Here are just a few tips for those who might be coming into town about which ways might be best to enjoy the Smoky Mountains magic while avoiding the traffic hassles…

Interstate 40 (Exit 407)

Obviously, the pathway that many take to their Smokies and Gatlinburg vacations involves Interstate 40 and exit 407.  After all, I-40 is one of three interstate systems in the eastern region of the state, and is the most logical way to get to there.  Whether coming from the east or the west, you will no doubt encounter some of the most beautiful surroundings you have ever seen.

I-40 (Driving From The West Through Knoxville, TN)

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From the west, you will come through Knoxville, which depending on the time of day, can be a major headache.  Avoiding the rush driving times can help a traveler greatly while making the trip to their Gatlinburg vacations.  Thankfully, the construction that has been taking place on I-40 through the town of the Volunteers has ended, making the run a lot more enjoyable and less time consuming.  I have seen traffic begin as soon as you depart the interstate at exit 407 though, so please be advised.

I-40 / I-81 (Traveling From The East)

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If you are coming from the eastern side of I-40, you’re in better luck as far as traffic goes.  You definitely won’t mind the view, either.  With towns like Bulls Gap and Morristown adorning the path, you will drive through some absolutely gorgeous Smoky Mountains scenery.

***NOTE: I-40 in North Carolina is currently (1/25/2010) CLOSED near the NC / Tennessee border due to a massive rock slide. Please see this info page from NCDOT for complete details and detour information.***

Highway 441

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From the south, there is Highway 441 that has you coming in from North Carolina, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  When it comes to scenery, you can’t beat this pathway into Sevier County.  Of course, traffic through the National Park is a consideration, and obviously, you can’t drive as fast as you can through some of the other ways of getting there.

Insiders’ Tips On Beating Traffic To And From Your Smoky Mountain Vacations

OK, so…you’re going to encounter non-stop traffic no matter how you go, right?  Well, if you go at certain times of the year, that’s probably a given.  With that said, let me offer you two alternate route suggestions that might cause you a little less headache:

Alternate Route #1:  Take Highway 441 South From Knoxville

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If you have to go through Knoxville, you might want to consider getting off the interstate on Highway 441 in downtown. Instead of going straight through Knoxville to the famous exit 407, you’ll go through the town of Seymour, en route to Sevierville, TN.  Once you get to Sevierville though, you’re on your own.

Alternate Route #2:  Take Highway 321

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The other (sort of) secret route involves you coming in from the west, and departing I-40 before you get to Knoxville.  At exit 364, you will see Highway 321 that takes you through Lenoir City, Maryville, and south to Townsend before you make a cut back to the north to Pigeon Forge, where you wind up in the middle of town.  Mileage-wise, it’s not wise, but in my travels there, I can’t remember ever coming to a complete stop, and the drive is absolutely breathtaking.

A Few Additional Insiders’ Travel Tips…

There are a few further tips for travelers driving to the Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area that might make your stay more pleasant.  If you are coming in for a mountain run, you might want to make it during the week.  Weekend traffic is crazy.

If you can’t avoid going on a weekend during the fall…check out the Tennessee Volunteers Football Schedule.  Many fans that go cheer on the SEC powerhouse usually devote the second day of their weekend to the mountains.  Even if they don’t, avoid traveling through Knoxville on game day…you’ll drive yourself crazy!

Getting Around The Way The Locals Do

Simply getting to your destination isn’t enough.  You have to navigate your way to the town of your choice.  This sounds easy, but keep in mind, there are lots of people in the area just like you enjoying Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg vacations.  So, let’s start with Sevierville, and work our way up Highway 441.

Sevierville, TN

Exiting off of Interstate 40 onto Highway 66, you will be amazed at how many entertainment and shopping options there are—miles away from what is known as “The Parkway.”  As far as Sevierville goes, traffic is what it is.  You might be able to find a shortcut or two, but it’s not going to be that easy. One possible alternative would be to leave The Parkway, go east on 411 through Sevierville, and finally take Veterans Rd / Middle Creek Rd / Teaster Ln south to where it rejoins The Parkway below Pigeon Forge.

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Due to the basic layout of the town, there are not a lot of updates that can be made.  Still, you have to give credit to city officials for re-working the intersection of Highways 66 and 441 a few years ago, allowing visitors the option of bypassing one of the city’s busiest routes.  You’re still going to have a good amount of volume, but that little step makes it somewhat easier.

Pigeon Forge, TN

Then, you’re at Pigeon Forge.  If you have ever been there on a weekend in the fall, the massive amount of traffic will surely intimidate you if you’ve never been there before.  Do not abandon hope, as there are a few tricks to getting around town, or bypassing it altogether.

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Once you get into Pigeon Forge, you will arrive upon one of the busiest intersections of the area, that of Wears Valley Road (the afore-mentioned Highway 321) and Highway 441, referred to sometimes as “The Parkway.”  If you are coming from Sevierville, and you want to move on to Gatlinburg, or a little farther down the road in Pigeon Forge, take a left by the Timbers Log Motel.  Keep straight, and you will come upon a stop light adjacent to the Belz Outlet Mall.  Turn right, and you will be on one of the best treasures of Pigeon Forge—a road that runs parallel to the Parkway.  You will be able to turn right at a variety of stops that will bring you back out to “The Parkway.”  That should save some headache.

Gatlinburg, TN

The last stop on this ride is Gatlinburg.  Of course, with its location being right at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one might think there are not really too many viable choices other than to just deal with the traffic and bargain for some extra time.  Well, you would be pleasantly surprised to find out that you are wrong.  Gatlinburg has an awesome transit system that includes five separate trolleys.  Here’s a link to the official Gatlinburg Trolley Routes Map.

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If you choose to drive around the city during your Gatlinburg vacations, the city has added several new parking lots over the years that make it somewhat easier.  Personally, once you’re there…I would get on the trolley or hoof it.  It’s definitely worth it, as opposed to the frustrating hassle of driving around on the crowded main thoroughfare.

Of course, these are just a few helpful tips for driving in the Smokies.  Plan ahead, so you won’t spend the majority of your Smoky Mountains vacation being stuck in traffic and frustrated.  Enjoying Gatlinburg vacations, along with experiencing the rest of the area’s outstanding attractions, is much better without the traffic!

On the day of January 19, 1946, Dolly was born in Sevierville. The fourth of twelve children, she grew up in nearby Locust Ridge. Describing her circumstances growing up as “dirt poor,” Parton became enchanted with music at an early age. Her initial exposure came on the Cas Walker Show on Knoxville’s WIVK Radio. Walker was one of the area’s leading businessmen, and the exposure helped to create quite a following for the young songstress.

She, along with her Uncle Bill Owens, began to make many a trip to Nashville, and upon graduation from Sevier County High School, there was no doubting her destination. In fact, the morning after her graduation, Parton boarded a bus headed to Nashville, and eventually superstardom. Many in the crowd snickered when Dolly told the crowd at her graduation ceremony that she was going to be a star. I guess you can say she proved them wrong!

Still, it wasn’t an overnight success. Her biggest hits initially came as a songwriter, thought she did sign on the dotted line with Fred Foster and his Monument Records label. She climbed to #24 in 1967 with the self-penned “Dumb Blonde,” which would prove to be the first of many top 40 appearances for the singer.

Later that year, Parton received an invitation to join the stage and TV show of Porter Wagoner, replacing longtime fan favorite Norma Jean. Fans were resistant to the change, so Wagoner decided the best way to introduce Parton to his crowd was to record a few duets with her—something he never did with Norma Jean. The results were instant, and classic. The pair won countless “Vocal Duo Of The Year” awards from all the major organizations, and Dolly’s move to RCA Victor resulted in her star rising all the way to the top.

Her songwriting continued to blossom, and she penned several classics inspired by her life growing up, such as 1971’s autobiographical “Coat Of Many Colors.” After seven years with Wagoner, she went on her own in 1974, and the results speak for themselves. As the 70s progressed, Parton became a pop culture icon, leading to continued success with Country, but also Pop (1977’s “Here You Come Again” was her first major crossover record), and movies, with starring roles in films such as “9 To 5.”

The 1980s saw no fall from the top, as she was a chart favorite all decade long. In 1983, she teamed up with Kenny Rogers for “Islands In The Stream,” which was the biggest selling single in the history of RCA Records. Her affiliation with RCA ended in 1986, but the career continued to grow. A new deal with Columbia led to even more hits, and her 1987 collaboration with Emmylou Harris and Linda Rondstadt, Trio, is generally regarded as one of the top albums in Country Music.

1986 also saw the opening of her theme park, Dollywood, which is now one of the biggest parks in the United States, attracting millions of visitors each year—proving her business acumen. Aside from her 1987 variety series on ABC, everything she touches turn to gold. But even then, her contract was for two years and $ 44 million dollars…she definitely got the last laugh on Hollywood.

Some forty-five years after moving to Nashville, Parton continues to be one of the best friends that Sevier County has ever known. Dollywood pumps untold millions into the local economy, and her Dollywood Foundation helps out many local charities. Her “Imagination Library” gives one book each month to a child upon birth until they reach kindergarden, and has been duplicated many times by other counties across the United States.

Dolly Parton may have moved away to Nashville, but her heart and soul remains tied to the Smoky Mountain region where she drew her first breath, and though her glamorous image and stunning looks might make her worthy of being called an angel, if you were to ask most citizens of the area, they would probably say she is a real-life angel, who has helped the region to grow and thrive!

The Incline

The first stop on your Lookout Mountain day trip might be a ride along “America’s Most Amazing Mile.” Since 1895 The Incline Railway has been trolleying passengers from the foot of the mountain to its summit. This National Historic Engineering Landmark has a dramatic 72.7% grade near the top, which makes it the steepest railway in the world. Additionally, the views afforded to passengers are in a word: breathtaking!

Rock City

Atop Lookout Mountain (roughly 3 miles from The Incline) are the awesome rock formations and botanical gardens of Rock City. Since the early 19th century sightseers have come here to explore the naturally occurring “streets and avenues” that earned this landmark its nickname.

In the 1920s, Frieda Carter decided she would plant the mother-of-all rock gardens here in Rock City. It was Frieda’s husband, however, who conceived of turning this into a must-see tourist attraction. Garnet Carter’s famous “See Rock City” advertising campaign beckoned visitors from as far away as Michigan and Texas. You, too, will want visit here to enjoy the 4,100 foot walking trail,  the ancient and massive rock formations, and the panoramic view of 7 states.

Ruby Falls

Hidden within the caves of Lookout Mountain is a waterfall unlike any other. Every minute hundreds of gallons of water thunder down a 145 foot drop to splash into a  pool below. This is Ruby Falls, America’s highest and deepest underground waterfall.  Discovered over seven decades ago by  a group of excavators, the falls have become a national treasure. While here you can enjoy a walking tour of the caverns that house the falls and learn about the amazing history and geology of this natural wonder.

If you’ve decided to vacation here in East Tennessee, why not take a day out of your Gatlinburg holiday to visit one of America’s most dynamic landmarks. This easy day trip is both family-friendly and educational. From the amazing geology to its storied history (including the  most romantically named battle of the Civil War: The Battle Above the Clouds), Lookout Mountain offers fun and excitement for everyone.

The company, which was founded by its legendary namesake in 1947 as a way to help Country Music fans find their favorite records, has expanded over the years from its two locations in Music City to Pigeon Forge, and also at the famous Stockyards in Fort Worth, Texas.

If you’re looking for anything from Roy Acuff to Faron Young (and all points in between), you need to stop by this legendary store. Their selection is mind-boggling. Be prepared to take it all in, however. There are plenty of times that I have left the store, got about two or three miles down the road, and realized that I didn’t look for this artist or that artist.

Two of the most unique aspects of the Ernest Tubb Record Shops’ selection are the box sets that they carry. Bear Family Records, a company based in Germany, has released many multi-disc packages of artist such as Connie Smith, Buck Owens, and of course, Ernest Tubb. (It would stand to reason, would it not?)

One of the most incredible packages they have at Ernest Tubb is a sixteen-CD, 446-cut box containing nearly everything that Jim Reeves ever recorded. Keep in mind, these sets aren’t for the faint at heart—or price, either. However, they do have hundreds of CD’s priced at $9.98 or lower, offering Country Music fans of all budgets a chance to enjoy the music.

The store also carries an unusual amount of vinyl. Believe it or not, some record companies still release records—although in limited amounts. Recent releases by George Strait, Sugarland, Jamey Johnson, and Lee Ann Womack can all be found in the recorded form that many still believe sounds best today. But…there’s more, one can also find a great deal of vintage vinyl from acts such as Conway Twitty, Loretta Lynn, and Ernest Tubb. There must be a reason his records are here in great abundance!

The store is a jewel for those that consider themselves to be fans of Country Music. Whether your tastes are for today’s hottest acts like Trace Adkins or Rascal Flatts or legends like Eddy Arnold or Patsy Cline, you will find what you are looking for here.

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Quick Sidenote…Recently came across this awesome website: Top-Country-Songs.com. From today’s latest releases to the early days of Country Western, this definitive guide has got to be one of the best country music resources on the web.
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Their employees are all very friendly, and very knowledgeable about the music they sell. Sometimes, you can give them a few lines from a song, and they will know exactly what you are looking for…and what album it is on. That’s called service, my friends, and you’ll find it waiting on you at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

Along an eight-mile stretch in Gatlinburg, you will find an area that has been designated as a Tennessee Heritage Arts & Crafts Trail. There are over a hundred establishments along this route that specialize in some of the most beautiful craftwork that you will ever see. Whether it be candles, stained glass, dolls, leather, or oils and watercolors, you will find something that will catch your eye here.

Some of the artisans represented in the area include:

Alewine Pottery

A staple on the trail since 1983, Robert Alewine has been fascinated with his craft since he was nineteen. What started as a one-man operation has steadily grown over the years, with the company now employing three full-time potters—and even a television channel! The oil lamps there are particularly impressive.

Back Porch Gallery

Here you can find a variety of arts and crafts, ranging from stained glass (which they do a fabulous job) to even having a detailed oil painting made of your pet from a photograph. It’s definitely one of the most diverse stops along the way.

Misty Mountain Woodcrafts

Do you want to take home a piece of woodcraft straight from the mountains? If so, this stop might be well worth your time. Rodney and Diane Fincham take extraordinary care with their work, and the result is something that you’ll be proud of for years to come.

Nancie’s Fancies

Specializing in beaded jewelry, Nancie’s Fancies is unlike any stop you will make in the area. She even makes beaded eyeglass chains, which I found to be one of the most unique products that you will find there. What started out as primarily a passionate hobby for the owner has now become one of the most popular businesses in the region. A true example of someone who “loves what they do.”

Ogle’s Broom Shop

It is exactly what it says it is—a shop devoted to brooms. They’ve been doing it for three generations. In addition to brooms, one will also find a large selection of hiking sticks and walking canes, all handmade.

The Rose Pedaler

Want to keep that rose in a permanent manner? If so, you need to check this out. They will take that rose that has a special place in your heart, and will include it in a special piece of jewelry that is sure to be just as special for years’ to come!

Friends, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s a lot more to see when it comes to the Arts and Crafts district in Gatlinburg. For more information, log on to www.gatlinburgcrafts.com and find out a whole lot more!

Pigeon Forge, TN

Of course, it would be very hard to miss the town that is adjacent to Gatlinburg. Incorporated in 1961, the town quickly became a widely-visited hot spot among people who wanted to experience the natural beauty of the mountains. It steadily grew over the years, and then in 1986 hit the mother lode with the opening of Dollywood. Since then, the area has exploded with amusement parks, restaurants, motels, and of course…the shopping. Pigeon Forge is known throughout the United States for having some of the most unique outlet malls in the nation.  It’s well worth a day…or two of your stay!

Sevierville, TN

Because the only thing separating Pigeon Forge and Sevierville from each other geographically is a city limits sign (and trust me, there’s plenty of signs in the area), you just might pass from one town to the other and not even know it. Still, visitors to Sevierville will find one of the Smokies’ fastest-growing communities offering everything from elaborate shopping malls to first-class dining. The town also retains a small-town charm with a beautiful downtown district. Look around, and you will find a statue there of a woman who just happens to be the town’s best-known symbol—Dolly Parton!

Townsend, TN

While Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge command the major amount of attention in the area, there are a few smaller towns on the map for folks who just want to get away…without the traffic. If that’s you, Townsend might just be up your alley. The pace might be a little slower, but it’s not without its attractions, as well. Craft shops galore line the sideways of Highway 321, as well as some of the most unique eateries the mountains have to offer. Not as commercially developed as other parts of the region, Townsend truly is a delight!

Newport, TN

Another laid back entity on Highway 321 happens to be Newport, located to the northeast of Gatlinburg. Established in 1797, just one year after Tennessee became a state, the town offers a quaint and peaceful charm, as well as some of the area’s most beautiful waterways and campgrounds. The arts community thrives there, with a dedicated Arts and Crafts Guild, in addition to the Newport Theater Guild, which showcases the many talents of local thespians!

Cherokee, NC

One of the most delightful stops in the area happens to be on the other side of the mountain at Cherokee, NC. While I don’t have to explain how the town got its name, I can tell you that this area has grown by leaps and bounds over the past two decades. Part of the reason behind that growth is the gaming industry and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel, which offers close to 200,000 feet of excitement. If that isn’t for you, don’t fret. There’s a lot more to do and see. You can enter the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway here, and even see a bear at the Cherokee Bear Zoo, where tigers and monkeys also can be seen. See beautiful Fontana Dam, or simply tour the area in one of their wild water jeep tours, this North Carolina jewel offers something for everyone!

So, as you can see…the surrounding areas of Gatlinburg offer treasures and experiences untold. The biggest question I have is…why are you still reading this?  Get in the car, and find out for yourself!

Most of you know about “The Parkway.”  It is the main road in the body of the Smokies.  It starts in Sevierville and goes through Pigeon Forge, through the mountains, and into Gatlinburg (and beyond if you want too).

But many tourists aren’t aware that there is another parkway called, “Dolly Parton Parkway” off to the left as you enter Sevierville from the popular 407 exit.  Dolly Parton Parkway holds it’s own with businesses, restaurants, and shops, and the majority of the business that is done on this parkway is local stuff.  Some experienced tourists have learned back roads that use Dolly Parton Parkway to skip the traffic from the main parkway.

The point of my story is this—located on Dolly Parton Parkway is a unique furniture store called Ogle Furniture Outlet.  While shopping for new living room furniture, we headed up the hill to this shop to see what they had and if we could afford it.  When we opened the doors of the building we were shocked.  It was huge…really huge!  I had never seen so much furniture in my life.

We weren’t jumped on by sales people.  A lady greeted us with friendly comments and told us if we needed her to just yell.  We spent forever in the store.  In and out of the rooms filled with the neatest furniture I have ever seen in one location.  They had the top names, like many other stores, but the selection and the uniqueness of the shop was memorable.

Displayed along the back wall are museum quality signs and fixtures from various places of the past that were once located in the surrounding area.  Gas station signs, advertisements, and rare pieces were displayed from the floor to the ceiling.  That stuff alone was worth coming in to see (I like old stuff and I am a junk man, so I was in heaven!).

Something that stuck out in my mind was all the pieces that were “mountain” pieces.  There were log bed frames, rockers, tables, chairs, plant stands, and much more.  I thought to myself, if someone was looking for the type of furniture that was in their rental cabin, this is the place.  It made me want to redecorate our house like a cabin!

My wife had other ideas, so we proceeded to shop for our furniture.  We were pleased to find just what we were looking for (under our budget, I might add).  The furniture was delivered within a few days and we have been enjoying it ever since…actually, I am sitting on the couch as I write!

I know going to a furniture store may not be on your list to do when you are vacationing here in the Smoky Mountains, but if by chance you were looking for a unique piece that captures the area, this is the place.  Drive along Dolly Parton Parkway until you see some flags flying on the hill.  The big red and white sign with “Ogle Furniture Outlet” is the place.

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When you walk into this store you will see thousands upon thousands of books.  All the books are family friendly (and many are Christian).  The selection is unlike any place I have ever seen.

The great thing about this place is that it is so cheap…really cheap.  Several of the titles I saw were 90% off the retail price.  These books aren’t seconds or old titles either!  There are books for $5 that are the same on the shelves of other book stores for $24.99!

Family Book Outlet has a large variety of Christmas music, books, and gift items if you are starting to shop!  The kids section is unbelievable; I know I keep saying that, but is practically too good to be true.

My sister came to visit from West Virginia and she went crazy in the store.  She is a public school teacher and a Sunday school teacher and she couldn’t believe the prices on the literature and books she could use in her lessons.  She ended up filling two shopping carts!  I got tired after an hour waiting on her so I sat on the rocking chairs provided on the front porch.

While chatting with the staff there, they were very knowledgeable of the inventory and were most helpful searching for titles for customers.  They told me that if they don’t have the book in stock, they can probably special order for me and have it shipped directly to my home!  If you are in the ministry, you even get a discount.  A preacher was in line behind me and he showed them his “preacher’s card” (or something) and they gave him a ten percent discount.

The store goes beyond books, you can find family-friendly toys and a large variety of music.  My Grandma fell in love with their cookbooks.  She collects them and found several titles she had been looking for.  Some have even been out of print.

And I almost forgot, they have a used book section with some really great deals also.  Customers can bring in their personal books (family-friendly and approved by the store manager) and exchange them for gift cards to be used in the store.  I took in a box of books that we were going to sell at our yard sale and we received a $42 gift card—believe me, $42 goes a long way there!

Their selection of bibles is enormous.  The prices on these are slashed too.  Many of the Bibles are at least 40% off the suggested retail price.  This location is added to my “must take and see” list when my family and friends are in from out of town.

We buy a lot of our gifts there too. You receive quality items for a fraction of the cost at other stores.  It is unlike any bookstore I have ever visited.

So, as you plan your vacation to the Smoky Mountains and your Christmas shopping, make sure you add Family Book Outlet to the list.  You can stop in on your way into town to grab some books to read in your hotel room or on the porch of your cabin, or as you leave for the ride home.  It’s a perfect location!  Make the trip to Family Book Outlet—you will agree with me that it is unlike any bookstore you have ever visited.

I remember my first Holiday Season spent in Pigeon Forge.  I would drive around town and look at the lights every night!  I couldn’t wait to have my family and friends come to town so I could show them the spectacular displays placed around town.

The shops and businesses work night and day to make sure things are exactly perfect for Winterfest to kick off.  In my days working at Dollywood, I was shocked at the amount of time the employees spent decorating for Christmas.  People would work around the clock—for real—24 hours a day for several days!

Lights are wrapped around each tree and building in the park.  They decorate the theaters with pine garland and point all the garland ends in the same direction…now that’s effort!  It is beautiful.  Dollywood also has festive food and drinks like hot chocolate, wassail, and Christmas cookies from their Bakery that will make the trip even better.

Another spot to see the lights is Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge.  It runs along the river, down from The Old Mill.  Lights are displayed in oversized patriotic displays like The Liberty Bell, The Spirit of St. Louis, The American Flag, and Iwo Jima.  You can walk along the trail and see the lights up close.  My little girl loves that!  She asked the other night when we can go to the park and see the lights up close.

If you want to “take it all in” and see what the town has to offer, I suggest taking the Trolley Christmas Tour.  Leaving from their headquarters (beside Patriot Park) the trolleys (decorated with flashing lights themselves) take you around to all the hot spots with the best light displays.

The trolley rides themselves are pretty fun.  When my nephew was a little boy, he thought the trolley ride was an amusement ride, like at Dollywood. I didn’t tell him any different because it was a lot cheaper than riding on a rollercoaster.  The trolley is also a great way to get around town and avoid parking and traffic issues.  They provide a schedule with times and routes—it’s kind of like our very own version of the subway.

While making your plans to visit us over the holidays, remember to take an evening to enjoy the lights.  Hours and hours have been spent to make your trip to The Smokies the best and most memorable trip it can be!

Businesses and theaters “Deck the Halls” with over the top holiday trimmings.  Each year it seems to be bigger and more elaborate.  My wife marvels at the unique blue lights outside of the Christmas Place Inn and Store.  They are quite amazing!

Along with these decorations come a string of shows catering to Christmas.  Singers, dancers, and actors have worked overtime the past few weeks to perfect their holiday shows.  One that I would like to highlight today is a favorite of my family, Dixie Stampede.

With 32 trained horses, camels, sheep, and more animals that I can’t remember, Dixie Stampede Christmas Show is top of the line.  The cast of professional horse riders also sing and dance for your entertainment.  The costumes have been dazzled with red, green, gold, and white…and the set of the show is decorated like a typical southern plantation at Christmas with pine garland, lights, red bows, poinsettias, and Christmas trees.  The actual show allows you to participate in the program so you feel like you are part of the cast—It is unforgettable!

When you arrive at “The Stampede,” you enter a nostalgic barroom atmosphere where you will be entertained by a bluegrass band (which could easily serve as the main show)!  There, you can purchase a specialty drink (non alcoholic) in one of the boot glasses you see everywhere.  If you have kids, plan on getting one.  They must have it, and then you can sell it in your yard sale this summer.  I think we have about 10 or so!

When it is time for you to enter the arena, the staff escorts you to your seat.  You are soon greeted by your server to begin your meal.  Did I mention that this was a dinner show?  You might be thinking that the food at these shows isn’t that great.  Not here…Their food is sooo good!

We often joke about going to “The Stampede” to just eat dinner.  You get a whole rotisserie chicken, barbecue pork loin, corn on the cob, creamy vegetable soup—my favorite, herb-basted potatoes, homemade biscuit, dessert, and unlimited drink refills.

The show starts and you sit in amazement as you watch the dazzling lights, talented performers, trained animals, and eat good food.  The servers are actually performers in their own right.  You seem to become fast friends with the employees of Dixie Stampede and before you leave…you feel like you work there—and love it!

If you didn’t know it, this is one of Dolly Parton’s attractions and she puts a guarantee on it that it is the Smokies’ most fun place to eat.  I guess if you don’t agree, you can call Dolly and she will take care of it.  I do hope you can make this show during a trip to the Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge area.  It is located right on the Parkway, about a mile from Dollywood.  For complete information and show times, call 1.800.356.1676 or visit www.dixiestampede.com.

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