Honda Goldwing Spring Fling

Roaring engines, whether from automobiles or motorcycles, have definitely carved out a place amongst the tourism industry in Sevier County. It’s a loud and fast growing group of motorcycle enthusiasts that all come together in April for the Tennessee Goldwing Road Riders Association Rally & Show. Honda Goldwing motorcycles riders bill get this spring get together as their “Spring Fling”, usually commencing at the Sevier County Fairgrounds.

In recent years it’s been put on in connection with the Wilderness at the Smokies Resort where attendees can attend seminars and discussion groups on the lifestyle, participate in parades, win prizes, and discuss all things Honda with other Gold Wing enthusiasts. Past years themes have included Davy Crockett Days at the fairgrounds.

Tennessee’s Gold Wing Road Riders Association is the largest single-marquee social organization for owners and riders of Gold Wing motorcycles and serves as hosts for the Spring Fling. Of course, the Honda Gold Wing is their common denominator and they each know everything there is to know about the open road cruiser, the lifestyle, everything. Seminars on everything from stress management to listening and communicating on the road are a large part of the weekend schedule. Vendors have booths and tables set up for the conference that everyone can peruse. Some of those products – bike gear, motorcycle-related clothing will be available for purchase throughout the weekend.

This past year, Goldwing Riders competed for the grand prize of a Bushtec Performance Sport Trailer, a $1,000 second place prize and two chapter prizes worth $250 each. Cash prizes were also awarded to talent show winners in the categories of comedy, serious, and the outside Tennessee combined category.

The weekend typically centers around the following events:

  • The Sevier County Fairgrounds hosts a   Campfire Stew that is billed as just some great country fun. Visitors can sit in their lawn chairs, listen to the music, and dance in the field. The fun of the Chapter Challenge commences as Gold Wing Chapters vie for the title of “King of the Frontier.” For the Chapter Challenge portion, make sure ‘dirty’ clothes and shoes are a part of your wardrobe. Chapters can have more than one five-member team and teams may be all male, all female, or co-ed.
  •  Each and every one who takes part will have their skills tested in a variety of ways. It’s always a fun, but messy event.
  • The annual Bike Light Show circles the fairgrounds/vendor area and gives everyone a chance to get decked out on their ride.
  • The Tennessee Couple of the Year 2011 selection. Each chapter nominates a man and woman for couple of the year, and you really don’t want to miss this opportunity. Each chapter is encouraged to come out and support their chapter Couple of the Year.
  • The Frontier Rodeo is one of the newer draws to the event. Complete with cowboys riding bulls, timed horse races, and rodeo clowns, this is one of the more popular gatherings, always packs the house and recently has been a free event for a number of attending Gold Wing riders.
  • Come in your riding best, as well as Sunday best for a number of Best Dressed competitions. Categories include Best Dressed-Parade, Best Dressed-Show, Best Dressed-Riding, and Best Dressed-Theme.

Of course, there are numerous bike shows scheduled throughout the weekend, and whether you’re planning on staying around the fairgrounds, or out as far as Gatlinburg, you’re bound to see some of your Honda Goldwing brethren cruising the Parkway. Talent shows are a big part of the weekend as well with various cash prizes being handed out at different competitions. The biggest of those competitions happen at the weekend finale. After a day filled with activities including field events, bike show (onsite at the fairgrounds), seminars galore, and more, the closing ceremonies will feature announcements for chapter awards, TN member of the year, Chapter educator of the year, as well as grand prizes.

Directions to the Sevier County Fairgrounds:

Traveling on Interstate 40 from Knoxville, Asheville, or the Tri-Cities, take Exit 407 towards Sevierville (the Great Smoky Mountains National Park) approximately 8 miles. Take a right over the river onto the bridge leading to the Wilderness Resort at the Smokies. Take a left at the 1st light over bridge. The Sevier County Fairgrounds is approximately 2 miles on your left.

WonderWorks

If you’re taken aback by the upside down house that rests beside the Pigeon River in Pigeon Forge, you wouldn’t be the first. WonderWorks, a combination arcade/science museum, is one of handful of Pigeon Forge attractions that not only stand out because of their rave reviews, but because of their outward appearance.

Constructed to look like it landed upside down in Pigeon Forge, WonderWorks is arguably the most unique building in the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s located right next door to the new Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. WonderWorks bills itself as an amusement park for the mind, featuring over 150 interactive exhibits. It’s 55,000 square feet of fun for the whole family… And don’t forget to stick around for Terry Evanswoods’ thrilling magic show, sure to delight the mind and play tricks on the eyes.

Take your time and enjoy WonderWorks for all it’s worth. It’s a go-at-your-own-pace attraction where you can try out every single exhibit as many times as you want! Get your fill of each of the exhibits while you’re there, there are no limits. It’s a great place for families looking to keep their kids enthralled and entertained for hours! On average, people can spend two hours just going through all the exhibits once. Feel hurricane winds, the shaking of what an earthquake feels like, flip upside-down on a bicycle-like contraption, see how hard you can throw a baseball, design a own virtual roller coaster and then ride it, try laying on a bed of nails, and more! WonderWorks is a must-stop in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Inversion TunnelA word to the wise, it can get crowded, so pick a good time to go when you do. Try early mornings or late after dinner. I would avoid Fridays and Saturdays unless you’re prepared to deal with an influx of people.

A few more tips:

  • Don’t eat anything too heavy beforehand. There are rides that spin and flip, so try to eat after you go on any of the rides.
  • There are a lot of photo opportunities at WonderWorks (bed of nails, spacesuit), so pack your camera.

Terry Evanswood’s “The Wonders of Magic at WonderWorks” is rated as a 5-star attraction on Trip Advisor and was voted No. 1 of 62 Pigeon Forge attractions. They advise guests to: “Discover the Wonders of Magic at WonderWorks. Prepare to be dazzled by one of the world’s greatest magicians. Terry Evanswood, don’t miss this opportunity to participate in one of this areas true greats. His show is so amazing you will be asking yourself, “How did he do that?”

If you have tips that you would like to share about Wonder Works in Pigeon Forge, TN then please post a comment below!

Website

Phone:
865-868-1800

Address:
WonderWorks
100 Music Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

When Ripley’s announced they were going to put an aquarium in Gatlinburg, there were two questions that everybody asked:  Where? & When?  Well, they built it in the center of town, right off River Road at traffic light 5.  It is impossible to miss this complex that has become as much a part of the scenery of Gatlinburg as the Aerial Tramway to Ober Gatlinburg.  Opening in late in 2000, this attraction is more than a decade old and has become one of the most visited family attractions in the Smokies.

With an aquarium, you expect to see tanks full of fish.  Ripley’s has designed an aquarium that allows you to roam from tank to tank, making sure that you are able to see fish in as natural an environment as possible.  The aquarium boasts over 10,000 aquatic animals, some of which you can even hold and touch.  This is a world class aquarium, bringing you salt water animals from all over the world.  As you walk from tank to tank you explore places as diverse as the Amazon Rain Forest, the Pacific Ocean and coral reefs.  Each exhibit has been painstakingly designed to give you a sense of being close to the action – of being in the water with the fish.

Two of the exhibits are hands-on.  The Discovery Center lets you explore different aspects of the seas and get even closer to some of the fish you have been seeing.  Included in this area is a flowing water exhibit that allows you to pick up and handle a horseshoe crab, one of the oldest and most unchanged animals on the planet.  Being able to reach into the shallow water and touch these oddities of the undersea world is both unique and exciting.  As you near the exit of the aquarium, you will find yourself at Touch-a-Ray Bay.  This location lets you gets hands on with small rays and shark in a safe environment.  Divers and aquarium staff are on hand to teach you about the animals you are touching and make sure that everyone gets a chance to get hands on.

Ripley's Aquarium of the SmokiesOne of the most unique features of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a trip through the underwater tunnel which brings you through the world of a coral reef with a huge mixture of animals.  You stand on a moving walkway that passes through this amazing world.  Sharks soar past, inches from your head.  Sea turtles glide gracefully through the water and all this time you are moving slowly through a tunnel enjoying the amazing scenery and the spectacle around you.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is a must do activity in the Smoky Mountains.  Thousands of visitors go through their exhibits each season, making this one of the most visited attractions in the area.  A well designed and maintained attraction with an experience that will stick with you for years to come.  Make the aquarium a stop for you and your loved ones on your next trip to Gatlinburg.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
88 River Rd
Gatlinburg, TN
865-430-8808

Panther Creek State Park

One of the many great state parks in Tennessee, Panther Creek State Park is located in Morristown, TN in the shadow of the Smoky Mountains.  This park is made up of more than 1,400 acres and houses many opportunities for outdoor activities and lots of fun.  Water sports, camping, boating and little history thrown in to boot make this an extraordinary park to visit while you are in the Smoky Mountains on vacation.  Or maybe, you live in the area and you have never ventured out to the numerous state parks in the area – what are you waiting for?

Panther Creek and Panther Springs have an interesting story behind their names.  Supposedly, the area was originally scouted by one Colonel Bradley of Virginia.  While he and his men were exploring the area, he spied a panther or a mountain lion near the spring.  He took careful aim and shot the animal which fell into the spring.  Thus he named the creek and the spring after the animal that he shot on the banks of the river.

Panther Creek State Park borders the Cherokee Reservoir.  This man made body of water was created by an impoundment of the Holston River on its way to its confluence with the French Broad River – where the Tennessee River is formed.  The Cherokee Reservoir provides a wonderful playground on the placid water.  Panther Creek State Park is about 35 miles from Knoxville and about 45 miles north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Panther Creek State ParkWhen you get to Panther Creek State Park you will find that many of the activities focus around Cherokee Lake.  Boating, boat rentals, a bait shop and more are located right on the shore of the lake.  While you are there, you might as well spend the night in one of the 50 campsites that are located around the lake.  The campsites are full service with electrical hookups, grills, picnic tables and more.  Many people come to Cherokee Lake looking to hook into a big fish.  Bluegill, catfish, crappie, bass and bream can be found in the cool waters of the lake.  Or maybe you want to go for a swim.  The campground has a swimming pool on premises with a high dive and a wading area for the little kids in your family.

If you are looking for a change of pace or just a great weekend excursion to the foothills of the Smokies, Panther Creek State Park has a lot to offer those looking for a day of fun around the lake or for a week long getaway.  Fish, camp, swim, boat and basically get outdoors spending plenty of time in the fun and the sun at Panther Creek.

Weather in the GSMNP

Whenever somebody complains about the weather in the Smoky Mountains, a typical response from one of the locals will be:

“Give it 15 minutes, it will change.”

And, as a whole that is right.  The weather in the Smokies is relatively temperate.  During the summer it does get warm and during the winter it does get bitter cold, but in the grand scheme of things, it is neither as hot or as cold as other areas of the country.  In the summer, you can go to the top of the mountain in areas like Clingman’s Dome and during the winter you can stay in the lower elevations to stay a little warmer.  The lower than average snow fall in the Smoky Mountains leaves the park open during most of the year, but the elevation means that places like Ober Gatlinburg and Cataloochee can make snow early and for a long time.

Weather data for Lower Elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Month

High

Low

Monthly Precipitation

Monthly Snowfall

Days of Precipitation

Jan

51

28

4.8″

2.3″

9

Feb

54

29

4.8″

2.9″

9

March

61

34

5.3″

T

8

April

71

42

4.5″

0

8

May

79

50

4.5″

0

9

June

86

58

5.2″

0

9

July

88

59

5.7″

0

10

Aug

87

60

5.3″

0

10

Sept

83

55

3.0″

0

5

Oct

73

43

3.1″

T

6

Nov

61

33

3.4″

0.7″

7

Dec

52

28

4.5″

1.0″

8

Weather data for the Higher Elevations of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Month

High

Low

Monthly Precipitation

Monthly Snowfall

Days of Precipitation

Jan

35

19

7.0″

18″

12

Feb

35

18

8.2″

20″

12

March

39

24

8.2″

26″

12

April

49

34

6.5″

5″

10

May

57

43

6.0″

T

10

June

63

49

6.9″

0

11

July

65

53

8.3″

0

13

Aug

64

52

6.8″

0

12

Sept

60

47

5.1″

T

8

Oct

53

38

5.4″

2″

8

Nov

42

28

6.4″

5″

9

Dec

37

21

7.3″

8″

10

North Carolina State Parks

North Carolina chooses to celebrate the land and the landscape of the mountains in the state parks that surround the Smoky Mountains.  From the peak of Mount Mitchell to the slowly flowing New River, the state parks of the state of North Carolina provide days of recreational opportunities for thousands of visitors each year.  Whether you are wanting a simple day playing in the mountains or a strenuous hike to the top of a miraculous rock formation, check out the state parks of NC to find all that your travel needs desire.

Blue Valley Experimental Forest – This experimental forest was established in 1964.  The purpose of this forest is to study the eastern white pine and other hardwood trees.  Through the research that goes on in this forest, the understanding of the eastern white pine and hardwood trees in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina has increased and researchers have been able to help keep these forests vibrant and healthy.

Chimney Rock State Park – Chimney Rock’s main feature is the 315 foot spire of rock that just from the landscape and shares its name with the park itself.  Once a privately owned park, the family that owned Chimney rock developed the stairway and elevator that give visitors access to the top of the spire and also hiking trails to other geological formations in the park itself, including the 404 foot Hickory Nut Falls.

Elk Knob State Park – This is one of the newest additions to the North Carolina State Park system.  Right now it has just the basics:  a park office, a contact station, a maintenance facility, picnic areas and a hiking trail.  The hiking trail provides a glorious walk to the apex of Elk Knob.

Grandfather Mountain – Grandfather Mountain was added to the state park system in North Carolina in 2008.  The acquisition of this property helps to continue the vision of the Horton family (the family that owned the area known as Grandfather Mountain and turned it into the destination that it is today).  On top of the mountain you will find hiking trails, a swinging bridge and breathtaking views of the mountains around Grandfather Mountain.  Add to that the events that take place on Grandfather Mountain each year, like the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games and you have a destination that could monopolize your vacation for days at a time.

Mount Jefferson State Park – Mount Jefferson rises more than 1,600 feet above the surrounding area on the Ashe Plateau.  From the peak you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains and of course the Ashe Plateau which spreads out in front of the peak.  The lush forest on Mount Jefferson bring one of the widest ranges of plant and wild life that is to be found in the Southern Appalachians.

Mount Mitchell State Park – Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River.  Rising 6,684 feet above sea level, Mount Mitchell dominates the skyline.  Though Mount Mitchell is often shrouded in mist and mystery, a hike to the top of the mountain provides the visitor with an amazing view of the surrounding valleys and mountains for miles around.

New River State Park – Camping, picnicking, fishing and best of all canoeing and flat water kayaking are just a few of the reasons to visit the New River State Park.  Beautiful scenery and a pastoral landscape surround what may be the oldest river in the United States.  You can drive through this beautiful area, taking in the natural beauty or you can jump in a canoe or kayak and float gentle down this slow moving river form one of the four river access points.

Capitol Theatre

Downtown Maryville, TN was once the thriving center of the community.  Over time, like almost all downtown areas in small towns, the  area that used to be jumping with activity fell out of favor as commerce in general moved toward other areas of the city.  One thing in downtown Maryville remained the same however, the beauty the quaintness and of course, the Capitol Theatre.

The Capitol Theatre was built in 1934.  It took over the location that had been the home of JC Penny before this point.  The Capitol was the largest of three possible locations to see movies in downtown Maryville.  Seating 1000 people, the Captiol was a jumping place up until the time it closed in the 1970s, as the downtown area felt the effects of commercial businesses moving.  From the 30s through the 70s, people flocked to this theater.  Showing both motion pictures and live performances, the Capitol Theatre was THE place to go for decades.  Closing in the 1970s, the building went through a lot of tenants over the years, in more recent years, the Capitol has seen a bit of renovation and is returning to its former glory.

Now, the Capitol Theatre is a special events venue.  From wedding receptions to corporate engagements, the Capitol can now be rented out to cover all of your party and event needs.  The Capitol Theatre offers lots of amenities that you will not find at other places:

  • stage
  • retractable silver screen
  • dance floor
  • catering kitchen
  • flexible seating
In addition the staff at the theater can help you plan you revent and fins an additional need syou might have while you are getting your gala or reception ready.  The Capitol Theatre has now become the place to have your event.  The Capitol Theatre is also helping to revitalize the downtown area of Maryville.  Surrounded by unique shopping experiences and restaurants, the Capitol has changed with the times but it has also kept that same feel that it had back when it was founded.
Capitol Theatre
127 West Broadway Ave
Maryville, TN
865-980-1966

Weddings in the Smokies

Couple the beautiful natural chapel of the Smoky Mountains with the relatively minor requirements for getting married on the Tennessee side of the Smokies and you will understand why a Smokies wedding and honeymoon is second in popularity only to Las Vegas.  Couples can be joined in holy matrimony in a chapel, the National Park or the privacy of their cottage or cabin.

Chapel Weddings
Chapels around the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area in every shape form and fashion.  You can find one to fit any budget or style of wedding.  Whether you are looking for something quite & quaint or maybe a little more upscale there are chapels all over the Smoky Mountains.

Cabin Weddings
Maybe you have rented a cabin for your honeymoon.  If the group coming to your wedding is small enough, or your cabin is large enough, you can always have the wedding at the cabin.  Hire a local minister or get a justice of the peace to come out to the cabin and have a nice intimate ceremony with just your close friends and family.

National Park Wedding
Or maybe, just maybe, you are wanting to have your wedding in the grandeur and beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Here is a quote from the documentation from the Park Service about weddings:

“Persons wishing to conduct a wedding in the Park must complete the standard Application for Special Use Permit and return it by mail along with a non-refundable application fee. CUA holders may submit an application on behalf of their clients along with the required fee.  Applications must be received by the Park no less than 14 days in advance of the wedding date.  Applications for weddings which require exemptions from the standard permit conditions must be received no less than 21 days in advance of the wedding date. Exceptions/exemptions will not be granted to weddings planned or conducted by a CUA holder.”

Weddings in the SmokiesMarriage License
Both parties must be present to obtain the marriage license from the County Clerk’s Marriage License Centers (Gatlinburg Shilling Center, Pigeon Forge City Hall or Sevierville Courthouse). There is no waiting period and an appointment is not necessary to obtain the license.  Proof of age is required by a driver’s license, state-issued picture ID, a valid passport or certified birth certificate.  A blood test is not required and applicants need not be residents of Sevier County to be wed there.  Couples may also bring a valid Tennessee marriage license from anywhere in the state of Tennessee but remember that the license is only valid for 30 days after the issue.  If applicants are under the age of 18, both parents or legal guardians must sign the marriage certificate.

Three Rivers Rambler

The Three Rivers Rambler is a train excursion that runs along to the Tennessee River.  This 90 minute train ride starts from the waterfront near downtown Knoxville and takes you on a ride through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.  You will pass a lot of the history that has formed not only Knoxville but parts of the country as well.  The end of the trip is a visit to the Three Rivers Trestle.  The Rambler runs on selected weekends and has become a huge draw for the Neyland Drive area of Knoxville,

The Trains

Depending on when you decide to take a ride on the Rambler, you might be pulled by Lindy – the 1925 steam engine or the slightly older 1890 steam engine that they are unveiling in the summer of 2012.  There are also times that they use diesel engines to pull the coach cars. These give you an entirely different feel to your train ride as the power of the diesel engines pulls you down the track.  While you are onboard the Rambler, you will be sitting in one of the two coach cars that date back to 1932.  The various cars of the train are connected and allow you to roam to the open air section fo the train or to the merchandise cars where they sell soft drinks and water; this is also where the restrooms are located.

Three Rivers RamblerThe Trip

The 90 minute ride on the Rambler takes you from the waterfront on Neyland Drive past downtown through the foothills of the Smokies and past lush pastoral landscapes and lots of history.  As you progress north from the boarding station, you will pass the farmlands that were the first settlements in the area, quarries that actually supplied some of the stone that helped to build Washington DC and many other points of interest.  While you travel along, feel free to ask questions of the staff members on board.  They are very knowledgeable and they have been asked your questions before.  They know the route and will be glad to share their knowledge with you.

The Trestle

The highlight of the trip is a visit to the Three Rivers Trestle.  The Rambler takes you to the point where the Tennessee River really begins.  The French Broad, after winding its way out of the mountains, and the Holston combine to form the Tennessee River.  The Tennessee then continues on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. You actually get to see the point where this new river, the Tennessee, is formed.  A highlight that lets you see a stretch of river that powers homes, moves the economy along and of course provides hours of recreation.

The Three Rivers Rambler offers a different way to experience the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.  You can sit back and enjoy the hour and a half ride through the outskirts of Knoxville, TN while you learn about the history of the city, the area and the country.  You also get to view the start of the one of the largest waterways in our country.  Try the Three Rivers Rambler out as a day trip the next time you visit the Smokies.

Three Rivers Rambler
2560 University Commons Way
Knoxville, TN 37919
865-524-9411

Kephart Prong Trail

  • Kephart Prong Trail2.0 miles in length
  • Starting Points – 8.8 miles from Newfound Gap – headed toward North Carolina
  • Points of Interest – CCC Camp, Fish Hatchery, Railroad Remains, Kephart Shelter
  • Difficulty – 1-2

This is a great trail, especially if you are looking for something a little out of the ordinary but still short enough to hike in one afternoon.  Along the way you will get to see some history from the early days of the GSMNP, cross some streams and even take in one of the shelters that you can reserve if you want to stay on the trail overnight.  Also, this trail is named for a very famous person:  Horace Kephart.  Kephart was one of the people that helped with the founding of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and actually established most of the trails in the park.

Kephart Prong TrailThe trail is inclined, gradually gaining altitude as you hike.  Within the first few feet, you will cross the Oconaluftee River on a footbridge.  The trail starts out very wide, easily allowing 3-4 people to walk side by side.  The trail narrows as it continues.  Inside the first half mile yo will come upon a chimney that marks the location of an old CCC camp.  These members of the Civilian Conservation Corps helped build the infrastructure in the National Park during the 30s and 40s.

At 0.7 miles into the trail you will come to the abandon fish hatchery.  This hatchery was used by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s.  The WPA helped to establish the National Park.  This hatchery helped to establish the rainbow trout population in the Smokies.  Though this trout did have adverse effects on the native brook trout, the rainbow trout did establish the Smokies as the trout fishing capital of the south.

Kephart Prong TrailIn the last mile of the trail, you will experience 4 stream crossings.  If you are unfamiliar with the term stream crossing, you are going to encounter a stream that runs across the trail.  The stream crossings vary in depth and width.  In most cases, on the trails in the Smokies, there will be some type of bridge to assist you with those crossings.  On all of the stream crossings along Kephart Prong Trail you can choose to cross them by wading across the stream or by using the bridges.  Now, these bridgesd are nothing like the footbridge that you crossed the Oconaluftee on earlier.  These are trees that have been cut in half and laid across the stream.  The logs are held in place by stonework and they have handrails in most cases.

Along the final 0.2 miles of the trail you will encounter the remains of a narrow gauge railroad from the Champion Fibre Company.  Along the side of the trail you will see the iron rails of the railroad covered in most and rusting.  This narrow gauge track system transported materials out of the mountains until the establishment of the national park.  Not wanting to spend the resources to remove the rails from the park, the iron rails have been left in the mountains to testify to a time long gone.