The incredible Titanic Museum is the newest “must-see” attraction if you’re taking a Pigeon Forge vacation. More than 400 artifacts document the amazing story of the Titanic’s ground-breaking construction, heart-rending loss on her maiden voyage, and the modern-day discovery and reclamation of this storied ship. Self-guided tours allow Pigeon Forge vacationers to take their time exploring the exhibits and reliving the tragic tale.

The launch of the RMS Titanic on April 10, 1912 made history. The largest, most luxurious passenger liner of her day, the Titanic took 3 years to build and was a model of state-of-the-art steam-engine technology. Considered unsinkable, the Titanic left Belfast, Ireland on her maiden voyage to New York City with 2,223 people on board. Five days later, the gigantic ship struck an iceberg and sank, killing 1,517 people in one of the most tragic maritime disasters in history. Despite numerous attempts, the wreck of the Titanic was not discovered until 1985. More than two decades were spent salvaging artifacts from the ship’s grave 2.5 miles beneath the sea.

The 1997 James Cameron film Titanic romanticized the ship’s legendary history for a whole new generation. Pigeon Forge vacationers familiar with the Leonardo DiCaprio-Kate Winslet film will recognize the Grand Staircase and other artifacts duplicated in the movie. At trip to the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge brings the legend alive. Just a short distance from charming Pigeon Force cabin rentals [http://www.itrip.net/smoky-mountains-vacation-rentals/tn/united-states/search], vacationers can walk the Grand Staircase, try their hand at steering the behemoth ship, touch a real iceberg and experience the chilling 28-degree water with which survivors had to contend. You can listen to stories from actual survivors of the tragedy and see photos of the remarkable discovery of the wreck.

Don’t miss the opportunity to live the Titanic legend. Book Pigeon Forge vacation rentals on iTrip.net today.

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.

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.

During your Pigeon Forge vacation enjoy the scenic and historic Cades Cove. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an historic district and gets more visitors than any other part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The idyllic setting offers interesting Tennessee cabins and other structures from the pioneer days. The structures tell the history of the early inhabitants.

Numerous scenic hiking and horseback trails begin in Cades Cove. Abrams Falls and Gregory Bald are two of the most popular hiking trails. Biking is also a popular activity in the area. Enjoy the beautiful colors during the fall season. Cades Cove also offers anglers great trout fishing opportunities.

Get a good look of the scenic Cades Cove by traveling on the one-way Cades Cove Loop Road, which lines the bottom of the beautiful forested mountains which surround the valley floor. The road gives you an historic tour of the pioneers farms, trails and fields. The Cades Cove Loop road is very popular with visitors staying in Pigeon Forge cabin rentals.

Here are some of the historic places in Cades Cove:

1. The John Oliver Cabin was built from 1822 through 1823 by Cade Coves first European settlers.
2. The Cades Cove Methodist Church was built in 1902. Methodists were active in Cades Cove beginning in the 1820s.
3. The Meyers Barn, built in 1920 is a more modern-looking hay barn.
4. The Elijah Oliver Place, constructed in 1866, includes a dog-trot cabin, a corn crib, a chicken coop and a crude stable.
5. Various buildings have been placed near the Cable mill including a historic barn, molasses still, carriage house and a sorghum press. The Cable mill area also features a replica of a blacksmith shop.
6. Cade Cove includes other interesting historic structures. The beautiful Cades Cove also has an abundance of wildlife, including black bears and deer.

Find Pigeon Forge vacation rentals near Cades Cove today on iTrip.net! Enjoy your vacation.

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.

This week iTrip is featuring its Cupola Cabin, situated in the Chalet Village area above Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The two-bedroom, three-bath cabin provides excellent views of the Smokies and the lights of Gatlinburg. The attractive living area includes plenty of window space. After a day of fun, relax in the private hot tub or perhaps play some pool in the cabin’s pool table room. Enjoy scrumptious BBQ at the popular local BBQ restaurants; you can also cook some tasty country-style meals in the wonderful, spacious full-kitchen. The Gatlinburg cabin rental also includes a washer and dryer. The cabin is a great place for those preferring a spacious rental.

Enjoy the views from the comfortable couch in the living area or perhaps from the spacious two decks situated in the back. The balcony, situated in the front of the cabin, is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. The cozy living area includes a stone, wood-burning fireplace as well as a 42″ plasma television. The master bedroom has a king-sized bed and a 28″ television. The other bedroom also has a king-sized bed as well as a 25″ television. The air-conditioned cabin also has wireless Internet, cable, and stereo.

While staying at one of the excellent cabin rentals in Gatlinburg, TN have a great time at the Dollywood theme park and the majestic Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park includes more than 800 miles of scenic hiking trails, hundreds of miles of horse trails and more than 700 miles of streams to fish in. On days you decide to stay around the cabin, you have access to the three Chalet Village community pools and the lighted tennis court.

View more photos and amenities for the Cupola Cabin. Book today with iTrip.net!

A Pigeon Forge vacation isn’t complete without a family trip to Dollywood. Named for the irrepressible Dolly Parton, Dollywood received the prestigious Applause Award in 2010, joining the elite ranks of the world’s best amusement parks. Dollywood offers plenty of exciting rides and toe-tapping entertainment for the whole family.

To get the most out of your trip to Dollywood, follow these tips from park veterans:

Buy tickets online. To avoid long lines at the entry gate, buy your tickets online or by phone ahead of time. If you’re staying at Pigeon Forge cabin rentals, avoid fighting the weekend mobs and purchase tickets for mid-week when crowds are smallest. Always check the Dollywood website for discounts and special offers and take advantage of the next day free after 3 p.m. admission.

Download first. Before you leave your Pigeon Forge cabin rentals, print out show schedules and park maps from Dollywood’s Download Page so you’re ready to boogey.

Take the trolley. The smartest way to reach Dollywood from your Pigeon Forge cabin rentals is to park free in Pigeon Forge’s Patriot Park and ride the free Fun Time Trolley which makes stops at Dollywood and Splash Country every 15 to 20 minutes.

Eat at home. To keep a lid on food costs (snacks and liquids cannot be taken into Dollywood), chow down before leaving for the park. If you eat in the park, try the fabulous old-fashioned burgers, fries and shakes at Red’s Drive-in in Jukebox Junction. Skip the water bottles; Dollywood provides free ice water throughout the park.

Dress for fun. If you like water rides, wear sandals and fast-drying clothing. Just make sure your sandals won’t flop off on the aerial coasters and rides. Carry your money, keys, camera, etc. in a fanny pack to keep your hands free for the rides. Tote along a plastic bag to keep your camera dry on the water rides.

If you go to Dollywood, and you should, you’ll need a place to stay. Check out our Pigeon Forge vacation rentals in the Great Smoky Mountains.

This week iTrip.net is featuring Ridgecrest Resort #105 located in Sevierville, Tennessee. This luxury cabin features two spacious bedrooms and 2 ½ baths.

The first master bedroom offers guests a plush queen bed and access to a private balcony overlooking the lush forestry with the Smoky Mountains in the background.  Also in the master suite, you’ll find a 19-inch TV, whirlpool tub and mirrored walls.

In the second bedroom, enjoy a queen-size bed, 19-inch TV and private bathroom with a jetted tub and shower.

For more space, there’s also a queen-size sleeper sofa in the living room. With its two bedrooms and pull out sofa, this beautiful cabin can easily sleep up to six guests.

Cooking may not be on the top of your list while on vacation, but this cabin does feature a full kitchen with anything you need to prepare a meal. A dining room table sits just off the kitchen with plenty of room for all guests.

When you’re not out enjoying all the Smoky Mountains have to offer, you and your travel companions can enjoy a large living room complete with a 32-inch high definition flat screen TV and seating for six. Bring your favorites DVDs and enjoy!

Other amenities include internet access, cable TV, washer/dryer units, gas fireplace and much more.

As if there weren’t enough reason to book this cabin, here’s another: it’s situated right behind the Dollywood theme park where you’ll find thrill rides; musical and comedy shows; arts and crafts; and The Adventures of Imagination and the Dreamland Forest, an area based on Dolly Parton’s life and imagination. You’ll also find delicious restaurants, such as Bennett’s, Corky’s Ribs & BBR and the Old Mill Restaurant.

Find photos, more details, availability and pricing for the Ridgecrest Resort Cabin #105.

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.