Fall Festivals Are in Full Swing Throughout Sevier County This Weekend!

Gatlinburg Fall Leaves

The fall season is a special time for visitors and residents of Sevier County, and this fall is no exception. With the changing of the leaves, there are many great activities currently underway and ongoing that brings in people from hundreds of miles away in our area. This week’s blog features at least three of the major fall festivals currently going on as we speak, and help to create a wonderful time of year here in the Great Smoky Mountains.

One festival currently going right here in Gatlinburg is the 38th Annual Fall Craftsmen’s Fair, which last until this Sunday, October 27th, at the Gatlinburg Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg. Each day of the fair is from 10 AM-6 PM, except for Sundays, when it will run from 10AM- 5 PM. This fair is held twice a year, in the summer and the fall seasons, and attracts lots of visitors and artists to the Gatlinburg area. For more information, please visit http://www.craftsmenfair.com/fall-fair.php or http://www.gatlinburg.com/events/details.aspx?id=10.

Another festival taking place right now at Ober Gatlinburg is the annual Oktoberfest celebration, which actually started on September 27th and goes through until November 3rd at Ober Gatlinburg resort. People wanting to go can take the 120-passenger Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg, and also see the Wildlife Encounter at Ober Gatlinburg, including the Municipal Black Bear Habitat and Birds of Prey exhibits, among other attractions. For more information on this festival, as well as information about Ober Gatlinburg itself, please go to http://www.gatlinburg.com/events/details.aspx?id=80, or to http://www.obergatlinburg.com/event/86/.

At Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, the National Southern Gospel and Harvest Celebration is currently underway, starting on October 2nd, and lasting until November 2nd, at Dollywood. This celebration brings lots of singers and groups to the area, and is set amidst the backdrop of the world-famous Dollywood. All concerts are included with Dollywood admission. For more information on this festival being held at Dollywood, as well as Dollywood itself, please go to http://www.dollywood.com/themepark/festivals/National-Southern-Gospel-Harvest-Celebration.aspx.

These are just a few of the festivals and activities being held in the Great Smoky Mountains region right now. With the recently re-opened National Park, as well as numerous other venues and events throughout Sevier County, fall is a very active time for our area, bringing people from all over to see the greatness and uniqueness of the Smokies.

While enjoying these great activities and festivals, why not also see what else the Smokies can offer you? Please feel free to browse our available inventory of properties, and see what is available for you if you are thinking about buying a new home in the area. Let our team help you realize your home ownership dreams today, as we have many great properties still available!

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Private Home w/Spectacular Mtn. Views! Private, wood frame home located off Wiley Oakley Drive with spectacular Mountain views! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $139,900 Get more information >
Spacious Sevierville Home w/Great Views! Spacious brick, frame home w/front and back yards located in great subdivision in Sevierville, and minutes from Pigeon Forge and Dollywood! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $249,900 Get more information >
Fantastic 180 Degree Smoky Mtn. Views Fantastic 180 degree view of Mt. LeConte & the Smokies from every room. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $479,900 Get more information >


The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Dr
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Is Once Again Open!

November In The Smokies

On Wednesday morning, roads and trails into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were finally re-opened, 15 days after being closed due to the recent government shutdown. Traffic was lined up outside the Townsend entrance to the park before it opened as tourists waited to enter. A ceremony celebrating the reopening had to be moved to the Tremont campground because of the traffic.

“We had traffic backed up at the Sugarlands and we also had traffic backed up from here at the “Y”  all the way into Townsend,” said Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell. “That gives you an idea of what we were missing on a daily basis by this park being shut.”

Due a recent deal between Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, as well as support from county leaders in Sevier and Blount Counties, the park was temporarily re-opened from Wednesday, October 16th, until this Sunday, October 20th, at 11:59 P.M. However, the recent ending of the government shutdown as of last evening by the federal government further means that the National Park will remain open for the foreseeable future, past this Sunday at 11:59 P.M.

The National Park costs $60,100 to operate per day, according to the National Park Service. Prior to the resolution of the shutdown last evening, it would take $300,500 to keep the park open for the five days called for in the state-to-state brokered deal. All national parks were closed October 1 when Congress failed to pass a funding bill, leading to a partial government shutdown. However, the federal government agreed last week to allow states to re-open national parks if they paid for the operating costs. In addition, bills introduced in the U.S. House and Senate would reimburse states within 90 days for any costs associated with reopening the parks during the shutdown. Now that there is a resolution to the shutdown by the federal government as of last evening, the National Park is on track to remain open for the foreseeable future.

What does this all mean? For now and into the foreseeable future, it appears that the National Park will be open, and will remain open, to the public, following the last evening’s resolution to the recent government shutdown by the federal government. This comes during the middle of the changing of the leaves in the fall season here in the Smokies, which attracts many people to the area every year and is expected to do so again this year.

While enjoying the wonder and splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as the now re-opened National Park, why not see what else the Smokies can offer you? Please feel free to browse our available properties, and see what is available for you if you are thinking about buying a new home in the area. Let our team help you realize your home ownership dreams today, as we have many great properties available!

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Unique Contemporary Home w/Mtn Views Come & enjoy this one of a kind, unique, contemporary home! This 5000+ sq ft, 4 BD/3 BA home is located just off the Parkway in Sevierville in a beautiful, private neighborhood! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $325,000 Get more information >
Chalet w/ Amazing Mtn. Views Beautiful 3 BD/3 BA Mountain Contemporary Chalet located minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and Ober Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $299,900 Get more information >
Beautiful Mountain Sunsets Incredible large diameter log construction creates a special, solid, and timeless appeal. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $450,000 Get more information >


The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Dr
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

The 14th Annual Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival Comes to Sevier County This Weekend!

banjo

One of the greatest and most unique features of the Great Smoky Mountain region is its tradition of music, including bluegrass music. This weekend, starting Thursday, September 19th, and going until Saturday, September 21st, the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival will be held in the Kodak, TN area, featuring a wide array of bluegrass artists and wonderful music.

The Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival is an annual event in its 14th year for 2013. Featured artists/bands are world-class, award winning musicians who travel worldwide entertaining bluegrass lovers. The event is geared for all ages and is held Swaggerty’s Farm, in the Kodak area, which also incorporates an RV Park.

Featured bluegrass artists will include groups like Flatt Lonesome, Rhonda Vincent and the Range, Bridging the Gap, the Lonesome River Band, and many, many more well-known bluegrass artists. Tickets start at $21 on Thursday (if bought in advance), or $27 at the gate, and then on Friday and Saturday, tickets are $27 for each single day (in advance), and $30 at the gate. You can also buy an advance weekend pass for $75 for all three days, or you can get the same pass for $80 at the gate. However, children 12 years old or younger will be admitted for free. The Festival is located at 525 East Dumplin Valley Road, Kodak, TN 37764, which is off of Exit #407 on I-40. You can call for more information at (865) 397-7942, or you can also visit their website at www.dumplinvalleybluegrass.com.

Events like this make the Great Smoky Mountain region a unique place that is rich in culture, history and tradition. Festivals like this one create a unique sense of community for people in this area, and further add to the diversity of what the Smokies can offer to people, whether you are visiting for the first time, or have been here your whole life. Why not also take this opportunity to also look around and see what else this wonderful region has to offer for you? Please feel free to browse our inventory of available homes, and see what this area can offer you in helping realize your dreams!

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Private, Log Home Near Dwtn. Gatlinburg! Private, 2 BD/2 BA log-style home located within walking distance to downtown Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $219,900 Get more information >
3.84 Acres & On The River Beautiful river frontage along the middle prong of the Pigeon River, known and verified to be the cleanest in the state. Beautiful, 30′ deep pool and huge boulders create a scenic park like setting. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $259,900 Get more information >
Wears Valley Luxury You’ll notice the unusually high quality construction from the moment you pull in the driveway. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $575,000 Get more information >


The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Dr
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

Smoky Mountain Civil War Relic Show and Sale in Pigeon Forge This Weekend!

Civil_War_Reenactment_2

This weekend, Pigeon Forge will be the host for the 4th annual Smoky Mountain Civil War Relic Show and Sale, located at 4010 Parkway in Pigeon Forge (Smoky Mountain Convention Center). This unique event will be like a step back in time over 150 years, to one of the most significant periods in American history – the Civil War.

Featured at this event will include authentic Civil War era muskets, rifles, pistols, photographs, and uniforms, along with other relics, artifacts, and other collectibles. Collectors from all over the country will come to buy, sell, and talk about these varied and valuable artifacts.

In addition to over a hundred tables filled with relics, the Civil War event will include exciting historical reenactments and artillery demonstrations. Actors portraying famous military figures from the Civil War such as General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant will interact with attendees and answer their questions about the war. People who come to the event will also have the chance to investigate their ancestors’ participation in Pigeon Forge history, with help from onsite genealogy researchers.

This year’s show will feature authentic Civil War era songs performed by multi-instrumentalist Mike Scott, out of Hendersonville, TN, who recently released an album of wartime music, Home Sweet Home: Instrumental Tribute to the Civil War Era of Songs. Also, there will be an appearance Gerald Augustus, who is the author of the book The Loudon County Area of East Tennessee in the War 1861-1865, and will  speak about the importance of preserving the land where Civil War battles were fought.

Tickets for both Saturday and Sunday only cost $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children ages 12 and under. The event will last from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sunday. Please go to http://www.smokymountaincivilwarshow.com, or http://www.visitmysmokies.com, to find out more.

Unique events like the Smoky Mountain Civil War Relic Show and Sale make the Great Smoky Mountain area a great place for education, history, culture, the arts, music, and so much more. Why not consider looking at what the Smoky Mountain area can offer you today? We have many featured properties still available for those coming to the area, and are looking for a home to call their own. Please feel free to browse our available properties today, and see why the Great Smoky Mountains are such a great and unique place.

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

Amazing Mount LeConte Views Over $28,000 in rental income for 2012! Nicely decorated cabin with fantastic views of Mt LeConte. Enjoy the views from the spacious decking this cabin has to offer. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $219,900 Get more information >
Mount LeConte Views $24,486 in rental income for 2012!! Beautiful views of Mt. LeConte & the smokies from all three levels of this chalet in sought after Chalet Village North. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $269,900 Get more information >
Ready To Make You $$$ There is $$$ to be made – produced just under $30,000 in rental income for 2012!! Excellent views of the the Smokies along with year around sun rises from both floors of this 5 bedroom 5 bath chalet. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $289,900 Get more information >


The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Dr
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

Come Enjoy the 38th Annual Gatlinburg Summer Craftsmen’s Fair from July 19-28, 2013!

craftsmens-fair

From July 19-28, 2013, Gatlinburg is home one of the Southeast’s most popular events – the 38th Annual Craftsmen’s Fair, which will be held starting Friday, July 19th, and goes until Sunday, July 28th, at the Gatlinburg Convention  Center, located in downtown Gatlinburg.

 

The 38th annual fair features 200 booths from artisans and craftsmen all over the United States, featuring the most unique and top quality arts and crafts. There also will be free live country and bluegrass music at the event, including Dennis Lee and Band, along with Tim Watson, “The Fiddle Man,” who will perform at 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each day of the fair.

 

The 38th Annual Craftsmen’s Fair in Gatlinburg will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except for Sunday, which is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $6, and children 12 and under are admitted free. The Gatlinburg Convention Center is located at Traffic Light #8 in downtown Gatlinburg. For more information, please visit http://www.craftsmenfair.com, or call (865) 436-7479.

 

Gatlinburg is home to a very unique arts and crafts community, and fairs such as the Craftsmen’s Fair, held every Summer and Fall, are highly popular and draw considerable interest to the area. In addition, these unique events are one of many reasons the Great Smoky Mountains are a great place to live or purchase an investment property. Studies continue to show that first-time homebuyers, along with looking for available properties, are also looking for a sense of place and for activities that create a greater sense of community for them. As people come to Gatlinburg to enjoy this unique event, people will also have the opportunity to explore the many properties available in the area for those looking to become a part of the many unique and special communities in and around the Great Smoky Mountains, including Gatlinburg. There are numerous home choices available, and we are here to help you through every step of your journey towards being a homeowner.

 

Here Are A Few of My Featured Listings:

3 BD/2 BA Home w/Rolling Hills This recently built 3 BD/2 BA contemporary home is located only minutes from downtown Sevierville and Dollywood in a growing subdivision. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $149,900 Get more information >
Chalet w/ Amazing Mtn. Views Beautiful 3 BD/3 BA Mountain Contemporary Chalet located minutes from downtown Gatlinburg and Ober Gatlinburg! Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $299,900 Get more information >
Beautiful Private Cabin w/City View Beautiful, private 4 Bedroom/3 Bathroom home located just below Ober Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $195,000 Get more information >

 

 

The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty

1441 Wiley Oakley Drive
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: http://www.smokymountainlifestyle.com

Celebrate The Fourth Of July In The Smokies

4th of July Pigeon ForgeAre you planning to be in the Smoky Mountains this upcoming Fourth of July Weekend? There are numerous events and festivals to make your trip memorable. Sevier County likes to celebrate and the Fourth of July is no exception. Let’s take a look at a view of the scheduled events.

Gatlinburg is host to the “First Independence Day Parade In The Nation” with festivities kicking off at the stroke of midnight. With more than 100,000 people expected to be on hand for the festivities it is an event not to miss. The Parade will feature Women Veterans and other U.S. Heroes as the Grand Marshals. Joining them will be the 572nd U.S. Air Force Band, members of every branch of our military as well as vintage military vehicles and much more. During the day on July 4th Gatlinburg continues to provide entertainment with the River Raft Regatta (an unmanned floatables race), several free concerts and a stunning fireworks display.

Pigeon Forge also offers up plenty to do for the Holiday. 1:00 in the afternoon marks the kick off of the 23rd Annual Pigeon Forge Patriot Festival.The event is free and lasts into the late evening. There is a Kids’ Karnival Zone with games and inflatables, a large sampling of food from local vendors that are sold to benefit local charities and more. There is a Veteran’s Salute to participate in and the entire event is a strong show of appreciation to those who do or have served in the military. The tribute band “Hotel California” will be the opening music act followed by Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers. As evening comes the sky will be lit up with a fantastic fireworks display.

These events are one of many reasons the Smoky Mountains are a great place to live or purchase an investment property. Stats show that the dream of home ownership has not changed in America. With the low interest rates that are currently available housing affordability is at an all time high making the American Dream obtainable for more and more citizens. We wish everyone a happy Fourth of July and as you are celebrating our nation’s independence we hope that you will take a moment to consider how much owning your own home could add to your own pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. There are numerous home choices available and we are here to help through every step of your journey towards being a homeowner.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Privacy & Mountain Views Enjoy privacy, mountain views and great outdoor spaces in this Sevierville log home. Inviting and comfortable it features soaring ceilings, a breakfast bar, tile counters in the kitchen and much more! Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $359,900 Get more information >
180 Degree City & Mountain Views Produced over $14k in rental income in 2012. Very private ridgetop retreat w/wraparound covered deck that has amazing 180 degree views of the mountains & city lights. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $189,900 Get more information >
Affordable Studio Unit In The Mountains Perfect affordable family mountain get-away in this totally refurbished studio unit at the Gatlinburg Summit Condominiums. Type: Condo Location:
Price: $39,900 Get more information >

As Spring Moves Into Summer Smoky Mountain Events Rev Up

SpringOne thing we love to do in Sevier County is celebrate. As Spring moves out and Summer moves in there is a steady flow of events, festivals and celebrations with something for everyone. Let’s take a look at the line up for 2013.

This weekend, May 17th & 18th, Sevierville’s Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival will be in full swing. Admission is free and it has been named Festival of The Year by the Southeast Tourism Society. Activities include numerous free concerts, the Tennessee state Championship Barbeque Cook-Off, games for the kids and more. More info can be found at http://www.bloominbbq.com.

This event also includes the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition Finals. This is a vocal competition centered around Dolly Parton’s Songwriting. Contestants pick one of the thousands of songs written by Dolly and perform them in any style they choose. This event is sure to be entertaining for every music lover.

Music Road Hotel & Convention Center will host the 13th Annual Pontiacs in Pigeon Forge Car Show on June 7th – 9th. This show will be followed on June 14th and 15th with the 2013 All Chevy Supernationals. If you are a car lover this is a great time to visit the mountains and admire beautiful classics.

Dollywood is kicking off a brand new event in 2013! June 22nd will be the beginning of the first Great American Summer. Dollywood will have extended hours from June 22 – August 4. Each day will begin with a live performance of the Star Spangled Banner and conclude with a fireworks display – “Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors”. Imagine the thrills of riding a roller coaster under the light of the moon.

This is just a sampling of the many events throughout the year. These are the activities that continue to promote the area as a top vacation spot. With the continuous flow of visitors to Sevier County and The Great Smoky Mountains and all of the available entertainment it makes the area a top choice for a second home or vacation rental investment. If you are thinking of a purchase, we are ready to help.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Creekside Cabin Close To Everything Consistently produces right at $25,000 in annual rental income. Listen to the comforting sounds of the rolling creek here at Sparkling Waters. This charming log cabin has all you need to enjoy a get away in the Smoky Mountains. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $169,900 Get more information >
Top Floor With Amazing Views First time on market! Top floor unit – best location in the building & best view in the building. Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $550,000 Get more information >
Near Ski Resort & Downtown A great opportunity to own a lot in desirable Chalet Village and has a winter view of the mountains. Type: Land Location: Chalet Village Price: $29,900 Get more information >

 

Plenty Of Reasons To Plan A Spring Trip To The Smokies

Spring SmokiesAside from the beauty of the flowers and trees blooming and things turning green in the mountains there are numerous other reasons to plan a visit this Spring. As is customary in the area each season is celebrated with a multitude of festivals and events. Let’s take a look at a few of the upcoming choices for those looking to experience a Smoky Mountain celebration when they visit.

An always anticipated event, the season opening for Dollywood, kicks off in just a few short weeks on the 23rd with Dollywood’s Festival of Nations. This event lasts through April 22nd and this year features The Paper World Show by Mimirichi with entertainers from Ukraine. Many other acts will be performing as well. Take a journey to Ireland with Spirit Of The Dance, enjoy the Zambian Vocal Group bringing us songs from Africa and much more.

Someone in the group love to fish? Enter the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament for a chance to win over $10,000 in cash and prizes! On April 6th & 7th visitors of all ages can enjoy getting in to the outdoors and trout fishing over 20 miles of Smoky Mountain streams. More details may be found at the event website.

Want to take a walk down memory lane? April 19-21 will be the return of the Spring Grand Rod Run. One of the all time favorite events for the region, it is a great time to visit and enjoy a metal and chrome display all the way down the Parkway. With thousands of cars and vendors from all across the nation someone is always on hand to tell the stories about these beautiful machines. There are numerous booths, demonstrations and contests to enjoy making it the perfect time to enjoy a piece of yesteryear.

The Titanic Museum will be hosting numerous events as well including a Children’s Weekend on May 11th & 12th and several events focusing on our Veterans. Things will continue on in to Summer with Dolly Parton’s 28th Annual Homecoming Parade on Friday May 10th. Very similar to other parades, this one features gorgeous floats, marching bands, horses and more. The big difference? Dolly herself leads the festivities through town! You should arrive early to get a great view as the event draws more than 50,000 visitors to the area.

All of these events throughout the year are designed to make the Sevier County region of the Great Smoky Mountains a favorite place to visit. Attracting millions of visitors each year it is also a hot spot for real estate activity. If you have dreamed of letting your mountain vacations pay for themselves why not take a look at some of the available properties and see if a vacation rental investment or maybe even a permanent move might be right for you?

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Properties:

Custom Built Dream Home This is a well built custom one owner home on a 3/4 acre level corner lot with mountain views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Type: Single Family Home Location: Cosby Price: $239,900 Get more information >
Large Lot Borders National Park Residential lot located within Gatlinburg city limits but borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $55,000 Get more information >
Beautiful Setting On The River Consistently produces almost $40,000 gross annual income!! Once you see it you’ll never want to leave. Directly on the pristine Middle Prong of the Pigeon River, found to be the cleanest river in the state by the Tennessee Resource Defense Council. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $399,900 Get more information >

The Smokies Come To Life With Spring Just Around The Corner

Spring Wildflowers In The SmokiesThe Great Smoky Mountains offer their own beauty in every season but it is always thrilling to watch as spring approaches and gains steam transforming the mountains with new life, increased wildlife activity, the blooming of flowers and the budding of trees. There are numerous reasons to plan a visit during spring, with a multitude of festivals, activities and workshops. Today registration opened for the 63rd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. The 5 day event in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be held from April 23rd-27th this year and fills up quick. Let’s take a look at a few of the offerings and reasons to register now. It’s an event not to miss if you love the Smokies.

All 5 days are packed with activity. Most programs are held outdoors in the park with some classes and seminars being held at various indoor venues in Gatlinburg. This year’s program will offer 146 professionally guided walks and presentations allowing participants the opportunity explore the region’s flowers, fauna and natural history.  Many walks offer the chance to explore the back country, led by seasoned hikers. For those of you who have photography as a hobby, you are invited to enter the photography competition as well. The competition includes categories for flora, fauna and landscape. Winners will be chosen by votes of those registered for the pilgrimage and an awards ceremony will be held. Just looking to improve your photography skills? A beginner’s photography workshop will be offered with outdoor, hands-on instruction.

In recognition of the 175th anniversary of the Trail of Tears, Wednesday’s indoor events focus on Cherokee culture. There will be talks about the Trail of Tears, Cherokee Culture After The Trail and Cherokee plant lore. Prefer an outdoor experience while learning more about the Cherokee? Join Native American, Karen LaMere at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area on Wednesday morning for “Native People’s Use Of Nature’s Garden” and listen to a history that has been passed down through the generations as well as taste and learn uses of native plants gathered from nature. Davy Arch, a Cherokee woodcarver and storyteller will also lecture on Cherokee culture and demonstrate carving, mask making and more. His presentation is a great time to learn how plants played a part in Cherokee arts all the way back to the ice age.

If you are a seasoned hiker you are sure to enjoy one of the longer, more strenuous hikes. A Wildflower Hike along Ramsey Cascades Trail will allow you to see a diverse range of wildflowers as you walk through one of the old-growth forests up to the 100′ falls. Looking for a beautiful but easier hike? Take the opportunity to walk the Noah “Bud” Ogle Trail and see many different wildflowers and American chestnut tree remnants in the fields of the homestead. Interested in the wildlife in the mountains? Join David Whitehead, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Manager as he describes the history, tracking signs, human impact and environmental issues of the areas black bears and wild hogs while enjoying a 2-3 mile easy walk at Little River Trail head.

This is just a very small sample of the wide variety of events and opportunities offered at the event this year. There is something for everyone who is interested in spending more time on the trail and learning more about the area’s heritage and the Smoky Mountains. You may download a full event schedule, register and more at the official event website.

The mountains offer year round beauty, events and chances to get closer to nature. One of the ways to make it easy to spend as much time as possible surrounded by the majesty of the mountains is to purchase an investment property or Smoky Mountain home away from home. The market is busy with homes moving at a steady pace but there are plenty of great opportunities available. Spend some time at our website searching what’s available and we are certain you will find your perfect Smoky Mountain get away.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Enjoy Resort Living In The Mountains Great rental income: 2012 – $32,195 & 2011- $24,226.Private three bedroom, three bath log cabin with great mountain views from three decks. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $299,900 Get more information >
This One Has It All Conveniently located cabin consistently produces over $40,000 in annual rental income! Just minutes to Pigeon Forge and Dollwood. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $199,900 Get more information >
Gone With The Wind Almost $22k in rental for the first 10 months of 2012!! If you have dreamed of having a luxury chalet on top of the mountain with sweeping views of the valley, city and mountains then you have to look at this one. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $299,900 Get more information >

 

Every Season Is A Great Time To Visit The Smokies

Rainbow Falls 2Visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will find a different kind of beauty in every season. Let’s explore a little bit of what rewards each season in the Smokies has to offer.

Spring offers the ever changing display of wildflowers. This year the 63rd Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage will be held from April 24th through April 28th. Participants will enjoy seminars, guided tours and more. Dating back to 1951, the event offers over 150 programs with something for everyone from the serious botanist to the weekend gardener.

Summer hiking gives you the opportunity to follow a trail to a cool retreat in a mountain stream or enjoying the numerous water falls throughout the Smokies. Abrams Falls is a popular spot for hikers. At only 20 feet high it may seem inconsequential, however there is a huge volume of water rushing over the falls making it a fantastic experience. Trillium Gap Trail offers you the opportunity to stand behind the 25 foot high waterfall after wandering through old growth hemlock forest. These are just a few of the nature experiences that await summer visitors.

Fall is a favorite time of many to visit the mountains as they show off a brilliant display of color as the leaves change. The change usually spans over seven weeks with different elevations showing its unique variety of trees and colors at different times. Mid September is a great time to view colors at higher elevations from a location such as Clingman’s Dome. A hike to higher elevations such as Mt. LeConte or Andrews Bald would be sure to deliver beautiful autumn views. Early through mid October provide a wide diversity of colors as the mid and lower elevations begin to change and include many varieties of very colorful trees.

Not to be dismissed, winter in the Smokies offers it’s own kind of sparkle. With many trees bare, mountain vistas open up that are normally hidden. It is a great time to see stone walls, chimneys and snow capped mountain peaks. Not up for a winter hike? Enjoy time at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort tubing, ice skating, snowboarding or skiing. Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Dollywood all offer a wide variety of winter activities as their Winterfest festivals kick off. You can enjoy parades, shows, brilliant light displays and much more.

The market is picking up so far for 2013. Why not schedule a winter or spring visit, relax in a mountain cabin and take a look at a few that are for sale? You may just find yourself purchasing a second home in the mountains so you can easily enjoy all four seasons.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Listings:

Rustic Log Cabin W/Amazing Views! Authentic & rustic log cabin with breathtaking mountain views. Located in desirable Chalet Village, this cabin is just minutes from Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort and downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $139,900 Get more information >
Updated Condo In The Mountains Perfect affordable family mountain get-away in this totally refurbished studio unit at the Gatlinburg Summit Condominiums. Updated with tasteful furnishings and decor. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $48,900 Get more information >
Money To Be Made!!! Income potential with consistent rental history. $25,737 in 2009, $26,127 in 2010 & $20,352 in 2011. Don’t miss out on all these features! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $149,900 Get more information >