“Brookside is so pleased to provide a concert that also helps the community,” said Denise Throntveit, owner of Brookside Hospitality. “The idea of combining the award winning talents of Michelle, the Songwriters Festival and supporting SafeSpace seemed a natural fit. During the concert, beverages and appetizers will be available to the audience and SafeSpace will have a booth should anyone have any questions about the organization.”

Michelle Leigh, who’s home base is Asheville, NC, is a prolific songwriter and placed in the top 10 in the 2012 Nashville Songwriters Competition with “Babydoll”, a song written about domestic abuse. Michelle’s fans are invited to join us in Gatlinburg. Her website features her songs and concert schedule at www.MichelleLeigh.com .

Cyndy Reeves, the founder of the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival invites you to “Celebrate our Appalachian Musical Roots” from August 23rd to August 25th in downtown Gatlinburg. The festival is a platform for songwriters to perform their original songs. The songwriter not only performs but tells you the story behind the song. The mission of the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival is to promote songwriters and to help their songs to be discovered not only by publishers and producers but; by all of us, who simply love the songwriter’s songs that the star performs. Bring your instruments and your songs or just yourself as one who appreciates good music.

Hiker on Appalachian Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains

Hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains

Hiking across the Smokies is an American tradition that extends back to the era of hunters, trappers, and Wild West explorers. For those looking to explore ancient landmarks of the Smoky Mountains, here is a list of the region’s most beautiful and popular trails.

Laurel Falls

Destination: Laurel, a sixty-foot waterfall that topples down the side of the Smokies’ gray stones, is one of the briefest but most beautiful hikes in the park. Laurel Falls represents an especially lovely trail for family groups with young children.

Distance: 2.5 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Casual

Cades Cove Loop

Destination: While the final destination of Cades Cove features a valley overgrown with wild green, the entire loop will guide you through some of the park’s most scenic regions. The Cades Cover loop is also your best opportunity to spot local wildlife, including white-tailed deer, ground hogs, and even black bears.

Distance: 10.1 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Beginner

Alum Cave

Destination: The Alum Cave Bluff includes the Alum Cave rock formation, the Arch Rock natural arch, and the Inspiration Point viewpoint (where you will get a panoramic view of the region’s landscape).

This bluff was formed by a mining operation conducted by Confederate troops during the civil war, which adds a nice dash of history to the scenic views. You can extend your trek by following the trail on to Mt. LeConte (see below).

Distance: 4.4 miles (out and back)

Difficulty: Intermediate

Rich Mountain Loop Trail

Destination: This trail provides a beautiful alternative for those who want to see the sights of Cades Cove but want to do so in a shorter time or away from the crowd. This path will also take you to the John Oliver Cabin.

Distance: 2.5 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Intermediate

Chestnut Top Trail

Destination: During the early spring, the trail is surrounded by wildflowers. During the fall, it’s not uncommon to spot black bears in the area around the trail. Throughout the year, however, you can use this trail to explore the flora and fauna of the region.

Distance: 4.3 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Moderate

Mt. LeConte

Destination: Mt. LeConte offers some of the most beautiful views of the region, with multiple viewpoints as you move upward toward the peak. The truly adventurous can stay in one of the log cabins that can be found at the end of the trail.

Distance: 11.4 miles (out and back), including the distance to Alum Cave.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Beyond these popular hikes, additional trails are available in the region. Check in at the visitors’ center of the national park for a full map of the local trails.

The breathtakingly beautiful Great Smoky Mountains are known for their lush flora and various fauna. This mountain range, located on the Tennessee/North Carolina border, is hundreds of millions years old, and is home to thousands of plants and creatures of all kinds, which find habitat in the temperate climate and diverse terrain of this region.

Flora of the Great Smokies

Pink Dogwood Blooms in the Great Smoky Mountains

The Great Smoky Mountains are comprised of of over 3,500 species of plant life, of which 130 are trees. The trees of the great Smokies represent every natural species of Eastern North America, and make up three major types of forests, some of which are old-growth. The three major forest types of the Great Smokies include the following:

Spruce-Fir Forest

This forest, whose main species are red spruce and Fraser fir, makes up the highest peaks of the great Smokies. In addition to its namesake trees, this forest is also home to species of trees and shrubbery such as rhododendron, mountain ash, yellow birch, cherry, blackberry and hobblebush.

Northern Hardwood Forest

A northern hardwood forest is found in cooler temperatures of the Smokies’ higher elevations, which is mostly made up of species that are typically found in the northern parts of North America. Beech and yellow birch are the predominant species of this forest, but maples, buckeye and basswood trees are found here as well. Other plant life of this forest includes hydrangea, bloodroot, goldenrod, coneflower and grass and shrubbery of all kinds.

Cove Hardwood Forest

The incredibly diverse cove hardwood forest of the Smokies is home to over 130 species of trees, the most dominant of which are yellow birch, buckeye, tuliptree, sugar maple, hickory and hemlock. The understories of this forest are home to redbud, rhododendron, dogwood and dozens of shrubs, vines and grasses.

Fauna of the Great Smokies

A Young Elk Calf Wearing a New Radio Collar: Photo Courtesy of NPS.gov

The Smokies are home to over 400 species of animals, which include various kinds of mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The black bear is king of the Great Smoky Mountains, as its population here is higher than anywhere else east of the Mississippi. Other animals of the Great Smokies include, but are not limited to, the following species:

• White-tailed deer
• American Black Bear
• Coyote
• Red fox
• Gray fox
• Bobcat
• European Boar
• Elk
• River otter
• Box turtle
• Wild Turkey
• Whip-poor-will
• Bald eagle
• Golden eagle
• Red-Tailed Hawk
• Downy Woodpecker
• Barred Owl
• Screech Owl
• Northern water snake
• Timber rattlesnake
• Trout
• Bass
• Lamprey

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of more than 500,000 acres. The park is located along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains and lies in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina. Rich genetic diversity makes the area a natural bio-dome.

Original Idea

Appalachian Trail

Though there were numerous parks in the western part of the United States, eastern citizens had no comparable place to enjoy the great outdoors. During a visit west in 1923, an influential Knoxville, Tennessee resident had the idea to create a national park in the Great Smoky Mountains. The idea was the brainstorm of Mr. and Mrs. Willis P. Davis. Congress authorized a bill to support the park in 1926, but the legislation required a park that contained at least 300,000 acres. The North Carolina legislature approved a bill that appropriated $2 million in funds for the park’s creation in 1927, but the funds were conditioned on similar commitment from Tennessee. Tennessee approved $2 million in funding later the same year. It was quickly evident that $4 million was nowhere near enough, and John D. Rockefeller stepped in with a $5 million contribution. Rockefeller’s contribution was contingent upon matching funds from the National Park Service, and the park soon had $14 million to its name.

In 1929, the funds were finally gathered, and the arduous process of buying land began. Because the area included a number of small landholders, more than 6,000 different parcels had to be acquired. Some of the area was owned by lumber companies, and these firms held out for as long as possible. Finally, condemnation lawsuits were filed in 1930, and in June 1931, rangers showed up for duty. The park continued building throughout the 1930s and was officially established on June 15, 1934.

Genetic Diversity and Recreational Opportunities

The Great Smokies National Park is located in an area of rich genetic diversity and consists of 522,419 acres. Nearly 95 percent of the park is forested, and estimates suggest that as much as 36 percent of the park is made up of old growth forests that predate the arrival of Europeans in America. Elevations within the park vary, and much of the area straddles the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The lowest point in the park is a mere 876 feet, and the highest point is the summit at Clingmans Dome which is 6,643 feet above sea level. The various elevations make the park incredibly diverse, and the area contains individual climactic zones that are favorable for a number of different plants and animals.

Natural BioSphere

The Great Smokies were named an International Biosphere Reserve in 1976 in honor of the area’s rich diversity. Because the area has high humidity and extensive precipitation, it forms an ideal environment for a variety of different living things. The park receives from 55 to 85 inches a year which is higher than any place outside of the Pacific Northwest. Nearly 10,000 different plant and animal species are documented in the park, and experts believe that nearly 90,000 undocumented varieties are present.

The 8 mile area of Gatlinburg, Tennessee has been given the designation of being a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail and includes painting, sewing, woven clothing, baskets, quilts, pottery, scrimshaw and much more. Established in 1937, this community and their predecessors have created a valuable resource within Gatlinburg. With skills being handed down from generation to generation, there is much to see.

Pottery
Buie Pottery is the place to go for colorful pottery, hand crafted by Buie. Included are lamps, tableware and accessories. Rocky Flats Pottery & Soap makes functional tableware. With over 40 years of experience, Red Owl Pottery brings an old-fashioned look to today’s table. One can also throw their own pots there. Smoky Mountain Pottery makes vessels and more right on site. Tea pots handcrafted by Judy Bailey can be found at Gatlinburg Ceramics.

Weaving
Wearable art is the focus of Frances Fox, a fifth-generation weaver. Included in her art are hand dyed silk and wall hangings.

Glass
One can watch glass being made by Jack Hess, Glassblower. Included in his work are ornaments and personalized glass. Baxter’s Stained Glass offers over 25 years of making unique suncatchers, night lights and window panels. Artist J. Hills creates glass in the form of pendants, sculpture and marbles at Hills Creek Gallery & Glass Studio.

Wood
Otto Preske carves mantels for the fireplace and has won awards for this work. He accepts special orders as well. The Make It Magic Magic Shop features hand carved chainsaw art in the form of bears. Ownby’s Woodcrafts have been in business since the late 1800s and makes cutting boards, birdhouses and more. The Chair Shop features quality hardwood chairs and furniture made by a fourth-generation family.

Painting
One can see the artist painting at the Artist’s Attic with Linda Morrow. She works in a variety of media. The Jim Gray Gallery is located in an historic church and features paintings, prints and more.

Scrimshaw
Peggy Smith does scrimshaw and N.L. Smith makes handmade knives and jewelry at The Smith’s.

Brooms
These unique hand made brooms at Ogles Broom Shop are made by third-generation artisans.

Much more can be found in Gatlinburg, a truly unique community of arts and crafts.

You’ll find plenty to do in the Pigeon Forge – Gatlinburg, TN area. From shows like the Dixie Stampede and Smoky Mountain Opry to adventures in white water rating in Pigeon River, there is so much to see and enjoy in Pigeon Forge.

The Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show offers up rip-roaring fun for all ages. Enjoy a four-course meal of rotisserie chicken, BBQ pork, soup, biscuit, buttered corn on the cob and baked potato followed up by a delicious dessert. Unlimited Pepsi, tea and coffee are served as well. Or, vegetarians may enjoy a meal prepared especially for them. While eating this delicious meal, sit back and enjoy the spectacular musical and pyrotechnic event featuring horse riding stunts, live animals, comedy and action-filled fun for all.

A new show to Pigeon Forge is the Smoky Mountain Opry. This musical attraction is now the largest in the area. The talents of musicians, dancers, singers and comedians are featured along with spectacular special effects that make this show unique. High flying musicians, flashy costumes and pyrotechnics are just a few of the ways that visitors are entertained in this amazing theatrical performance. All music genres are represented here, from disco to Motown, swing and country; there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy.

Experience all the fun and adventure you desire at Dolly Parton’s famous theme park Dollywood. Rides, attractions, dining, entertainment, shopping and crafts are just a few of the aspects of this park that are just waiting to be explored. Festivals and events are also held here throughout the year, such as the KidsFest, the largest children’s festival in the south. Dollywood’s Splash Country Water Adventure Park is open from May to September and includes 30 acres of water rides and attractions, as well as restaurants and concessions.

Visit the Pigeon Forge Gem Mine where guests can mine for gems, and have their treasures turned into jewelry. The General Store carries jewelry, fossils, rocks, and unique gifts made from these materials. The Three Bears General Store has bears on display that can be seen and fed by visitors.

Ziplining is quickly becoming a popular adventure, and Pigeon Forge is no exception. Visitors can fly through the forest at Smoky Mountain Zipline Adventures. Enjoy a ride for one to three hours at the largest course in Pigeon Forge. Zip through trees at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. This adventure is sure to be a memorable experience.

No matter your interests or preference for events and attractions, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy in Pigeon Forge.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee has many things to see and do. Nicknamed “The Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” the town is bordered on all sides by the high ridges of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, established in 1934. The creation of the National Park greatly spurred area tourism and other attractions popped up around it. Some must-visit sights and activities to explore in Gatlinburg include:

Dollywood— Tucked in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains in nearby Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, this Dolly Parton themed attraction, including Dollywood’s Splash Country, is a unique amusement park sure to be a hit with family vacationers.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies— Offering over 10,000 varieties of sea life and 350 distinct species, children and adults alike will be entranced by the dramatic underwater beauty on display at this world-class aquarium.

Ober Gatlinburg— Tennessee’s only ski resort, with eight different trails to choose from, Ober Gatlinburg can be accessed by regular roads or via a European-style trip on a gondola from downtown’s city strip.

Hollywood Star Cars Museum— Automobile enthusiasts and film buffs should be sure to visit the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, featuring memorable rides last seen on the screen in productions such as Charlie’s Angels, Batman, and even the Beverly Hillbillies!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park— And of course, for travelers who want not only to be surrounded by natural beauty, but also to explore it, the National Park offers a multitude of hiking, camping, bicycling, and scenic auto-touring opportunities easily accessed from downtown Gatlinburg.

Great Dining Options— From fast-food to fine dining, Gatlinburg offers something for every palate in the family to enjoy. Be sure to check out the historic Greenbrier Restaurant, hidden away in the hills above Gatlinburg. Built in 1939, the log cabin restaurant offers appetizing dishes surrounded by beautiful woodland views.

Brookside Resort— With over 100 rooms located only a ½ mile from Gatlinburg’s main drag, the Brookside Resort is the best place to stay in the Gatlinburg area. A family resort set over a beautiful creek with a variety of rooms to choose from, accommodations include wood-burning fireplaces, private balconies, as well as 2, 3, and 4-bedroom group cabins. The popular Brookside has been a repeat destination for many travelers since its establishment in 1931.

You don’t have to go to Paris or Venice to have a romantic getaway with your truly significant other. Of the great American treasures, few offer the range of stunning scenery and luxurious accommodations that you’ll find in breathtaking Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

The romance of Gatlinburg is often found in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Regardless of the season of your stay, the mountains are a picturesque bloom of color—though the fiery cascade of colors along the mountain during the autumn makes this an especially gorgeous time to visit. The winter spring and summer provide idyllic weather, while the winter offers a winter wonderland of seasonal activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.

You can lose yourself while hiking the trails along the Smokies, savoring the fresh air and sounds of nature all around you. Cycling, bird watching, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, and fishing are also available in the national park and the surrounding region.

The town of Gatlinburg itself provides a perfect way to unwind after you’ve trekked around the mountains. In addition to historic sights dating back to the days of the Wild West, and plenty of shopping to get you in touch with the 21st century, Gatlinburg offers romantic detours such as wine tastings and spa retreats. As a small, secluded town surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery, Gatlinburg is a romantic resort like no other.

Camping is an affordable option that surrounds you with the beauty of nature, but for those who prefer to keep the “roughing it” out of their romance, Gatlinburg offers a number of resort-quality accommodations. Of the various top-notch hotels, Brookside Resort consistently offers the most comfortable, private, and beautiful accommodations for a couples’ getaway. Whether you opt for one of the extra-large tower suites or one of the more affordable king or queen rooms, you’ll find yourself enjoying both the serenity of the natural world and the comfort of modern amenities.

You can step onto a balcony that overlooks Roaring Fork creek, fall asleep to the sound of water cascading over the stones of the Smokies, warm up next to the rustic fireplace, or just cuddle up on the pillow-top mattress as you watch your favorite movie. During your stay, you will have access to amenities and extras that range from an in-room fridge to a full breakfast buffet.

If you and your partner are the sort of pair who appreciate the calm of nature, then this scenic town nestled into the Smoky Mountains is the ideal spot to get away from the stresses of home. Come seclude yourself with your partner as you discover the beauty of both the world inside and outside your room.

Get 50% off regular rate for Thursday night and make it a four night weekend! Offer good only on Reservations booked for Thursday-Sunday night, discount for Thursday night only. Other nights not to be discounted from rack rate. Can’t combine with other discounts

Get 50% off of regular rate for arriving Wednesday to make your Thanksgiving Holiday a four night weekend. Offer good only on Reservations booked for Wednesday-Saturday night, discount for Wednesday night only.

• Other nights not to be discounted from rack rate.
• Can’t combine with other discounts