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April 30, 2013
Celebrating 75 Years of Hospitality
1938-2013
May Activities
The Past Becomes Present
Local historians, naturalists and storytellers engage guests in lively conversations about the cultural, historical and environmental history of the Great Smoky Mountains and the present and future challenges that face this area. Presentations will be between 5:45 and 6:45 pm on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in May. Many of the programs will include photos and power point presentations. Opportunities for guest comments and questions abound. You do not have to be a guest of the Inn to attend.
Wednesday, May 1
Frances Hensley, Park Volunteer and Storyteller (aka Granny Franny) will talk with guests about the history, people and customs of the Greenbrier community before the Park became a reality and about some of the flora and fauna that now inhabit this unique area of the Smokies.
Thursday, May 2
Ray Palmer, Park Volunteer Almost everything you see in the Park that is man-made was originally built by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. The CCC is a perfect example of the long lasting effect that a quality, socially responsible government program can have. Find out about the challenges the members of the CCC faced during the 1930sand their way of life and the contributions these hard-working men made to the pleasures we all enjoy today in the Park.
Sunday, May 5 Sarah Weeks, Friends of the Smokies With the help of thousands of people, businesses, and foundations, Friends of the Smokies now funds more than $1 million annually to protect bears, heal trees, improve trails and visitor facilities, and foster a love for Great Smoky Mountains National Park and its tremendous cultural and natural resources. Find out about the history and mission of Friends of the Smokies and the many park programs and projects for which it has provided support in the last 20 years.
Tuesday, May 7 Kim Delozier, Former Park Ranger and Wildlife Biologist Elk, bears, peregrine falcons, river otters, deer, wild pigs—if it inhabits our Park this former manager of wildlife resources for 32 years has a story to tell you about it. Kim, who described his career with the Park as like being a kid in a candy store, maintains his enthusiasm for all creatures great and small—and will be sharing it with you.
Thursday, May 9 Liz Dominque , Naturalist and Hiking Guide Salamanders, anyone? Liz is expert on these gorgeous little creatures. The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the “Salamander Capital of the World!” Salamanders are an especially abundant and diverse group in the Great Smokies. In fact, the great majority of vertebrate (backboned) animals, including human visitors, in the park on any given day are salamanders. Liz is going to tell you how to spot them on your next walk in the park.
Sunday, May 12 Carey Jones, Naturalist and Hiking Guide and Former Park Ranger Just how come did so many different types of animals and plants end up in the Smokies? Carey can tell you. This self-described “old Smokies naturalist” will let you in on why our Park is so special in its abundance and diversity of plants and animals. He promises to answer questions as long as you like.
Tuesday, May 14 Holly Scott, Friends of the Smokies and Billy Jones, Ridgerunner Since 2003, Holly has had the pleasure of helping to promote Friends of the Smokies’ activities and raise awareness of the ongoing need to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park. One of the programs supported annually by Friends is the Appalachian Trail Ridgerunner program. From March to October, Ridgerunners patrol the A.T. in the Smokies, helping to ensure that the park’s resources and facilities are being used responsibly, responding to hikers in distress, and performing maintenance along the A.T. and at the park’s backcountry shelters. Billy Jones is in his second year of Ridgerunning in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, an opportunity he sought after hanging up his suit & tie to thru-hike the A.T. in 2006. Holly will be with us to talk about the ways that Friends’ members improve our national park, and Billy will describe a day in the life of a Ridgerunner.
Thursday, May 16 Wanda DeWaard, Naturalist, Tracker, Hiking Guide and Monarch Butterfly Aficionado The Smokies are central to the annual Monarch Butterfly Migration and each year as they pass through Wanda expands her knowledge and expertise about these magnificent creatures—and she is going to share her information and insights with you. Monarchs descend upon the mountains as the law of nature demands. In mass numbers they arrive dedicated and loyal to their own ancestral customs and traditions. Bonded as family, they adhere to their kinsmen calling, displaying their traditional colors and design like the tartans of Scot-Irish clans or the tribal pottery motif of the ancient Native Americans. Their family crest is of a style that sets fear into their natural enemies, an age old shield that provides safe passage for them and their loved ones.
Sunday, May 19 Frances Fox, Artist, Weaver and Local Historian One of the most important early 20th century developments in Gatlinburg’s was the Phi Beta Phi Settlement School, created in 1910 to improve the educational standards for children and women in particular. It also stressed native handicrafts production as a means of raising local economic standards. Find out from Frances, one of its former students, how the school shaped the life of its students and contributed to the good of the community.
Tuesday, May 21 Glenn Cardwell, Pittman Center Mayor, Historian and Former Park Ranger In 1919, a Methodist missionary preacher came through the area then known as Emerts Cove, an area just to the northeast of Gatlinburg. Dr. Burnett realized there was a great need for a center to provide education and health needs to these impoverished people and he took his vision to the Methodist Episcopal Church who adopted it and opened the school and campus in 1920. Glenn Cardwell was one of those who benefitted from this establishment and he will be here to share his memories and those of other students and teachers of those days.
Thursday, May 23 Ellen Bebb, Retired Teacher and Daughter of Buckhorn Inn Founder Douglas Bebb Ever wonder what growing up in an inn would be like? Find out from Ellen Bebb, who with her sister Tina and four step-siblings did just that, working alongside their parents in the daily tasks of keeping the inn thriving and earning a living.
Sunday, May 26 Robin Goddard, Storyteller, Park Volunteer, and recent recipient of the National George B. Hartzog, Jr. Award for Enduring Volunteer Service for her outstanding service to Great Smoky Mountains National Park Robin will charm you with her presentation about our famous Walker Sisters, entitled Common Women in an Uncommon World. Consider all the people who lived in the Great Smoky Mountains and none will exhibit the character of these mountain people better than the Walker family of Little Greenbrier or Five Sisters’ Cove. Isolated by their environment, each generation was raised with the idea that dependence on any strength save God’s or their own was less than wholesome. Close family ties and an insuppressible belief in a strong pioneer faith were practically inherent in the Walkers. Resourceful, strong-willed, self-reliant, and an illimitable love of this land and their home were all fitting descriptions. The old ways passed down from father to son or daughter were almost sacrosanct. Advancements were not spurned, neither were they sought. An advanced society would have thought them primitive. Perhaps they were, but here in these mountains they lived the only life they knew–the only life they wanted to know. This kind of life elsewhere had passed into history years before. Find out more about that life from Robin.
Tuesday, May 28 Janet Rock, GSMNP Botanist Janet is interested in everything—but especially in rare plants in the Smokies. She has also studied the harvesting impacts of American ginseng and wild leeks and impacts of white-tailed deer on herbaceous vegetation. Find out from Janet about the great plant diversity of the Smokies and its unusual habitats. She has some wonderful photos to share with you.
Thursday, May 30 Carroll McMann, Historian While much is known and obvious to national park visitors, there are some things that are not well-known and often remain secret unless you either stumble upon them or learn of them from a local. Such just might be the case with the Mayna Avent cabin in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Find out about this very special place and the woman whose cabin it was.
March 12, 2013
Heading to the Smoky Mountains in March, April or May? You’ll be just in time for the many family-friendly Spring Attractions Gatlinburg offers every year.
Looking for fun seasonal attractions? There’s never a bad time to visit Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains.
Smoky Mountain SpringFest
March 12, 2013 – June 2, 2013
Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, trees are full of new growth and leaves, frost has melted from the high country and waterfalls cascade onto rocks below.
Discover Life In America Celebrates “15 Years Of Discovery”
March 21, 2013 – March 23, 2013 Celebration extolling efforts to catalog every living species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at a unique gathering in Gatlinburg March 21-23.
Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show
March 28, 2013 – March 30, 2013 Unique handcrafted gifts and products produced by members of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community are placed on display and offered for sale as they host their annual Easter show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Easter Egg Hunt
March 30, 2013 – March 30, 2013 Easter Egg Hunt for children between the ages of 1 and 12 sponsored by the Gatlinburg Community Police Programs. Saturday March 30, 2013 at Mynatt Park on Airport Road at noon.
Easter Sunrise At Ober
March 31, 2013 – March 31, 2013 Soak up Easter Sunday sunrise from the top of Mt. Harrison at Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort during this service sponsored by the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association.
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
April 5, 2013 – August 10, 2013 Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800.
Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
April 6, 2013 – April 7, 2013 The 14th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament is open to adults or children – and equally challenging for both visitors and locals, with multiple categories to be contested in this largest trout tournament in the Smokies.
Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon
April 13, 2013 – April 13, 2013 The fifth annual triathlon at the Community Center starts at 8:15 a.m. and is open to anyone 15 years and older capable of swimming one-half mile, biking twenty kilometers, and running five kilometers consecutively.
Smoky Mountain MABC Regional Bridge Tournament
April 15, 2013 – April 21, 2013 This large tournament of the Mid-Atlantic Bridge Conference takes place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center with thousands of players participating in Gold Point events and other programs.
Food Ministry Fiesta
April 18, 2013 – April 18, 2013 Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies hosts this third annual fundraiser benefiting Sevier County Food Ministries at 6 p.m. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit SCFM’s outreach programs and special projects.
Mountain Man Memorial March
April 19, 2013 – April 20, 2013 The Sixth Annual Mountain Man Memorial March is a 26.2-mile march in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee which will be conducted Saturday, April 20 in Gatlinburg as a tribute to our men and women in uniform.
Earth Week
April 21, 2013 – April 27, 2013 Celebrate Earth Week in Gatlinburg! Bring the entire family to Gatlinburg to learn about easy green practices, enjoy music, activities and games, craft stations, food and more!
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
April 23, 2013 – April 27, 2013 As winter fades and the colors of spring begin to sparkle throughout the Smokies, Gatlinburg blossoms into the center of all things botanical during Great Smoky Mountain Association’s 63rd Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage.
Earth Day 5K
April 26, 2013 – April 26, 2013 Earth Day 5K Run/Walk in beautiful Gatlinburg. Funds raised will benefit the Chamber Foundation’s initiatives in education and our green program.
Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Winefest
April 27, 2013 – April 27, 2013 Sample wines from Tennessee wineries along with small dish fare from some of the best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains.
Gatlinburg Farmers Market
May 11, 2013 – October 12, 2013
December 2, 2012
Annual Wildlife Week January 12-19
An entire week of nature programming including hikes, seminars, and workshops about the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other regions of the United States. Music Road Hotel & Convention Center.
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_winterfest_wilderness.aspx
Winter Heritage Festival February 1-2
A celebration of the human history, natural beauty, and cultural history of the Smokies. There will be fascinating speakers, musicians and experts on the Smokies. www.smokymountains.org
Saddle Up! February 24-27
This celebration of the American West features cowboy singers, musicians and poets. The award-winning Stories & Strings program returns. Register to experience three other concerts, a chuck wagon cook-off, and The Cowboy Dance. Finish out the event with Cowboy Church on Sunday.
1-800-251-9100
Mountain Quiltfest March 12-16
Each year Quiltfest welcomes over 20,000 visitors from around the country. Quilting enthusiasts bring their work to compete in a world-renown, multi-category quilt show. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_quiltfest.aspx
November 20, 2011
22nd Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week
From: Jan. 7, 2012 To: Jan. 14, 2012
Every year Wilderness Wildlife Week in Pigeon Forge brings together nature lovers from all over the country. The festival features many different activities that are sure to please every type of nature lover. 100 experts that will share their knowledge and experience with you during the week in dozens of workshops, lectures, and seminars. Become one with nature on more than 50 guided walks and hikes that are designed for all levels! During Appalachiafest there will be live Smoky Mountain music for your listening pleasure!
Winter Magic Tunes & Tales
From: Nov. 25, 2011 To: Dec. 17, 2011
Christmas just isn’t the same without some Dickens-era caroling! Tales carolers stroll up and down the Parkway from five to nine in the evening serenading passersby and shoppers alike. Experience a Dickens Christmas at Winter Magic Tunes & Tales in Gatlinburg.
Saddle Up
February 23-24
This award-winning, four-day festival includes entertainment presented the cowboy way, including concerts by cowboy poets and western musicians. You’ll enjoy the cowboy-themed activities at the Buckeroo Roundup along with a hearty lunch at the Chuckwagon Cookoff. Your toes will tap and your boots will scoot at Saturday night’s Cowboy Dance. Wrap up a weekend of western entertainment with a chuckwagon breakfast and Cowboy Church on Sunday morning.
Quiltfest
March 14-17
Mountain Quiltfest is a favorite event for quilters and crafters. In fact, more than 20,000 visitors come each year to experience classes and seminars, shop a large vendor mall and view the works of art at the impressive quilt show. More than 60 classes and seminars are scheduled with instruction by some of the nation’s top quilting experts.
Ice Carving Competition
January 14
One day only, they’re back! Those champion chainsaw slinging, blowtorch wielding, iceblock chopping sculptors who took Titanic Pigeon Forge by storm last year. In 2012 they’ll be joined by a new batch of professional and amateur contenders, ready to whip 250-pound blocks of ice into frozen works of art. Bring the family and your camera for this one-day ice spectacular.
September 7, 2011
We recommend this down-home, family-friendly event to all our guests each year. The music is terrific, auction items at a bargain and the dog contest show is not to be missed. The event is just about 5 miles of easy driving from Buckhorn Inn.
June 16, 2011
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Event Name:
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Gatlinburg’s River Raft Regatta
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Date(s):
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July 4
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Season:
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Summer
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Category:
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Entertainment
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Description:
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Gatlinburg’s popular River Raft Regatta takes place at noon on Monday, July 4th, on the Little Pigeon River in Downtown Gatlinburg.
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Location:
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Downtown Gatlinburg
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Admission:
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Free
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Event Name:
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Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
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Date(s):
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July 15 – 24
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Season:
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Summer
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Category:
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Arts, Entertainment
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Description:
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Art, crafts and music lovers can find almost 200 booths featuring some of the nation’s finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on hand to demonstrate their skills, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. Live Country & Bluegrass entertainment. Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Location:
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Gatlinburg Convention Center
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Website/Link:
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http://www.craftsmenfair.com
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Contact Info:
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865/436-7479
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Admission:
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$6.00
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Event Name:
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Fourth of July Midnight Parade
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Date(s):
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July 3 – 4
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Season:
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Summer
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Category:
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Entertainment, History, Parades
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Description:
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Saluting the valiant men and women of our military services, this 36th annual showcase is the “First July Fourth Parade in the Nation!” Parade starts at the stroke of midnight to begin Independence Day.
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Location:
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Downtown
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Website/Link:
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http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/
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Contact Info:
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(800) 568-4748
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Event Name:
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Gatlinburg United Way Shark Race
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Date(s):
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July 30
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Season:
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Summer
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Category:
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Entertainment, Fundraiser
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Description:
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Rubber sharks are released into the Little Pigeon River at the Christ in the Smokies Museum and Gardens bridge to race downstream, first one to cross the finish line wins!
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Location:
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Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza
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Website/Link:
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http://www.uwosc.org/eventscalendar/2011sharkrace.html
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Contact Info:
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865/430-5727
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Admission:
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Entry Fee
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Event Name:
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“Stand Here” Fireworks Finale
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Date(s):
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July 4
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Season:
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Summer
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Category:
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Entertainment
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Description:
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Finish off the 4th in style with a magnificent fireworks show visible from the downtown streets of Gatlinburg!
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Location:
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Downtown Gatlinburg
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Admission:
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Free
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Event Name:
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Gatlinburg Farmer’s Market
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Date(s):
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May 21 – October 15
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Season:
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Summer, Fall
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Category:
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Food
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Description:
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Offering local choices for healthy mountain living, the Gatlinburg Farmers Market is open each Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot at 705 East Parkway through October 21.
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Location:
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705 East Parkway
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Website/Link:
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http://www.gatlinburgfarmersmarket.com
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Event Name:
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Christmas Expo
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Date(s):
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June 29 – July 2
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Season:
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Summer
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Category:
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Arts, Entertainment
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Description:
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Whether you’re a home decorator or professional, Christmas Expo has something for you. See new lighting products and decorations at this FREE trade show, or register to attend a how-to-class or seminar.
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Location:
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Gatlinburg Convention Center
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Website/Link:
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http://www.ChristmasExpo.com
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Event Name:
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Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales
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Date(s):
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June 17 – August 13
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Season:
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Summer
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Category:
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Arts, Entertainment
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Description:
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Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800.
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Location:
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Downtown
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Website/Link:
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www.eventsgatlinburg.com
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Contact Info:
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Parkway
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
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Admission:
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Free
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Rangers in the Great Smoky Mountains will again be leading a series of hikes to various destinations within the park this summer. This is a great opportunity to learn about the flora and faun and the history and people of The Smokies. Here’s the current list of scheduled hikes:
Cades Cove Night Hike: Mondays and Fridays thru mid-August
Times: 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Location: Orientation Shelter at the entrance to the Cades Cove Loop Road
Listen to the spirits of Cades Cove while enjoying a night-time walk in the cove. Distance: 2.5 mile walk rated easy in difficulty.
Sunset Stroll: Every Monday thru 8/8/2011
Times: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Laurel Falls Trailhead
Summary: Come along with a ranger for a guided walk up to Laurel Falls just before sunset. 2.6 miles roundtrip hike rated moderated in difficulty. Click here for more info.
Return of the Elk: Every Tuesday thru 8/9/2011 (except 6/21)
Times: 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Cataloochee Valley, Rough Fork Trailhead
Summary: Learn about the return of the elk to the Smokies with a guided hike to the elk acclimation pen. Hike distance: less than one mile, rated moderate in difficulty.
Where the Waters Sing: Every Wednesday thru 8/10/2011
Times: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Kephart Prong Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road between Smokemont and Newfound Gap
Summary: The sound of water is music for the soul. Join a ranger and experience the melody of the mountains. Two-mile round-trip hike rated moderate in difficulty. Click here for more info.
Hike into the Sugarlands Valley: Every Wednesday thru 8/10/2011
Times: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Location: Sugarlands Visitor Center
Summary: Round up the kids and get your blood pumping on a brisk walk along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River to learn some secrets of the natural world. Hike rated moderate in difficulty.
Hike to Alum Cave Bluffs: Every Thursday thru 8/11/2011
Times: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Location: Alum Cave Bluff Trailhead on Newfound Gap Road
Summary: Geology, old-growth trees, and panoramic views await you while joining a park ranger on one of the most diverse hikes in the Smokies. Wear sturdy shoes; bring water and a snack. Hike rated moderate to strenuous in difficulty. Click here for more info.
Hike to Grotto Falls: Every Sunday thru 8/07/2011
Times: 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: Grotto Falls Trailhead on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Summary: Hike with a ranger through an old growth forest to one of the most popular waterfalls in the park. Hike rated moderate in difficulty. Click here for more info.
All hikes are free. For more information, please visit the GSMNP event page.
May 12, 2011
This annual event showcases mountain music, demonstrations, crafts, nature walks, talks, and more. Join this celebration of culture and heritage on May 21 from 10-5 at Cosby Campground, a short, traffic-free drive from Buckhorn Inn.
May 11, 2011
Combine fine art, a gorgeous mountain backdrop, diversity in creativity from across the nation and what do you have? The Seventh Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival! Set at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this event showcases artists at the top of their fields. Participating exhibitors are chosen by jury in 16 categories ranging from ceramics and glass to watercolor and woodworking; $10,000 in prizes and purchase vouchers is at stake. For artists, the festival is a prestige event. For visitors, it’s a guaranteed opportunity to enjoy the best in fine art, a fantastic free children activity program, listening to music, and gazing at the nearby mountains.
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