Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a nature lover's paradise, is the most visited national park in America. The peacefulness of the Smokies provides a perfect place for getaways to rejuvenate from the stress of everyday life.
The beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is displayed in its awesome waterfalls, cool mountain rivers, wildflowers, floral and fauna, and the glory of fall as the tree leaves change to brilliant colors of red, orange, and gold.
Historic Structure in the National Park
Encompassing over 500,000 acres of forest land, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is situated in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee. The Great Smoky Mountains, the majestic climax of the Appalachian Highlands, are a wildlands sanctuary preserving the world's finest examples of temperate deciduous forest. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts unspoiled forests similar to those the early settlers found. Wildflowers and migrating birds abound in late April and early May. Autumn's pageantry of colors in the Smoky Mountains usually peaks in mid-October. Some 800 miles of trails thread the whole of the Smoky Mountains natural fabric - and its waterfalls, coves, balds, and rushing streams. The Great Smoky Mountains, a wild landscape rich with traces of its human past, calls people back year after year. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains and Fontana Dam.
3rd Annual Smoky MountainTunes & Tales™
June 13 - August 9, 2008
Back by popular demand, Gatlinburg's 3rd annual run of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ begins in downtown Gatlinburg on June 13 and will run through August 9. Tunes & Tales is a summer-long street performance event featuring costumed musical performers, storytellers and artisans portraying time periods as far back as 1800.
A collection of personalities and performers arrive nightly at 5 p.m. via horse-drawn wagon in the center of town. Visitors witness a magical transformation of sidewalk to stage as the characters disperse along the downtown Parkway for an evening of entertainment and storytelling until 10 p.m. As many as 14 nightly acts perform throughout the evening. This popular eight-week event truly highlights one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provides guests with an interactive, educational and entertaining experience the whole family can enjoy.
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Tennessee Mountain Boys |
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White Oak Flats |
“Each night at 5 p.m., a horse-drawn wagon carries the performers down the Parkway to their designated locations for the evening,” said George Hawkins, Gatlinburg Department of Tourism Special Events Manager. “The rotating cast of twenty acts including storytellers, musicians and crafters will share their stories and skills during the eight-week event.”
As part of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™, visitors can stroll along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg and catch a toe-tappin’ performance by "The Back Porch Cloggers," a group showcasing the original dance of the Appalachians. In addition, guests can meet Whittlin’ Joe as he demonstrates his craft and shares his stories of living in the Smokies, and Miss Nan the school marm shares her experiences and fun stories as a pioneer teacher. Zeno the Gatlinburg Bear™ also makes nightly appearances during this popular summer special event, dishing out hugs and waving to his new friends.
Other popular returning Appalachian characters include Hammer and Strings, the dulcimer duo, and Animal Mac, who sings about his four-legged friends from the Great Smoky Mountains.
Visitors also get a chance to hear traditional mountain music by the Spring Lizards, a musical husband and wife team, who plays the music of the 1800’s. The pure and rustic music and folk-like lyrics tell stories of the joys and tribulations of life of the early pioneer families. Folks will enjoy hearing from Annie the Quilter as she shows off her family’s quilt noting that each square has its own story. She even gives tips and show how quilts are made to any would-be seamsters.
Since Gatlinburg is the birthplace of the famous bluegrass tune “Rocky Top,” Tunes & Tales features traditional bluegrass bands each night such as the Tennessee Mountain Boys, Mountain Mike & the River Road Ramblers and White Oak Flats playing favorite bluegrass standards. All performances are free and happen all along the Parkway, seven nights a week until August 9 making every evening a special event in Gatlinburg.
News from Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
> Global Climate Educational Initiative Launched
> Smokemont Riding Stables Contract Awarded
> 75th Anniversary Web Site Goes Online
> Sampling Begins for Emerald Ash Borer Beetles
> First Meeting for North Shore Record of Decision
> Ginseng Poachers Conviction Includes Jail Time
> Parson Branch Road Reopens
> New Tram Cars at Ober Gatlinburg
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Phone: 865-436-1200
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