How do you sum up the events of 2009? My suggestion would be to go ride the Mystery Mine at Dollywood.  A wide range of sensory overload. Twists and turns,highs and lows,daylight to darkness, and a corkscrew in between.  Yep, that will pretty much cover 2009.

To put 2010 into perspective you need to think about what we learned in 2009.

#1 – Don’t trust a Madoff?

#2 – Video Games are sponsoring NASCAR races now

#3 – A $15 dollar board game can bring the family back together!!!

These 3 examples will not scratch the surface of lessons learned in 2009.  With a population of over 250 million people in America then you can imagine how many moments of clarity were revealed.  Hopefully all lessons learned will produce fruit.

A friend of mine on facebook wished everyone a happy new year and then said “make it count”.  Think about that for just a minute. If 50 million of us spent the first 3 or 4 months blocking all the negative and pushing the positive it would be a pandemic the world could not contain.

What have we got to lose? In the end a man or womans words will define his or her character.  Speak the truth and shoot people straight for those words will come back as tempered steel. Happy New Year and God Bless!!!

18008348262. Chalet Village

18008348262. Chalet Village

Chalet Village has 1 four bedroom and 1 Five bedroom unit open for this weekend. They both have spectacular views and the Five bedroom looks right into downtown Gatlinburg. Please call the office for last minute special deals. 1-800-834-8262 www.chaletvillage.com

If you like a good adrenaline pumping adventure without completely fearing for your life then whitewater rafting in the Smokies is for you.  When you stay in Gatlinburg, Tennessee  you are only a scenic drive away from the Little Pigeon River.  Hartford, Tennessee is home to numerous outposts that can train and outfit you and the family for a spectacular vacation memory. Hartford is about a 30 mile drive from Gatlinburg on Hwy 321.

Companies will bring their employees on team building trips to help form bonds and unite them to promote teamwork and efficiency. Young couples and Families will benefit greatly from this experience. Everyone should be aware that the guides on the river are CPR trained and they also have been trained for any situation that may arise while on the river.

 The #1 money saving travel tip is to Rent a Chalet or Cabin with Chalet Village Properties in Gatlinburg TN: Because right now we are running the best special in town. Checkin on Sunday pay for 3 nights and receive the 4th and 5th night free thru September. Our cabins and chalets have fully furnished kitchens to help save you money instead of overpaying to go out to eat.  Recession travel is the new craze and below there are a few tips that might help get you buy.

Buy gas the day before you travel. You already know where the best gas deals are near your house or office, so you might as well purchase the first tank of your trip at a price you know and can control.

Choose an exit with several gas stations. You can usually tell these from the amenity signs on the highway leading up to the exit — the ones that list several local diners, hotels and gas stations. If the sign lists two or more stations, you will often benefit from the simple fact that there is competition for your business.

Upon exiting, you’ll typically see a sign reading:

Brand A – 0.1 mi –>
Brand B – 0.1 mi <–
Brand C – 0.8 mi –>

In this case, you may want to choose the station that is furthest from the exit ramp.

Typically, Brand C will have the lowest prices, simply due to the inability to gouge outsiders looking for a quick off-and-on fill-up (the locals often use this station).

Two things happen. First, it’s cheaper. Second, it is often less crowded. The extra mile’s drive will cost you a few cents, but you can sometimes recover that in the first few gallons, and ultimately save quite a bit if you are running on empty and fill your tank.

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.

The first Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park was held in April of 1951. The two-day event was devoted to arranged tours, field trips, and evening programs. There were around 400 pilgrims attending from 20 different states. Paintings of flowers, flower and plant arrangements, nature exhibits, and photographs of flowers were offered during evening programs.

Today more than 1,200 pilgrims from 32 states come to participate in more than 150 indoor and outdoor programs.

This years pilgrimage will be held April 22 – 26

I don’t think this description will do it justice but I will try.  Two feet to my left is a wall of windows and about 20 feet down is a mountain stream that is running underneath the office. The sun is actually cascading over the mountain and lighting just the creek.  If you have ever stood on a bridge and enjoyed the water running beneath you then you have an idea of what I am seeing and hearing.

Think about the days when you open all the windows in your house to let it breathe.  Feels pretty good doesn’t it. Weather is 70 degrees,slight breeze and plenty of sunshine. Well fortunately for me that will be how I spend the rest of my spring,summer and fall at work. I guess if you have to answer phones,run spreadsheets,answer emails and greet guests – These conditions will just have to do!   

Now get out of the house and live a little! You deserve It! You have earned it!

Have a wonderful day!!!

As of 6:00 a.m. Thursday Feb 5 2009 Ober Gatlinburg is reporting 60″ – 88″ base.  6 slopes open Ober chute,Bear run,Castle run, Cub way,Ski school, Mogul ridge.

The weather has been perfect this year for Ober Gatlinburg to maintain excellent levels of snow.  I personally went skiing myself 2 weeks ago and the conditions were great.  They have actually added on a snow tubing area for those of you that are a little lacking in the balance department.

Be sure to visit asap because it looks like we are in for some 60 degree weather by Sunday.  We have quite a few cabins or chalets open for this weekend if you are looking for a quick vacation.