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 The Great Smoky Mountains National ParkArrowood Lodge is located 15 minutes from The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited national park in the United States. Each year between eight and nine million people come to enjoy all the wonders it has to offer. The park covers area in both Tennessee and North Carolina and is about 16 miles wide by 50 miles long. 
Dawn and dusk are the best times to spot some of the 70 kinds of mammals that call the park home, and bird lovers will be kept busy searching for the 235 species of birds that have been spotted thus far. The park is also known for having more varieties of fresh-water fish than any other national park in the country, and fishing is permitted year round with the appropriate license from Tennessee or North Carolina. For further information about trout fishing call (865)436-4558. About one-fourth of the park contains the trails that are paved or better known, and the majority of visitors stay on these; but many others venture out in search of the proverbial path less traveled. For these individuals there are more than 900 miles of well-marked hiking trails. For maximum safety, stay on the trails and away from waterfalls and cliffs. Please leave pets at home; they are not allowed on the trails. Yet another activity to enjoy in the Park is cross-country skiing. Old Newfound Gap and Clingman's Dome trails are best for this winter sport. Please feel free to stop at either of the two visitor centers- Sugarlands on the Tennessee side or Oconaluftee on the North Carolina side. These centers offer information, books, pamphlets, and maps. Oconaluftee is directly adjacent to The Pioneer Farmstead that includes a meat house, chicken house, springhouse, blacksmith shop and a dwelling in a setting reminiscent of the 1800s. Fun Stuff Even during the winter the towns of Smokies- Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville - are wide awake and full of activity. Winterfest, beginning in mid-November and ending in the spring, is a celebration of winter that includes festivals, lectures, organized hikes, special entertainment, sports competitions, storytelling and more. There are extensive outdoor activities offered in the area. If you enjoy golf there are seven beautiful, impressively designed courses located in the area. Most are open year round and the clean winter air makes the views unique and stunning. Call ahead to reserve a tee time. For a one-stop fun spot Ober Gatlinburg is the ticket. On warm winter days you can glide down the slopes on the alpine slide, take a wild leap bungee jumping or ice skate anytime on Ober's indoor rink. The downhill ski slopes are open mid-December through February. Hint: Take the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway from downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Gatlinburg. You'll get a bird's-eye view of the national park and you won't have to worry about the driving conditions on Ski Mountain.  Pure fun is a specialty here in the Smokies. Just drive down the Parkway (Hwy. 441) and make a choice. There are a variety of amusement parks, the biggest being Dollywood, arcades, miniature golf, many mini-tracks to race around on, movie theaters, and indoor skydiving at Flyaway in Pigeon Forge!Live Entertainment Here in the Smoky Mountains there is a wide variety of live entertainment that is sure to please everyone. After a day of sightseeing and shopping, sit back and relax and enjoy true southern hospitality while the country's finest entertainers perform. Remember to make your reservations early. Arrowood is located 1 hour from the University of Tennessee for Football and men's and women's Basketball. Pigeon Forge The Comedy Barn - America's funniest family variety show! We feature nationally known comedians, magicians, jugglers and "Arnold the Mind Reading Pig"! Reservations suggested and Kids are free! (865) 428-5222 Dixie Stampede - Enjoy a delicious 4-course feast and be dazzled by a horse-racing, whip-cracking, wagon-busting good time complete with the North/South rivalry. Get there an hour early and enjoy the pre-show in the Dixie Belle non-alcoholic Saloon! 1-800-356-1676 Dollywood - There is plenty of entertainment here for all ages… over 40 live shows daily, rides, attractions, and more than 25 craft showcases. Evenings are filled with dazzling performances by popular artists for an additional cost. For tickets or information call (865) 428-9488. Music Mountain Theater - Presents a musical variety show complete with the best in country music, hand clapping 50's rock-n-roll, inspirational gospel, sing-a-long favorites, toe-tappin' show tunes and patriotic tributes. A Must See! Reservations call (865) 428-SHOW. Sevierville Lee Greenwood Theater - Travel through time musically as Grammy award winner Lee Greenwood performs hits from the 40's to the present. You'll be amazed by the spectacular lighting and special effects used in this state of the art theater. For reservations call (865) 933-8080. Gatlinburg Helen Cornelius Nashville South - Dinner and show. Reservations (865) 430-2191. Gatlinburg's Passion Play - Religious Drama. Reservations (865) 430-3777. Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre and Music - Comedy. Reservations (865) 436-4039. Elwood Smooch's Hillbilly Hoedown - Comedy and Country Music Family show. Reservations (865) 436-4157. Shopping Believe it or not there are people who come from all over to take advantage of the incredible values offered in and around the Smoky Mountains. In Pigeon Forge alone there are five outlet malls boasting famous brands like Nike, Sony, Hush Puppy, Naturalizer, Reebok, London Fog, Anne Klein, J.Crew, and Coach. These are only a few of the many select stores offering significant discounts. Besides the outlet malls, there are quaint antique shops, country memorabilia markets and hundreds of specialty shops. Variety, quality, and bargains reign supreme in the Smoky Mountains! Wedding Info The Smoky Mountains are a favorite spot among those looking to tie the knot and because of this popularity there are many resources for the bride and groom-to-be. There are tuxedo and dress rentals as well as caterers, bakeries, florists, jewelers, and of course a picture perfect backdrop provided free of cost! Marriage Licenses can be obtained from the office of Sevier County Court Clerk, located in the Sevierville. The office hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and 8 am to 11:00 am Saturdays. You do not have to be a resident of the county to get married. When you go to the Clerk's office, take along proof of your age (certified birth certificate or a valid driver's license). Cost of the license is $36.00. |
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