Tuckaleechee Caverns vs. Forbidden Caverns

Tuckaleechee Caverns vs. Forbidden Caverns:  Helping you choose the best for your Smoky Mountain vacation.

 The winner:  Tuckaleechee Caverns!  Why - the natural formations are much more impressive.  On a rainy day, a cave tour of either cave will be a hit with your family.  Approximately 58 degrees year round, a tour can also serve as a cool break in the heat of the summer. 

Formations:  Tuckaleechee is Different
Tuckaleechee Caverns has Silver Falls, an amazing 200 ft. waterfall. Walk inside the  Big Room, a vast room discovered in 1954 - 400 ft. long, 300 ft. across, 150 ft. deep (Mammoth cave max ceiling height =120 ft).  Inside the Big Room see the "totem pole", a 12 foot stalagmite.  Both caves have a stream, but Tuckaleechee even allows you to stop, dip your hands, and take a drink in the pure water.  You do need to prepare for stairs, significant walking, and a tour that could last over one hour.

Location:  Similar
Tuckaleechee Caverns is a hidden gem.  It's in Townsend, TN (825 Cavern Rd), the peaceful side of the Smokies.

Forbidden Caverns has more commercial advertising with billboards and location in Sevierville, TN (455 Blowing Cave Rd).

Both caves are within 30 miles of Lightning Bug Lodge, Tuckaleechee slightly further (26 vs. 21 miles), but slightly faster in time due to less traffic.

2014 Price: Similar
Tuckaleechee Caverns:  Adults $16, child under 11 $7, child under 4 free
Forbidden Caverns:  Adults $14, child under 13 $8, child under 5 years free
Look for small discount coupons in local flyers.

Timing:  Tuckaleechee Open Year Round
Tuckaleechee:  Open 7 days a week 10AM-6PM

Forbidden:  Mon.-Sat. (closed Sun.), April - Nov. (closed Dec.-March), 10AM, 5PM last tour
 

Formations:  Forbidden Cave
Forbidden Caves claims the largest wall of rare cave onyx or dripstones known to exist.  Compared to Tuckaleechee, the tour feels more commercial including an ice cream cone joke, changing color lights, and a Greek story film projected on the ceiling.  Moonshiners used the cave from the early 20's to 1943 as a hidden place to produce moonshine.  Tours last approx. 55 minutes.

You'll enjoy either tour you take.  Be sure to dress appropriately, especially shoes.  Cave floors can be slippery.

Dollywood Step by Step #3: Old Flames Candles

One of the unique aspects of Dollywood as an amusement park is it's Craftsman's Valley, celebrating the arts and crafts of the Smoky Mountains.  For many years, candles served as a major source of light.  Candlemaking began to decline after the light bulb introduction in 1879.  However, not every home immediately had electricity.  My grandfather told stories of being the first one to install electricity in Quad Cities, Iowa.


Enter Old Flames Candles store for a candle making experience.  Named after Dolly's song "Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle To You", this store allows you to dip your own candle for a fee.  Thanks to my sister-in-law for treating my kids.  My kids enjoyed picking their own molded candle and choosing the wax colors.  Caution!  Wax is hot!

It's an opportunity to use creativity and bring home a truly customized gift.  Today we consider candle purchases as discretionary; candles now serve different purposes.  Sales increased in the 1990s as candles became popular home decorations and air-fresheners.  It's an estimated over $2 billion industry.  While the US has large players like SC Johnson & Sons and Yankee Candle, there's still smaller manufacturers throughout the US.  In fact, The Candle Cottage began in 1976 in the Smoky Mountain foothills and now has a 40,000 square foot facility in nearby Sevierville, TN.

Throughout the ages, candles represent joy and life-giving power.  No wonder candles continue in our religious ceremonies and alter candles get lit weekly.

If you want to watch other people make candles, visit Lorelei Candles factory (331 Glades Road, Gatlinburg), crafting since 1979.

Whether your family runs from ride to ride at Dollywood or you have an opportunity to slow down and smell the candle wax, may you have a joyful vacation day and light up someone's life.

Adventure in the Smokies - Tubing All Day

Water sports - one of the best things about choosing summer for your Smoky Mountain vacation!
Townsend, "the quiet side of the Smokies" (unless your kids scream with joy on the river), has two river routes.

The Lower Section gets described as the family friendly float.  Just gentle, relaxing rapids for age 2 and up.

The Upper Section, dubbed the adventure float because of the class 2 rapids and swimming holes, is appropriate for age 6 and up.

My kids wanted the adventure.  They also wanted their own raft.  This meant mom sometimes connected the tubes with rope and then used a lot of arm muscle keeping us together.  So worth it.  The ride switched between quiet scenic floats to a bit of small rapid excitement.  The kids squealed with delight and then jumped up and down to go again...and again.  When the sun beats down, but you feel cool in the water - it's the perfect combination.

We may have paid a bit more for River Rat outing ($15 adult, $12 children), but we felt we got our money's worth.  Other nearby operations claim lower costs (River Rage $10, Cowboy Tubin' $10, and Tube Junction $8).  Most places begin at 10AM and provide unlimited rides til closing (5:30 or 6PM).

River Rat earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.  I'd give River Rat a positive rating too; it offered nice facility with restrooms and a friendly shuttle driver.  At the end, River Rat doesn't even make you drag your tube back.  They have a tube return (pictured in photo below).

Dollywood Step by Step #2: Country Fair High

Sometimes height matters, like when you want to soar like an eagle and see below you. 

Photo:  Sky Rider ride

At Dollywood's Country Fair, height usually doesn't matter.  Most rides have no minimum height.  Some rides you must reach a certain height to ride alone (Shooting Star 42", Amazing Elephant & Sky Rider 48"). 

Who wants to ride alone anyway?  It's so much more fun to hop on the ride with your kid and hear them squeal nearby.

When we had toddlers and visited Dollywood, we'd go on the little rides close to the ground. See prior article Dollywood Step by Step #1 for photos.  When my kids got older, we still returned to the Country Fair.  The favorite rides simply changed.  My daughter's favorite became Sky Rider, an elevating spinning ride rising 70 feet into the air.  As co-pilots, you can control the rudders or move the wings.  I always volunteered to join her.  I admit to liking the feeling of flight and getting perspective up high.

The Country Fair was designed to be like a day at the County Fair.  It includes the traditional ferris wheel called the "Wonder Wheel".  I wonder what ride becomes your kids favorite.  Share your story.  Leave a comment.

Dollywood Step by Step #1: Country Fair Cute

They are only little for a little time.  So take them to the Country Fair at Dollywood amusement park.  Dollywood has entertainment for kids at every age.  If you have little ones, you might want a strategy to visit the shows and museum first or you could be going in circles all day (-:
Photo:  Piggy Parade ride

So bring your camera and capture the precious moments.  I can't believe the employees let my husband and I ride the tiny rides.  My goodness we hardly fit and we gave observers a good laugh.  All for fun.                                                                                   Photo:  Lucky Ducky

 Photo:  Busy Bees ride

Country Fair has nine other rides:  1) Amazing Flying Elephants, 2) Dizzy Disk, 3) Demolition Derby bumper cars, 4) Lemon twist tea cups, 5) Scrambler, 6) Shooting Star drop tower, 7) Slideshow Spin roller coaster, 8) Sky Rider, and 9) Wonder Wheel.

Time with your little ones.  I felt like the lucky duck.  May the little rides give you big joy.

Dollywood Review #2: Family Friendly Edutainment

I don't believe "edutainment" is a recognized word in the dictionary; I use it as a combination of education and entertainment.  Why not making learning fun?  And an amusement park may be the last place you think of enriching your child's mind.  At Dollywood, it's possible.

Certainly your kids will love the traditional rides, the carnival rides like the skyrider and waltzing swinger, and squeal with delight as they get wet on the Daredevil Falls and Smoky Mountain River Rampage.  The park smartly mixes educational exhibits between the thrill rides, helping children learn about the Smoky Mountain life including:
1) demonstrations of hand making crafts:  glass painter, blacksmith, candle making, wood carving, glass blowing
2) explanations of conservation programs:  Eagle Mountain Sanctuary show including birds soaring above the audience, it's the country's largest presentation of non-releasable bald eagles

3) celebrations of mountain music:  live concerts, we even heard Dolly Parton's relatives sing country songs

4) ride while learning about trains:  an authentic steam train ride

Take time to attend the service in the Robert F. Thomas Chapel.  Besides fun new songs, who could forget the lesson about the importance of carving your life (shaping your life with purpose) instead of widdlin' it away (acting randomly without an end product).

It's a bigger park than you would expect; plenty to do all day long.  The Adventure Mountain ropes course covers 2 acres alone.  The quality makes it recognized as award winning in the industry.  In 2010 Dolly Parton accepted the Applause Award for Dollywood, the most prestigious award within the amusement and theme park industry.

Certainly Disney makes magical memories.  However, if you are looking for a place to return year after year with edutainment and a value, consider Dollywood.  Tip:  Save $10 on season passes up to Feb. 25th 2011. A season pass for Dollywood ($81 adult, $68 kids) costs less than a one day pass at Disney World ($87, $78)!  After Feb. 25th, season pass tickets go up $10 and you can purchase a daily pass ($57, $46). 

Smoky Restaurant Review #2: Mel's Classic Diner

The Smoky Mountains..one popular tourist destination.  Not surprising, it seems like every chain restaurant landed here.  If you seek the familiar, look no further:  Cracker Barrel, Baskin Robbins, Pizza Hut, Domino's, Subway, Arby's, Taco Bell, Hardees, Long John Silvers, McDonalds, Five Guys, Wendy's, KFC, TGI Fridays, IHOP, Krispy Kreme, Denny'sTexas Roadhouse, Johnny Rockets, Golden Corral, Ruby Tuesday, Shoney's...the list goes on.  However, if you are like me, you want the local taste.

Check out Mel's Classic Diner.  After a day of hiking, a hearty breakfast sounds so good.  Fortunately, Mel's makes breakfast all day long.  If eggs, bacon, and pancakes don't sound right - no worries.  Mel's serves other traditional diner food like cheeseburgers, soup & salad, and ice cream sundaes.  Check out the special signs outside; the savings may entice you to wake up early and get the early bird special.

The most important meal of the day, Ode to breakfast:
Feb:  National Hot Breakfast Month
Feb./March:  Pancake Day
March 25:  International Waffle Day
May:  National Egg Month
Aug:  National Waffle Day
Sept:  National Breakfast Month
Oct:  World Egg Day
Nov:  National French Toast Day
Dec:  National Maple Syrup Days
Wow, we need to celebrate.

Back to Mel's Diner.  When you walk into the diner, you will notice the 1950s memorabilia right away.  To your right, a jukebox.  To your left, a gift shop.  Grab a stool or a table.  It's a casual, family friendly place.  Don't just take my word for it.  Check out the reviews, 4 stars or more on Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.  Plus, it's close to Lightning Bug Lodge:  119 Wears Valley Road, Pigeon Forge, TN.

Cabin Review #3: Fun

The cabin book with notes left inside.  It's the first thing I check when returning to our rental cabin Lightning Bug Lodge.  I especially enjoy crayon written notes from kids. 

In five sentences this guest summed up the experience we want to hear:  "We had a good time.  Do we have to leave?  It was so fun.  I hope we come back so much.  It was fun."

Girlfriend's Weekend Idea #1: Scrapbooking in the Smokies

A friend and employee of mine took vacation each year to scrapbook with friends.  I thought her tradition enabled a terrific way to spend quality time with friends and accomplish story preservation.  Scrapbooking is more than a photo book; the combination of words and visuals tells the full story for today and future generations.

Idea:  Why not plan a girlfriend's weekend in the Smoky Mountains to scrapbook?  An inspirational environment will stir your creativity.  At Lightning Bug Lodge, there's plenty of room with tables in the kitchen and living room.

Plus we've provided a complimentary scrapbooking folder, papers, and cut-outs for each guest/family.  While supplies last. 

Plan:  Gather your girlfriends, rent a cabin, and head to the Smokies with all your scrapbooking gear.  Paper, scissors, glue - check!  Stencils, pens, stickers - check!
After a day of scrapbooking, figure out what additional supplies you need.  Good news - you will be close to Pigeon Forge which has 2 scrapbook stores next to each other (near the outlet mall).  These stores have the highest variety and lowest prices I've seen to date.  Stock up for the year and return back to the mountains.

Family Idea #4: Occassional Splurge in the Smokies

This is the sixth article in a series of ideas on how to take the ideas from Re-Energize Your Relationship book and apply to vacationing in the Smokies.  We hope Lightning Bug Lodge is a place for you to strengthen relationships and gain new perspective.

In the chapter "What A Difference Makes", it encourages couples to take an occassional splurge, "Tightening belts may be good for the soul, but it's lousy for the spirit.  Do something amazing today.  Surprise your partner, go all out and spoil her rotten.  You know she's worth it...The occassional splurge may seem expensive, but it can re-energize you and your partner."

Idea:  Why not splurge for a luxury cabin rental and pampering indulgences in the Smoky Mountains?  Yes, Lightning Bug Lodge pricing isn't in the same tier as your Econo Budget Motel, buit isn't it worth it to splurge for a memorable outing?  The grand space, the fireplace burning, the amenities, the bright starry nights from the deck, all to pamper you and your special one.  The photo I took of flowers my son picked for our next guests because he wants everyone to rate Lightning Bug Lodge as "five stars".

Plan:  Book your luxury cabin rental and make it even special with pampering activities.  How about a day devoted to relaxation including spa treatments?  Here's a few to consider in the Smoky Mountains:

1.  Beneficial to Life - massage at cabin  http://beneficialtolife.com/services_and_rates.html
2.  Smoky Mountain Massage - massage at cabin http://smokymountainmassage.com/index.htm
3.  Aurora Massage - nearby Pigeon Forge location
http://auroramassagetn.com/about.aspx

Family Idea #3: Unplug in the Smoky Mountains

This is the fifth article in a series of ideas on how to take the ideas from Re-Energize Your Relationship book and apply to vacationing in the Smokies.  We hope Lightning Bug Lodge is a place for you to strengthen relationships and gain new perspective.

In the chapter, "The Biggest Turn-Off", the authors encourage couples to unplug together, "Looking for a quick fix for a dwindling relationship?  This one's fast, free, and fastastically simple.  Unplug your tv and plug in to an amazing life together."

Idea:  Why not make a pact with your partner to limit technology for at least three days?  Why not unplug in the Smoky Mountains where so much entertainment doesn't depend on a cord?  Sometimes when you are not attached, it's easier to notice the flowers and the special things about your special someone.

Plan:  Book a rental cabin and make an itinerary full of nature and sporting activities.  It'll be simple at Lightning Bug Lodge, a cabin that doesn't even have a computer with internet access.  Yes, it has quite a few tvs, but it'll be so easy to do other activities.  In a traditional motel room, it may feel like the only entertainment option is the tv. 

At LBL, you can just walk onto the deck, immerse yourself in nature, and watch the animals.  Or go downstairs for a game of pool or foosball.  Use the Shagbark resort ammenities like the tennis court, basketball hoop, and swimming pool.

Tip:  Make it a fun game.  See who can come up with as many "technology replacements" ideas like "let's go on a horse ride instead of a car ride", "let's go to the National Park and watch the campfire instead of the tv", or "let's write love letters instead of email."

Alpine Slide Thrill at Ober Gatlinburg

The Smoky Mountains activities remind me of different places.  While anticipating the aerial tramway ride, I reflected upon my ride experience in Tahoe.  When I told my family about the alpine slide ride, I explained that I rode one in Austria.  When I described a Zorb ride, I reminded them that a cousin rolled in one in Rotorua, New Zealand.  Connecting everything to some exotic place then became a joke as my husband smirked "oh, yes, I did that in Switerland" to every activity.

You don't need to fly over the ocean to try out these new adventures.  Just drive to the Smoky Mountains.  At Ober Gatlinburg, you can ride the alpine slide down the mountain on a wheeled cart.  It's a blast!  This was the most fun ride at the park.  As you ascend the mountain on your chairlift, you can watch riders go down screaming and laughing with joy.  Jump off the chairlift and get in your own cart.  As an employee explained physics - weight and gravity help.  If you are racing down the track with your competitive son, you finally have the advantage (-:

The Facts

WHO: big kids & adults; 6 & under ride free with adult (due to chairlift with no seat belt, I wouldn't recommend this for little kids)

WHAT:  two 1,800 foot concrete slides

WHERE: Ober Gatlinburg, take the ariel tramway (see my story)

how much - $7 ticket or buy an all day Ober Gatlinburg package

Alpine slides also exist in Chamonix, France or Thredbo, Australia.  Zorb is also available in Guam and coming soon to Jamaica.  Why not just take a road trip to Gatlinburg, TN and create your own adventure story?!?

Up, Up, & Away - Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

"Too often we are so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey."  You hear sayings about the journey being as great as the destination - this is often true in the Smoky Mountains, whether driving on scenic two lane roads or finding unique transportation up and down the mountains.  Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is a prime example of the journey being a joy.  We considered driving up to Mt. Harrison to get to our destination - Ober Gatlinburg.  Glad we took the aerial tramway instead.  Not only did we hear the drive up Mt. Harrison described as precarious, we also discovered the kids had a blast on our journey to the destination. 

Facts

- one of America's largest tramways holding 120 people

- according to our guide, it's the newest US tramway built in 2007

- takes you to an elevation of 2,700 ft. in 10 minutes, moving 23 mph

- leaves every 20 minutes, $11 adult ticket, $8.50 age 7-11

Prior to 1972, skiers had no choice but to take the steep winding road.  In 1973 a tramway was intalled and the new car was installed in 2007.  Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway has taken over 18 million passengers.

Save the gas & stress of driving up the mountain, park in Gatlinburg and enjoy the scenic ride.  Plus, may you have a jolly, joyful guide like ours that pointed out unique buildings below and added fun jokes about chalets and Ken & Barbie. 

Tips:  Get in line near opening and closing for less crowded cars, so you have a better chance of a window view.  Call ahead to find out whether the company is offering the buy one day, get next day free (tramway, not Ober Gatlinburg amusement pass - these are separate fees) - it could give you an opportunity to ride multiple times.

Springtime in the Smokies, A Special Season

Springtime in the Smokies

When I told a co-worker that we planned to spend Spring Break in the Smoky Mountains, he was inquisitive.  He had always been to the Smoky Mountains in the summer and really enjoyed it.  He had not thought about visiting in another season and he asked, "Let me know what the Smoky Mountains are like in the Spring."

How can you explain you've experienced a place where it feels like the whole world is awakening?  The landscape's stretching and yawning and reaching up to the sun.  Blooming with color and innocence.  On the lowest ground level, the wildflowers erupt with pastel colors.  Moss wraps itself around the rocks.  Brand new vibrant green leaves fully clothe the trees at the bottom of the mountain.  Different shades of green slowly crawls up the mountain side.  It's a natural portrait of beauty and health.

How can you explain the magical feeling of observing the world come alive?  Baby bunnies hop with glee.  Wide eyed does jump through the meadow grass.  Oo-waoh, the morning doves call.  Tap tap tap of the busy woodpecker.  Baby bears pounce on it's prey.  Waterfalls stream.  Everything is new, fresh.  The ground that seemed dead and brown transforms into new, strong, and green.

At the very top of the mountain, where Lightning Bug Lodge sits, there's still bare trees.  It creates an open view down the mountain.  Stand still and hear the rushing water moving down the creek.  It's flush with new water.

Do not be satisfied with my words and photos.  You need to discover the world awakening yourself.  Pack your shorts and hiking boots and head out on the trails of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  Smell the crisp, clean air.  Feel the cool water rushing through your fingers.  Let the Spring awaken the senses within you and inspire a whole new year of adventure.

Family Idea #2: Hiking to Listen

This is the second article in a series of ideas on how to take the ideas from Re-Energize Your Relationship book and apply to vacationing in the Smokies.  We hope Lightning Bug Lodge is a place for you to strengthen relationships and gain new perspective.

Idea:  Chapter "A walk on the Wild Side" encourages couples to escape the house and reconnect through walking, "Walking is wonderful.  Need to clear your head of clutter and put problems into perspective?  Take a hike."  Get outdoors and listen to your loved ones.

Action:  Walking around the neighborhood is start.  Kick it up a notch by adding a new view.  How about hiking in the Smokies?

Plan:  Two hikes rumored to be relatively secluded in Townsend, TN (the quiet side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

1.  Indian Hills Falls trail

The stats:  8-11 miles out & back, 5.5 hours, easy/moderate, rated 5/5 stars by hikers

Where:  Park at Institue at Tremont visitor center, take the Middle Prong Trail

What's neat:  old railroad bed, logging community artifacts, Panther Falls

Tip:  Go left at 4 miles (the trail takes you in that direction, but there's no sign)

2.  Spruce Flats Falls & Chestnut Top Wildflowers trail

The stats:  2 miles out & back, difficult, 1,400 ft. to 1,700, rated 5/5 stars by hikers

Where:  Park at Tremont visitor center, take Lumber Ridget Trail to Buckeye to Falls

Tip:  dropoffs, narrow, and rocky, but at the end rewarded with a waterfall

Family Idea #1: Relax & Re-Learn Letter Writing in the Smokies

This is the first article on a series of ideas leveraging tips from the book Re-Energize Your Relationship and applying them to vacation ideas in the Smokies.  We hope Lightning Bug Lodge (LBL) is a place for you to build relationships and gain a new perspective.

"Read Em' and Weep" Chapter 1 Idea:  This chapter explains the beauty of a handwritten letter and how texting is a poor substitute.  On a vacation with fewer distractions than normal, take time to express your feelings in writing.  The book suggests surprising a special someone, "Write a letter to the woman or man in your life and leave it for them when they come back from work or the store.  Hide love notes in his suit pocket.  Tuck them under her pillow or pop them in her pocketbook." 

Take Action:  When you are at Lightning Bug Lodge, you are so high up the mountain, your texting likely won't work.  What a great opportunity to re-learn the art of letter writing.  I've provided stationary at the cabin to make it easy for you - just bring your thoughts.

Special Offer:  For those not staying in the cabin tonight, I've made custom LBL note cards.  I'll send a set free to the first 3 people to respond to me with their address.  Follow "Meet the owner" link (upper right column) to find my contact info.

Frommer's Top Destinations 2012

According to Frommer's Top Destinations 2012:
Best Beach:  Hanalei
Best Cruise:  Tromso
Best Food & Drink:  Lima
Not certain whether I'll travel to these far away lands, but I know I'll return to the Top Family Destination.  Yes, Frommer's online rated the Smoky Mountain National Park as #1.
Best Family Vacation spot:  Smoky Mountains National Park

Alexis Lipsity Flipper's description of the park is poetic:

"You and your family can cocoon yourselves in true wilderness, hike a trail in utter silence... Listen to the concert of leaves fluttering in the breeze.  you will be doing what untold folks have done before you --from Cherokee warriors to coonskin-clad pioneers--and it will feel fresh and new.  And when the swirling silver mist crowns the mossy peaks, you'll understand why these smoky heights continue to fascinate, as they have for untold centuries."

Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN also made a Frommer's top list America's Best New Theme Park Rides & Attractions written by Carrie Havranek.  Of the 12 rides recognized, Dollywood's Barnstormer was one of them.  Take your big kid if she likes a thrill.  With swings flying high over the barn rooftop at 45 mph, it'll pump her adreneline.

For full Frommer article, visit their website:
http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?p=11&axn=pause&group=599&cat_cd=3600&layout=win

When to See the Leaves Change in the Smokies

Travel & Leisure magazine, REI sporting retail store, and Smoky Mountains - what a great combination!  As a Travel & Leisure subscriber and a REI member, I was excited to see an online article by Travel & Leisure choose the Smoky Mountains as a Top 12 Best Affordable Adventure & quote an REI employee.  The article "Go biking, hiking, and boating among the fall colors -all for a great price" by Diane Mehta (Sept. '09) describes the Smoky Mountain autumn beauty:

"The reds, yellows, and oranges of the Great Smoky Mountains explode all around you as you hike the Appalachian Trail up Clingmans Dome, then ridge-walk through hardwood forests, emerging on top of treeless mountains.  Fog floats among the trees and settles in the valley, adding a mystical feel without diminishing the powerful colors.  Says Tim Loftus of REI Adventures, which operates several fall hiking trips in the area:  It's like a fireworks show out there."

So when should you book your cabin rental at Lightning Bug Lodge to see the "fireworks"?  According to NPS.gov (National Park Service), it depends on the elevation:

Highest elevation:  mid Sept.
High elevation (above 4,000 ft):  early to mid Oct. - drive Clingmans Dome Rd
Mid to low elevation:  mid Oct. to early Nov.

For the full article, visit Travel & Leisure website:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-affordable-fall-adventures/1

Catch your own meal in the Smokies, An easy fishing adventure

According to the NPS, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park has 2,115 miles of streams and protects one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern US.  Fishing is permitted with license except in Bear Creek (NC) and Lynn Camp Prong (TN).

However, if you have young children and want to be certain to catch a fish and eat it too, check out English Mountain Trout Farm.  A friend who stayed at Lightning Bug Lodge (LBL) recommended the experience.  Go for the experience, delicious fish, and friendly service.  Don't go there for fancy facilities or a fast or cheap meal.  Their slogan is "you hook em'. we cook em'".

The kids had a blast, so proud of their catch.  All the cameras came out.  The kids even had interest in watching the fish be prepared for cooking.  It's a great lesson that food comes from our natural environment (vs. a plastic container from Wal-Mart).  Plus the owner Charlie and his wife Angie took the time to sit down with us at the dinner table and teach us about the benefits of fresh fish vs. frozen imports.  Now that's edutainment the kids will remember.

It's difficult to find English Mountain Trout Farm online except for it's #1 rating on tripadvisor.com.  So give Charlie a call (865) 429-5553 and get off the beaten trail to 291 Blowing Cave Road, Sevierville, TN 37876.  Consider making it a day trip and tour nearby Tuckaleechee Caverns.  Search "caves" for my article on Tuckaleechee.

Smoky Mountains, Average Weather by Month

My friends would like to find the ideal time to visit the Smoky Mountains National Park.  It's an ideal place to visit, no matter what the season.  Determine what activity you want to do the most then pick your month.  This article will help give you direction with average Pigeon Forge, TN temperatures per month, thanks to weatherchannel.com.

1.  Go skiing & enjoy the peaceful snow covered mountains - Choose Winter

Smoky Mountains National Park is nearby the Ober Gatlinburg ski resort, offering skiing, ice skating, and tube riding.  Check out the LBLodge Smoky Mountain channel on You Tube for video.

http://www.youtube.com/user/LBLodgeSmokyMountain#p/c/E240D6EF56DF9040/1/SMn4iRxN69E40/1/SMn4iRxN69E

If you would rather watch the snow from a cozy indoor cabin, rent our cabin and enjoy the fireplace.  Just don't forget your boots, winter gear, and can food:

Dec.  27 - 50 degrees (average low/high)
Jan.    25- 46

Feb.  27-51

2.  Enjoy nature's flora, waterfalls, & less crowded hikes - Choose Spring

According to National Parks Traveler, "As Yellowstone National Park is to wildlife, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is to flora", check out the full article for hiking ideas to see spring flowers 

http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2009/04/where-look-spring-wildflowers-great-smoky-mountains-national-park; The LBL cabin has quite the variety of plants & birds in the backyard, enjoy it from our wrap-around porch.  Bring a jacket & umbrella, May has more precipitation than any other month on average.  Consider indoor activities too like Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies.

March 34-61 degrees

April   43-69

May   53-77

3.  Get wet & wild in the sunshine - Choose Summer

The most visited season of the year when all the roads in the National Park are open and vacationers play in the rivers.  It's a natural playground offering white water rafting and tubing (check out links on right to "Tube down the river" or "Raft down the River").  Also, you'll have more amusement park options including Dollywoods Splash County water park.  Temperatures cool down as you ascend up the mountain, so take a break from the heat in our mountain cabin.  Bring your sunscreen, hat, picnic supplies, and water.

June  61-84 degrees

July   65-87

Aug   64-86

4.  Photograph the foliage & learn mountain history - Choose Fall

Looking for gorgeous pictures?  Shoot the changing leaf colors in Cades Cove and throughout the National Park.  Learn more about the mountain history and culture through local festivals including 1) Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival, 2) Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival, 3) Townsend Fall Festival & Old Timers Day, 4) Sevier County Fair, 5)Old Mill Square Heritage Day, 6) Trout Tournament, 7) Woodcarvers Festival and multiple car shows http://www.smokymountainharvestfestival.com/

Sept. 57-81 degrees

Oct.  43-71

Nov. 35-59

What is your favorite season in the Smokies and why?