Bear's Den Vacation News, Gatlinburg, TN

December - "Holiday Shoppers" Specials at The Bear's Den - Gatlinburg!

BOOK ONLINE & CHECK OUR "LIVE" CALENDAR - CLICK HERE!

 

 

NOW OPEN! DEC. 4TH THROUGH THE 21ST!

 

 

DECEMBER SHOPPERS SPECIALS - Offer Good: 12/01/2011 - 12/15/2011

• Pay for 2 nights, get the 3rd night free December 1 - December 19.

• The minimum night stay from December 1 - December 19 has been reduced to 2 nights.

 

Details: Only available on new reservations booked after Nov. 20th. Offers cannot be combined with any other special. Free night offer represents the least expensive night of the stay

Book your reservation at the Bear's Den TODAY!

Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST

Call Toll Free: 800-473-3163 and ASK for the Bear's Den!

A Vacation Specialist is Ready to Assist You!

Get 4 Rafting Tickets and 2 Zipline Tickets with ANY August Booking @ The Bear's Den!!!

FREE NIGHTS & TICKETS!!! AUGUST SPECIALS Offer Good 8/12/2011-8/31/2011 

• GET 4 RAFTING TICKETS AND 2 ZIPLINE TICKETS WITH ANY AUGUST BOOKING!!!
• EFFECTIVE 8/14 - "REGULAR SEASON" RATES APPLY! - $145/NIGHT.
• BUY 2 NIGHTS, GET 2 NIGHTS FREE ON ANY SUNDAY ARRIVAL + AUG. TICKET SPECIAL 
• PAY FOR 3 NIGHTS - GET THE 4TH NIGHT FREE! + AUG. FREE TICKET SPECIAL
• PAY FOR 5 NIGHTS, GET THE 6TH & 7TH NIGHT FREE! + AUG. FREE TICKET SPECIAL
• MINIMUM NIGHT STAY LOWERED TO 2 NIGHTS FOR AUG.
 

Excludes holidays. Only available on new reservations booked after Aug. 12, 2011. Offers cannot be combined with any other special. Free night offer represents the least expensive night of the stay.

SEPTEMBER SPECIALS Offer Good 9/1/2011-9/30/2011

• "VALUE" AND "REGULAR" SEASONAL RATES APPLY EXCEPT FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND. ($130 & $145 / NIGHT)
• BUY 2 NIGHTS, GET 2 NIGHTS FREE ON ANY SUNDAY ARRIVAL
• PAY FOR 3 NIGHTS - GET THE 4TH NIGHT FREE!
• PAY FOR 5 NIGHTS, GET THE 6TH & 7TH NIGHT FREE!.
 

Not valid over Labor Day Weekend. Only available on new reservations booked after Aug 12, 2011. Offers cannot be combined with any other special. Free night offer represents the least expensive night of the stay.

Book your reservation at the Bear's Den TODAY!

Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. EST

Call Toll Free: 800-473-3163 and ASK for the Bear's Den!

A Vacation Specialist is Ready to Assist You!

Schedule of Sevierville-Pigeon Forge Car Shows in September 2011

 

The links for Shades of the Past, the Forge Classic Car Show, and the Fall Grand Rod Run will take you to pages with entry forms, maps, and other info…so be sure to check them out! This list is taken from a Pigeon Forge Car Shows Schedule.

September 9-10
 
Shades of the Past Rod Run XXV (more info)
 National Parks Resort & Smoky River Ranch
 http://www.shadesofthepast.com
 
Forge Classic Car Show – Sevierville Events Center
 http://www.forgemusclecarshow.com

September 15-19
 
Fall Grand Rod Run (more info)
 The Grand Hotel
 http://www.grandrodrun.net
 865-687-3976 or 800-251-4444 or 1-800-475-1188

Smoky Mountain / Asheville Area Stage Productions - Summer/Fall 2011

So . . .You've seen ALL of the shows in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and want to do something different?? Why not venture over to the North Carolina side of the Smokies and take in some of THEIR community theater productions?

Here's a list of upcoming productions for the Summer and Fall:

“My Son Is Crazy — But Promising,” 7:30 p.m. today-Monday, Smoky Mountain Community Theatre, 30 Main St., Bryson City. $8, $5 children. 488-8227. http://www.smctheatre.com/

“Seussical the Musical,” Thursday-Saturday to Aug. 6; 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday with a 5 p.m. performance July 24. Parkway Playhouse, 202 Green Mountain Drive, Burnsville. Tickets $12-$22. 682-4285 or www.parkwayplayhouse.com.

“Witness for the Prosecution,” 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, Flat Rock Playhouse's new downtown Hendersonville location, 125 S. Main St., Hendersonville, 693-0731. www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

“GYPSY — A Musical Fable,” 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday and July 29-30, presented by HART at Performing Arts Center at the Shelton House, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. $22, $20 seniors, $10 student/child. 456-6322, www.harttheatre.com.

“Musical Interlude #2,” old-time mountain music today-Sunday, SART, Mars Hill College, Owen Theatre. 689-1239.

“All's Well That Ends Well,” 7:30 p.m. Friday-Sunday through July 31, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St., Asheville. A cynical look at love. Free. Montford Park Players. 254-5146.

“Unto These Hills,” 7:30 p.m. nightly except Sundays (closed), June 3-Aug. 13, Mountainside Theatre, Cherokee. $3 parking fee at the theatre; free parking w/shuttle service at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and Qualla Arts and Crafts. $18-$22, $8-$12 (ages 6-12.) 497-2111, ext. 201, or 866-554-4557. http://www.cherokee-nc.com/

Cherokee Little Children's Theatre, 1 p.m. Thursday-Saturday (to July 30) at “Unto These Hills” Mountainside Theatre, Cherokee. $8.

“Time of War-Assault on the Village,” noon and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to Aug. 13. Shows are included in the paid admission of the Oconaluftee Indian Village, 564 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee. Tickets $12-$20. www.cherokeeadventure.com.

“Cheaper By The Dozen,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 28-Aug. 7, SART, Mars Hill College, Owen Theatre. $10-$25. 689-1239.

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” July 28-31, Tryon Little Theater Workshop, 516 S. Trade St., Tryon. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Tickets $10-$15; call 859-2466 or visit the box office 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday. www.TLTinfo.org.

Hot! Hot! Hot! SPECIALS for August & September at the Bear's Den - Gatlinburg!

August Specials at Bear's Den cabin - Offer Good: 7/31/2011 - 8/31/2011

• Buy 2 nights, get 2 nights FREE on any Sunday arrival!  Only available on new reservations booked after 7/15/2011. This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay.
• Stay 3 nights, get the 4th night free. Only available on new reservations booked after 7/15/2011. This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay.
• Stay 5 nights, get the 6th and 7th night free! Only available on new reservations booked after 7/15/2011. This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay
• MINIMUM Night Stay . . .Lowered to 2 nights for August.

September Specials - Offer Good: 9/1/2011 - 9/30/2011

• Stay 3 nights, get the 4th night free. Only available on new reservations booked after 7/15/2011. This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay.
• Stay 5 nights, get the 6th and 7th night free! Only available on new reservations booked after 7/15/2011. This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay

 Book your reservation at the Bear's Den TODAY!

Live "Smoky Mountain Morning" Daily Video Starts June 27th - 8/7c

 

A Good Day Depends on it!

LIVE from the Great Smoky Mountain National Park Region Highlighting one of America's most popular family vacation destinations, Smoky Mountain Morning will be a live one hour news and information TV show magazine. Smoky Mountain Morning is the first live video tool made available for that 60% of the nation that takes advantage of the 500,000 acre playground.

Tunes & Tales™ Brings Appalachian Heritage To Life - June 17 to Aug. 13, 2011

Smoky Mountain heritage will be celebrated every day of this summer as Gatlinburg's 6th annual presentation of Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ begins in downtown Gatlinburg on June 17, 2011 and will run through August 13.

May 24, 2011 – Smoky Mountain 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 6 p.m. 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 11 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.

“Each night at 6 p.m., performers disperse up and down the Parkway in their designated locations for the evening,” said George Hawkins, Gatlinburg Department of Tourism Special Events Manager. “The rotating cast of 20 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 musical storytellers who sing and tell of living in the Smokies, and Miss Nan the school marm shares her experiences and fun stories as a pioneer teacher.

Zeno the Gatlinburg BearTM also makes many special appearances during this popular summer special event, dishing out hugs and waving to his new friends.   Watch last year's video - click here.  (Zeno is hilarious!)

Other popular Appalachian characters spotted in Gatlinburg include Hammer and Strings, the dulcimer duo, the Gatlinburg Barbershop Boys, with their five-part harmonies, and The Pea Pickin’ Hearts, with their 1930s and 1940s sound.

“Our intent is to take what we feel is one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets – the walkability of the community – and provide something that is fun and somewhat different than what most places are doing,” Tourism Director David Perella added.

Visitors also get a chance to hear traditional mountain music by musicians such as Booger Town Gap, Rattlesnake Hollow, Earl & Pearl, and the Whiskey Bent Valley Boys – all of whom play the Appalachian music of the 1800s. The pure and rustic music and folk-like lyrics tell stories of the joys and tribulations of life of the early mountain families.

Folks 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 stitchers.

Since Gatlinburg is the birthplace of the famous bluegrass tune, “Rocky Top”, Tunes & Tales features traditional bluegrass bands each night playing favorite bluegrass standards, showcasing the talents of Steve Brown & Hurricane Ridge, The Holloway Sisters Outta the Blue, Southern Skye, Flickertail Hollow and others. All performances are free and happen all along the Parkway, seven nights a week until August 13 - making every evening a special event in Gatlinburg.

Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Tunes and TalesTM is an official activity of the City’s Department of Tourism.

For more information on this and other special events, contact the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce at (800) 56-VISIT or visit www.gatlinburg.com

 

Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud Show's GRAND Opening - Tue, April 26th!

Pigeon Forge's newest and most fun show, The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show promises to be the best part of your vacation to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Based on one of America's most famous family feuds, the "Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud and Stunt Show" will open Tuesday, April 26, 2011 in the former Black Bear Jamboree Theater on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

The completely original new show will be produced by veteran producers and business partners David Fee and Jim Hedrick who have a highly successful and long-running history of original productions in Pigeon Forge.

The new production will be loosely based on the true story of the famous Hatfield and McCoy feud. The audience will be divided into the Hatfield and McCoy families by special seating areas. The show will extend throughout the theater as the audience participates in the good-natured rivalry.

Daring and comical stunts will be performed throughout the show to add a special excitement. Singers, dancers, actors, musicians and specially trained stunt people will round out the cast.

As with all Fee/Hedrick shows, this new show will have a family friendly atmosphere, with a focus on fun. “Our area is rich with Appalachian heritage,” said theater co-owner David Fee. “Mountain clans were a way of life here, and this show will showcase all that's great about them!"

Your family will be plum tickled with the action, excitement and comedy of their little shindig - not to mention the dinner served with each show.

Their Full Southern Homestyle Feast Includes:

• Feudin' Fried Chick'n
• Open Pit Pulled -to-Pieces Pork Barbeque
• Southern Style Creamy Soup
• Smashed Mashed Taters
• Bust Y'ur Jeans Pinto Beans
• Keep It Comin' Cornbread
• No Tellin' What's In It Coleslaw
• Granny's Famous Specialty Dessert

The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud and Stunt Show, located at 119 Music Road between traffic lights #0 and #1 on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge will be open year round. The show will be a part of the Fee/Hedrick Family Entertainment Group that includes The Comedy Barn Theater®, Magic Beyond Belief, The Miracle, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Kick'n Country, The Blackwood's Breakfast Variety Show, Tony Roma's Ribs, Steaks, and Seafood, Happy Days Diner, Chef's Catering and www.SeePigeonForge.com.

Gatlinburg's Ribfest & Wings Moves to the Parkway for a Street Fair style - April 28, 2011

Enjoy the area’s best ribs and wings as well as live entertainment during Gatlinburg’s Ribfest & Wings on Thursday, April 28. One admission price allows sampling until the ribs and wings run out as the Parkway transforms into a Street Fair.

The popular ninth annual festival will feature musical entertainment, food sampling from 5 to 8 p.m. and loads of atmosphere on the Parkway between Traffic Light 6 and Riverside Motor Lodge/Reagan Terrace Mall.

Come out and enjoy live entertainment, hot wing eating contests and ice cream eating contests, each promising a wonderfully good time!

A panel will judge and award the best ribs or wings in seven categories. All vendors will be vying for the coveted “People’s Choice Award” chosen by popular vote.

Hot wing eating contests will feature wings prepared in sauces such as “Blazing Bomb,” “Treacherous Tongue,” “Fire Pit Hell,” “Scorching Screaming” and “Next Day Disaster.” Prizes will be awarded to the “Hot Wing Eating Contest Champion of the Year.” See if you can handle it!

 “We think this will be our best Ribfest & Wings extravaganza ever,” said George Hawkins, Special Events Manager for the Department of Tourism. “The Parkway is such an exciting and unique venue.”

An armband for Ribfest & Wings may be purchased for a small donation that allows sampling as long as the ribs and wings last. A portion of the proceeds benefit Gatlinburg Hospitality Association’s educational scholarship fund.

Last year’s vendors included Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Calhoun’s Restaurant, Corky’s BBQ, Crawdaddy’s Restaurant & Bar, Gatlinburg Elks Lodge #1925, Gatlinburg Fire Department, Gatlinburg Police Department, Pucker’s Sports Bar & Grill, Smoky Mountain Brewery, TGI Friday’s, and Wings & Things Café. 

For more information about Ribfest & Wings and other Gatlinburg Springfest events, visit http://www.gatlinburg.com or call 865-436-4178.

MINIs On The Dragon - Deals Gap - April 27th - May 1st 2011

 

I've been in love with Mini Coopers (Classic) since I was in high-school back on the East coast. Then a few of years ago I was as finally able to buy one of the new MINIs.   Normally, It's a tad too small to haul all the stuff that we take down to the Bear's Den . . .but not THIS TIME!  The MINI is heading for Tennessee!

This year there is a convergence of activities that are just TOO GOOD to pass up!  Gatlinburg is holding their 61st Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage AND Ribfest & Wings Street Fair  the same time as 9th Annual Tail of the Dragon MINI rendezvous.  Too MUCH!!

MINIs on the Dragon (MOTD for short) is a gathering of MINI (and Mini!) Cooper enthusiasts in Deals Gap, North Carolina, where the Tail of the Dragon is located. For directions - click here.

This spectacular 11-mile section of Route 129 has an astonishing 318 curves -- with no cross streets or driveways.  This year, there are close to 800 enthusiasts with more than 500 MINIs/Minis in attendance!

The Tail of the Dragon is one of the best, if not THE best sports car and motorcycle road in the country, and has become a “magnet” of sorts for driving enthusiasts. The road is amazingly twisty and fun, with a good quality surface and spectacular views.

The area surrounding Deals Gap includes many scenic drives through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Forests, gorges, lakes, rivers, and dams make for many beautiful roads worthy of motoring in your MINI.

MOTD is more than motoring, though. It’s a chance to hang out with many like-minded MINI owners who are as obsessed with MINIs as you are!  Socializing is an equally large part of the gathering as motoring, and most folks have trouble deciding which is their favorite part. The Fontana Village Resort is the location of, or gathering point for, the majority of events and where most participants will stay. The Fontana has inn rooms, cabins, and camping facilities. Information on other lodging in the area, as well as maps, history and great background information is available on http://www.tailofthedragon.com/.

61st Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage - Gatlinburg, TN

 

The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual five-day event in Great Smoky Mountains National Park consisting of a variety of wildflower, fauna, and natural history walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars. Most programs are outdoors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while indoor offerings are held in various venues throughout Gatlinburg, TN. Join us for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smokies on April 26-May 1, 2011!

On-site registration will begin Tuesday, April 25, 2011 at 5:00 PM in the Mills Conference Center, Gatlinburg TN. View the on-site registration schedule or register now online.

Spring Specials at Romantic Smoky Mountain Cabin

"April Showers" Specials - Includes Easter! at Bear's Den cabin - Offer Good: 4/2/2011 - 4/30/2011

• Buy 2 weekday nights, get 2 weekday nights FREE!  Valid Sunday thru Thursday only.  Only available on new reservations booked after 4/2/2011. This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay.
• Stay 3 nights, get the 3rd night free. Only available on new reservations booked after 4/2/2011. This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay

"...Bring May Flowers" Specials - Offer Good:4/2/2011 - 5/31/2011

 

• Buy 2 weekday nights, get 2 weekday nights FREE!  Valid Sunday thru Thursday only.  Only available on new reservations booked after 4/2/2011. This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay.
• Stay 3 nights, get the 3rd night free. Only available on new reservations booked after 4/2/2011. This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay
• 5% off on 2 night stays.  Only available on new reservations booked after 4/2/2011. This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay.

                    Book your reservation at the Bear's Den TODAY!

Winter Heritage Festival - Feb. 3-6 - Townsend, TN

Your family will love the Winter Heritage Festival.  It's a celebration of the human history, natural beauty, and cultural traditions of Townsend, Cades Cove, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Festival events will be hosted at:  Townsend Visitors Center/GSM Heritage Center, Tremont, inside the Park, Little River Railroad Museum, and several other locations.
 
There will be lots of fascinating speakers, musicians, and experts on the Smokies.

See the full schedule at http://www.smokymountains.org/winter-heritage.html
 

Bear's Den - Winter Magic and February Sweetheart Specials!

January Winter Magic Special - Offer Good: 12/11/2010 - 01/31/2011

***2 night minimum on the lowest rate of the year!****

One night FREE on three or more night stays! Only available on new reservations booked after December 11. This offer cannot be combined with any other special.Free night offer represents the least expensive night of the stay.

Pay for 5 nights, get the 6th & 7th night free. Only available on new reservations booked after December 11. This offer cannot be combined with any other special.  Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay.

February Sweetheart Specials - Offer Good:1/8/2011 - 02/28/2011

One night FREE on three or more night stays! Only available on new reservations booked after January 8th. This offer cannot be combined with any other special.Free night offer represents the least expensive night of the stay.

Pay for 5 nights, get the 6th & 7th night free. Only available on new reservations booked after January 8th . This offer cannot be combined with any other specials. Free nights offered represent the least expensive night of the stay

2011 Specials - Offer Good:1/1/2011 - 12/31/2011

One FREE night on 7 night stays.  Cannot be combined with any other specials.

Mid-Week November Specials!! Free Nights! 3rd Nite Free Nov. 1-4 & Nov. 13-19

 

November Specials (OFFER GOOD 10/14/2010 to 11/28/2010)

Pay for 2 nights, get the 3rd night free. Only available on new reservations booked after October 14. Excludes Thanksgiving. This offer cannot be combined with any other special.

Pay for 5 nights, get the 6th & 7th night free. Only available on new reservations booked after October 14. Excludes Thanksgiving. This offer cannot be combined with any other special.

December - Save $ on Low Rates & Free Nights!! (OFFER GOOD 10/14/2010 to 12/18/2010)

Minimum stay requirement has been shortened to 2 nights from 12/1/10 to 12/18/2010 

Weekend Deal - Take 10% off nightly rate on Friday & Saturday night stays! Only available on new reservations booked after October 1. This offer cannot be combined with any other special. Excludes the holiday period 12/19/10-1/03/11. 

Pay for 3 nights, get the 4th night free. Only available on new reservations booked after October 14. This offer cannot be combined with any other special. Excludes the holiday period 12/19/10-1/03/11. 

Pay for 5 nights, get the 6th & 7th night free.  Only available on new reservations booked after October 14.  This offer cannot be combined with any other special. Excludes the holiday period 12/19/10-1/03/11.

Call Toll Free (800) 473-3163 - Ask for Bear's Den!