Foliage

Foliage

Fall officially begins September 23 and, though it’s a little early to know for sure, foliage should put on quite a show this year. Though it has been dry lately, usually a negative when it comes to fall color, the next few weeks will determine just how much color we will have. We need bright sunny days and cool nights–without too much frost or freezing temperatures–to trap the sugars in the leaves, which give us the best reds and most vibrant colors. However, small pockets of color will remain into November–something to consider when deciding whether to fight the unbelievable crowds in certain areas of the Park. Nature At Its Best – Fall Color Guide To The Smokies Leaves change colors when trees stop producing chlorophyll—the food producing stuff that keeps the leaves green all summer. When the chlorophyll is gone, the other brilliant colors emerge. Elevation plays a key role in determining when the fall spectacle occurs. At the highest elevations—4,500 to 6,000 feet—colors can begin turning in mid-September, when the yellow birch, American beech, and mountain maple begin to turn. During the first two weeks of October, leaves are at their peak colors above 4,000 feet. The remaining weeks of October present the Smokies at their very best for color. The sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum (our favorite), red maple, and dogwood explode with color. Though most people don’t question why the Smokies are so beautiful in the Fall—they just enjoy it–it’s interesting to know that the remarkable variety of trees are responsible for the autumn show. Nearly 100 species of trees—most deciduous—offer up their contribution to...
Dandridge, Tennessee

Dandridge, Tennessee

The small town of Dandridge, Tennessee, lies at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park by Lake Douglas. It is perfect for those who wish to sepnd their holiday on the water. Also, if you would like a quiet place to lodge near the park, you may want to check out Dandridge. It has two bed and breakfast inns and a few hotels. Dandridge Area Attractions Bristol Raceway – 80 Miles Christus Gardens – 34 Miles Dollywood Theme Park – 23 Miles Douglas Lake – 1 Miles Knoxville Tn – 30 Miles Music Theatres -15 Miles Ober Gatlinburg – 40 Miles Pigeon Forge Outlet Malls – 22 Miles Ripleys Aquarium Of The Smokies – 34 Miles Smokey Mountain National Park Entrance – 20 Miles Smokies Baseball Stadium – 10...
Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Blowing Rock, North Carolina

Blowing Rock, NC is located in the mountains of western North Carolina at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Blowing Rock is a popular focus of interest that has long appealed to wealthier travelers, the small town (with a permanent population of only 1,500 residents) offers an interesting selection of gourmet restaurants, luxury bed and breakfast inns, boutiques, galleries, and antiques. Blowing Rock NC offers numerous fine art and cultural opportunities, such as performances by the Blowing Rock Stage Company, Jazz Society, Concerts in the Park, Ballet Blowing Rock, and Art in the Park. For example, the Art in the Park event draws thousands of tourists to town each summer and Fall, with entertaining shows monthly from June through October. Shows feature paintings, sculptures, jewelry, baskets, furniture, and so much more. For Blowing Rock, the summers are comfortable, fallcolors are spectacular, the winters are mild, and the springs are a burst of wildflowers. Perhaps that’s why the population of 1,500 swells to several thousand during the summer months. Outdoor and adventure lovers will find plenty to do in and about Blowing Rock. Fishing, hiking, skiing, canoeing, and golfing can be enjoyed almost all year. Lodging in Blowing Rock includes charming B&B inns, cabins, chalets and cottages. This resort area is an ideal getaway location for a day, weekend or extended vacation. Sites and attractions near Blowing Rock include the Blueridge Parkway, Linville Falls, Grandfather Mountain, Museum of North Carolina minerals, Moses Cone Manor–not to mention innumerable great mountain vistas and driving...
Maryville, Tennessee

Maryville, Tennessee

Maryville TN Smoky Mountains can’t be beat. Travel in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina is a favorite vacation destination on the east coast of the United States. Three quarters of the population of the USA is within a day’s drive of the Great Smoky Mountains, created in 1934 and dedicated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in...
Cosby, Tennessee

Cosby, Tennessee

Cosby, Tennessee is a quieter, less-traveled town adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cosby allows access to the Park via one of five of the major entrances to the Park facilities. Besides the Park entrance, Cosby is best known for its richly textured past–moonshiners and cock-fighting. Cosby is a little tamer these days and offers travelers a full range of lodging accommodations, independently-owned restaurants and small motels and motor inns. There are even a few bed and breakfast inns. Cosby TN also offers a route to Gatlinburg TN and beyond to Pigeon Forge that might save you substantial driving time to your ultimate Smoky Mountains destination. While this route is a little farther, you will be pleased by time saved during July-August and October when tourist traffic is very frustrating. This route is as follows: From Interstate-40, exit at 440 or 443 – then take Hwy 321 approximately 20 miles–it will turn into East Parkway–towards Gatlinburg TN and continue straight on Hwy...