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.

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 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.

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

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

Smoky Comparison #1: Waldens Creek vs. Cades Cove Riding Stables

The kids have been horseback riding at a YMCA camp & I'd like to take them riding in the Smoky Mountains.  Thought I'd share the options and comparisons of 6 options in or near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Overall, I'd recommend Waldens Creek Stable based upon the site, the prices, and a check on philanthropy. 

1.  Philanthropy - all equal
At first I was most interested in the operations within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park because I like to support a good cause.  However, I believe these companies operate within the park, but don't necessarily give their profit to the park. 

2.  Prices - all equal (prices may change, so check out the link)
1) Waldens Creek Stable, $30 1 hour, March to Jan., 9AM-3PM, 5 or older
http://www.waldencreekstables.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=17

2) Cades Cove Riding Stables, Townsend, $25 1 hour, 9-4:30PM, 6 or older
http://www.cadescovestables.com/hours-rates.shtml

3) Smokemont Riding Stables, near Cherokee, NC, $25 1 hour, 9-5PM, 5 or older
http://smokemontridingstable.com/

4) Sugarlands Riding Stables (or Smoky Mountain Riding Stables), near Gatlinburg, TN, $25 1 hour = 4 miles, 9-6PM summer, 5 or older

http://www.sugarlandsridingstables.com/

http://www.smokymountainridingstables.com/rates.html

5) Five Oaks Riding Stables, Pigeon Forge, TN, $29.99, 5 miles

http://www.adventureparkatfiveoaks.com/

3.  Location - Best Walden Creek Stables, Mid=stables within Park, Low=Five Oaks

Walden Creek Stables - dedicated horse farm off the beaten trail with beautiful mountain view, lots of land, Western theme building and tasteful large gift store.  If you are staying at Lightning Bug Lodge, it's only 1.1 mile from the Shagbark resort entrance.

In comparison, Five Oaks Riding Stables is located near major road across from the Tanger Outlet Mall and splits their focus by offering zip line tours too.

Horseback riding has it's dangers, so please check into the safety record of any place you choose and ride at your own risk.

Pigeon Forge: Wonder Works & 3 Other Fun Places for Teens

Your teens will have a blast in Pigeon Forge.  And the upside down building will make your whole family look twice and laugh while driving by WonderWorks.  Here's 4 fun places for your teen and entire family:

1.  Wonder Works amusement park

http://www.wonderworksonline.com/pigeon-forge/

Facts

What:  indoor amusement park- science edutainment plus rides - defy gravity, design a coaster, listen in the sound lab, bubble lab, space zone, bed of nails, rockwall, ropes challenge course
Cost:  $22.99 adult

2.  Titanic Attraction
http://titanicpigeonforge.com/
Facts
What:  world's largest Titanic museum attraction, 400 artifacts, movie exhibit
Cost:  $21.38 adult, $58.80 family pass (2 adults, 2 kids)

3.  Dollywood Splash Country Waterpark
http://www.dollywood.com/splashcountry_home.aspx
Facts
What:  30 acre waterpark, named "one of America's best waterparks" by The Travel Channel, slides and wave pool
Cost:  $49.40 adult daily, $86 season pass
Tip:  $10 discount pre-season online

4.  Pigeon Forge Gem Mine
http://pfgemmine.com/
Facts
What:  gem mining in wood flume, buy a mystery bucket and get your hands dirty and wet looking for gems
Where:  Pigeon Forge, next to the Three Bears General Store
Cost:  $15 starter gem bucket, $35 fossil bucket, $100 family bucket

Welcome to Shagbark resort!

     You will love the Shagbark resort; only 8 miles from Pigeon Forge, yet feels like a world away.  Escape into the quiet Smoky Mountain community.

     Lightning Bug Lodge is located within the Shagbark community, owned and operated by the cabin owners.  We pay the HOA fees, you don't. 

     You gain access to all the amenities just like an owner including use of the tennis courts, basketball hoop, and swimming pool.  With 1,300 acres of mountains, creeks, and meadows, there's plenty to explore right in your backyard.

As with any nice community, there are rules to keep it safe and nice.  Please note Shagbark does not allow ATVs, RVs, campers, trailers, firearms, fireworks, or charcoal grills.  If you live in Shagbark, let us know what you like best about the neighborhood.