New Local Paper Has All You Need to Know about the Smokies!

http://www.smokymountainsaroundtown.com/

Smoky Mountains Around Town is a locally published monthly newspaper available at many fine local businesses. Pick one up to see what's going on around the Smokies!

Free Admission - National Parks February 14-16, Believe It Or Not!

The creation of Mount Rushmore took 14 years and cost less than a million dollars! ( A Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Fun Fact)  All 405 national parks will provide free admission to everyone February 14-16, 2015 to honor our nation's leaders and their accomplishments - Believe It or Not! Click here for more info http://www.nps.gov/findapark/presidents-day.htm

25th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week January 24-31

One of the most popular events of the Smoky Mountains is the Wilderness Wildlife Week™ in Pigeon Forge. Wilderness Wildlife Week™ is made up of exhibits, performances, workshops, classes, walks and talks that are both informative and entertaining. These programs celebrate the features, creatures and cultures of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the surrounding region. Wilderness Wildlife Week™ offers activities for all ages and brings thousands of nature lovers to Pigeon Forge each year. The International Festivals & Events Association has recognized the event for its environmental and educational efforts. For music lovers there are different musical presentations each day which will highlight the Appalachian region. Attendees can listen to old-time mountain ballads, hymns, bluegrass, and traditional mountain instruments. This year marks the 25th year of Wilderness Wildlife Week™, which is free and open to the public. For a complete schedule and more info click here.

Greenbrier Pottery Retrospective Exhibit

A new Retrospective Exhibit featuring selected pieces of my pottery from the last 20 years, as well as some of my new work, is now on display at the Anna Porter Public Library in Gatlinburg, TN. Various Raku and Smoke Fired masks and vases are among the pieces featured in the Sue Bock Cafe, which is located inside the library. For library hours and more info click here.

Appalachian Quilt Trail

 The Appalachian Quilt Trail boasts more than 130 quilt barns. Headquartered in Rutledge, it stretches some 300 miles across 19 counties, piecing together farm stands, art galleries, and small businesses from Englewood in McMinn County to Kyles Ford in Hancock County. This is a great time to get out and go leaf and quilt looking! For more info, including a complete listing of all the quilts and locations go to www.vacationaqt.com

Fall Rod Runs

The last Rod Runs of the year have already begun. Pigeon Forge was packed yesterday!

Shades of the Past Rod Run 2014

• Date: September 5-6, 2014
• The second of three city-wide car shows held every year in Pigeon Forge at Dollywood's Splash Country. The Shades of the Past Rod Run XXXII attracts thousands every year, with Fords, Chevys, Olds, Camaros, Dodges, etc -- any rods, customs, and classics, through 1972. Awards given at this car shown include Best Street, Fab Five, Top 25, Might Muscle Picks, Specialty Awards, and Street Rodder Top 100.

Pigeon Forge Fall Rod Run 2014

• Date: September 11-14, 2014
• Rounding out the three biggest car shows of Pigeon Forge, this one is the Fall Grand Rod Run. Stay in town for both, if you can, for a car-lover's dream covering more than a week. For these few days, Pigeon Forge becomes the city that never sleeps, with parades and car demonstrations all through the night.

Sugarlands Concerts Rock!

Great place - they keep their event schedule packed full of fresh sounds,

hot bands, and tall tales of Appalachia. Take a look for yourself!

Whether you're sippin' and savorin' at the distillery or hanging

with the Sugarlands gang out and about it's sure to be a shinin' good time.    

Be sure to stop by Sugarlands Distillery downtown Gatlinburg!

Click here for the happenings link!