Gatlinburg Press Releases

    Winter weather has finally arrived in Gatlinburg and snowmaking is in full force at Ober Gatlinburg. Skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing are available and colder temperatures make snow making possible when the temperature dips below 32 degrees. Ober began the season on January 3 with Castle Run, Cub Way and the Ski School slopes in operating and is opening additional slopes as conditions improve. Snow tubing is open dialing with sessions beginning at 11a.m.
    Ober Gatlinburg features nine trails serviced by two quad lifts, one double lift and one surface lift.  The Resort offers terrain for all abilities, from a beginner experiencing the joy of snow sports for the first time, to a seasoned expert hitting the moguls and terrain park.  The resort also has a popular snow tubing park, skiing and snowboarding equipment rental, an ice skating rink, aerial tramway, alpine slide, restaurants, shops and more.
    More information about activities offered at Ober Gatlinburg as well as weather and ski reports can be found at www.obergatlinburg.com or call 800-251-9202.

    Gatlinburg has been selected by travelers as a top winter vacation rental getaway destination in the country by TripAdvisor, as the City transforms into a winter wonderland showcasing holiday entertainment, family fun, award-winning lights, festive decorations and even a little snow.
    Whether visitors are looking to find an affordable vacation with family, friends or both, exciting holiday destination, or a romantic place to spend winter escape, Gatlinburg offers fun and adventure for families and couples of all ages.
Gatlinburg’s winter attractions include Ober Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s only ski resorts and one of the few in the South, which is a short drive away from most major Southeastern cities. According to Trip Advisor, “Gatlinburg offers plenty of cold weather fun including skiing, snowboarding, and ice-skating at Ober Gatlinburg. Travelers could save up to $700 by staying at a vacation rental for a weeklong trip.” 
    While you’re visiting Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, take advantage of all the winter events. Gatlinburg Winter Magic showcases millions of lights displayed every evening during winter (Nov. 10 – Feb. 29) featuring LED lights which are 95 percent more energy efficient that incandescent bulbs.
    The Trolley Ride of Lights during Winter Magic each evening through December 30 and Saturdays during January takes guests along the Parkway and throughout town to see the majestic light displays. It’s just five bucks per person.
    Visitors looking for adventure can zipline this winter on nine different zipline routes, much as Santa has done this season. Santa can also be found in his Gatlinburg workshop most every day at Santa’s Claus-et out in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
    Gatlinburg welcomes the arrival of 2012 in unique style with its 24th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and Fireworks Show in the heart of downtown, where many restaurants, attractions and lodging companies are offering special packages and celebrations.
    For more information on holiday events in Gatlinburg, you can visit here (http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/search.aspx?winter=1). 

The Gatlinburg Department of Tourism was selected as the 2011 CVB of the Year by the Southeast Tourism Society at its 2011 Annual Meeting on November 9 in New Orleans.
Gatlinburg won the Shining Example Award for Convention and Visitors Bureau of the Year for Category 2, open to destination marketing organizations with revenues between $2 and $5 million.
The 2011 Shining Example Awards program was part of the 28th annual fall meeting of STS this week at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans. The prestigious award recognizes Gatlinburg DOT’s considerable contributions to the community and the tourism industry as a whole.
“The Gatlinburg Department of Tourism and Convention Center is proud to receive the Shining Example Award from the Southeast Tourism Society,” said City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle. “It shows that our collective efforts and programs within the community to improve and advance tourism in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains have been successful.”
Gatlinburg recently launched its “You’ve Never Been Closer” creative campaign. During the last year, it has developed co-op, online and guerilla marketing and public relations strategies with its partners, Fahlgren Mortine (advertising), Paramore (online marketing) and Peritus (public relations).
The STS Shining Example Awards recognize those that have advanced the cause of travel and tourism in the Southeastern states of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia & West Virginia. Shining Example Awards, a fixture since 1985, are presented in 13 categories.
“Shining Example Awards highlight some of the best work in travel and tourism, and winners truly set examples that others in the industry can follow,” said STS President and CEO Bill Hardman. “Showcasing great work is important because tourism is the largest, second-largest or third-largest industry in every Southeastern state.”

The City of Gatlinburg is now plugged into the nation’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure with the installation of Level II Blink Chargers at the City’s two downtown parking garages.
Gatlinburg is among the first municipalities to install the 240-volt Blink Wall Mount Chargers as a part of The EV Project. The stations are able to fully recharge an electric car battery in four to eight hours.
The EV Project, managed by ECOtality and funded by the Department of Energy through stimulus grants, will eventually provide the network to support the deployment of 8,300 electric vehicles. The goal is to build a nationwide infrastructure of public charging stations for electric vehicles.
“The charging stations provide electric vehicle owners a convenient method to charge their cars and is critical to extending the driving range of EVs to Gatlinburg,” said Cindy Cameron Ogle, City Manager. “We are excited to make these charging stations available to our residents as well as our visitors.”
The charging stations, each with two wall-mounted units, are located at the City’s Aquarium and Fred McMahan/Parkway parking garages.
“The EV Project installations in Gatlinburg support our micro-climate goals and align with the overall focus Tennessee places on sustainable tourism,” said Stephanie Cox, Tennessee area manager for ECOtality.
ECOtality targeted Gatlinburg as a preferred site for charging stations because the Smoky Mountains are popular with travelers. The new stations give electric car drivers the option of charging their vehicles on the eastern fringe of the “The Tennessee Triangle,” a 425-mile stretch of interstate highway connecting Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga.”
Tennessee is one of the pilot launch markets for The EV Project and has the largest geographic footprint of any EV Project area,” said Jonathan Read, CEO of ECOtality. “We are on track to electrify more than 500 miles of EV freeway throughout Tennessee.”
The EV Project is funded by a $114.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The EV Project includes 16 states and major metropolitan areas, and calls for the installation of over 14,000 charging stations, over the course of three years.

    Nantahala Outdoor Center Gatlinburg, Eastern Tennessee’s definitive resource for outdoor trip planning, has been certified LEED Silver by the U.S. Green Building Council, the leading and most comprehensive third-party designation for green building. NOC Gatlinburg, located adjacent to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is the first LEED retail and family attraction of its kind in the entire two-state Smokies gateway region.
    NOC opened its retail and adventure center in the spring of 2010, in Gatlinburg, Tenn., one of the most heavily visited destinations in the Southeast. A $4 million project, NOC Gatlinburg is a groundbreaking initiative, working with the City of Gatlinburg to create a closer connection to the National Park while deepening environmentally responsible practices throughout the city.
    NOC Gatlinburg provides whitewater rafting and other guided trips; in-store activities like a 30 foot climbing wall and swinging rope bridge; as well as a comprehensive selection of outdoor gear, apparel and footwear for outdoor enthusiasts and casual users.
    “We provide value for children and adults alike, from our in-store play areas for kids, to our high adventure rafting trips, to our comfortable and technical gear and apparel for all ages,” says General Manager Adam Metzger. “Our goal is to share ways for people to play outside, while teaching them that taking care of the great outdoors is the first step. The measures taken for LEED certification are vital for this purpose.”
    When store construction began in 2009 NOC took over an existing building, previously the Open Hearth Restaurant, in order to preserve a community cornerstone while initiating green measures in the process of expanding the business. Steps toward achieving LEED certification involved extensive measures in construction and renovation including:

• Using an existing building and repurposing existing structural materials to reduce waste. • Repurposing of materials salvaged from other area buildings, saving thousands of pounds of materials from local junkyards. • Locally-sourcing any new materials needed, reducing the transportation impact of fuel and air emissions. • Reducing water use by 30% with the exclusive use of low-flow toilets and sinks. • Installing water efficient, low-erosion landscaping to protect the community and National Park boundaries. • Exclusive use of low-VOC paints, sealants, coatings and floor systems. • Drastically cutting electricity use by maximizing natural lighting. • Creating an official stop along the city’s public transit line in the front of the store. • Supporting alternative commuting efforts with the installation of secure storage, changing rooms and showers for staff biking, hiking or running to work. • Installing 70% of building equipment and appliances that are Energy Star approved. • Supporting the generation of renewable energy by offsetting 568,449 lbs of CO2 with the purchase of 518,568 kWh of renewable energy credits.

    NOC’s mission of “excellence in outdoor adventures” is only possible if we not only promote recreation in the outdoors, but preserve and protect the outdoors as well,” says Bacon. “By committing ourselves to a green culture, including LEED building measures, we strive to promote environmental responsibility so we can continue to share the joys and benefits of outdoor recreation with many future generations.”

Following is a list of great fun (and free!) things to do in and around Gatlinburg. 

Find Adventure Along The Parkway

Put on your walking shoes, get out of the car, and join in the great family tradition of the downtown Parkway stroll, also known as the center of excitement to those who visit Gatlinburg frequently. Explore every nook and cranny where you’ll find more than 200 unique shops, dozens of restaurants, and attractions for all ages. As you stroll, be on the lookout for homemade taffy pulling, mouthwatering caramel apples being dipped or delectable fudge being prepared. You might just choose to play miniature golf, experience the world’s largest underwater aquarium tunnel, ride America’s largest aerial tram, take a chair lift to the top of the town, visit the unique museums or take a turn on live-action rides along the way. You can even people-watch!

Investigate Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community/The Glades

Take a trolley ride or a leisurely drive to visit the eight-mile loop of Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community and see craftsmanship at its best, as artisans using simple tools and skillful hands whittle, carve, cast, sew, weave and transform raw elements into works of art and function. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is recognized internationally as the largest group of independent artisans in North America with nearly 100 shops, studios, galleries, cafes and lodging options.

Stroll River Road By The Little Pigeon River

If you need an “away from it all” moment, take a leisurely stroll along the Riverwalk that runs along the Little Pigeon River one block off the downtown Gatlinburg Parkway. Feed the ducks, watch as fishermen cast their flies in hopes of landing a mountain trout, or relax along the riverbank as you listen to the swift river flow before you. Admire beautiful arrays of flowers and dip your feet in the brisk mountain stream. Find the perfect photo spot and help assure that your moments in Gatlinburg are never forgotten.

Drive The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Need to rest your feet? Jump in your car and explore a collection of historical sites on Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail including the preservation of a homestead owned by the Noah “Bud” Ogle family who lived in Gatlinburg after the Civil War. See log cabins, Roaring Fork Cemetery, and the remains of a village that supported some two dozen families more than 150 years ago. The motor nature trail is accessible to automobiles via the eight-mile one-way paved road. Many stops along the way allow you to get out, take a deep breath of mountain air, step back in time as you visit the sites and enjoy the aura of the mountains. Several trailheads are on the route, so consider a short walk or hike to your heart’s content.

Absorb Sugarlands Visitor Center

Located at Great Smoky Mountain National Park’s main northern entrance two miles south of Gatlinburg along Newfound Gap Road, (U.S. 441) Sugarlands is a visitor center you should visit. A free 20-minute orientation motion picture provides an in-depth look at the Smokies and the enormous diversity of plant and animal life in the Park. Natural history exhibits include mounted specimens of park animals in recreations of their habitats and reproductions of journals kept by the first park naturalists. Ranger talks and slide shows are presented daily from spring through fall.

Explore The Greenbrier

Just a few miles outside of Gatlinburg is a hidden jewel known as Greenbrier. A plethora of daytime fun and free outdoor activities can be enjoyed on this area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located just east of Gatlinburg. Tube, swim, skip rocks, picnic, hike, sunbathe, or mountain bike. Ramsey Cascades Trail Head is also located here. Beware, the water is cold!

Discover Cades Cove

Historical cabins, farmhouses and churches are maintained in Cades Cove, a western valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. First settled by Europeans in 1819, today, the National Park Service maintains a historical and cultural preserve of log cabins, churches and other structures. The 11-mile one-way road passes by 19 numbered tour stops as identified in the pamphlet available at the entrance. Be sure to bring your camera in hopes of spotting wildlife such as deer, bear, turkey, owl and fox. If you prefer, you can also experience the loop on horseback or bicycle!

Take In The Gatlinburg Overlook

See Gatlinburg from a bird’s eye view from the two overlooks in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s the perfect souvenir photo spot and one of the most popular places to watch the sun rise. So grab your cameras and head up to Gatlinburg Overlook and enjoy the view!

Visit Arrowmont School Of Arts & Crafts

Indulge in a little culture as you browse the galleries of Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Arrowmont is an international haven of contemporary arts and crafts education. Founded in 1945, the school has developed into a leader in arts and crafts education, with an annual enrollment of more than 2,000 students from the United States and abroad. Stop by and tour select collections of the art galleries, the resource center and the book and supply store.

Enjoy Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales

All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. Enjoy storytellers, musicians and cloggers performing along the Parkway every evening during this seventh annual event!

    Did you know that up to 70 percent of everything you throw in the garbage in Gatlinburg does not wind up in a landfill?
It’s true.
    All the cardboard and paper as well as food waste and other bio-solids which go into the trash can are being composted, whereby a balance of heat, moisture and oxygen combined with natural microorganisms is attained which breaks down the organic material.
    With the May 2009 opening of the new $10.5 million Sevier Solid Waste, Inc., composting plant on Ridge Road, many of the challenges associated with the disposal of hundreds of thousands of tons of MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) are resolved. In fact, new technology, streamlined procedures and conscientious modifications incorporated into the design of the new facility are making the process of composting of municipal and residential refuse collected locally more effective than before.
    “This plant features the latest technology in solid waste disposal,” said City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle. “It is so important that we reduce the amount of solid waste which must be put into the landfill. We envision that with further advances in technology, SSWI can improve this process and divert an even higher percentage of all garbage away from the landfill.”
    SSWI was formed in 1989 to service the rapidly expanding solid waste disposal needs of Sevier County, including Gatlinburg. MSW and sludge from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Pittman Center and Sevier County is broken down by a composting technology developed by Bedminster, an Irish BioEnergy Technology Company which specializes in recovering high-quality, carbon-rich waste material normally disposed of in landfills.
    The original plant included three digesters and was built at a cost of $6.5 million. Its capacity was slowly increased to 325 tons of MSW per day plus sludge delivered from wastewater treatment plants in the county with the construction of additional digesters (a total of five). The facility was considered among the most efficient (65 to 75 percent of waste diverted from landfill) in the world when it burned on Memorial Day weekend, 2007, though the digesters were undamaged.
    Including two aeration buildings encompassing 140,000 square feet of area plus tipping floor and discharge buildings, the new four-building operation is once again up and running at full capacity.
    The bulk of the waste stream runs through a system of three-chamber rotary digesters, each of which can hold 75 tons of solid waste. Biodegradable material (paper, food waste and bio-solids) in the material is broken down by microorganisms thriving in a temperatures reaching 180 degrees Fahrenheit over a three-day period and turned into compost, much of which is sold and is safe for use on gardens and farms as a soil additive.
    During screening, the inorganic material which will not decompose is separated out and put into SSWI’s Class IV landfill. Meanwhile, the composted digester material (about 60 percent of the original waste stream) is screened and moved to the aeration floor where it is periodically turned and continues composting for an additional four weeks.

    Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Gatlinburg’s Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies opened its $5 million “Penguin Playhouse” in 2010, showcasing a colony of African Black Footed Penguins in the new indoor/outdoor habitat. Since 1930, the African penguin population has dropped from an estimated one million birds down to 150,000 today, putting them on the list of “vulnerable” animals facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Gatlinburg is proud to introduce the wonders of these creatures to those visiting the Gateway to the Smoky Mountains.
    The exhibit is the largest and costliest expansion ever at the Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg. In the new “Penguin Playhouse,” more than 30,000 gallons of temperature controlled saltwater depict the coastal island rookeries along the coast of South Africa, closely modeling the home of African Black Footed Penguins. Aquarium guests can crawl through clear underwater acrylic tunnels and pop up on the penguin’s private beach to view the birds “nose to beak.” In these tunnels, visitors can view the penguins from both above and below water level.
    The penguins who will be calling Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies their home all have been bred at other zoos and aquariums and are a part of the Species Survival Plan of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. When these young birds reach breeding age, they too will contribute to the survival of their species in the wild. In Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse, burrowed nesting boxes and mud holes have been built into the rocky habitat for nest building.
    As birds, Ripley’s African Black Footed Penguins and the other 17 different species of penguins of the world, have adapted to life in the sea. Found only south of the Equator, penguins are, as Ripley’s Penguin Playhouse shows, not always birds of ice and snow. The interactive habitat features two wave machines and multiple spa jets to ensure continual water movements designed to create an inviting watery playground for the birds. Naturalistic rockwork and plantings surround the habitat.

About African Black Footed Penguins

• African penguins are not endangered but are considered “vulnerable,” which means they are facing a high risk of extinction in the wild. Major reasons include depletion of their food from overfishing and pollution. Since 1930, the African penguin population has dropped from an estimated one million birds down to 150,000 today.
• They average 23-27 inches tall and weigh five to nine pounds.
• Their diet consists of small fishes, such as herring, anchovies and sardines.
• In the wild, African penguins have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years but they live much longer in zoos and aquariums.
• They swim at an average speed of 4 mph with a top speed of 12 mph and can stay submerged for up to two minutes.
• African penguins have evolved shorter feathers because, unlike Antarctic species, they do not face extremely cold environments. To help stay cool, they pant like a dog and swim in the chilly water.
• Mature birds lay two eggs in the nest, which is protected from the sun and most predators, and both parents incubate the eggs and feed the chicks for two to four months. African penguins breed in huge, noisy colonies and the mating pair stays together in a tight bond for their entire life.

“We’re really happy and proud to debut this amazing exhibit during our 10th anniversary,” said Ryan DeSear, general manager of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. “Our Penguin Playhouse will soon become another iconic exhibit within the Aquarium and we hope to see it at the top of the must-see list for visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains. Our penguin habitat beautifully showcases these incredible birds, creating a wonderful family experience.”

Now celebrating its 10th year in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies was named The Number One Aquarium in America by TripAdvisor.com in 2009. More than 14 million have visited the aquarium since its opening in December 2000.

For travel information to Gatlinburg, please visit www.Gatlinburg.com.

About Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies: Aquarium of the Smokies the second most attended attraction in Tennessee, was Voted The Number One Aquarium in America by TripAdvisor.com and Forbes Traveler has named it one of America’s best aquariums. More than 100,000 exotic sea creatures live in its 1.4 million gallons of water. The aquarium is known for its shark exhibit that features 11-foot sharks and one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. family of worldwide entertainment facilities that includes another world class aquarium - Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, S.C. More than 13 million people visit Ripley’s 70-plus attractions in 13 countries each year.  Ripley Entertainment Inc. is a division of the Jim Pattison Group, the third largest privately held company in Canada.

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee boasts inspiration to all who visit, from the misting mountains, the trickling streams and the exquisite wildlife that call this mountain haven home. Wherever your adventurous spirit guides you, Gatlinburg delivers family fun, unique shops, and an extensive arts and crafts community. Explore the popular Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, ride the country’s longest aerial tram, browse through hundreds of unique shops in search of the perfect treasure, and revel in the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains as you Reach Higher Ground in Gatlinburg. For more information, visit www.Gatlinburg.com or call 1-800-588-1817. For media information and digital images, visit www.gatlinburgpressroom.com. Visit us on YouTube at www.youtube.com/visitgatlinburg and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitgatlinburg.

    Tennessee Moonshine is now available legally for the first time at the Ole Smoky Distillery in downtown Gatlinburg. The distillery located in Ole Smoky Holler offers free tours, free samples of moonshine to adults over 21 and moonshine for sale.
    Ole Smoky Distillery offers a number of moonshine products: original unaged corn whiskey moonshine, apple pie moonshine, moonshine cherries, sweet tea moonshine and peach moonshine. The Ole Smoky recipes are the product of the hard work and experience of local families who have made moonshine in the mountains for over a century. Dave Pickerell, who served as the Master Distiller for Maker’s Mark for more than 15 years, assisted with the refinement of the recipes in order to ensure a superior mountain - made moonshine.
    A highlight of the facility is the authentic working moonshine still where visitors will learn the science of the distilling process, as well as the history and lore of moonshining in East Tennessee. Ole Smoky is the only distillery in the state dedicated to moonshine products. Proprietors Joe Baker, Tony Breeden and Cory Cottongim place a particular emphasis on celebrating their mountain heritage as well as the historical significance of the moonshine craft in sustaining families during hard economic times of the early 20th century.
    “Moonshine played an integral role in the daily lives of families in this region,” said Baker. “Too often, people rely on the stereotype of a backwards old man making a cheap, dangerous product. In truth, a lot of good people made and sold moonshine in order to feed and clothe their families. Without moonshine, many mountain families would not have survived.”
    Ole Smoky Distillery is the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee, and is currently one of only a handful of distilleries operating in the state. Jack Daniel’s and George Dickel received their licenses before Prohibition, and Prichards Rum opened their Tennessee facility in 1999.

Christ In The Smokies Museum Celebrates First Year With New Sculpture

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Since Christ in the Smokies Museum & Gardens opened its doors in September of 2009, the Gatlinburg attraction has realized a steady growth in attendance since opening day. But something was missing.

“When we opened as Christ in the Smokies, visitors were very enthusiastic about the attraction,” said Museum Director Joe Waggoner. “They were complimentary about the dioramas, exhibits, and figures – but many patrons asked about ‘The Face.’

“It was apparent people expected to find it at this attraction,” said Waggoner, who also operated the former Christus Gardens in the same location for many decades. “After months of research, study and hard work, we are pleased to announce the unveiling of our new Face of Christ Sculpture in the patio prayer garden. We are very excited about receiving this piece of art.”

The new piece was sculpted by Otto Preske of Gatlinburg, a master carver renowned throughout the Southeastern United States for his hand carved church statuary, furniture and finely detailed wooden mantels He has been carving for over 50 years and has taught at various schools, including the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina.

Preske has owned and operated “Artist in the Wood” in the Great Smoky Arts & Craft Community of Gatlinburg for over 30 years. He not only sells his wood carvings but demonstrates this age old tradition using chisels and mallets – what he calls the “traditional” tools – with no power tools.

“My prayer is that visitors to Christ in the Smokies will be brought closer to Christ through this remarkable carving,” said Preske. “I was able to do this with God’s help.”

The Face of Christ Sculpture, now the centerpiece of the attraction, measures eight feet tall by four feet wide and one foot deep. The face alone is three feet tall. This awe inspiring sculpture has been carved in such a concave manner that as you walk back and forth in front of it, the entire face seems to move in your direction. A smoky mountain range is also carved into the block along with the verse, “Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always” from First Chronicles 16:11

Christ in the Smokies presents 12 scenes from the life of Christ utilizing over 100 life-sized wax figures in dramatic settings. Appropriate music, lights, sound and special effects along with narration from the Bible bring to life these highlights from the beloved story of Jesus. Other exhibits include Precious Gems of the Bible, ancient coins from the Holy Land and Christ in the motion pictures, a collection of movie posters and photos showing 100 years of Biblical films.

The museum also features a unique gift shop offering inspirational gifts, area mementos, and collectibles including a miniature reproduction of the Face of Christ sculpture.

Christ in the Smokies opened after the doors of the former occupant, Christus Gardens, closed its doors in January of 2008.  Charlie Moore and Billy Proffitt, local businessmen, saw the need for Gatlinburg to have an inspirational attraction.

“Christ in the Smokies is a unique, one of a kind experience for those visiting the Smokies”, states Moore. They brought together a team of craftsman and technicians to open the attraction in a record time of only four months having to start from scratch with the scenes – along with the remodeling of the familiar building of Georgia and Tennessee marble on River Road.

Christ in the Smokies is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours in the summer and fall. Groups and individuals are asked to call 865-436-5155 for specific dates, times and admission prices or visit our website at www.christinthesmokes.com.

Tennessee’s Fifth-Largest Mass Transit System Carries 800,000 Passengers Annually

The Gatlinburg Trolley System is the easiest and most convenient way for visitors to get around town!
Did you know that Gatlinburg’s Trolley System is the fifth largest mass transit system in the State of Tennessee? It originated in 1980 with only six trolleys, but the fleet has grown to 20-plus trolleys servicing approximately 50 miles of trolley routes. In 2011, nearly 800,000 patrons took advantage of riding rather than driving to their destination.
You can now hop aboard the Gatlinburg Trolleys all day long for just $2 a day with unlimited access to the Red, Blue, Purple, Yellow and Green Trolley routes. The $2 program is targeted specifically to visitors and residents in response to escalating gas prices, and is being promoted via Internet and word-of-mouth in the hope of easing the budgetary concerns of patrons. The $2 Pass is sold at all three Gatlinburg Welcome Centers as well as at City Hall and the Mass Transit Center, plus numerous Gatlinburg lodging facilities.
Did you know that you can find Gatlinburg trolley locations in real time from a website? Funded by a grant, trolleys are monitored by a global positioning system, and the information is translated by the Intelligence Transportation System into estimated arrival time at eight popular trolley shelters, including the large information sign located at the Gatlinburg Mass Transit Center located at Traffic Light #5 next to Ripley’s Aquarium. To view the location of Gatlinburg’s trolleys, visit www.otvia.com/gatlinburg. A city map will appear. The box color indicates the trolley route color.
All Gatlinburg trolleys are handicap accessible. Exact change is required on all routes. Trolley coupon books valued at $5 make riding the trolleys even more convenient. For more information, contact the Mass Transit office at 865/436-3897 or visit any of the Gatlinburg Welcome Centers.
The Red Route runs through downtown Gatlinburg. The Blue Route serves the Free Park-N-Ride lot next to City Hall and offers access to shops, lodging and businesses on East Parkway. The Purple Route serves the Free Gatlinburg Park-N-Ride lot and Gatlinburg Welcome Center located on the Spur/Highway 441 between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The Green Route services the Parkway and Convention Center areas as well as the south end of the Parkway. Fare for Red, Blue, Purple and Green Routes is 50 cents.
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The Yellow Route (April through December) makes the entire eight-mile Arts & Crafts Community Loop once per hour. Fare is $1 all day with unlimited on/off accessibility. The Pink Route (April through December) allows convenient access to
Dollywood. Fare is $1 each way. Serving the National Park, the Tan Route (June through October) departs from the Mass Transit Center. Fare is $2 round trip.
For several days in June, Gatlinburg trolleys make popular environmentally -friendly runs into Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing trolley service to over 10,000 visitors viewing the natural light show of the synchronous fireflies at Elkmont.
    During Smoky Mountain Winterfest, visitors can soak up the spirit of the season by taking a relaxing Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. These popular guided excursions are available by advance reservation and embark from the city’s trolley center located at Traffic Light #5. The trolley carries its guests on a memorable journey through downtown and adjacent Hwy. 321, allowing everyone to experience the magical wonder of Gatlinburg Winter Magic.
    Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights embarks at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 nightly beginning Nov. 7 through Dec. 30, 2011, except for Dec. 7, the evening of the city’s annual Christmas parade, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Trolley excursions are available on Saturdays during the month of January.

Gatlinburg Travel Change Specialists make visiting Gatlinburg easy

    Travel plans can change quickly leaving travelers to cancel reservations, pay penalties and plan a new trip. The City of Gatlinburg has launched a program to assist travelers with this overwhelming task.  Gatlinburg Travel Change Specialists are available to help travelers create itineraries and provide discounts to help offset the cost of cancellation fees.
    “Our program will help travelers who have a change in plans this summer for any reason,” said David Perella, Executive Director for the Gatlinburg Department of Tourism.  “No one wants to cancel a vacation and the hassle of planning a new vacation may seem daunting.  That’s why we are offering to help simplify the process and make your ideal vacation a reality.”
    By calling 800-965-0374, a Gatlinburg Travel Change Specialist will assess a traveler’s vacation needs and help build a custom itinerary so they don’t have to plan a whole new trip.  Whether travelers are looking for adventure and outdoor activities, shopping, relaxation or family fun, Gatlinburg has something to offer.
    Gatlinburg will help accommodate travelers who have to cancel travel plans by offering a Gatlinburg Game Changer Card valid for a variety of different discounts. For example, travelers can receive a 25 percent discount on a stay at the Hilton Garden Inn, free child admission with the purchase of an adult admission to many of the Ripley’s attractions and much more.  The number of restaurants, attractions and retailers who are offering help to travelers is growing daily and an updated list can be found on the web at www.tcap.gatlinburg.com. Travelers must show proof of cancellation to be eligible for the Gatlinburg Game Changer Card.
    Gatlinburg Travel Change Specialists are also available to help with changing group tours, reunions, meetings or convention plans. Visitors can find more information about the program by visiting www.tcap.gatlinburg.com or calling 800-965-0374.

Gatlinburg’s Hilton Garden Inn embraces Gatlinburg Goes Green Initiative

Gatlinburg, Tenn., (July 6, 2010) —The Hilton Garden Inn in Gatlinburg has earned the Good Earthkeeping Award for a small property by the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA) for their work to become the state’s first LEED certified hotel.  The award was presented as part of the annual Stars of the Industry Awards which honor stand-out initiatives at hotel properties. In an effort to support and build upon the Gatlinburg Goes Green initiative, builders and owners of the Hilton Garden Inn are working to earn the coveted U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Silver Level LEED certification.  When accepted, the certification will confirm by third-party experts that the hotel satisfies criteria for sustainable site development, materials selection, water conservation, energy efficiency and indoor environment quality.

“With the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in our backyard, it is a natural fit for the Gatlinburg business community to be an innovative in promoting efficient and sustainable green development and we encourage others to follow our lead,” said Logan Coykendall, President of Hospitality Management Solutions which manages the Hilton Garden Inn.

About Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Gatlinburg
The Hilton Garden Inn, Downtown Gatlinburg is opened in the summer of 2009 and offers 118 guest rooms and luxurious suites.  The property is located on River Road in Downtown Gatlinburg, yards from Smoky Mountain National Park with direct access to the main Parkway downtown walking district.  The property is smoke free and features the Garden Sleep System® bed, which enables guest to adjust the firmness or softness of the bed; ergonomic Mirr® chair by Herman Miller; complimentary wired and WiFi Internet access in guestrooms and public space; mobile printing to the hotel’s complimentary 24-hour business center; full service restaurant serving freshly cooked-to-order breakfast and evening room service; the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry® convenience market featuring a variety of snack options; workout facility; flexible meeting space; indoor pool, and on-site guest laundry facility.

About Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a quaint, mountain getaway nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains.  It offers a variety of travel experiences ranging from family activities to romantic getaways or outdoor adventures.  Gatlinburg also has more than 12,000 rooms for lodging and 400 shops as well as many attractions including Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, Ober Gatlinburg and many others.

Pancake Pantry Celebrates 50th Birthday with 1960 Prices

(Gatlinburg, Tenn., March 17, 2010) – When is the last time you could get an order of Swedish Pancakes for 95 cents, or a stack of old fashioned buttermilk pancakes for 55 cents?

Established in the heart of Gatlinburg in 1960, the Pancake Pantry celebrated its birthday by treating its guests to breakfast at prices that haven’t been seen in 50 years.

On March 17, 2010, the Pancake Pantry rolled back the clock to the day it opened its doors for the first time, charging the same prices listed on the breakfast-only menu which appeared when Jim and June Gerding greeted their first guests in 1960.

As always, the doors opened for business at 7 a.m. and customers in line at 3 p.m. were served during the golden anniversary celebration.

Located at 628 Parkway, the original menu heralded the era of the pancake in this tourism town, proclaiming:

“Within the last few years, a definite trend in the habit of the eating public has created an awareness on their part that the humble pancake is no longer humble.

“Today, it not only sits at the top of every breakfast menu, but also finds its way into luncheon and dinner menus and has become a popular snacktime food.

“The variety of delicious pancakes plus pure, fresh whipped butter and the unusual variety of syrups we serve at the Pancake Pantry provide you with a selection of which we are justifiably proud.”

Pancake Pantry President Gary Myers has been with the company for 42 years, starting out at age 14 as a busboy and working his way through kitchen and dining room management positions to his current post.

“We’ve had generations of customers who come back every time they visit Gatlinburg,” said Myers, who works five days a week and rarely misses a Saturday or Sunday rush. “People expect quality food and an enjoyable meal, and that’s what we try to give them.”

Pancake Pantry employs more than 40 employees and includes a group of 15 who have been with the company for 20 or more years. Another dozen have worked for the restaurant for upwards of 10 years.

One waitress, Barb Watson, began serving pancakes in 1963, and Tom Franklin has been on station in the kitchen for over 41 years, one of five cooks who have been with the restaurant at least 32 years.

“The Gerdings are one of the finest families I’ve ever been associated with,” said Myers. “They have treated their customers and their employees with class and take great pride in the restaurant. That’s why folks keep coming back.”

Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee boasts inspiration to all who visit, from the misting mountains, the trickling streams and the exquisite wildlife that call this mountain haven home. Wherever your adventurous spirit guides you, Gatlinburg delivers family fun, unique shops, and an extensive arts and crafts community. Explore the popular Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, ride the country’s longest aerial tram, browse through hundreds of unique shops in search of the perfect treasure, and revel in the splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains as you Reach Higher Ground in Gatlinburg. For more information, visit www.Gatlinburg.com or call 1-800-588-1817. For media information and digital images, visit www.gatlinburgpressroom.com. Visit us on YouTube at www.youtube.com/visitgatlinburg and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/visitgatlinburg.

GATLINBURG – The City of Gatlinburg’s commitment to convert the Gatlinburg Winter Magic lights program to 100 percent LED bulbs during 2008 has paid off in immediate significant savings of electricity.

The final electric bills for the 2008-09 season have been calculated and indicate substantial dollar savings of more than 75 percent through the five-month billing cycle from October 2008 to February 2009 as compared to the similar period in 2005-06.

“Through this first season of the 100 percent LED conversion of the program, we have shaved over $52,000 off our electric bills in comparison to three years ago, when the City’s winter lights program included all incandescent bulbs,” said City Manager Cindy Cameron Ogle.

During the 2005-06 winter season, the City’s electric bills totaled over $68,000 for electric meters servicing winter lights displays throughout the City. By contrast, the City’s electric bills through the same time period in 2008-09 totaled $15,476, with that total including the additional cost of lighting several dozen new displays added in the three phases of Gatlinburg Winter Magic.

“We are spending close to 77 percent less for electricity now than we did three years ago” said Director of Tourism David Perella. “Electric rates have been increased by an additional 14.6 percent by TVA since April of 2006, which would have resulted in several thousand dollars of additional charges if the lighting program had remained incandescent.”

The cost to the City of converting existing displays to LED is estimated to have been about $180,000. Perella said the return on the investment should be regained in about four years, with savings in manpower to maintain and replace the lights also saving Gatlinburg considerable expense.

Last summer, Gatlinburg completed the three-year process of converting all of its winter lights displays from five-watt incandescent bulbs to high-efficiency quarter-watt LED bulbs. Displays are featured all over town, and street poles throughout the City now feature a rich forest of tree branches, scrolls and snowflakes that accent streetlights.

LED bulbs are guaranteed for five years and rarely break or fall out of displays.

“The maintenance of these LED lights is very low and they’re very rugged,” said Robert Marine, Winter Lights Coordinator and Facility Manager of the Building Maintenance Department that handles the electrical wiring of the displays. “They are cool-burning, bright and colorful. It is basically an electronic bulb and is the difference between night and day as far as efficiency. We have not had to rebulb a single LED display this season.”

Gatlinburg Golf Course has been selected as the Best Municipal Golf Course in the State of Tennessee, as published in the August issue of Golf Digest magazine.

Using a combination of star ratings from Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” rankings and the magazine’s “Best In State” ratings, a panel of Golf Digest contributors and editors ranked the “Best Muny Course” in each state.

For this list, Golf Digest defined “muny” as a course owned by a city, town, county or state.  Gatlinburg Golf Course received a rating of four and one-half stars out of five in the magazine, rating among the nation’s top courses, with a listed green fee of $60.  The list includes nonresident, walking green fees during peak hours.  Only one municipal golf course, Bethpage State Park (Black) in Farmingdale, N.Y., site of last month’s U.S. Open, received a rating of five stars, with a green fee of $120.

“Obviously, this is a very prestigious honor for the City of Gatlinburg and our members and residents,” said Gatlinburg Golf Course Manager Rick Tucker.  “Golf Digest is recognized as one of the leading voices in the industry and a showcase of the game of golf.”

Gatlinburg Golf Course is open year-round with modern facilities including a brand new, fully equipped pro shop.  It was established in 1955 on a 145-acre tract off Dollywood Lane near Dollywood, the Smoky Mountain amusement park attraction.  The picturesque 18-hole course was designed by noted golf course architect William Langford.  In 1993 and again in 2007, the course underwent major renovations by Bob Cupp and Associates of Atlanta.

“We are very proud of our golf course, Clubhouse facilities, and all the staff at the course,” said Cindy Cameron Ogle, City Manager of Gatlinburg.  “We feel our patrons enjoy a memorable 18-hole experience and are very pleased with the recognition received from Golf Digest.”

The Course has always been public and has had only two PGA Professionals – Harry “Cotton” Berrier, a Hall of Fame inductee who retired in 1998, and Tucker, the current director of the Golf Course, which is a Department of the City of Gatlinburg.

In addition to a $500,000 hole renovation project, a new $1.24 million clubhouse opened in 2007, featuring a full-service pro shop and patio deck overlooking several holes.  All of the clubhouse’s utilities have been placed underground at the 7,500 square foot facility, which includes modern locker rooms and restroom facilities and is fully handicap accessible.

Acclaimed as one of the most picturesque courses in America with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the course includes the legendary #12, affectionately known as “Sky Hi.”  The hole is 194 yards in length and drops 200 feet, tee to green, making it one of the most dramatic holes in the country.

The Gateway City To The Smokies Is Like No Other Town

It’s a little place: Gatlinburg. About two miles long by five miles wide. On its own, it’s just a sleepy little mountain town with mostly good neighbors. A couple of the family names go all the way back to 1800 or so, some of them. A handful of families can trace back to the White Oak Flats days of 1835. The story goes that Radford Gatlin opened a general store in the 1850s and agreed to handle the new mail service, so the postmark became Gatlinburg in 1856. Unless you can trace your name back to the mid 1800s, you’re not really from here, you’re just a’ visitin’.

Things stayed pretty quiet around Gatlinburg for a long time, but then there came a big park in the 1930s. Great Smoky Mountains National Park… big name, big park. Quite a few families had to move so the park could be there where they’d lived for so long, so many generations, but they moved. There was just something about regular everyday people buying up 800 square miles of land to give to the government that made the families realize that something big was about to happen.

Big, indeed! Now boasting over nine million visitors a year, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has transformed Gatlinburg from a sleepy little town of 70-plus years ago into the perennial mountain getaway choice by generations of families.

Arts and crafts have long held a deep association with the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Nowhere else in the South will you find a richer heritage of fine craftsmanship than in Gatlinburg. Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, established in 1937, is the largest group of independent artisans in North America. Located on an eight-mile loop at the northeast edge of Gatlinburg, the Community proudly preserves the craft heritage of the Great Smoky Mountains year-round. This area offers you the best in a wide range of craft shops, including pottery, woodcarving, candlemaking, quilting, weaving, broommaking, and painting, among many other fine art forms.

Gatlinburg also is home to the renowned Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Founded in 1945, Arrowmont offers summer and spring workshops and an array of special conferences for all levels of students in craft-art media. The art galleries at Arrowmont are open for tours of select collections throughout the year.

A leisurely stroll on the downtown Parkway opens up a world of opportunities when you’re in Gatlinburg. From the amazement of seeing 12-foot sharks swim over your head in an underwater tunnel at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies to gazing at all of the incredible mysteries and amazing findings at Guinness World of Records Museum and Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum to mountain bobsledding and miniature golf and an evening of entertainment at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre. You may not have time to experience Gatlinburg in just one trip. Plan on coming back year after year: three out of four people who visit Gatlinburg have been here before.

If you love to shop, Gatlinburg is your kind of place! With more than 400 specialty shops, boutiques, and galleries, you can easily find a special collectible or unique one-of-a-kind piece in this mountain resort. And dozens upon dozens of dining choices from national chain to family-owned provide menus featuring pancakes to prime rib, and everything in between.

Lodging landmarks like the stately Mountain View and granite-laden Greystone hotels are just memories to the older visitor, replaced now with an almost endless array of lodging options. Traditional and contemporary hotels and motels, with their limited to full-service amenities, dot the immediate downtown area. Luxuries like room service and big indoor or outdoor pools are a staple of numerous of these facilities. The pampering of bed and breakfast lodging is available in beautiful settings nearby, with some of the area’s friendliest folks as proprietors. Scattered across the mountainsides and on the fringe roads in the hollows are cabins, condos, and chalets, known for their “home away from home” ambiance and privacy.

It’s a little place: Gatlinburg. Little enough to cling to its mountain heritage, and big enough to take care of all the people who come to visit that big park next door. Come and visit for a few days, or for a few times. Either way, you’ll likely catch whatever it is that makes most everybody come back.

For more information about Gatlinburg and all it has to offer, call 800-56-VISIT (568-4748). Visit www.gatlinburg.com for mountains of information.

There’s a reason why the title “Wedding Capital of the South” has been bestowed upon the Gatlinburg area. When you imagine a place filled with as much romance as the misty valleys and sun-dappled peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, you realize why so many people come to the Smokies each year just to get married or attend a wedding. It’s the second-most popular place in America to tie the knot, trailing only Las Vegas, Nevada.

Destination weddings have become wildly popular, and Gatlinburg offers the prospective bridal couple everything they need for their perfect day. Selection is unparalleled, with 13 unique wedding chapels to satisfy anyone’s tastes. There are rustic log chapels, southern Colonial chapels, Victorian chapels, mountaintop chapels, and quaint Storefront chapels. Chapels range from elegant to cupid-cute, while ceremony styles range from hillbilly-simple to the most stylish and regal. And, Gatlinburg’s Hard Rock Café even offers its own version with Rock ‘n Roll weddings; the only one in the world to do so.

If the families are coming in for the wedding, you may want to select a cabin or chalet that offers four to a dozen bedrooms. If you need accommodations for each member of your wedding party, consider the coziness a bed and breakfast inn. If you love the excitement of downtown, there are hotels, motels, and condos within easy walking distance to anywhere you want to be. And don’t worry - every lodging type can fulfill the special accommodation needs of you, the honeymooners!

A charming mountain town, Gatlinburg’s popularity is contagious throughout America. Gatlinburg’s cool mountain air and warm mountain folks appeal to people of all ages and types, from nature lovers to thrill seekers to sentimental romantics. Perhaps that’s why Gatlinburg is the perennial choice as ”Number One Weekend Getaway” by visitors from all walks of life.

Gatlinburg is a great place for newlyweds, but couples and families love it as well. In fact, most of those who visit Gatlinburg have been here before, because somewhere between the first ride and the last hike, they realize they’re having the best time of their lives. Gatlinburg is a town you’ll want to stroll through, or catch a trolley if you prefer. Hundreds of shops, galleries, attractions and restaurants await you, but the adventure doesn’t end there. Everywhere you turn, you’ll see the majestic peaks of the Smokies, vibrant colors and choral echoes of the season’s flora and wildlife, and you’ll hear the distinctive background sounds of a nearby stream.  Whether you’re here for two days or a week, with your entire family or just the two of you, Gatlinburg will be a resort retreat you’ll remember for a lifetime.

From the “something for everyone” aspect of this fun mountain town to the allure of the surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is the perfect family tradition, and the perfect place to begin your new life together. For more information, call 800-56-VISIT (568-4748) or visit www.gatlinburg.com.

America’s Most-Visited National Treasure Has A History Dating Back 75 Years

Great Smoky Mountains National Park encompasses 800 square miles in the states of Tennessee and North Carolina and is the showcase for some of the most inspiring natural and cultural treasures that the Southern Appalachians have to offer. The Park’s abundant plant and animal life and historical significance, coupled with its accessibility, makes this park the most visited in the nation with over nine million visitors annually. GSMNP lies within 550 miles of one-third of the American population.

The idea for a national park in the Southern Appalachians began in the late 1890s, and by the mid-1920s support groups from Asheville, North Carolina, and Knoxville, Tennessee pulled together for an area between the two cities. The strongest supporters of the Park, interestingly, were not hardcore conservationists but motorists who wanted to preserve the beautiful scenery through which they could drive their new cars. Eighty-five percent of the land was once held by large commercial interests - primarily lumber companies - and the remainder of the acreage was small farms and miscellaneous parcels. More than 2,000 deeds, representing lands that were purchased by the states of North Carolina and Tennessee, were transferred to federal ownership. On June 15, 1934, Congress established the national park and allowed the building of the Park’s infrastructure.

Over the next 16 years, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked to build many of the trails, campgrounds and beautiful stone bridges and buildings that are still enjoyed by visitors in the Park. When President Franklin Roosevelt formally dedicated the Park in 1940, it had become a sanctuary for all the people of the country and the rest of the world to enjoy.

GSMNP is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009, with special programs planned throughout the year including the rededication of the Park which President Franklin Delano Roosevelt formally dedicated in 1940. For more information on the festivities, visit http://greatsmokies75th.org/welcome-to-the-great-smokies-75th/.

As stewards of significant historic resources, the Park preserves and maintains a collection of some 77 historic structures, along with preserved scenes and landscapes in five historic districts. This collection, representing a century of human history in the Appalachia region, helps to tell the story of the people who lived and worked in the Park prior to its creation. 

Conservationists, backpackers, trout fishermen and motorists were among the recreational groups driving the creation of the Park. Today, those and other visitors take pleasure in the Park’s many recreational opportunities and sanctuary as a wild place.

The Park’s fundamental significance lies in its extraordinary quality as a sanctuary – massive mountain ridges, deep-cleft valleys and unspoiled streams create entirely different ecosystems which are refuges for the hundreds of plants and animals species.

The Park boasts more than 1,100 front country campsites, 100 backcountry campsites, 800 miles of trails, 700 miles of streams, 11 picnic grounds, three visitor centers and numerous scenic overlooks. American black bears, deer, turkeys, flowers and other wildlife are popular with nature photographers in the Smokies. The Park’s intricate trail system provides access to view the diversity of life in the Smokies. Many salamander and plant species are found nowhere else in the world, and the forests contain more tree species than any national park.

Park maps, guidebooks, handbooks and videos are available at the Park bookstores within each visitor center. More information can be found online at www.nps.gov/grsm and by calling 865-436-1200.

Imagine that you’re rocketing down a 400-foot snow-covered slope, lying flat on your back in a canvas-covered tube. As you knife through the falling snow, the only thing louder than your squeals of delight are the screams of pure joy coming from your kids in the next lane. Or was that shriek from your best friend?

It’s called snow tubing, Smoky Mountains style, and it’s the newest reason to make the trek to Ober Gatlinburg for an unforgettable adventure this winter.

Located atop Mt. Harrison in the Great Smoky Mountains, Ober Gatlinburg has opened its new ten-lane snow tubing park and is drawing crowds of snow tubing enthusiasts.

Even better than you remember when you were a kid and on a much bigger hill with its own Magic Carpet lift back to the top of the hill, this $1.5 million dollar facility is one of the finest in the south, with the capacity to host several hundred visitors per session and 100 percent snowmaking coverage adding to the experience. The park is lit for nighttime fun and just one more reason to visit the Smokies this winter.

Race your family or friends down the snow tubing course which drops five stories, double up with your young adventurer, or give Mom the opportunity to push Dad down a mountain. Get ready to laugh until it hurts in this must-do experience for all ages, then ride back to the top of the trail! Please note that guests must be three years old or 42 inches tall to participate in snow tubing.

There’s even an observation area with food service and restrooms for non-tubers to snap pictures and share the fun.

The snow tubing park is one of many enhancements at Ober Gatlinburg this season.

Ober has acquired 25 new HKD snowguns. These “stick guns” are mounted on 30 foot adjustable poles which give the snow crystals (shooting from the top of the snowgun’s six nozzles) more time to freeze as they fall further to the ground.  Ober staff tested several of these guns last winter and found them to be very energy-efficient as they require far less air to operate than older models of snowguns.

Ober Gatlinburg has also purchased a Bombardier BR-350 snow groomer for the slopes, a machine which offers more power and versatility to anything seen in East Tennessee before.

Also, one of Ober’s smaller Bombardier BR-250 machines has been reconfigured for grooming the tubing hill.

As for the skiing and snowboarding slopes, Ober Gatlinburg has redesigned the unloading area for the Red Lift, and has improved the entry access into both Cub Way and Castle Run as well as dramatically widened the access from Bear Run into Cub Way.

Also, last year the resort completed a multi-year project to replace and upgrade their entire ski and snowboard rental equipment, and as Ober Gatlinburg continues to take advantage of new technology, the facility has now converted 17 percent of its ski rental inventory to the BYS system for this season. Among the advantages of this setup is a quicker process to get through the rental room and onto the slopes faster, and with better fitting rental boots.

If you’ve had enough of the snow, Ober’s new nocturnal house includes viewing of various species of native wildlife such as raccoons, skunks, flying squirrels, turtles, and snakes, plus there are three river otters in the aquatic exhibit. Eventually birds of prey, bobcat, fox and other native species will also have homes at this new facility.

For more information call 865-436-5423 or visit www.obergatlinburg.com.

TripAdvisor’s Sr. VP and Tennessee Commissioner of Tourism attend celebratory luncheon in Gatlinburg

GATLINBURG, Tenn. (Jan.26, 2009) – TripAdvisor’s Senior Vice President, Robin Ingle, visited Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies on Monday, January 26 to officially present the aquarium with a trophy that declares it the Number One Aquarium in the United States.  Ingle was joined at the media luncheon by Susan Whitaker, commissioner of tourism for the state of Tennessee. The award was presented by Ingle to Jim Pattison, Jr., president of Ripley Entertainment Inc.

The aquarium’s top ranking was determined based on traveler popularity, consumer ratings and TripAdvisor editors.

“This is such a great honor to be named as the top aquarium in the U.S. We are very proud especially since the results are based upon the reports from our guests,” said Steve File, general manager. “It’s good to know that so many of our visitors are willing to share their feelings and recommend us as a high quality family entertainment experience.”

Since opening its doors in 2000, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, nestled at the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has hosted more than 10 million visitors.  Billed as “America’s Most Fun Aquarium,” the aquarium is home to more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures including 12-foot sharks in a world-class 1.4 million gallon aquarium.  The majesty of the sea world is revealed through, what has called “the world’s best shark exhibit in a 345 foot long underwater aquarium tunnel” plus thrilling interactive exhibits offering visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal in recreated habitats.  Regarded as an exceptional educational facility, the aquarium also provides various education programs for children of all ages.

“These aquariums offer wonderful learning experiences about animals and their habitats, and truly let travelers take a walk on the wild side,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. “Ripley’s offers great family-friendly underwater attractions that are extremely popular among TripAdvisor.com travelers.”

High resolution photos are available; executive interviews can be arranged. If you are a member of the media and would like to arrange an interview, contact Dee Lundy at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 865-522-1573.

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the second most attended attraction in Tennessee, was voted The Number One Aquarium in America by TripAdvisor.com and Forbes Traveler has named it one of America’s best aquariums. More than 100,000 exotic sea creatures live in its 1.4 million gallons of water. The aquarium is known for its shark exhibit that features 12-foot sharks and one of the longest underwater tunnels in the world. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is part of the Ripley Entertainment Inc. family of worldwide entertainment facilities that includes another world class aquarium - Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, S.C. More than 13 million people visit Ripley’s 70-plus attractions in 13 countries each year.  Ripley Entertainment Inc. is a division of the Jim Pattison Group, the third largest privately held company in Canada.

Winterfest marks final phase of LED lighting conversion

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – As the fantastic fall landscape gives way to the serenity of winter, Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration comes alive and transforms the city into a winter wonderland of Winter Magic lights, festivities and “green” holiday cheer.

For two decades, Winterfest has delighted visitors to Gatlinburg. The highlight of the holiday season for both vacationers and residents is Gatlinburg Winter Magic, the lights spectacular which features three million lights and illuminates the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains with animated displays of holiday themes and wildlife. This year, Winter Magic realizes the final phase of a three-year conversion from incandescent bulbs to energy-efficient LED (light emitting diode) lights, further enhancing the winter landscape which has been attracting visitors to Gatlinburg for years.

“Winter Magic is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to come to Gatlinburg and celebrate the warm spirit of the holiday season,” said Dave Perella, executive director, Gatlinburg Department of Tourism. “Our transformation to LED lighting, along with other conservation methods, symbolizes the community’s commitment to preserving both the environment and natural beauty of Gatlinburg. LED bulbs require 95 percent less electricity than the bulbs they are replacing, and they’re manpower-friendly.”

Most recently, fanciful snowmen, dancing fountains, a group of international children and a shiny rocking horse joined the lineup which includes animals indigenous to Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as many of the timeless displays visitors have grown accustomed to, now converted to crisp LED.

From November through February, visitors can experience the wonder of a winter mountain vacation in Gatlinburg with activities from old fashion wagon rides, arts and crafts shows and live entertainment, to dazzling fireworks and grand parades.

Listed below is a sampling of the events taking place this winter in Gatlinburg:

For more information on winter travel in Gatlinburg and other special events, please contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at (800) 56-VISIT or visit www.gatlinburg.com.

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