Prepare to be scared! Ghosts and goblins are on the prowl. Zombies roam the streets, and witches on broomsticks soar through the air. Ripley’s Fright Nights have begun in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. A month-long celebration of spooky Halloween fun, Ripley’s Fright Nights are sure to make your hair stand on end and send shivers down your spine. The highlight of any October Gatlinburg vacation, Fright Nights run through Halloween on October 31.

A popular Smoky Mountain attraction located close to cozy Gatlinburg vacation cabin rentals, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, providing year-round haunted house thrills on the site of an abandoned casket factory! Throughout the month of October, special Fright Nights shows are offered on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights and are included in the price of admission to Ripley’s Haunted Adventure. Great fun for older children, teens and adults, Fright Nights can be a little scary for younger children. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult, and children under 6 years old will not be admitted. Ripley’s Fright Nights and Ripley’s Haunted Adventure are located at 908 Parkway (traffic light #8) in Gatlinburg.

This year’s spine-tingling Fright Nights theme is Backwoods Terror: You Just Made a Wrong Turn. Fright Nights fun starts with a character parade at 6:13 p.m. before visitors embark on a harrowing journey into the creepy Tennessee backwoods. Preying on your senses, chainsaws roar in the distance while the smell of the undead assaults your nose. Costumed actors leap from the dark as you creep through the dank and moldy woods. With unknown critters skittering underfoot and bats swooping from above, a new horror lurks around every twist and turn in your path. At the end of a night of heart-stopping fun, your only questions will be, “Can we go again?”

For an awesome Halloween, book your Gatlinburg vacation cabin rentals at iTrip.net today.

The Bavarian Fun Makers Band is tuning up their accordions and practicing their yodels. Oktoberfest opens Friday, September 30, 2011 at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Open daily, the month-long traditional German festival runs through Sunday, October 30 and promises plenty of delicious Bavarian food, toe-tapping oompah music and frosty mugs of beer.

Commemorating the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig I to Princess Therese of Bavaria more than 200 years ago, Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg is an exuberant, family-friendly celebration of Bavarian food, music and bier! Festival visitors can feast on wurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, strudel and authentic Bavarian pretzels, washing them down with a premium selection of special Oktoberfest biers. Schedule your visit so you don’t miss the Bavarian Fun Makers Band which performs at 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday and multiple times between noon and 6 p.m. on weekends. Dressed in authentic lederhosen and dirndls, they put everyone in the mood for fun with traditional oompah music, yodels, German folk dances, cow bell serenades and spirited sing-a-longs.

Conveniently located less than half a mile from Gatlinburg’s Downtown Market, Ober Gatlinburg is just a 5-minute drive from the heart of Gatlinburg. The route from the Market southwest down Parkway (US 441/SR 71) to Ober Gatlinburg makes a pleasant short walk from your charming Gatlinburg vacation cabin rentals.

October is the perfect time to schedule a Gatlinburg vacation in the scenic Smoky Mountains. In fall, vivid reds, oranges and golds splash the mountainsides with brilliant color, providing spectacular views from the comfortable porch of your Gatlinburg vacation rentals. Crisp fall weather invites leaf-scuffing hikes and bike rides through nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Plan your Oktoberfest vacation and reserve Gatlinburg vacation rentals on iTrip.net today.

The summer’s ending but the savings at iTrip.net don’t ever stop! If you’re longing for one last summer trip, book a vacation to the Smoky Mountains where you can save 20% on select cabins.

To enjoy breathtaking mountain views, attractions and relaxation, book & stay one of these Gatlinburg vacation rentals or Pigeon Forge cabin rentals by September 30 to receive the money-saving discount.  Use code: SAVE20 to receive the discount when booking.

In your cabin or chalet, you and your family can enjoy luxurious amenities such as hot tubs, wireless internet, whirlpool tubs, spacious master bedrooms and private balconies. The Gatlinburg cabin rentals have stunning views of the mountains and also are just minutes from the area’s best attractions, such as Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There is nothing more beautiful than fall in the Smokies when the trees slowly lose their summer green and don brilliant fall coats of red and gold. Enjoy the dwindling days of summer in the Smokies now.

Follow iTrip.net on Facebook and Twitter to be the first to find out about great money-saving offers on fabulous vacation rentals.

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!

There are plenty of fun things to do and see near Pigeon Forge. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Dollywood theme park attract thousands of visitors.  The area also has great BBQ. Before it’s time to go back home, grab some unique souvenirs for you and friends and family members.

Black bear salt and pepper shakers sold at the Pigeon Forge Pottery, are fun gifts and no two are alike. Add some fun to the kitchen table with adorable bear salt and pepper shakers. They’ll remind you of your fun vacation. The store is within easy reach of rentals in Pigeon Forge.

The Pigeon Forge Pottery also sells unique black bear figurines in all shapes and sizes. Cute bear figurines bring smiles to faces of all ages! Friends and family members will gladly accept these gifts.

The Great Smoky Mountains scrapbook is great place to put the wonderful photographs you took while visiting the park. The cover is embossed with golden green foil script with the name Great Smoky Mountains National Park. (Sold by the Great Smoky Mountains Association).

Enjoy the look and feel of a pewter Mt. LeConte Replica Benchmark. The original is situated on Mt. LeConte. A great memento that can also serve as a paperweight. (Sold by the Great Smoky Mountains Association). Cabins in Gatlinburg, TN are popular with tourist visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Beautiful Cabin in Fog Mt. LeConte note cards are one of a series of attractive images of winter on Mt. LeConte. It’s a favorite with tourists. (Sold by the Great Smoky Mountains Association).

If you’re visiting the Smoky Mountains soon, go to iTrip.net to affordable rentals in Pigeon Forge and cabins in Gatlinburg.

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 2011 Tax Free Weekend in Tennessee begins at 12:01 AM on August 5^th and ends August 7^th at 11:59 PM. If you love to shop, this is a great time to visit Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Tennessee! Great shopping opportunities are within easy reach of cabin rentals in Gatlinburg TN and Pigeon Forge vacation rentals.

According to the Tennessee Department of Revenues, tax-free shopping applies to the following types of merchandise: 

• School & art supplies – $100 or less per item
• Clothing – $100 or less per item
• Computers – $1,500 per bundled package

 Pigeon Forge Shopping

Pigeon Forge includes some great factory outlet malls located along the Parkway. Grab a Pigeon Forge – Sevierville Shopper’s Guide at practically any welcome center or “brochure board” along the Parkway. The quarterly publication includes a shopper’s route map and some great discounts you may not be able to get elsewhere.

Great places to shop:

• Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall
• Pigeon Forge Belz Outlet Mall
• Tanger Outlet Mall
• Pigeon Forge Factory Outlets – The Red Roof Mall

Gatlinburg Shopping

The great thing about shopping in Gatlinburg is all of the stores are accessible by walking or trolley. There’s a ton of stores along the Parkway in Downtown Gatlinburg. While on the Parkway make sure to stop by the Mountain Mall and Gatlinburg Village Shops. Develop a shopping plan while staying at your Gatlinburg cabin rental.

Sevierville Shopping

The Five Oaks Mall, in nearby Sevierville, is also a favorite among shoppers. The mall includes well known clothing stores and much more.

There are plenty of great shopping opportunities near rentals in Pigeon Forge and near Gatlinburg luxury cabin rentals. Enjoy your tax free weekend of shopping in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Tennessee!

Get in on the money-saving action and book one of iTrip.net’s Pigeon Forge vacation rentals today!

Sitting at the front door of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg Tennessee is the perfect launch point for a memorable vacation filled with outdoor adventures and family fun. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg luxury cabin rentals provide a comfortable retreat where vacationers can relax and recharge between adventures. Perfectly situated to provide easy access to all of the Smokies’ many attractions, cabin rentals in Gatlinburg, TN are just a short drive from the area’s best hiking trails, tubing streams and rafting adventures. Horse stables and bike rentals are also conveniently located nearby.

With so many activities available, you’ll find it hard to choose what to do first; but you won’t want to miss these must-see Gatlinburg attractions:

1. CLIMB Works Canopy Tour. Zipping through the treetops high above the ground, you get a different view of the Smokies as you pass over ravines, meadows and streams. Wildlife sightings are frequent. CLIMB Works has received great ratings from families for fun, safety and comfort.
2. Jon Dee’s Hypnotized Comedy Show. Plenty of laughs and clean, family fun make Jon Dee’s comedy show a family must-see. Hypnotized volunteers keep the audience laughing as they talk on a shoe phone and cluck like a chicken.
3. Tubing. Just 20 minutes from Gatlinburg, Townsend, TN is the tubing capital of the Smokies. Rent tubes at Smoky Mountain River Rat for an afternoon of fun on the Little River.
4. Cades Cove Bike Loop. Rent bikes at the Cades Cove campgrounds inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoy a leisurely ride as you loop through the park. Keep an eye out for wildlife!
5. A Walk in the Woods. Knowledgeable nature guides lead walks of different lengths and activity levels, including special experiences for children. Hike part of the Appalachian Trail, learn about medicinal plants or hunt for salamanders.

Enjoy these awesome attractions, just minutes from our cabins rentals in Gatlinburg TN! Book with iTrip.net today.

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!