

With all this snow and extreme weather brings the most wonderful 3 words a kid can hear “schools closed tomorrow”. Parents take advantage of the time and bring your kids up to Ober Gatlinburg and enjoy some of the best conditions we have seen in years.  Leave work a little early and take advantage of the $15 night session lift tickets 6-10p.m.

Hungry Bear

With a keen eye and a little bit of luck you could catch a glimpse of our good friend – Mr. Bear.  This particular fur ball was trying to tackle the bear proof cage for a noon day appetizer.  It is quite funny to see the reaction on some peoples face when you tell them they may see a bear.  They like to patrol up near the top of the mountain and more toward the north side of chalet village.  If you are staying in a cabin or chalet please be sure to put your trash in the bear proof containers.

 Rest assured the fear between humans and the bears is very equal.  Food is the only item these bears are trolling the mountain for.  If you taunt the bears with food they will come closer. This is where the “please do not feed the bears” comes from.

 If your real lucky you will get to see a momma and her cubs. We have watched them play and wash in the stream right outside the office window.  As soon as momma realized we were there they moved on without haste.  Summer and fall are probably the best times to catch a glimpse up here on the mountain.  More people on the mountain means more opportunity for a midday trash can raid.  A word to the wise – have your cameras handy!!

At 6:00a.m. Jan 8 Ober Gatlinburg is reporting 4 runs open. Bear run,castle,cubway,and ski school are all open. They are reporting a base of 10″ – 18″. Primary surface is machine groomed. Secondary surface is loose granular. Some thin and bare spots.

Combo session 12 – 10 p.m.  Night session 6 – 10 p.m. 1-800-251-9202 Ober Gatlinburg Ski Lodge

On a personal note the weather is setting up nicely for the lodge to be able to blow snow. Hopefully we will get some of the natural snow that is being called for.

If you are planning on doing some skiing then you should plan to rest your bruised up bones in a nice hot tub at the days end. Chalet Village Properties has plenty of 1 and 2 bedroom units with king beds,whirlpools,and hot tubs.  Low season rates are the best time to find true quality and value. Drive times should be relatively short since most cabins or chalets are within 2-4 miles from the ski lodge.

Christmas is here!!!  Come visit the Great Smoky Mountains and share in the holiday experience with us.  Gatlinburg will welcome you in like an old family friend. 

There is nothing like a good soakin in the hot tub and then a cozy fire.  When you wake up you need to be sure and start off the day at the Pancake Pantry downtown.  After you call a tow truck to pull you away from the breakfast table, be sure to visit one of the many shops(ladies) or attractions(kids) that line the streets.  For all the men, the great city of Gatlinburg has supplied plenty of benches along the sidewalk for pedestrian watching and purse holding.

Once you have stopped long enough to grab lunch be sure to raid one of the local candy kitchens or Fannie Farkles funnel cakes.  Take a deep breath, I promise you can carry those 2 extra pounds you just inhaled.  Young and old will need to walk down to redlight 4 and visit the aquarium.

Congratulations you have spent the majority of the day as a tourist.  Let me give you some advice from this point on.  Drive out to Food City, go in and grab some easy dinner fixins and your choice of beverage.  Drive back to the chalet or cabin that you have rented in Chalet Village Properties about.  Now spend some time with your family and enjoy the blessings you have failed to see all year.  Put the kids in the hot tub, shoot a game of pool with your wife or just stand outside on the deck and take in the clean mountain air.

There are still a few chalets and cabins open on the mountain. Don’t stay in a cramped up hotel room and worry about talking to loud when you can have your own private place.  Trust me the 1.5 mile drive up the mountain will be worth it to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city.  Come on in and say “Howdy“