Wears Valley, “the peaceful side of the Smokies” is also one of the most beautiful areas of the Smokies. Situated on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s a great place for a romantic getaway. While on your Wears Valley vacation, casually browse the unique shops with your partner and enjoy great entertainment at the local music theaters. Wears Valley also provides several romantic hikes.

Ace Gap is one of Cades Cove’s most peaceful trails. The five and a half miles trail doesn’t change much in altitude, allowing for an easy hike. On the way to Ace Gap you and your partner have the opportunity to see Bull Cave, the largest cave in Cades Cove. The bottom of the cave is about 500 feet below the surface.

With its flat surface, the Beard Cane trail is very suitable for a casual, romantic stroll through the woods. You’ll go through the hollow between Beard Cane and Hatcher Mountains. The Beard Cane trail features beautiful wild flowers and flowering shrubs including trillium, polygala, dog-hobble and rhododendron. Trees such as tulip, oak and maple form beautiful canopies along the hiking area.

The flat Rich Mountain Loop trail provides a peaceful hike with beautiful fall color. The trail offers many wonderful views of Cades Cove and the Great Smoky Mountains.

Wears Valley vacation rentals are within easy reach of the popular Smoky Mountain Winery in nearby Gatlinburg. The winery, located in an attractive mountain setting, offers free wine tasting of its award winning signature wines. Try some raspberry wine.

While in Gatlinburg spend a romantic evening dining at the Cherokee Grill. The low lighting and attractive fire place along with the rustic elegance provides a romantic ambiance. The upscale restaurant also provides tasty food.

Have a wonderful romantic vacation in the beautiful Wears Valley.

A vacation to Tennessee’s beautiful Smoky Mountains isn’t complete without taking in a few of the area’s wonderfully entertaining dinner shows. Pigeon Forge is the show capital of the Wears Valley, but you’ll also find some great shows in Gatlinburg and Sevierville. Whether you’ll be vacationing in Pigeon Forge cabin rentals booked on iTrip.net or plan to stay in cabins in Gatlinburg, you’ll find the valley’s hottest dinner shows are never more than 10 to 15 minutes away.

Known for gospel singing and toe-tapping country music, the Smokies offer great fun for the whole family. Dinner shows run the gamut from boot stompin’ country music at the Tennessee Shindig Show to amazing cowboy feats at the Dixie Stampede to The Grand Majestic’s exhilarating Broadway-style song and dance revue to The Miracle, a moving dramatization of Christ’s life. During your next Pigeon Forge vacation, here are some of the other must-see shows you won’t want to miss:

Jon Dee’s Hypnotized Comedy Show in Gatlinburg will have you rolling on the floor with laughter. Jon puts on a good, clean show that’s fun for adults and children of all ages. Don’t be shy about volunteering to go up on stage. The show’s more entertaining when someone in your group is in the spotlight.

Terry Evanswood Presents “The Wonders of Magic at WonderWorks”  in Pigeon Forge is one of the best entertainment bargains in the Wears Valley. You’ll be amazed by Terry’s dazzling slight of hand and entertaining delivery and find yourself repeatedly asking, “How did he do that?” Stay after the show to check out the free magic museum and buy a few tricks for the amateur magicians in your family.

Lumberjack Feud is Pigeon Forge’s newest dinner show. ESPN lumberjacks put on a rollicking performance of jaw-dropping feats including log rolling, tree climbing, axe swinging and chainsaw carving.

Find these shows and more attractiosn nearby our amazing Smoky Mountain iTrip vacation rentals.

Time to pop your MasterCard and Visa in the freezer. This weekend begins Tennessee’s annual tax-free weekend and you’ll want to put your plastic on ice for a couple of days so it doesn’t start smoking when you hit the stores in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville and Wears Valley next weekend. No one wants to risk credit card meltdown before they get around to all their favorite Smoky Mountain shops!

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 5 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, August 7, vacationers flock to Pigeon Forge outlet malls and nearby shopping centers to hunt for bargains and stock up on clothing, computers, and school and art supplies. While Tennessee’s annual tax holiday doesn’t apply to all items (click the link for details, limits and restrictions), the savings are significant enough that many people time their Smoky Mountains vacation to coincide with the state’s tax-free weekend. There’s a reason for that: Tanger Outlets in Sevierville!

Veteran tax-holiday shoppers recommend arriving at Pigeon Forge cabin rentals at least a few days before the weekend to become familiar with Pigeon Forge’s four factory outlet malls, scope out the merchandise at different stores, check out potential savings at downtown specialty shops, and develop a shopping plan for the weekend.

Some family groups on a mission to lock down school wardrobes split up to maximize bargain hunting. At lunchtime, everyone meets at one of the area’s many family-friendly restaurants (Old Mill Restaurant and Log Cabin Pancake House are family favorites) to show off their purchases and regroup for the afternoon. With outlet malls, shopping centers and many stores open around the clock during the tax holiday, vacationers have plenty of time to hit all their favorite stores and still have time to enjoy Pigeon Forge’s beautiful scenery and exciting attractions.

Since you’re in the mood to save, why not take it one step further and save 20% on iTrip’s Smoky Mountain cabins. Use code SAVE20 and book any of these cabins conveniently located to the area’s best shopping!

Months of careful planning, weeks spent attending to hundreds of tiny details, and days riding the emotional roller coaster of pre-wedding jitters finally culminate in one joyous moment of bliss that is all too quickly followed by hours of celebration with family and friends. The modern wedding is not for the faint of heart! After you’ve danced the last dance and waved good-bye to the well-wishers, what better place to begin your life together than in a cozy, secluded cabin in the woods? After the hectic pace required to get to the alter, newly-married couples need some downtime together to relax, enjoy each other’s company and revel in their new status as man and wife. Luxurious cabins in Gatlinburg, TN provide the perfect setting for an idyllic honeymoon.

In the heart of Tennessee’s gorgeous Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are unique honeymoon destinations where new couples can create special memories that will last a lifetime. Luxurious Pigeon Forge vacation rentals offer spacious master bedrooms with comfortable king or queen beds, Jacuzzi bathtubs, romantic fireplaces, private hot tubs, swimming pool access and stunning mountain views. Some vacation rentals in Pigeon Forge also include home theaters, private pools, pool tables, free Wi-Fi and more.

Honeymooning couples can hike the trails in nearby Smoky Mountain National Park, rent bikes for a scenic tour of country roads, ride horses along shady mountain trails, tube down lazy creeks, explore Dollywood’s attractions, enjoy dinner and a show, experience white-water rafting, browse through eclectic shops and art galleries in search of the perfect honeymoon memento or just sit on the porch of cabins in Gatlinburg, TN and sip champagne while watching the sunset dip slowly behind the Smokies’ undulating peaks. That’s romance!

For a unique honeymoon, reserve your romantic Pigeon Forge vacation rentals or cabins in Gatlinburg TN on iTrip.net.

While staying in the Smokies, make sure you and your family visit the wonderful Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park is home to more than 60 native mammals, 200 bird species, 38 reptilian species and 58 fish species. From hiking to a mountain crest to sitting and watching the sun set, the park offers a variety of enjoyable activities. 

• Car touring provides a great opportunity to see rushing mountain streams, panoramic vistas, majestic forests and historic buildings 
• Riding a bicycle through Cades Cove provides a great way to enjoy the park 
• There’s more than 800 miles of hiking trails to choose from. Choose a quiet walkway or perhaps a backpack adventure through the park 
• Anglers have plenty of opportunities to catch fish. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 700 miles of streams to fish in 
• The park includes hundreds of miles of horse trails and five drive-in horse camps. Rental stables provide horses and guides 
• If you enjoy a picnic, the park has numerous picnic areas. While staying at one of iTrip’s rentals in Pigeon have a delightful picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National park. Yummy potato salad and watermelon! 
• The park provides one of the best collections of log buildings in the eastern United States. Check out the historic barns, homes, schools, churches and grist mills 
• The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as the “wildflower national park.” You and your family can see blooming plants anytime of the year. Spring and summer are well known for spectacular wildflower displays along trails and roads 

The Great Smoky National park is a favorite destination of people staying at cabins in Gatlinburg, TN and Pigeon Forge vacation rentals.

The Dollywood theme park and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park attract thousands of visitors. After a fun-packed day, tasty food is essential! How about some mouth-watering BBQ?  To help you out, we’ve put together our list of the area’s 5 best BBQ places.

Whether you’re staying at one of the quality Pigeon Forge vacation rentals or one of the splendid cabin rentals in Gatlinburg, TN you can’t leave without trying some scrumptious BBQ!

Bennett’s continually wins the Reader’s Choice Awards for “Best BBQ” and “Best Ribs”. They baste chicken, ribs, pork and beef in their own special sauce. While staying at a Gatlinburg, cabin rental or a rental in Pigeon Forge don’t miss out on the great BBQ at Bennett’s. Locations: 2910 Parkway, Pigeon Forge and 714 River Road, Gatlinburg.

Calhoun’s specializes in mouth watering ribs. It’s also known for its specialty brewed beer. Location: 2532 Parkway, Pigeon Forge.

The popular Corky’s Ribs & BBQ serves tasty barbequed ribs, pork, chicken, turkey and more. The ribs and BBQ are either hand rubbed with a special dry shake or basted in their famous BBQ sauce. Locations: 3584 Parkway, Pigeon Forge and 519 Parkway, Gatlinburg.

Ed, the owner of Smokin’ Ed’s BBQ, takes tremendous pride in his BBQ. The restaurant is well known for its huge portions and its special homemade dry rub and BBQ sauce. Location: 115 Conner Heights Rd, Pigeon Forge.

The Texas Roadhouse menu includes fall-off-the-bone tasty ribs and scrumptious BBQ chicken. Location: 3786 Parkway Pigeon Forge.

Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ & Grill serves mouth-watering Baby Back and St. Louis style BBQ ribs. Try one of their delicious homemade desserts! Location: 1818 Winfield Dunn Parkway, Sevierville.

See below for rentals in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg luxury cabin rentals. Have a great time!

Easter is a wonderful time to gather the family for a mountain vacation in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge in Tennessee’s scenic Smoky Mountains. The natural beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws millions of vacationers to southeastern Tennessee every summer, but a spring visit to the Smokies is less crowded and more relaxing while still offering plenty of family-friendly activities, particularly at Easter.

Located at the Tennessee entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg takes on a festive air with Springfest, a 3-month celebration of spring. Tulips, daffodils, pansies and wave petunias decorate city streets; and entertainers stroll the downtown Parkway, delighting visitors as they poke in the charming shops and galleries that line the Parkway.

If you’re looking for a memorable souvenir of your trip, visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community display from April 20 to April 23 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center where you’ll find unique handcrafted items by local artists.

Belz Outlets near Pigeon Forge will host the Belz Outlets Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 2-10 at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 22 in the parking area. Afterwards, check out the bargains at the Easter Sidewalk Sale from April 21 to 23.

Gather the kids on Saturday, April 23 for the Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at the Pigeon Forge Community Center. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m. with the egg hunt at 10 a.m.

Celebrating Easter morning at the Ober Gatlinburg Sunrise Service on the top of Mt. Harrison is a memorable experience. The view of the sun rising over the peaks of the Smokies is spectacular. Complimentary tram service to the mountain resort is available before the 6 a.m. service. Stay for the breakfast buffet to enjoy the view a little longer.

Don’t miss Easter in the Smokies; book your Gatlinburg luxury cabin rental or Pigeon Forge vacation rental on iTrip.com today.

Bloomin’ BBQ and Bluegrass

On May 20 and 21, 2011, celebrate the beauty of spring, the mouth watering flavors of championship barbeque and the down home sounds of world class bluegrass music in historic downtown Sevierville, Tennessee. It takes place during the Smoky Mountain Springfest, and will once again bring barbeque cook teams from all over the United States to compete for $15,000 in cash and prizes and the title of Tennessee State Champion in the Bush’s Best TN State Championship Cook Off. Rounding out the event is toe-tapping bluegrass music, incredible arts and crafts, kids’ games and the Mountain Soul Vocal Competition honoring Sevierville’s favorite hometown girl, Dolly Parton. If you need a place to stay, our cabin rentals in Gatlinburg, TN and vacation rentals in Pigeon Forge are perfect!

Courtesy of the Bloomin' Barbecue & Bluegrass festival

You will have seen these barbeque cook teams on cable channels like the Food Network, but you’ll have a chance to chat with them as you stroll through the “Que Zone.” Then make sure you bring a lawn chair for the free bluegrass concerts with rising stars and legends of the bluegrass genre. Saturday morning, May 21 will start with championship cook teams turning in their competition meats. The teams will cook an estimated 2,832 pounds of meat including 20 pounds of pulled pork, 24 pounds of brisket, 5 pounds of chicken and 10 pounds of ribs each. 

An expanded Kids’ Zone will add fun for kids and families with attractions like climbing walls, bounce houses and old-time toys while the Bluegrass Music Tent gives kids (and kids at heart) the chance to touch and play bluegrass instruments such as banjos, fiddles and more (don’t worry, instructors will be on site to help).  Both of these attractions will be open until 9pm each day of the event.

Visit iTrip.net for the perfect Smoky Mountain vacation rental!

There is no doubt that a trip to the beach can provide a nice getaway from the stresses of work and everyday life, but hitting the same beach year after year can get a bit tiresome.  If you are looking to do something a bit different this year, something that the whole family will enjoy and remember, consider a trip to the mountains of Wears Valley, Tennessee.

A Wears Valley vacation rental will literally give you the best of both worlds when it comes to a dream vacation destination.  Wears Valley is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and provides every opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the outside world in order to get some much needed R & R.  Wears Valley sits right on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which gives vacationers the ultimate opportunity to get back to nature with beautiful views, wonderful hiking and biking trails, horseback riding and more.

You’ll get more than quiet seclusion from your Wears Valley vacation rental though; in fact you will be only a short trip from two to Tennessee’s most entertaining and fun-filled cities.   A quick trip to Pigeon Forge will provide plenty of fun family entertainment with attractions like WonderWorks, Splash Country and, one of the east coasts most exciting theme parks, Dollywood. Families with a more adventurous side can skip the theme parks and take an equally short trip to Townsend in order to experience some exhilarating white water rafting, river tubing or kayaking.

A vacation in Wears Valley, Tennessee, provides any number of incredible opportunities that will ultimately culminate in an unforgettable trip with your family.  If you are tired of reliving the same beach vacation year in and year out and are ready for a new and unique vacation experience let iTrip help you book your Wears Valley cabin rental today.