Gatlinburg has been ranked among top 25 destinations in the United States on Trip Advisor and received the Travelers' Choice® award for 2011 for Destinations and Family.
Alternatively, Pigeon Forge is also making some waves on Trip Advisor--ranking fourth among the top 15 destinations on the rise in the United States.
Trip Advisor says the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States and with Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge located conveniently nearby, they tend to attract a lot of outdoor enthusiasts and those who just want to play in the outside. We think the national park, with all the hiking and wildlife, is a very family-oriented place to travel. And with it being within a day's drive from nearly half of the U.S., it is very accessible to get to in considerably little time.
Some folks are drawn out to Pigeon Forge for a different kind of adventure in the form of Dollywood theme park, created by Dolly Parton herself, with concerts, thrill rides, gospel music and various festivals.
What do you love about Gatlinburg and the surrounding area?
Friday, December 30, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Hiking in the Smokies of Tennessee
Have you ever noticed that on a hike, there is something delicious about the air? Scientists may say it’s the oxygenated air due to thick vegetation, and adventurers might claim it’s that feeling of freedom that whispers off the stream. Whether it's photosynthesis or vigorous aura, I don't know, but the air is just wonderful to drink in. I love a good hike, and in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, there are several good hikes ranging from very easy, to extremely difficult. Specifically near the Cosby Entrance of the Smoky Mountain National Park, there are three different trails that offer variety for any hiker.
If you’re looking for a quiet stroll beneath shady trees, the Cosby Nature Trail beckons. The trailhead is just past the picnic area in Cosby, taking you on a loop that is only 1 mile long, with a few footbridges to cross. For those with younger children, this trail is manageable, fun, and relaxing. If you’re not feeling up to an extended hike, but you still want to take in nature's beauty, try the Cosby Nature Trail.
If you’re looking for a longer hike with a beautiful destination, the Gabes Mountain trail is the one for you. With a length of about 4.5 miles round-trip, this trail leads to Hen Wallow Falls, and starts near the Cosby Picnic area, just before the turn into the parking area. This trail has some steep stretches, some stream crossings on footbridges, and even a stone bridge about a mile into the hike. This trail is adventurous and enjoyable, but it may be too long for smaller children.
Onto bigger things, if you’re willing to spend a day, the Low Gap trail takes you to Mount Cammerer Fire Tower, a powerful name for a majestic view, one of the very best lookouts in the Smoky Mountains. But you have to earn it. This challenging, 15.9 mile round-trip hike starts near the amphitheatre in Cosby campground, and goes up to Mount Cammerer with a steep incline. The trail takes you on switchbacks, through a dense but beautiful forest, until you finally reach the summit, where a breath-taking view awaits. You can even go inside the fire tower, where a panoramic view is given with the tower’s octagonal structure and surrounding windows. If you’re ready to strike the mountain and claim the peak, hit the Low Gap trail.
There’s a trail for everyone, so come breathe the air, come see the sights, and come experience the memorable moments that Great Smoky Mountain National Park has to offer.
If you’re looking for a quiet stroll beneath shady trees, the Cosby Nature Trail beckons. The trailhead is just past the picnic area in Cosby, taking you on a loop that is only 1 mile long, with a few footbridges to cross. For those with younger children, this trail is manageable, fun, and relaxing. If you’re not feeling up to an extended hike, but you still want to take in nature's beauty, try the Cosby Nature Trail.
If you’re looking for a longer hike with a beautiful destination, the Gabes Mountain trail is the one for you. With a length of about 4.5 miles round-trip, this trail leads to Hen Wallow Falls, and starts near the Cosby Picnic area, just before the turn into the parking area. This trail has some steep stretches, some stream crossings on footbridges, and even a stone bridge about a mile into the hike. This trail is adventurous and enjoyable, but it may be too long for smaller children.
Onto bigger things, if you’re willing to spend a day, the Low Gap trail takes you to Mount Cammerer Fire Tower, a powerful name for a majestic view, one of the very best lookouts in the Smoky Mountains. But you have to earn it. This challenging, 15.9 mile round-trip hike starts near the amphitheatre in Cosby campground, and goes up to Mount Cammerer with a steep incline. The trail takes you on switchbacks, through a dense but beautiful forest, until you finally reach the summit, where a breath-taking view awaits. You can even go inside the fire tower, where a panoramic view is given with the tower’s octagonal structure and surrounding windows. If you’re ready to strike the mountain and claim the peak, hit the Low Gap trail.
There’s a trail for everyone, so come breathe the air, come see the sights, and come experience the memorable moments that Great Smoky Mountain National Park has to offer.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Fine Dining in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee
For those who visit Tennessee and have a taste for fine-dining, there are more than blackberries and bramble to be found in the Smoky Mountains. Christopher Place Resort offers a wide variety of sumptuous foods, and a full array of fine wines and alcoholic beverages, served in the Mountain View Dining Room Restaurant and Marston’s Library Pub. These two venues offer distinct experiences, one more casual, one more refined. It’s your choice of romance, here in Newport, Tennessee.
The Mountain View Dining Room Restaurant is the place to experience all the splendor Tennessee has to offer. We give candlelit dinners from Tuesday to Saturday, and supply four-course prixe-fixe dining experiences, with salads, soups, or delicacies like “Baked Shrimp Remoulade Sauce,” and “Garlic and Onion Bisque.” In description of the food served at Christopher Place Resort, East Tennessee Marquee Magazine said “Chef Valentine creates exquisite romantic dinners.” As this steaming, seasoned symphony rolls over the tongue, the candles sparkle merrily and the fire pops in the fireplace. Describing their overall experience at Christopher Place, one of our guests said “Beautiful rooms, excellent service and the secluded peace of the Smoky Mountains combine to make this the perfect place for a honeymoon. Delicious dinners and an in-room fireplace were the icing on the cake for us.” Reservations are required to dine at this restaurant.
For a casual atmosphere, silvered with laughter and served with a traditional pub-style fare, visit Marston’s Library Pub, open every Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday and Monday. To name but a few, we offer “Beer-Boiled Shrimp Cocktail,” a platter of jumbo shrimp boiled in a beer infused with seven spices, all served with a traditional cocktail sauce. Celebrating the Old English feel, “Bangers and Mash” is a smoky sausage, served with creamy mashed potatoes covered in a rich brown sauce, with fresh sweet peas on the side. And for a dessert that will send you to bed with a smile, the Marston’s Chocolate Cake with Guinness is made with rich dark chocolate, smooth Molasses, and a touch of Guinness, topped off with a shake of sugar and a spoonful of vanilla ice cream.
There’s a taste for everyone here, at the Christopher Place Resort, nestled in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Spring Festivals Near Newport, TN
Sometimes words are so perfect in their capture of an idea, and for me, whenever I hear the word “festival,” this small package of syllables does its job. “Festival” enters my ear with a crowd of tumblers, clowns, colors and streamers in its wake. Around this time of year in Tennessee, "festival" is the word sweeping the state. Several Tennessee small towns are greeting the onset of spring with food, music and dancing for everyone.
The Ramp Festival, held in Cosby, Tennessee, is the longest running festival in the State, and will be held on May 7-8 this year. Back in 1954, the members of Cocke County wanted to generate tourism and publicity for their area. So they brainstormed, trying to think of something noble, powerful, anything worthy of celebration. In the end, they found a common pride in the “ramp,” not to be confused with the “on-ramp” used for merging onto the freeway. The ramp, a member of the onion family and just as powerful in taste and aroma, was believed to hold the revitalizing quality of a spring tonic, and was chosen as the subject of their celebration. Since then, every year in Cocke County Tennessee, the people of this state celebrate heritage and springtime through music, dancing, food, and the crowning of a “Maid of Ramps.” In 1955, former President Harry Truman even attended.
Another festival held in the spring is the Bloomin’ Barbeque and Bluegrass festival. This family-geared celebration is held in tribute to the sound of Bluegrass music, the beauty of spring, and the taste of the barbeque. Located in Sevierville, held on May 20-21, there is no admission charge. You can just show up. Of course, food, drink and merchandise will be sold there, so don’t forget your wallet, but the Bluegrass Music will also be staged for free. And for those who live for the taste of delicious meats, hot and sizzling off the grill, a first class barbeque cook-off will be held, with barbeque teams coming to Sevierville from across the nation.
So if you’re in the neighborhood of Gatlinburg or Newport Tennessee around springtime, make sure to check and see if a festival is going on. Come experience the sights, sounds and feelings of a classic Tennessee festival, beneath the gaze of the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
The Ramp Festival, held in Cosby, Tennessee, is the longest running festival in the State, and will be held on May 7-8 this year. Back in 1954, the members of Cocke County wanted to generate tourism and publicity for their area. So they brainstormed, trying to think of something noble, powerful, anything worthy of celebration. In the end, they found a common pride in the “ramp,” not to be confused with the “on-ramp” used for merging onto the freeway. The ramp, a member of the onion family and just as powerful in taste and aroma, was believed to hold the revitalizing quality of a spring tonic, and was chosen as the subject of their celebration. Since then, every year in Cocke County Tennessee, the people of this state celebrate heritage and springtime through music, dancing, food, and the crowning of a “Maid of Ramps.” In 1955, former President Harry Truman even attended.
Another festival held in the spring is the Bloomin’ Barbeque and Bluegrass festival. This family-geared celebration is held in tribute to the sound of Bluegrass music, the beauty of spring, and the taste of the barbeque. Located in Sevierville, held on May 20-21, there is no admission charge. You can just show up. Of course, food, drink and merchandise will be sold there, so don’t forget your wallet, but the Bluegrass Music will also be staged for free. And for those who live for the taste of delicious meats, hot and sizzling off the grill, a first class barbeque cook-off will be held, with barbeque teams coming to Sevierville from across the nation.
So if you’re in the neighborhood of Gatlinburg or Newport Tennessee around springtime, make sure to check and see if a festival is going on. Come experience the sights, sounds and feelings of a classic Tennessee festival, beneath the gaze of the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Smoky Mountain Canopy Tours
At Christopher Place, we pride ourselves in creating the perfect atmosphere for rest and relaxation. We offer sweet, succulent solace at our resort, with the tranquil Tennessee scenery as a backdrop. But for those who prefer a spike of adrenaline and a bite of excitement, for those who can only get so much “rest and relaxation” before their feet start to itch and their hands start to quiver, Canopy Tours have been popping up like crazy around here.
Canopy Tours take you into the picturesque scenery, weaving in and out of the trees via ziplines. Some even reach the speed of 40 mph. There's the sound of the wire, the wind, and the rushing leaves. At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, they offer 14 different zipline courses, estimated at 2 ½ hours each, for the price of 84$ per person.
Adventure America Zipline Canopy Tours offers various zipline courses for 79$ a person, with the Pigeon River Tour at 54$ a person, and reduced prices for groups. Both of these establishments offer tour guides who will walk you through your first experience on the ziplines. If you feel uncomfortable with plunging down the mountainside at 40 mph, the tours through the canopy start out on gradual inclines, and slowly move to the faster courses.
Adventure America Zipline Canopy Tours offers various zipline courses for 79$ a person, with the Pigeon River Tour at 54$ a person, and reduced prices for groups. Both of these establishments offer tour guides who will walk you through your first experience on the ziplines. If you feel uncomfortable with plunging down the mountainside at 40 mph, the tours through the canopy start out on gradual inclines, and slowly move to the faster courses.
Really, we all wish we could fly. One of our childhood dreams was that of flight. With the right gear and the proper facility, Canopy Tours can provide you with this experience. It's just one more adventure close to the Christopher Place Resort.
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