A New Season for Exploration Spring in the Smokies is always a beautiful time. On a daily basis you can experience the changes as the bare trees begin to bud and the creatures emerge from their winter beds. The squirrels make appearances and quarrel with the chipmunks while the bears begin their forage for food after their winter rest. The rains bring life to the rivers as they over take the banks and make ready for the squeals from those that canoe them, the sun shines through the mist creating incredible light shows and photographic opportunities that can’t possibly be found anywhere but here. The streets become full of life with exuberant smiles and you find yourself sharing in the delight of complete strangers as it becomes almost contagious. All the shops that were closed for the season open, smells drift throughout the city and merchants have added a little extra sparkle in preparation for another season. There is beauty in each season as you see drastic changes in the landscape and sounds. There is something about watching the seasons emerge that seems to not only change nature, but you see changes in yourself as you become part of this area and something so much larger and grander than yourself. A visit to the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg becomes more than a place to stay with the typical feelings of being a tourist. Of course you have your camera and a few more shopping bags than you should, but you are more than just a tourist here. You are an adventurer, an explorer, a person that belongs here with memories that become as fond and in depth as those that live here. You continue to come to renew your sprit just as nature evolves and replenishes around you. You have the Gatlinburg cabin you return to each year that becomes your second home and you no longer need a night light to find your way to the fridge or a road map to find your way around. Google doesn’t direct you to your destination, you find all on your own as you become a local at heart sharing life experiences with family and friends while renewing the soul. That is the draw of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg Tennessee, the wonder, the discovery and kinship with the area and nature. We want to Welcome you to Gatlinburg, TN for the first time or the 50th time, see you soon.

Gatlinburg Events April 2011:

Now – June 6th – Smoky Mountain Springfest

April 9th - Music of the Mountains

April 16th - Mountain Memorial March

April 20th – 23rd – Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Shows

April 26 – May 1st Wildflower Pilgrimage

April 28th – Ribfest & Wings