Blog

A New Season for Exploration

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:55:58 GMT

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

Please Help One of Our Own

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:53:47 GMT

Mrs. Lou Williams began working with Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg in 1985 as the reservations manager, a position she held for over 15 years. After leaving that position (her sister Vanessa took over the department) Lou began cleaning cabins, a job she still does superbly today along with her brother Robert. Lou is not only an employee, but a member of the Mountain Rentals family and a friend who always has a smile to offer and a kind word on the toughest of days.

On Friday, February 18th, 2011 she was involved in a head on collision on her way home from work on Hwy 321. She was first hit head on by the initial vehicle and then on the driver's side by another. She had to be cut out of the vehicle by the jaws-of-life and air lifted to the hospital. She suffered severe injuries including a broken clavicle, broken wrist, broken ribs and a fractured pelvis to name a few. While in the hospital she also had other medical issues arise from these injuries and spent days in the ICU. She has already undergone surgery for her pelvis and will continue her recovery while requiring 6-12 weeks of rehabilitation.

Her health insurance is not covering the largest portion of the medical care she has received and will receive in the coming months. Lou and her family have been friends and employees of the company and greatly contributed to all of our successes and guests enjoyment of their vacations. We would appreciate any contribution to assist her financially, so she can concentrate on healing.

Please keep her and her family in your thoughts and prayers as they face this difficult challenge.

A bank account has been setup at Citizens National Bank for Lou. You may donate by using the link from our home page >>

Heartwood Galleries

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:51:46 GMT

I was driving down Hwy 321 this morning and the sun was rising over the mountains so I decided to try to get a couple of pictures and post them.

I have always loved Fall here, the feeling in Gatlinburg just seems to change to a more cheerful , light hearted one. The community starts getting ready for Harvest Fest by placing pumpkins and cornstalks throughout town with scarecrows atop perfectly placed hay bales and everything is picturesque.

As I was driving down Hwy 321 I saw a display that made me pull the car over it was so fantastic! A local artisan Brandon Messex has taken a 200 year old sycamore stump that was pulled from the river and carved it. It ended up being a 3 month project as this is no ordinary carved bear, it is so intricate and beautiful I can hardly believe it was started with a chainsaw. If you are in the area I definitely recommend you stop by. Heartwood Galleries is at 1450 E. Parkway and is owned by Brandon & Brandi Messex. You can visit their website at www.heartwoodgalleries.com and I have posted the photos from this morning below.

A big thanks to Charlie for letting me poke around the shop this morning!

Report of Road to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge being Closed Misleading

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:47:32 GMT

Chapman Hwy is one of many routes used by visitors to get to Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN. There will be construction on the Little Pigeon River Bridge on East Main Street also known as Chapman Hwy; this will not completely close the road it will be dropped to one lane in each direction. This will cause delays, but please note the road will not be impassable. There are many alternate routes to the Smokies. Please see below:

When getting off at Exit 407 follow Hwy 66 to traffic light 15.8 and turn left. At the next red light make another left onto Dolly Parton Parkway. Turn right at traffic light 17.1 Veterans Blvd. Follow Veterans Blvd. until you reach traffic light #8 in Pigeon Forge. Turn Left on 441 S and continue to Gatlinburg.

FROM VIRGINIA: Take I-81 South to I -40 East to Exit 435 (Newport) and follow Hwy 321 South all the way into Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes

FROM LEXINGTON: Take I-75 South to I-640 East, then I-40 East to exit 435 (Newport) and follow Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from interstate: 45 minutes

FROM CHATTANOOGA: Take Exit 81 on I-75 North and follow Highway 321 North through Maryville and Townsend and Highway 73 to Gatlinburg. Approximate driving time from interstate: 70 minutes.

FROM NASHVILLE: From I-40 take I-75 South to Exit 81 and follow Highway 321 North through Maryville and Townsend and Highway 73 to Gatlinburg. Approximate driving time from interstate: 70 minutes.

FROM ASHEVILLE: From I-40 take Exit 443 and follow Foothills Parkway to Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg. Approximate driving time from interstate: 45 minutes.

FROM ATLANTA: Take I-85 North to I-985 North to US 23. Take US 23 to Highway 23/441 to Highway 74/441 through Cherokee, NC to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from Atlanta: 4 hours 10 minutes.

FROM KNOXVILLE: Besides Hwy 321 through Maryville and Townsend, another alternative to the Hwy 66 construction zone is Hwy 441 South (Chapman Hwy) from I-40 Exit 388 in Knoxville to Gatlinburg. Approximate drive time from Knoxville: 55 minutes.

Gatlinburg Cabin Rewards

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:56:16 GMT

Our Guest Appreciation Points have been in place since March of 2007 and many of you have earned free nights with us while commenting on how much you like the program. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the program we offer 8 points for each night you stay with Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg and 15 points for each person you refer to our company. Once you have accumulated 120 points you earn two free nights on us! In order to earn points all reservations had to be made online and bookings through our Reservations Department were not eligible for points.
After speaking to several of our guests we found that many were unhappy about the online booking requirement, because you would call to ask questions about the homes and then have to go online to make the reservation. “WHAT A HASSLE” you said! So, since this program was meant to help and not HASSLE we have changed the policy so that now anyone who creates a Customer Account can either book online or book through our Reservations Department and still earn reward points.

Thank you to everyone who offered their opinions and much appreciated feedback, without you we would not have known about the issue and been able to resolve it. Our goal is to provide a great program that is beneficial to our guests! If you have any additional feedback please feel free to comment.

Thanks~Beth

July updates

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:55:05 GMT

· Thank you to everyone for leaving reviews on our properties, we hope that you continue to keep us informed of your experiences during your stay with us. Many times these reviews allow us to correct issues that we didn’t know we had and to make stays more comfortable for our guests. Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg always appreciates your input so we can continue to provide a quality experience.

· We have updated our listing on TripAdvisor and we appreciate the comments we have received from our guests! If any our past guests would like to post photos or reviews there we would appreciate it!

· Many of you are receiving our newsletter with special offers and area updates, if you are not you may sign up on our website.

· We have started using Twitter to send out last minute specials on our inventory and quick updates. We thought this would be helpful to everyone and this way you don’t get tired of our emails! You can follow us, our name is MtnRentalsGat, or search Mountain Rentals. We would love to hear from you.

Please feel free to leave any comments or suggestions on how we can better serve you .

Special Events:

Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair Now – July 24^th

Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales Now- August 7^th

Fireflies in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:54:11 GMT

The Fireflies are going to be back in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park June 5th – 13th, each year around this time they appear in the Smoky Mountains for their mating ritual, when conditions are just right. During this time in order to attract a mate the fireflies will blink in synchronization for short bursts, followed by periods of still darkness. Asia is the only other place besides the Smoky Mountains that this is known to occur. If you have never experienced the fireflies it is truly an amazing experience provided by nature!
Details: There will be Trolleys running from Sugarland’s Visitor Center to Elkmont.
Cost: $1.00 per person round trip;
Times: Parking starts at 5:30 PM\ Trolley leaves for Elkmont at 7:00 PM. Once the parking lot is full the Trolley will not take anyone else into the park.
Please NOTE: No coolers are permitted, you may bring backpacks.
See an amazing photo of the fireflies in Elkmont by photographer Judd Patterson:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/juddpatterson/2586163362/

To truly experience the grandeur and serenity of the Smoky Mountains we invite you to stay in one of our Gatlinburg Cabins where you can be in the middle of nature yet have all the services you desire. There is nothing like waking up each morning with all the comforts of home, a hot tub on the deck and a game room for the kids to enjoy.

Happy Traveling!

CNN is reporting a fall in gas prices before the holiday

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:52:59 GMT

Memorial Day is right around the corner and CNN is reporting a fall in gas prices before the holiday of 10-15 cents per gallon. This is great news for those wanting to travel and stay on a budget. Mountain Rentals has beautiful cabins left for Memorial Day Weekend and the prices are the same all year so no holiday rates like you will find at the hotels.

The benefits of cabins go on and on, but one of the best things has to be the space, nothing says relaxing like shoving four people in a room with two doubles for a long weekend with Spongebob blaring in the background over the shouts of “I wana watch Little Mermaid”, sharing a bathroom better known as a slip and slide after 2 kids finish with it all while listening to the kids above use the beds as a trampoline, but I digress really space is a wonderful thing – I believe it brings families closer and makes the memories fonder! Mom and Dad can relax and enjoy the Hot Tub while the kids have their own TVs and the game room to entertain them.
The cabin not only has low rates but you can save by grilling at home and spending quality time together among the beautiful Smoky Mountains. We invite you to visit for a week or the weekend. See you soon...

Summer Vacation in the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg TN

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:51:59 GMT

So it is our favorite time of the year again…Summer Vacation. As a Mom I find myself getting excited that the rigid schedule of homework, dinner, bath and straight to bed for the kids is nearing an end. As we all know after they go to bed there is still plenty for us to do in preparation for the next day and sheer exhaustion seems to be the norm throughout the year. Coffee anyone? There is a glimmer of hope that comes as we look forward to picnics, laughter and a renewed sense of fun. Though our workdays and schedules may continue, living the summer vicariously through a child’s eyes makes us relax a little more and take in the moments that so often go unnoticed as we let the routines take over. Summer Vacation seems to ground us and we realize what is really important - time together. So here’ to a week of pure carefree joy and excitement and may yours be all that you have dreamt of! Please feel free to share your favorite summer memories with us!

Newfound Gap (US441) update

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:50:50 GMT

We have been getting persistent visitor reports that they have heard that the main road across the Smokies, Newfound Gap Road (US 441) between Gatlinburg,TN and Cherokee, NC is closed. It is not. The Park had a small slide on Monday which closed the road overnight, but it re-opened to all non-commercial traffic Tuesday a.m.

I suspect our neighbors are getting a little weary keeping up with all the slides, and visitors are just plain confused. But please take a look at anything you may have posted anyplace to be sure it does not give the impression that that road is closed.

Thanks

Bob Miller

Management Assistant

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

(865) 436-1207

Gatlinburg TN Rock Slide

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:49:03 GMT

There was a rock slide on the Southbound side of Hwy 441, also known as the Spur, on Monday January 25th. Please use caution as traffic has been rerouted to the Northbound side creating 2 way traffic. You do not need to find an alternate route just exercise caution. The initial rock slides have been cleaned up, but the Park Service still needs to determine the stability of the mountain side in these areas.

Thank you for visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and we will see you soon!

View more information at the following link: >> http://www.volunteertv.com/home/headlines/82626452.html

Black Friday 2009 Deals in Gatlinburg TN - Spend a Dollar Receive a Quarter

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:47:58 GMT

So you wake up at 3AM, down a pot of coffee, brush your teeth, put on your best sweat pants and fastest sneakers, do a few push-ups, throw your hair in a ponytail and jump in the car. You are a savvy shopper - you will get the best deals…gifts the block will envy, and you have all the stores color coded by sale time, location and type of gift... STOP!
You are savvy: you will get gifts the block will envy. Breathe. Throw away the map, sleep later and enjoy your coffee in you pajamas at HOME. Forget the fights & the walk from the back 40 of the parking lot and shop online! Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg is offering GREAT DEALS on Gift Certificates for Black Friday 2009.

The request form will become active on Friday, November 27th from 7 a.m till 7 p.m on the page below:

http://www.mountainchalets.com/BlackFriday/greatdeals.aspx

Give the gift of time…time with your family, time to enjoy life and an experience you all can share long after the Nintendo DS has broken.

Spend a Dollar Receive a Quarter.
Forget counting Pennies..Count your Quarters.
Keep the Change!

Putt-Putt’n for Education

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:45:16 GMT

Team Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg met at Old Gatlinburg Golf & Games for the 10th Annual Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation Mini-Golf Tournament. The Tournament raises money for scholarships for graduating students and those seeking higher education in the Hospitality industry. The holes were tough and the competition was stiff, but our Team was determined to place in the Tournament. So after 36 holes of struggles and sizing up the competition they waited patiently for their names to be called, balloons to arrive and cheers from the crowd….. Place - they did WORST SCORE! We are so proud!

The Pros left to right: Sayrah, Vanessa, Marie & PJ

Policy Changes: By our Guests for our Guests

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:43:00 GMT

It has come to our attention that having a minimum occupancy on some of our larger homes makes it difficult for some of our guests to book a property.
For example: one of our 3 bedroom homes had a minimum occupancy of three adults so you must add $15.00 to the base rate during peak times to rent this property.
One of our guests brought it to our attention that they should not have to pay for an extra adult when the home would suit 2 Adults & 2 Children perfectly.
Upon, reviewing this it made sense that of course some families would in fact have 2 children under the age of 12yrs., that would prefer to have a bedroom of their own, so a 2 bedroom would not be sufficient.

In response we have made the following policy change: All of our homes, regardless of size, will not require a minimum occupancy to be met.
The only time you will incur an additional $15.00 per night charge is when you indeed have more than 2 adults in your party. All of our base rates are set for 2 adults.
We are always looking for ways to improve our Guest Experience and we appreciate all of you who take time to work with us and make this possible!

Please NOTE: These policy changes apply to new reservations only made after August 31st, 2009.

Easy to Search, Easy to Book

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:41:51 GMT

Overwhelmed by choices the internet has to offer? Why spending your vacation time browsing through different websites, trying figure out its deals, prices, additional charges, and how the booking process looks like? New features on MountainChalets.com have been designed to make your vacation planning a JOY.

We are pleased to introduce new features on our website in order to make your search for perfect cabin rental easier .

Easy to Search:

Compare Check Box: when searching through many cabin rentals listings you can compare up to 5 cabin rentals side by side.

On the cabin rental page the Approximate Mileage appears from rental unit to points of interests such as downtown Gatlinburg, TN; downtown Pigeon Forge, TN; Dollywood Theme Park; Ober Gatlinburg; Bent Creek Golf Course. You can click on the link and see the blue marker showing the actual driving route on the Google Map.

Specials Reminder: On the cabin rentals listings page when you select arrival dates and nights desire to stay and press check availability button the website generates the reminder about savings or promotions applied for this timeframe. Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg cares that you receive the best vacation deal!

Dividing the Vacation Rental Amenities into the Groups of Interests is a better way of displaying the amenities list, so you could focus your attention on the most important cabin rentals features.

Easy to Book:

Book Now Button on cabin rentals listings page now appears when you select arrival dates, nights, adults, kids or any cabin rental features and press check availability button. So, when you press book now you will be forwarded to availability page directly, where you will see all the charges and totals applied.

Gatlinburg Cabins in Timberidge Community

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:40:10 GMT

The Great Smoky Mountains are one of Tennessee’s most amazing natural attractions and we are celebrating the 75th Anniversary this year! A great way to spend a week is to visit the park, hike the trails and stay in an authentic log cabin packed with its own history. This is an experience that the whole family will enjoy. The cabins of Timberidge are unique properties that were built 200 years ago. These homes came from the mountains of East Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky and North Carolina. Each home was tagged, marked & disassembled to be resurrected in the Timberidge community located in the foothills of the Smokies. All of these homes have modern amenities and have been updated for your comfort, but still maintain the integrity of the structures built by steady hands long ago. The craftsmanship is still visible and the new owners have taken great care, so that each detail fits beautifully in the home. These homes are on large lots so you are nestled among the trees in a community that treasures the past and specializes in creating memories for generations to come…. Explore the cabins of Timberidge today!

NEW Official website for Timberidge Community www.timberidgecabinstn.com

or see the list of >> Timberidge Cabins which are on Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg rental program.

Gatlinburg Events: April 23 2009 - Ribfest & Wings Festival

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:38:46 GMT

It’s that time of year again, pull out the bibs and let the BBQ sauce fly!

Gatlinburg Ribfest & Wings Event is sponsored by Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg and it will truly be the best ever!

The location is now on the main strip of downtown Gatlinburg, so the streets will be filled with music, food and extra fun this year.

I can’t wait we are going to be set-up giving out freebies and the chance to enter and win $100 Lowes Gift Card, so you can get an early start on your Spring spruce up.

Save April 23rd and come visit Gatlinburg, a little advice to those that want to get the most out of their wristband – SKIP BREAKFAST- it is worth it.

Date: April 23rd, 2009
Time: 4pm-10pm Sampling starts at 6pm
Entertainment: The Beat Daddy’s, Dish Water Blonde & The Tams
Admission: $12 Adult | $5 Kids – includes a wristband to sample until it’s gone or “a buck a bone”

See you there!

Two Night Cabin Rentals Reservations

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:36:58 GMT

So it has been awhile since we have posted, but it has been a little hectic. Today we are getting snow, its cold and this is supposed to continue for a couple of days. This is the time to stay inside with a cup of hot chocolate or hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg … those are the only options! It is gorgeous to see snow on the Smoky Mountains though.

Anyway, back to business.

We have opened up two night advanced reservations on our website - http://blog.mountainchalets.com. In the past we had only accepted 2 night reservations within 21 days of arrival, but we realize with the current economic situation we find ourselves in sometimes 2 days is all you can afford to be gone. Also, we thought this would be a great way for our guests to accumulate Guest Appreciation Points so you may earn FREE nights that can be used during family vacation time in Gatlinburg. Sometimes you just need a short getaway to take a breath and relax before facing the week that lies ahead.
Also, if you have a particular cabin rental or week you prefer you might want to get those reservations early, so it does not get booked. Since two night stays may be booked in advance, we don’t want your usual stay to be interrupted by another reservation.

Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals Help

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:35:30 GMT

What if something is broken, not working properly or you think a critter is after your groceries??!!!

That is where Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg (or any good management company) comes in. All you have to do is call us and we will take care of any issues ranging from missing/broken darts, a broken stove to housekeeping issues. Our staff members are here to support you during your stay so you leave with nothing but fond family memories! Cabins are homes just like yours and there can be problems that arise during your stay. Our staff is discouraged from watching TV, using remotes and cooking while at work, so if the previous guest didn’t tell us the stove was broken we cannot fix it.

The bottom line: If you need anything during your stay call us and we will do our best to fix the problem or find you a comparable home if the problem is beyond our control. We know when choosing your cabin you spend lots of precious time searching for the perfect home for your vacation. Cabin Rentals are great for families who want to experience the tranquil Smoky Mountains in a peaceful setting. They save you money on dining out and with the amenities such as pool tables and other fun games you can spend time at the cabin without the cabin fever!

Just remember just because you are not at a hotel does not mean you cannot call the front desk - Toll FREE 1-866-482-1044.

Chili Cookoff & Winter Magic in downtown Gatlinburg TN

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 20:34:17 GMT

Mountain Rentals of Gatlinburg is excited to be a sponsor of the Chili Cookoff in downtown Gatlinburg this year! We love food so much in the Smoky Mountains we turn it into a competition – what a great excuse to graze our way through the streets of Gatlinburg TN! If the chili isn’t enough we will be giving away FREE popcorn. We hope to see all of our guests and our favorite locals!!!

The details:
Where: River Rd. (in front of Ripley’s Aquarium)
When: November 5th, 2008
Time: 5pm-8pm
Price: $7 in advance and $8 after 2pm
Why: Around 20 vendors will be serving up home cooked chili
Kids Activities
Entertainment by The Coasters, “Barry Scott & Second Wind”, The Griffin Brothers, Kevin McGuire (A fantastic DJ
The streets are all aglow as the Winter Magic lights are turned on
You are supporting the PTA at Phi-Beta-Phi

Gatlinburg Calendar of Events

See pictures below: