At the age of 19, Robert Alewine began doing something that no one else around him was doing – making pots. His love for art began early, but it wasn't until he made a pot in a college art class that he realized his true talent and passion. During the 1970s he studied with renowned artists Bob Munro, Charles Counts and Lewis Snyder. After his move to Gatlinburg, TN, in 1983, he began creating a name for himself, and over the years, his own work has developed into some of the most sought after pottery in the area. With an

Continue reading →

---

One of my favorite things to do on nice days during the spring, summer, and fall is to spend the morning at the Farmers Market. While I'm no master chef, I do enjoy learning to cook new things, and I particularly love working with local, fresh ingredients. Fresh ingredients make a home cooked meal even better, and buying local is great for your community. Every Saturday from 8:30 am to 11:30 am (May 19th through October 13th), the Gatlinburg Farmers Market is open to the public in the Alamo Steakhouse parking lot. At the market, visitors and locals will find

Continue reading →

---

When most people think of Gatlinburg, they immediately think of the changing leaves of fall in the Great Smoky Mountains, the rushing waterfalls at the end of wooded trails, and beautiful lights draping the city during Christmas. The hundreds of shops, great restaurants, and dozens of variety shows and attractions are also a huge part of the allure of the city. So, while there are many things that visitors expect to see and do while they are in the area, there are also several things Gatlinburg offers that you might be surprised to find. A kilt – While Gatlinburg is

Continue reading →

---

So you probably already know that Gatlinburg is a bustling mountain resort town surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains. Wondering why you should visit? Gatlinburg, Tennessee offers opportunities and experiences like no place else in the country. With breathtaking views and exciting attractions, visiting this city is definitely something you should add to your bucket list! Check out these five reasons why Gatlinburg is a must-visit. Cades Cove If hiking isn’t your forte, you can take in some of Gatlinburg’s most beautiful scenery from the comfort of your automobile.  This isolated valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is

Continue reading →

---

With few days of respite from the blazing heat this summer, planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains to enjoy the soon blazing colors of fall is a great way to get ready for the cooler days ahead. The intoxicating blend of red, orange and yellow leaves is the perfect backdrop for a fun family hike or a romantic stroll through one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Although the most vibrant colors will appear from mid-October to early November, visitors can soak in the scenery for about seven full weeks, beginning around September 14. About 100 species

Continue reading →

---

One of our family’s favorite possessions is our family sign. We purchased our first wood sign not long after we married, and in a matter of five years four more little wooden signs hung under ours with the name of each sweet son and darling daughter. Here are a few of the wood sign makers along the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. You can peruse each one and choose which you like best. Another idea is to simply choose the one closest to where you are staying, placing your order on your way into town that day, and picking it up

Continue reading →

---

I have always enjoyed the artisan shops in Gatlinburg. The beautiful pottery, jewelry, handmade soap; I could go on and on. But I must confess, from the time I was a teenager, I have found several of the other shops… well, lacking. One of the areas I had found lacking in particular was the jewelry shops. Most of my experiences before were full of cheesy, cheap jewelry, being sold at an INCREDIBLY high price. That has not at all been my experience this time. I guess the economy has customers being more particular about the items they purchase, if they

Continue reading →

---

Visitors that come to Gatlinburg often ask themselves – what will I do? After you spend a few days exploring downtown, experiencing the attractions and taking in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you may be craving a bit of routine, a lot fun and maybe a little exercise. The Gatlinburg Community Center is an all-purpose activity center that is open to anyone who wishes to visit. Offering tennis, Frisbee golf, swimming, a skate park, exercise classes and more, this 52,000 square foot facility is a great place to escape the heat and break up your vacation

Continue reading →

---

If you are looking for all of the selections of a mall, without any of the same old cookie-cutter stores, you must visit Baskins Square Mall. You will find this cute little mall right in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is located between traffic lights 6 & 7. Here, this treasure of specialty shops is like a haven from the busy going and coming of the parkway. These restaurants and shops are waiting to feed your longing for eclectic flare. Here are a few of the shops you will find here: Little Sparrow Gallery: If you enjoy Native American

Continue reading →

---

If you’ve visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, chances are that you’ve visited Cades Cove. Drawing in nearly two million visitors per year, the area attracts more guests than any other location in the National Park. The 6800 acre valley is pristine, isolated, and seemingly untouched by humans – a perfect place to get in touch with an undisturbed side of nature. Guests who visit Cades Cove enjoy exploring all that it has to offer; the preserved ancient homesteads, breathtaking mountain views and plentiful wildlife keep visitors coming back for more.  An 11-mile, one way loop circles the cove,

Continue reading →

---