Horses in the Smokies

Horseback Riding Locations near Gatlinburg

Any trip to Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, or Gatlinburg must include viewing wildlife, nature in all her beauty, and the glorious Great Smoky Mountains.  A unique and exiting way to do this is by horseback! The view from horseback will not only let you see it like you never have before, but will give you the chance to step back in time.

The Great Smoky Mountains is home to 66 different kinds of animals.  That makes the chances of spotting a wild turkey or white-tailed deer pretty good on the horseback trails.  Make your reservations at Best Western Twin Islands or Crossroads Inn and then check out these stables that will offer you a chance to make great family memories while in the Smokies:

Five Oaks Stables – 1630 Parkway, Sevierville
Despite being located in the heart of Sevierville and the Pigeon Forge area, Five Oaks Stables will take you to a whole different world!  In less than five minutes after saddling up, gone are the noises of traffic, the hustle-bustle of traveling and shopping, and in their place is a 70-acre nature park just waiting to be explored.

With experienced guides leading the way on your peaceful journey you will enjoy breath taking views of a beautiful mountain lake, take in the majestic Mount LeConte like you’ve never seen it before, and even see the remnants of an authentic moonshine still!

Waldens Creek Riding Stables – 2709 Waldens Creek, Sevierville
Waldens Creek Stables is full of excitement and adventure no matter what your horseback riding skills are.  And they are more than just a family attraction that offers horseback riding. Of course you will experience grand views and explore deep hollows while on one of their many trails.  But with over 500 acres, 100 horses, evening and supper rides, hayrides, and a Wild West Show, Waldens Creek Stables is more like a Western Adventure.

New this year at Waldens Creek Stables is a free Friday night bonfire and hayride with the purchase of any horseback ride!  Cook your own hot dog and marshmallows over the bonfire, and enjoy chips and a cool drink.  Hay wagons leave at 6 p.m. on Friday nights May 26 thru July 31.

Waldens Creek Stables recommends calling ahead to avoid long waiting periods.  They also can accommodate most special needs – just ask!

Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa – 909 Little Cove Road, Pigeon Forge
Looking for something out of the ordinary to do with the family while on vacation?  How about a chance to see the Great Smoky Mountain wilderness beauty, far away from the craziness of your lives?  Then Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa is the place you want to go.

Of course Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa will offer you unique, peaceful viewing of the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounding valleys on horseback, but they also have fishing from stocked fishing ponds, mining for gems at their gem mine, and a petting zoo!  And for the truly adventurous, they offer an exhilarating, guided ATV ride through creeks and along mountain trails!  After breathing in all that fresh country air, you will find a shady picnic area is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a snack from Chow-Boys Cafe.

Big Rock Dude Ranch at Ponderosa is open daily and does not require reservations.  Turn on Conner Heights Drive at Pigeon Forge Parkway light #10 and head to the ranch!

Ages 5 & Up can Go Horseback Riding

Smoky Mountain Riding Stables – Hwy 321, Gatlinburg
Take East Parkway at traffic light #3 and travel approximately 4.5 miles to a riding stable inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that will guide you through wooded trails and mountain streams with experienced horses.

Ages 5 & up are welcome to experience our walking tour and large groups receive special discounted rates.  Smoky Mountain Riding Stables has been in business in Gatlinburg for over 20 years and boasts an excellent safety record.  Riding is first come, first serve beginning at 9 a.m.

Cinco Mayo Hispanic Event in Downtown Gatlinburg

Held Next Door at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza

Pull out your sombrero! It’s almost Cinco de Mayo!  Gatlinburg is having its 2nd annual, all day, Cinco de Mayo celebration this year at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies plaza and Loco Burro Mexican Cantina, just steps from both Best Western Twin Islands and Crossroads Inn.

Bring the children as there will be all types of music, food, dancing, and more.  You and your family will be able to interact with a host of activities that will be going on all day.  Everyone will want to learn how to dance to the Latin music, and of course you’ll want to give your taste buds a thrill by trying new and exotic Mexican foods!

Your family will visually learn about hispanic culture through historical dress as well as seeing many different kinds of crafts in colorful booths.  What fun it will be to watch a performance of the Mexican Hat Dance and no one wants to be left out of the bust-the-piñata contest! Surely, you’ll want to stay till the evening when there will be a celebration highlighting the sights and sounds of the colorful Latin and Mexican cultures!  What a fun way to introduce and educate your children about another land and its people.  New for 2012 - Chihuahua Parade and Chihuahua dog race!

Visitors may buy an armband for $5 to sample all the foods that will be prepared for the Cinco de Mayo celebration. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the East Tennessee Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Bring the family and come on out and celebrate with Gatlinburg as they, along with Ripley’s Aquarium and Loco Burros, host the greatest 2nd Annual Cinco Mayo Festival in the Smokies!   Ole!

April 26 in Downtown Gatlinburg

Best BBQ Ribs & Wings Festival in the Smokies

Nothing compares to a good BBQ on a pleasant, warm day in the Smokies! On April 26, the unmistakable aroma of a barbeque cookout will fill the air as Gatlinburg celebrates its 11th Annual Ribfest, Wings & BBQ festival on the Parkway just outside our door and in front of Ripley’s Aquarium. For a donation at the gate, you can gain entry into the festival that allows you to receive as many samples as you’d like from 5-9 p.m. or until the food runs out. A portion of the donation goes to the Gatlinburg Hospitality Association’s educational scholarship fund.

Of course, no BBQ is complete without a cook off. Each vendor will be participating in a contest judged by a panel that will decide the winners of best ribs or wings in seven different categories. The most desirable award, however, is the “People’s Choice Award” which is decided completely by popular vote. A cook off isn’t the only competition going on either. Those attending the festival can sign up for a hot wing eating competition sponsored by All Sauced Up or an ice cream eating competition sponsored by Ben & Jerry’s. Prizes will be awarded to the winners of the competitions.

The Ribfest, Wings and BBQ festival isn’t just famous for the food. A highlight, as always, is the incredible amount of live entertainment and fun atmosphere that will ensure you have an awesome time while sampling amazing food. If you would like to inquire more about the Ribfest, Wings & BBQ festival itself, or find out how to become a sponsor, vendor or volunteer for the festival, call 865.436.0050. As George Hawkins, the special events manager for the Department of Tourism said, “We think this will be our best Ribfest, Wings & BBQ extravaganza ever.” Undoubtedly this is an event not to be missed and is sure to entertain the entire family!

Stop drooling over the thoughts of succulent ribs and make your reservations at Twin Islands or Crossroads Inn.  Facebook friends can take advantage of our ‘Fan Deal’ when making reservations at Crossroads Inn.

Home Game Opener April 10th

Hot Dogs!  Popcorn!

As spring draws near, days become longer, flowers begin to bloom, and another phenomenon happens: shouts of “Hey batter, batter!” fill the air. Yes, that can mean only one thing, baseball season is here again!  America’s national pastime is back and better than ever, and what better way to kick off the spring season than attending a game at the magnificent Smokies Park and watching the Tennessee Smokies play baseball?  The Smokies were just recently named “Organization of the Year” by the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, beating out over 160 other teams based not only on the team itself, but also its contributions to the community. With such an amazing organization, the Tennessee Smokies are sure to provide an experience and put on a show that is unmatched anywhere else, as well as provide fun for the entire family. There are many fun promotions for all ages and interest levels in order to provide a great experience for everyone which include: the Smokies Kids Club, Silver Smokies Club, Season Ticket Packages as well as other multi-game ticket packages.

Do you have a budding baseball enthusiast in your home? Well the Smokies Kids Club may be just the thing for all Smokies fans who are twelve and under. For only $20 kids get free field level admission to all Sunday home games, a free t-shirt, personalized membership card, monthly E-newsletter, admission to Fireworks Friday, special prizes, exciting activities and even ticket discounts for parents! Joining the Smokies Kids Club is no doubt an amazing deal and would make any youngster’s Tennessee Smokies experience one to remember.  View or download more information and Kids Club registration form.

Maybe you’re an experienced Smokies fan and are interested in the Silver Smokies Club? For only $20, members who are 55 and up receive: free admittance to five selected home games, a free t-shirt, personalized membership card, monthly updates, discount card for the Clubhouse Shop, Tennessee Smokies seat cushion as well as other game day promotions. Again, this is an amazing offer that provides a great value for all experienced Smokies fans.  Download additional information about Silver Smokies registration.

The Tennessee Smokies have many other different ticket promotions as well, including season passes, 12-tickets plans, tickets to all of the ever popular Fireworks Fridays and Premium Saturdays. There are even promotions for group events such as birthday parties where your child has the chance to throw out the first pitch or the Field of Dreams experience where your child can has the opportunity to take the field with the players during the National Anthem!

No matter what your age or baseball knowledge, there is always fun to be had for everyone at a Tennessee Smokies baseball game. Let the Smokies make your baseball experience a home run. We hope to see you all attend the Tennessee Smokies home opener on Tuesday, April 10, against the Jacksonville Suns!   Can’t make it April 10?  Check out the full Tennessee Smokies Game Schedule and make your reservations with us.

March 20 - 21, 2012

On March 20^th and 21^st, we encourage everyone to Twin Islands or Crossroads Inn to attend the Mountain Man Memorial March held in Gatlinburg to honor our fallen American military heroes. Originally created to pay respects to First Lieutenant Frank Walkup, a University of Tennessee graduate who was killed in Iraq in 2007, this event has expanded as a way to honor all fallen American military members. The Mountain Man Memorial March has become such a big event that it is now the largest Gold Star Mother recognition ceremony in the southeast USA.

The Mountain Man Memorial March event begins on Friday, March 20^th at 8 p.m. in front of neighboring Ripley’s Aquarium where the Gold Star Family Ceremony will take place. This event honors the East Tennessee Gold Star Mothers. The Gold Star Mothers is a group that consists of women who have lost a son or daughter in service in the United States. Attending the Gold Star Family Ceremony would be a great way for anyone to provide support for those who have lost a child in service and show that they care.

The Mountain Man Memorial March marathon will begin the following morning at 9 a.m. The marathon will consist of two distances: the full 26.2 mile marathon, and the half 13.1 mile marathon. Competitors in the March are split into two categories: military and civilian. Those who choose to be in the military group must be affiliated with a military organization. However, if desired, those affiliated with a military organization may register in the civilian category. Civilians with no military ties cannot register in the military category. Those who are participating in the marathon will be further split into Heavy and Light divisions. Those choosing to participate in the Heavy division must carry a minimum of 35 pounds during the entire duration of the marathon in either a rucksack or a backpack.  Read the complete list of rules for participation.

Entries for individuals or five-person teams are being accepted now.  Visit the official Mountain Man Memorial March web site for online registration.  More information on the event in general can also be found by calling (865) 974-5371. Everyone ages nine and up is encouraged to participate.

Ogle’s Properties is offering hotel discounts for Memorial March attendees and participants.  Call 800.925.8889 for details about either hotel.  Our hope is that you will be able to take time out of your weekend in March to not only participate in a fun and exhilarating race but to honor those who have fallen giving their lives for this wonderful country.

February 23-26, 2012

Play in Pigeon Forge, Stay in Gatlinburg!

Ever wanted to be a cowboy or cowgirl?  Come on, we all know you did!   Beginning February 23^rd through February 26^th, you can finally live that dream at the 12^th Annual Saddle Up! festival in Pigeon Forge.  Come stay with us at Best Western Twin Islands or Crossroads Inn and experience SaddleUp!, a four-day celebration of the great American West right here in the Smokey Mountains. Over the duration of this special event, there are many different cowboy themed activities that are sure to engage all age groups from concerts put on by western musicians and cowboy poets to a cook off and dancing.

Have you been to the Saddle Up! festival in the past? Even for the experienced Saddle Up! participants there will be new activities to enjoy. New to the festival this year is a “Stories & Strings” concert which brings together come of Country Western’s best from all around the country. The performers will not only perform their music, but they will also discuss what their major influences are and even demonstrate some of their techniques. It should be noted that this is a unique concert experience as well; these artists have never performed together before, and may never perform together again in the future.  Surely you would not want to miss out on this truly once in a lifetime concert experience!

For more detailed information on all activities during the Saddle Up! festival, including times, dates, locations and possible fees, view or download the 12^th Annual SaddleUp! schedule.  All events, scheduling and performers are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

We hope to see you all in Gatlinburg and living out your cowboy and cowgirl dreams this February at the winterfest Saddle Up! in Pigeon Forge TN in celebration of the historic American West.

Have you ever been to an Improv Festival?  Now’s your chance!

February 23-26, 2012

Improvisational comedy is an art form and humor at its best. On February the 23^rd through the 26^th at Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre in Gatlinburg, our guests are invited to watch this art form in action during the Gatlinburg Improv Fest.

Headlining the event is award-winning Chase Padgett and his one man musical improvisational act, “6 Guitars,” on Friday the 24^th and Saturday the 25^th at 8 p.m.  Padgett becomes 6 different guitar players each with their own voice, opinions and music style including Blues, Jazz, Rock, Classical, Folk and Country. “6 Guitars” won Producer of the Year, Best in Venue, Best Musician, Best Solo Show, Best Original Play and Best Male Performer at the 2010 Orlando International Fringe Festival.  This festival is sure to please!  Ticket prices range from $8-$12.

Improv groups for the festival are still forming and the deadline to apply to be in the Gatlinburg Improv Fest is January 25^th. For more information regarding either performing within the festival or gaining admission, please send an email to gatlinburgimprovfest@gmail.com or call (865) 325-9712.

Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre is located at traffic light #3 on the Parkway in Gatlinburg, next door to Hard Rock Café and adjacent to Twin Islands and Crossroads Inn.  Make your hotel reservations now and come have some good laughs with us!

Looking forward to skiing at Ober Gatlinburg?  So are we!

Snowboarding on Ski Mountain, Gatlinburg TN

Skiing and snowboarding at Obergatlinburg is often the highlight of winter vacations in the Smokies.  Trails aren’t open yet, but many are counting the minutes until snowmaking can start and Mother Nature sends the flurries our way.  However, there is still plenty to do high on top of Ski Mountain.

Ride the aerial tram to Ober Gatlinburg to go ice skating or view the bear habitat, shop for Ober souvenirs, children’s gifts, leather crafts and more, or have a bite to eat at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant & Lounge where they tout “the only thing better than the view FROM your table…will be the food ON your table!”  Throughout the skiing season, the lounge will be hosting local entertainment most night from 6-9 p.m.  Visit here for the full entertainment schedule.

New this season, the ski resort will also be presenting a Women’s Wintersport Program offering a four-week ski and snowboard lesson package for all skill levels that will be taught by women instructors.  Call 865.436.5423 or visit www.OberGatlinburg.com for full program details.  Be sure to book your Gatlinburg reservations at Crossroads Inn or Twin Islands for a great place to relax after hitting the slopes!

Need inspiration?  Check out Ober Gatlinburg Ski Photos and Snowboarding Pictures.  We look forward to having you vacation with us at Ogle’s Properties for an ideal winter getaway in the Great Smoky Mountains!

What Restaurants will be Open in Gatlinburg TN for Christmas?

If you are vacationing with us this Christmas holiday, it’s likely that you will be looking for a place to eat in Gatlinburg that is serving on Christmas Day.  There are several restaurants that will be open for the holiday, but menus vary greatly.  If you and your family want to have a traditional Christmas dinner, please call your restaurant of choice ahead of time to confirm menu selection and whether or not reservations are being accepted or are required.  Most restaurants in Gatlinburg will still be serving from their regular menu.  Below is a list of restaurants that have responded to an early request for holiday hours, but additional restaurants, grills and bars may be open.

Enjoy Christmas in Gatlinburg!

Open on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day:

Bear Creek Grill:  865.430.1551
Calhoun’s Restaurant:  865.436.4100
Cherokee Grill:  865.436.4287
Flying Saucer Italian Bistro:  865.430.5550
Hard Rock Cafe:  865.430.7625
Howard’s Restaurant:  865.436.3600
Legends by Max:  865.436.7343
Johnny Rockets:  865.430.5844
Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant:  865.436.5423
Papa John’s:  865.430.7777
The Vista Grill:  865.436.9211
Pucker’s Sports Bar & Grill:  865.430.7755
Smoky Mountain Brewery:  865.436.4200
Smoky’s Sports Pub & Grub:  865.436.4220

Don’t forget, Twin Islands will still be serving a full, hot breakfast bar each morning of your stay, including Christmas Day!

December 2, 7:30 p.m.

36th Annual Lights Parade in Downtown Gatlinburg

This is one event in Gatlinburg that you don’t want to miss, and Twin Islands and Crossroads Inn offer great parade watching locations with free downtown Parking!

Gatlinburg Winter Magic is already high gear, and the December 2 parade is icing on the cake!  Start the evening with Santa’s Autograph Party beginning at 6 p.m. at light #3.  This is at Riverbend Mall and a main parade viewing area.  You’ll want to find a spot early—parade begins at 7:30 p.m. on East Parkway (Hwy. 321) at light #1A and concludes at light #10 on the Parkway.

Earlier this year, Ripley’s won an International Festival & Events Association Pinnacle award for Best Sponsor for Gatlinburg Special Events. It only makes sense that parade Grand Marshals will be Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies characters, Sharky and Sharkette, in honor of Ripley’s commitment to Gatlinburg!  They will lead this hour-and-a-half parade of 100’s of participants including elaborate floats, marching bands from Tennessee and 4 neighboring states, giant helium balloons, the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile, and of course, Santas!

Bring your cameras and some warm gloves for a spectacular night you won’t soon forget!