Pigeon Forge Family Vacations and Reunions at Mainstay Suites, Pigeon Forge, TN

Highlights for February 2012

2012-01-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

February is the season of romance here in the Smokies. That may come as no surprise, but if you're a new visitor to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg some of what is being offered this month will surprise you!

Valentine's Day is February 14th and there are some excellent opportunities for enjoying a romantic getaway here at Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV. We're within 10 minutes to at least 30-40 excellent restaurants here in Pigeon Forge. Alamo Steakhouse, the Old Mill Pottery Cafe, Kinkaku, Calhoun's, Bullfish Grill and many more that may make excellent places for romantic dinners. Another good romantic idea is a walk around town - The Old Mill area, Walden's Landing or downtown Gatlinburg where just the two of you can spend time with each other without costing a dime. Romantic items from Cupids Petals or a romantic massage from In Cabin Services would be icing on cake as well.

What else is February offering? Well, the weekend of February 23-26 are two, TWO one-of-a-kind events for both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Pigeon Forge has the 12th Annual "Saddle Up!" - which is a festival focused around the Wild West - cowboy songs, dances and more are all expected throughout the city. You can see more information and buy tickets at www.mypigeonforge.com/winter-promotion.

And then in Gatlinburg is the brand new Gatlinburg Improv Fest, a festival at Sweet Fanny Adams Theater, which is 3 days of improvisational comedy performances and workshops at the theater downtown.

There's always something interesting going on here in the Smokies and we want to be your home away from home any time they're going on. See what we can offer your Smoky Mountain vacation or romantic getaway at www.mainstaypigeonforge.com and www.pinemountainrv.com.

New Years and January 2012

2011-12-19T20:54:00.000-08:00

The holidays will be over soon, but the activity in the Smokies never stops! January already promises plenty for all visitors to enjoy!

The New Years Eve party in downtown Gatlinburg is the perfect simultaneous way for both the end of the year and the start of the new one to go out and in with a BANG. A 15-minute long bang actually as Gatlinburg traditionally celebrates with the ball drop and countdown to a HUGE fireworks display from the Space Needle. Can you think of a better way to celebrate 2011 and 2012? Come out and join the party on New Years Eve in Gatlinburg!

Pigeon Forge is where you want to go after that as it hosts Wilderness Wildlife Week, a huge event from January 7th to the 14th where everything you wanted to know about nature in the Smokies comes alive. Lectures, guest speakers, demonstrations, live animals, even guided walks in the mountains - It's a perfect event for everyone to enjoy and a great family outing.

Don't forget Gatlinburg is home to a number of year-round attractions like Ripley's Aquarium, Ober Gatlinburg, which is currently in its Winter Sports season, Fort Fun and dozens of other attractions while Pigeon Forge is home to Wonderworks, Zorb and the Titanic Museum.

You don't always need a holiday or special event to have whole weekends worth of fun here in the Smokies. Stay with us here at Pine Mountain RV or Mainstay Suites and get the right amount of luxury and convenience to anywhere you want to go in the Smokies. Check us out at www.pinemountainrvpark.com and www.mainstaypigeonforge.com.

Christmas Parades!

2011-11-29T20:11:00.000-08:00

For those of you in the mood for some serious Winterfest Magic, we have two Christmas Parades going on this weekend.

Friday, December 2nd, is Gatlinburg's Fantasy of Lights, a huge tradition in the city that gets bigger and better every year. Dozens and dozens and dozens of floats with all your favorite Christmas characters, icons, carols and everything else (no expense spared) will be walking, marching and dancing down the street to entertain parents and kids of all ages. Starts at 7:30PM.

And then Saturday, December 3rd, is Sevierville's 49th (!) annual Christmas Parade - grand marshall'd by Santa Claus himself! Also features baton twirlers, pageant winners, marching bands and a lot more through historic downtown Sevierville (at the court house).

And both are, as most events and attractions are in Sevier County, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from us at Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV! Won't take you more than 12 minutes to get to either one from our location dead center in Pigeon Forge. Enjoy the best of both Winterfest worlds (and Pigeon Forge!) here with us at Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV!

Winterfest Kickoffs!

2011-10-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

After Halloween, even just hours after, the mood and focus in this great county immediately shifts to Winterfest, a special event that all three of the major cities - Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville - are celebrating at municipal areas in their respective cities.

Sevierville doesn't have as many city events as Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg does, but their Winterfest Celebration comes first. They hold their kick-off at the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce/Community center and provide free entertainment (inflatable bounce houses, slide and obstacle course, local performers, kid's carnival), free food and soda, mascot dance off (!), coffee and hot chocolate, Santa Claus and... fireworks? Wow! You won't want to miss Sevierville's Kick off between 3:00PM to 8:00PM on November 7th for 2011!

On November 9th, Pigeon Forge will be kicking off the Winterfest with a new Veteran's Parade on, you guessed it, Veteran's Boulevard, before taking the festivities to Patriot Park in the center of Pigeon Forge where the Trolley Tour of Lights will begin. The Parade begins at 4:30PM on November 9th for 2011 and all are invited to attend!

Then finally, the "big" show is Gatlinburg's Chili Cookoff and Winterfest Kick-off where Ripley's Aquarium becomes the city square for more than a dozen vendors, 30,000+ cups of chili and over 1,000 people are expected to show up for a night of fun, chili and the big "switch" which officially starts the Winterfest Season for Gatlinburg by turning on the million dollar lighting displays throughout the city. This event goes from 5:00PM to 8:00PM.

And the best part of all this - you can experience all three within 15 minutes of driving from us at Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV. Only once a year do you really get the opportunity to party three different times for the same event in three cities and Winterfest kick-off is it! Imagine that and then imagine all the luxury you will get at Mainstay and the relaxation you'll get at Pine Mountain in between and you have yourself one of the best weeks of the year to be in the Smokies!

Reserve now at www.pinemountainrvpark.com or www.mainstaypigeonforge.com.

Harvest Festival 2011

2011-08-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

Time to finally say goodbye to Summer and hello to Autumn and the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival! Oh, the gorgeousity of the Smokies during the Harvest Festival is hard to believe until you actually wake up a crisp October morning to see it, everywhere, as far as the eye can see.

At Pine Mountain RV and Mainstay Suites in Pigeon Forge, you get a delicate balance of being in the mountains without being too far away from where you need to go. Very little traffic without being more than 5 minutes away from the Parkway. Add that balance to our luxury amenities (and indoor swimming!) and you have a winner of a choice destination!

Once more, a lot of events and activities are taking place during Harvest Festival. The following is a list of events and dates that correspond to the Harvest Festival season in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Mark your calendars and build your itineraries because it's going to be an awesome Autumn for the Smoky Mountains!

Taste of Autumn
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Description: The Taste of Autumn has been Gatlinburg's tastiest charity event for 13 years. A $25 donation will give you access to food from all kinds of vendors with the best food in town at the huge W.L. Mills Auditorium. All proceeds go to the United Way of Sevier County.
Start Date: September 15th
End Date: September 15h
Link Out: http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=7

Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament
Location: Gatlinburg Convention Center
Description: This popular event is hosted by Rocky Top Outfitter and is open to children as well as adults, visitors as well as local. Admission prices apply.
Start Date: September 24th
End Date: September 25th
Link Out: www.rockytopoutfitter.com

Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg
Location: Ober Gatlinburg
Description: German food and German fun on top of the world for the Fall Season! Get in early and join in the music, dancing and everything else Ober Gatlinburg has to offer
Start Date: September 30th
End Date: October 30th
Link Out: www.obergatlinburg.com

Ripley's Fright Nights
Location: Ripley's Haunted Adventure
Description: An entire month of screams, frights and thrills to celebrate Halloween in Gatlinburg. Character parades, the living dead, and things you better say your prayers to prepare for.
Start Date: October 1st
End Date: October 31st
Link Out: www.ripleys.com/gatlinburg/

Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair
Location: W.L. Mills Convention Center
Description: Artists and Crafters local and from hundreds of miles around gather at the Gatlinburg Convention Center where over 120 booths and all kinds of handcrafted items, plus the artists, are on display.
Start Date: October 6th
End Date: October 23rd
Link Out: www.craftsmenfair.com

Trick or Treat Kick off Karnival
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg
Description: From Noon to 3 P.M. Gatlinburg will celebrate Halloween with the Gatlinburg Police Department and Gatlinburg Fire Department working in conjunction to offer a safe, family fun filled trip for everyone!
Start Date: October 31st
End Date: October 31st
Link Out: www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=54

Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg
Description: Offering mouth-watering recipes of homemade chili ranging from mild and delightful to wild and adventurous, the City of Gatlinburg celebrates the start of Winter with an awesome Chili Cookoff! Bring admission and a lot of napkins.
Start Date: November 9th
End Date: November 9th
Link Out: www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=11

Trolley Ride of Lights
Location: Downtown Gatlinburg
Description: Visitors can soak up the spirit of the season from the comfort of a Gatlinburg Trolley by taking the relaxing Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights. These are popular guided excursions that are sure to become a tradition.
Start Date: November 9th
End Date: January 30th
Link Out: www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=13

Plan a Trip to Cherokee, North Carolina

2011-08-20T19:55:00.001-07:00

Have you been across the National Park to Cherokee, NC? Cherokee is a sort of bookend to Gatlinburg and well worth a day trip visit out.

Cherokee is located on the other side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from the Spur, on the same highway that the Sugarlands Visitor Center is on. From there, it is an hour's drive through the National Park, across THE most gorgeous scenery in the Tennessee Smokies (and over a dozen stopping-parking spots to take pictures, several hiking trails and plenty of picnicking opportunities), from the tops of the hills and then down again at the Oconaluftee Visitor's Center, which is your sign that you're 3-5 minutes away from Cherokee.

Once inside, you can go straight, take a turn left, or stop at the Arcade/Fun Center right at the gates into the town if the kids are getting antsy or you need a good place to stretch your legs a bit. Going left will take you to some hotels, some restaurants and some shopping alongside another arcade and fun center. Going straight will take you straight into the heart of the town. Cherokee is fairly small (about the size of Gatlinburg) and it's pretty hard to get lost.

From there are plenty of things to do from the aforementioned Arcades/Fun Centers to more cultural items of interest, like the Oconaluftee Visitor's Center, which offers a walking trail, historical architecture, and some exhibits on Appalachian culture from the old days, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, which is, appropriately, the authority on Cherokee history and information with hundred of exhibits and excellent video presentations throughout the tour, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, which is a working Cherokee Indian Village meant to show you what life back in 1760 was like for the Cherokee Indians, and Unto These Hills, a dramatic production high in the hills showcasing the story of Tsali and more history plus incredible musical numbers.

Cherokee also features an island park where kids can wade in the Oconaluftee river or a canal in the center of the park plus a large, unique bamboo grove full of photo opportunities. If you have kids who like to skate, take them to the free skate park. If all else fails, Harrah's Cherokee Casino is a huge facility with entertainment like you can't get for miles and miles around.

Cherokee, NC is a little town with a lot to offer, so if you're looking for something different and you want to see a lot of gorgeous Smoky Mountain scenery on the way there, plan a day trip out and you won't be disappointed.

To get to Cherokee from Gatlinburg, take the Gatlinburg Bypass from the Spur (just 2 minutes before you reach the city from Pigeon Forge) and keep on straight for roughly an hour.

All pictures are copyright Ge'ne L. K. Lawhead

HD Tour

2011-07-30T09:31:00.000-07:00

We're testing our new HD camera with a little tour of one of our beautiful rooms at Mainstay Pigeon Forge.

It's as clean in real life as it is in the video, year-round and perfect for every season. Make your reservations at www.mainstaypigeonforge.com

July Craftsmen's Fair

2011-07-26T22:21:00.001-07:00

For those who may have been to the Craftsmen's Fair for a while, the one in July, and likely more to come, would have surprised you. You would've arrived to find so many booths (more than 160 as listed by the Craftsmen's information sheet) that many of them had to spread out into the hallways and even outside the W.L. Mills Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg.

With 160+ booths and artists both local and from Virginia, Ohio, Georgia and way beyond, there was, of course, a wide berth of arts and crafts from candles, baskets, wood works, rock works, paintings, clothes and music to Christmas trees, sports-based fan pulls, old fashioned rifles, shields, interesting lights, and much more than any human being could hope to absorb in a few hours.

If you're coming to the Autumn Craftsmen's Fair and you just can't get enough of hand-made arts the likes of which you've seen and haven't seen before, the $6.00 admission fee is well worth it. Unfortunately, we were not able to get pictures, but we can guarantee you you've probably never seen a convention center this packed with amazing arts and crafts from nearly the entire Eastern half of the country.

Some Thoughts for July

2011-07-10T16:50:00.001-07:00

Every year we're sad to see the 4th of July go, but the summer season marches on and Mainstay/Pine Mountain RV is still the #1 solution to a convenient and cost-effective way to make the most of your Smoky Mountain vacation!

While it's true there isn't another holiday to look forward to for some time, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg still offer plenty to do with Dollywood's Kidsfest, Gatlinburg's Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales, the upcoming Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair (July 15-23) and Gallagher performing at The Grand Majestic Theater on July 23rd. All are worthy ventures for the supposed "lull" in the summer line-up of activity and they're all guaranteed to make your day!

And of course, there's plenty to come back to as well. Beat the summer heat with our pools, lazy river and children's pool fountain between Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV and retire comfortably after a long, hot day. There's never a bad time to come to the Smokies and July has plenty to keep you occupied! See what Mainstay and Pine Mountain can do for you at www.mainstaypigeonforge.com and www.pinemountainrv.com.

Independence Day 2011

2011-06-16T21:28:00.001-07:00

Kidsfest at Dollywood begins tomorrow! See our post below for more details on how you and your kids can have the most fun anywhere in the Smokies!

What else is being offered in the immediate future? Well, Independence Day is just around the corner and Patriot Park, a short 5-7 minute drive (traffic permitting) from us here at Mainstay and Pine Mountain, is again going to be headquarters for all the Fourth of July fun in Pigeon Forge. Food, music, fun and fireworks are all guaranteed in spades.

But no matter when you come to the Smokies, we're here to take care of you on hot summer days with multiple pools, comfortable conditions all the way around and plenty of convenience to anywhere you want to go in Pigeon Forge. Make reservations today!

Kidsfest 2011 and more!

2011-05-24T18:47:00.000-07:00

Summer will be here very soon, but its not too early or too late to get started on planning your itinirary for a great, family-fun filled vacation for the Smokies here in Pigeon Forge.

One of the best things to do in the summer by far is Dollywood's Kidsfest. Completely family-friendly and full of performances and all kinds of fun stuff, Dollywood has been doing Kidsfest for years and each iteration gets better! This year we have Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 4D, The Gazillion Bubble Show, Penguin Group USA and much more in addition to the list of rides and interactive items Dollywood already has. Great for the young'uns! June 17th through August 8th, 2011.

In addition, our parks and year-round activities can make for more than a week's worth of entertainment with Patriot Park, Zorb, Dolly's Splash Country, Horseback Riding, Whitewater Rafting, Arcades, Hiking... the list never ends!

Make your vacation accommodations with us and see your summer come alive with fun and excitement out, and luxurious relaxation in (not to mention pool opportunities for the kids). Hope to see you soon!

Ribsfest 2011

2011-05-05T22:32:00.001-07:00

Ribsfest 2011 was another smash hit with hundreds at least in attendance! Although the venue moved back to Ripley's Aquarium (and this writer was unaware of that until arrival), it didn't deter people from having a great night surrounded by great entertainment and mountains of great food.

Here are a bunch of pictures that show all the action in play - we even somehow spotted Santa Clause reveling with the crowd and enjoying the event. Take a look at what you'll likely get to see late April next year!

Photos courtesy of Ge'ne L.K. Lawhead. All rights reserved.

Dolly Parade 2011

2011-04-22T18:01:00.001-07:00

Dolly is coming back to the 'Forge on May 6th!

Every year in the late sections of Springfest, almost to ring in the coming Summer season, Dolly Parton makes a homecoming visit by acting as the Grand Marshall in Pigeon Forge's annual Dolly Parade. By 6:00 P.M. the sidewalks will be filled with cheering fans and the streets thronged with colorful floats lead by our county sweetheart, Miss Parton herself! Its free to the general public and fun will be had by all.

And why fight the immense traffic that day when Pine Mountain RV and Mainstay Pigeon Forge are so close to the main road (yet still far enough away from the main traffic) that you can walk down to Stoplight #5 where the parade will be. Make your reservations today and see what else we can offer you for your Springfest vacation!

Springfest 2011

2011-03-15T14:05:00.000-07:00

Another Spring, another wonderful season-long series of great vacation opportunities for the Tennessee section of the Smokies which Mainstay and Pine Mountain can complement and enhance many times over!

Dollywood's Festival of the Nations begins on March 26th and lasts to May 2nd for the start of the 2011 Season; promising the same high quality world music performances and activities that have delighted millions for a decade. Many acts will be returning this year and you can find out all about on www.dollywood.com. Mainstay/Pine Mountain offers convenience to Dollywood with our trolley stop, so you can be out and come back to luxury with a minimum number of steps and hassle!

On that same weekend is one of Gatlinburg's more unique and genuinely, artistically enriching - the 3rd annual Gatlinburg Screenfest which features nearly 2 dozen short films by independent directors and talent in the areas. Visit http://gatlinburgscreenfest.com/films/ for all the information you need on this event.

Keep checking back for more updates as time and events become more available. Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV have everything you need to fulfill your Smoky Mountain Vacation and we don't want you to miss a minute of whats going on for Spring!

Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-06T22:27:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is coming up shortly in a month that only seems to be Pigeon Forge's quietest, it's understated as one of Pigeon Forge's most interesting. Plenty of things to do in town even if it doesn't feel like it; and Mainstay Pigeon Forge/Pine Mountain RV are where you need to be so you can be close to all of it.

Firstly, Pigeon Forge Titanic is holding a couple of romantic events - a Retie The Knot contest and Meet Rose, in addition to their incredible and genuinely surprisingly exquisite museum and offerings all year round.

Second, February 24-27th is when Saddle Up! returns to Pigeon Forge for more western/country entertainment throughout the city featuring Wylie and The Wild West, The Quebe Sisters Band, Brenn Hill, Yvonne Hollenback, Chris Isaacs, Jean and Gray Prescott and Ray Doyle.

And as always, you can get to any of these events within 5-7 minutes or by trolley, and come back for an evening of perfect atmosphere for the romantic souls and a public hot tub to soak away all the cares in the world. Mainstay and Pine Mountain make that possible, so come out and get the Smoky Mountain romantic getaway you've been waiting for!

21st Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week

2011-01-04T21:15:00.000-08:00

January 8th to the 15th, the first in a long line of yearly traditions for the city of Pigeon Forge is the Wilderness Wildlife Week on Music Road. This has been a consistant hit for two decades plus, and people of all ages turn out for all kinds of great offerings from this event.

Lectures, guest speakers, animals, art, hiking supplies and even walks and hikes are all expected to return this week. More than 175 seminars, 100 experts and 50 guided walks and hikes plus ApplachiaFest will make this a Wilderness Wildlife not to miss!

Music Road is on the other side of town towards Sevierville, only 5-7 minutes from Mainstay Suites and Pine Mountain RV. Go out and enjoy everything the mountains and nature has to offer, then come back and warm up in comfort with our hot tub and cozy, comfy accommodations. It's going to be a good week for you, so make it even better with a stay here at Pine Mountain RV/Mainstay Suites!

Winterfest Fun for 2010-2011

2010-12-15T20:35:00.001-08:00

Winterfest is in full swing by now here in the Smokies. We're still waiting for Christmas but many of the Christmas time events seem to have died down for now. What is there to do?

Are you kidding? Pigeon Forge is FULL of things to do! Pine Mountain RV and Mainstay sit just off the parkway in the mid-section of town where noise and traffic are minimal, yet convenience is never compromised (especially with our trolley stop right outside!).

You could spend the day AND night at Dollywood, where the lights and music are on at night. Nowhere for miles will the Christmas spirit wrap around you like at Dollywood. The Trolleys are still working the winter magic too with Winterfest tours going on until January. The Belz, Pigeon Forge, Red Roof and Tanger malls are always open and always offering wonderful sales and opportunities for Christmas shopping. The theaters in Town are offering Christmas cheer as well with incredible country music and even some Christmas performances too!

And when its all said and done, Pine Mountain RV and Mainstay offer their services to you to rest up, get warm and enjoy the rest of your vacation. Indoor swimming pool, hot tub, exercise room - we have it and its waiting for you! Make your stay with Pine Mountain and get the Smoky Mountain Christmas vacation you deserve!

Thanksgiving in Pigeon Forge

2010-11-17T08:36:00.000-08:00

The holidays are right around the corner, and the Smokies will be lit up with activity within the coming weeks.

Pigeon Forge will be a great place for entertainment at Dollywood with their Smoky Mountain Christmas, which is something you just need to see for all the lights and shows and parades they do almost every night. The Tanger Mall and the many outlets in Pigeon Forge also make great places for shopping and saving money for your Smoky Mountain Vacation.

Mainstay Suites offers plenty of convenience to Dollywood, the malls and more with a location just off the center of town and with a trolley stop to take you almost anywhere throughout the city and to Gatlinburg for even more Thanksgiving fun. Its a great time to be out and you have a great place to come back to, with indoor pool and hot tub and everything, when the day is done.

Make your winter getaway perfect with Mainstay Suites in Pigeon Forge!

Pigeon Forge Harvest Festival

2010-10-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

The colors will be here any minute. Everywhere you look across the distances in town you can see the mountains stretch and revolve around you. Most of the time its dark green or brown/gray, but for a brief period of time, it's almost every color you can imagine springing and bursting for a final hurrah before the mountain floors become littered with them.

Take great advantage of this time to come to Pigeon Forge where the modern culture meets with the cultures of yesteryear to bring you the city-wide celebration of Harvest Festival. Dollywood celebrates with a fervent splendor by having the month-long Southern Gospel and Harvest Festival where you can see all kinds of crafts and listen to hundreds of performances by the best Southern Gospel groups in the country!

And to get where all the action is, you just need to drive a few minutes down Pine Mountain road to wherever you want to go in town! Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV are just off the main parkway and travel to Dollywood or anywhere else will be a breeze! Don't go too far though. You came to relax, didn't you? Relax in our indoor pool and hot tub with views of the mountains and colors right outside and all around you!

Make those reservations today because people come from all over the world to see the leaves change color here in the mountains. Don't wait until its too late!

September Rod Runs

2010-08-28T21:43:00.000-07:00

The Rod Runs of September are upon us! Pigeon Forge is famous at this entrance point of the autumn season for hosting large scale Rod Runs throughout the city. Parading down the streets and hanging out in the parking lots, adding immense color to the city, will be hundreds of hot rods from the start of the Spur connecting to Gatlinburg all the way down to Walden's Landing (or beyond)

There are two major Rod Runs coming up for September (three total for the year, the other being the Grand Spring Rod Run in April) The Shades of the Past Grand Rod Run XXVIII and the Grand Fall Rod Run. Both are convention-style events, meaning you'll see booths and merchandise all along the sidewalks along with the insane cars you're going to see. It also means you're going to want to find a parking spot anywhere you can (legally) and call it good, because traffic will be at a virtual stand still during the Rod Runs.

And that's where Pine Mountain and Mainstay Suites come into play. The location of both is such that you can get to the festivities and the booths and all that within walking distance, but far enough away to take off much of the noise and still give you the peace and quiet you came to the mountains for. There is also a trolley stop for whatever convenience you want to make out of it.

Shades of the Past is September 10th-11th and the Grand Fall Rod Run is September 16th-19th. Make your reservations today because every parking spot in Pigeon Forge, every single one, will fill up quickly. Call today!

August's Special Events

2010-08-03T15:23:00.000-07:00

August belongs to Pigeon Forge during the last month of summer. The city regularly uses this period for some unique events and other fun stuff that doesn't come by too often. If you've been putting off your chance to stay with us or just find a place to stay in the Smokies, now is a great chance to get in one more vacation weekend for Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV, where you can beat the late summer heat with two pools, a lazy river, and, for days when you want to soak some tired feet, a huge stone hot tub for you and the whole family to enjoy.

Take a look at this event schedule for Pigeon Forge:

Aug. 1st-31st - Celebrate Freedom! From the mypigeonforge.com site, "Join us in honoring Americas heroes during the entire month of August. Participating businesses offer exclusive discounts to veterans, all branches of active duty, Reserves, National Guard, retired military, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel (ID required)." www.mypigeonforge.com/celebratefreedom.

Aug. 13th-14th - Stringtime in the Smokies - The Old Mill square hosts Southern music performances for two days. Come enjoy the free performances and take a good look around the Arts and Crafts district of Pigeon Forge with Patriot Park and the central Trolley hub across the street. Great weekend get out in you're in the area. www.oldmillsquare.com.

Aug. 23rd-25th - 14th Annual World Premier Gospel Concert - Grand Resort Hotel Convention Center, featuring Tim Lovelace, the New Calvary Echoes, The Old Paths, Heirline, Ricky Atkinson, Compassion, Three Bridges, Sould Out, Greg Day and Ann Downing. Please call 1-800-251-4444 for more information.

All of these you can get to in roughly 7 minutes from Pine Mountain and Mainstay. The Old Mill Square you can get to in 2-3 turns. If there was a way to go under the parkway, you could almost just drive straight to Grand Resort Convention Center. Summer's dying down, but its still a great time to be in the Smokies! Take one last summer vacation with us here at Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV!

Things To Do In August

2010-07-13T16:16:00.000-07:00

August is a quieter month for Pigeon Forge after an active vacation season in June and the loud booms of July's independence day and the hot, swimming pool and river weather plus traffic, but there's still plenty to do!

Dollywood's Kidsfest ends in August, but what that means is that the traffic in the park dies out to a considerable degree. There is still plenty for the kids to see (two sections of the park are reserved for them specifically!) and now they don't have to wait 30 minutes in line for a ride! Dollywood is always entertaining, so don't miss a chance to go when the getting's good!

If you're visiting from August 6th to the 8th, Tennessee is holding its annual tax-free holiday weekend. With our many shopping complexes here and outlets offering discounted prices already, if you were looking to get some stuff from Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg, this is a good time to get basically 10% off everything in the state.

From the 11th to the 14th, KIDABRA, the association of Family and Kidshow Performers, will be hosted at the Music Road Hotel and Convention Center with a Grand Finale Public Show at the close of the day, 8/14 - 8:00 PM. Other performances will be on the same weekend at The Old Mill Square for Stringtime in the Smokies - free to the public, you can visit www.oldmillsquare.com.

On the 20th, Chubby Checker performs at the Country Tonite Theater and finally on the weekend of the 23rd, the 14th Annual World Premiere Gospel Concert is held at the Grand Resort Hotel Convention Center.

There's still plenty to do in Pigeon Forge for the last leg of the summer and its all just on the other side of the street at Mainstay and Pine Mountain. Every one of those spots you can get to in roughly 5-8 minutes driving, or easily from our trolley stop. Then when you get back that swimming pool and hot tub is calling for you and the rest of the night should just melt away.

It's all waiting for you at Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV!

The Fourth of July (and now The Third of July), 2010

2010-06-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Is there any summer activity that's greater than the Fourth of July? Good luck trying to find one. There are only two events a year in this country that are so important, we shoot off high-powered, multi-colored explosives in public and in our backyards as an active means to personify our jubilation - the birth of the year and the birth of the nation.

To celebrate the Fourth of July in Sevier County takes some energy and some planning, but wow can you get a lot done in roughly 40 hours.

For one, Pigeon Forge is pulling a fast one on us and having its usual Fourth of July celebration on July 3rd! This day belongs to Pigeon Forge, as Patriot Park, the huge, level, open park in the Old Mill district, turns into the outdoor Fourth of July central. Bring a cooler, some chairs, a beach towel and enjoy some outdoors the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Some food vendors will be there and a large sound stage will be built for entertainment starting in the afternoon and lasting until the fireworks start. Diamond Rio and many other guests, local and abroad, are expected to perform that day!

Then, travel to Gatlinburg, which on a busy July 3rd evening starts filling with people in the mood for a celebration. At the stroke of midnight that evening, right as it turns into the Fourth of July, an enormous parade starts and marches through the streets of downtown Gatlinburg. Lots of floats, lots of people, lots of patriotism - the way a Fourth of July parade should be done.

The next day, you can return to downtown Gatlinburg for the midday favorite ID4 event, The River Raft Regatta, at the Ripley's Aquarium. It's an unmanned river raft race down the Little Pigeon River and you can find out more about it at this page: http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=33.

Then, as night draws near again, you have a choice - stay in Gatlinburg and watch the fireworks or check out the amazing fireworks at Smokies Stadium in Sevierville. Smokies Stadium would be a drive to get to, but what says America better than watching American fireworks celebrate America at America's favorite pasttime stadium? Certainly not me trying to fit the ubiqitous word into a sentence as many times as I can. Either way, you'll be treated to another incredible and bright fireworks display.

Two in one year! Only in Sevier County!

And you can get all that easily (except for Smokies Stadium, which is admittingly pretty far out but still worth the drive!) as a guest of Mainstay and Pine Mountain RV here in Pigeon Forge! Patriot Park is just 5 minutes away, downtown Gatlinburg a 12 minute drive, or you can make use of the trolley stop in front of both - that's what it's there for!

You're going to be tired and sweaty after all that Independence Day fun, so come back to a well, air-conditioned comfort zone with two cool pools, hot tub, and more to recover from all that effort. We look forward to having you!

Kidsfest 2010 at Dollywood!

2010-05-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

No child's summer should be without amusement parks and Dollywood knows this. They set up two months out of the year aside to turn the park, already largely a playground, into something even more amazing for your young ones to behold!

Kidsfest this year is going to hold a LOT of interesting things both new and old. There will be comic ventriloquests, comic jugglers, comic magicians, comic stuntsmen, comic percussionists (yes, apparently they exist) among the bubble-laser shows and giant paper screens with Live Star Trek and 4D action rides? Wow, why didn't we have these when we were kids? Well, don't let the opportunity slip by for you and your kids and come visit Dollywood from June to early August for Kidsfest 2010!

And from Pine Mountain RV and Mainstay Suites, you can be at the gates of Dollywood in 10-12 minutes from your car or, and this our recommendation, take advantage of our trolley stop to bypass parking fees and parking! A couple quarters per person is all it takes and you can ride an airconditioned public transit straight to Dollywood with minimal, if any, fuss whatsoever. And when you get back, cool off in our pools or relax those tired muscles in our hot tubs! Make your summer vacation everything it should be with Mainstay and Pigeon Forge RV!

The Titanic Has Arrived!

2010-04-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

The Titanic has arrived to port, nearly 100 years after its maiden voyage, and way off course here in Pigeon Forge!

The ship arrived to a grand opening with almost 1,000 visitors who were all soaking wet (an irony that was not lost on anyone) in the great rains that poured all day. Only their clothes were dampened, not their spirits. The presentation to christen and open the ship including many speakers, a letter from the governor of Tennessee, Phil Bredesen, a few minutes from Mr. Regis Philbin himself, and finally the lines started for the museum tours!

Nothing was spared in the expense to make this one of the most unique and incredible museum experiences around, and it shows. Everything that could be salvaged from the Titanic appeared in both material possessions and obscure information and photographs and models. The tour itself lasts an hour and features more about the ill-fated ship than you could imagine you would ever find with interactive exhibits and very helpful, quick-witted staff who never broke character once.

All and all a great weekend for the Titanic museum! We hope it's only the first of many incredible weekends to come! You can get to the Titanic museum in only 5-7 minutes driving from your spot at RV Park and Mainstay Suites! Make your trip out to Titanic today!

Riders in the Sky!

2010-02-24T11:54:00.000-08:00

A big treat for Western enthusiasts hoping to attend Saddle Up! throughout Pigeon Forge from February 25-28, 2010, this famous Western group will be performing at the Tennessee Shindig theatre on Friday, February 26th

Riders in the Sky is a world-renowned Western Music and Comedy group with origins dating back to 1977 and two Grammy Awards won under their name, as well as contributing to Pixar films "Toy Story 2" and "For The Birds". They've been entertaining crowds in over 5,000 performances, 700 Grand Ole Opry Appearances and 30 albums to their name. Pigeon Forge is honored to host their performance at the Tennessee Shindig.

To reserve seats for this event, call the Tennessee Shindig theater at 888-908-3327.

Pigeon Forge - February and March

2010-02-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

So what's in store for the next couple of months? Truly this is a quieter season for Pigeon Forge, but that's no reason not to come (in fact, a lot of satisfied visitors have found its all the more reason to come). We have several things to look forward to as Spring arrives.

Saddle Up! is Pigeon Forge's big special event in February. From the 19th to the 22th, the West comes East and all throughout the town you can find Western entertainment - music, dancing, storytelling - the works. You should visit www.mypigeonforge.com for details and events. It's a lot of fun for those to participate.

Then in March we have Spring Break and although the kids do come here to party, it's a considerably more low key Spring Break destination than Cancun or Fort Lauderdale, and those who stay with us will still find that quiet relaxation they came for. Our location was chosen carefully to benefit the gap between convenience to town and being far enough out of the main traffic so that it would not disturb our guests at any time of the year.

There's also the re-opening of Dollywood to the perennial Festival of the Nations! That in and of itself is a town-wide special event and definitely a reason to come in the early Spring. You can look at all the details right here: http://festivals.dollywood.com/mini-section/default.aspx?id=106&season=spring.

No matter how loud or quiet the county gets, you can always expect the same level of quality and relaxation at Mainstay Suites and Pine Mountain RV in Pigeon Forge! Come visit us in the Spring!

Wilderness Wildlife Week

2010-01-13T10:10:00.001-08:00

...is going on RIGHT NOW.

Go to Music Road Hotel, just past the Levi's store and Sonic on the parkway in Pigeon Forge, drive down a bit and pray for parking, because this is an extremely popular event that just gets better every year.

From now until the 16th, you can expect to find books, gifts, artwork, outerwear, crafts and much more all for sale near the entrance. The children from the Pigeon Forge schools have donated some artwork, and volunteers and other workers from the city of Pigeon Forge are all pitching in to help make this event all it should be. Animals such as opossum, owls, and the American Bald Eagle itself all make an appearance, as well as guests lecturers and the return of the nature photo gallery.

The information pamphlet on the event is 50+ pages long, so don't wait another minute or you could miss out on wonderful guided hikes, inspiring presentations, storytelling, children's shows and about 33 pages of other things expected to be present at Wilderness Wildlife Week. Don't miss a minute of it!

Welcome Winterfest! (We Missed You...)

2009-11-02T17:25:00.000-08:00

Halloween is over; much to our chagrin. But as much fun as that section of Autumn was, it also means the next step of the Holiday chain starts in Pigeon Forge to great annual anticipation.

Winterfest!

The Seasonal Holy Grail of activities here in this section of the Smokies, Winterfest is not widely and greatly anticipated for no reason. Both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge offer so many activities and things to do with family and friends that you can't do it the same way twice.

Winterfest kicks off in Pigeon Forge at Patriot Park on November 5th. When it turns evening, the switch goes off, the lights go on, and the tours get started. If you've never done a Trolley Tour of Lights here in Pigeon Forge, best you get started! The Trolley tours you don't want to miss - because the price of a ticket gets you a well-heated and comfortable trip around town as you get to see the million dollar lighting displays that Pigeon Forge set up annually. Not a penny goes to waste.

In Gatlinburg, the Winterfest kicks off on November 4th at 5:00 PM with the Chili Cookoff - which is the Parks and Recreations equivalent of a love letter to the visitors of Gatlinburg. The price of a spoon (between $8-10) gets you access to the best chili for miles around - literally, this event gathers the best professional chefs and culinary people from all the best restaurants in the area plus Walters State Community College. Starts at 4:00 PM at the Ripley's Aquarium at the center of town.

And you, as the guest to Mainstay Pigeon Forge and Pine Mountain RV Suites get the luxury of city-ordinated transport - The trolley stop. It goes directly to Patriot Park and transfers to Gatlinburg as well!

Both events are fun for the whole family and include entertainment along with the big switch, so be sure to get in while the gettin's good!

Rod Run Weekend in Pigeon Forge

2009-09-03T12:09:00.000-07:00

The Rod Runs in Pigeon Forge are events to behold. Its not September until two back-to-back weekends are filled with classic cars parading down the street as the night sky is lit up with every hotel and headlight in the downtown area.

On the weekend of the 11th, the Shades of the Past Rod Run comes to The Smoky River Ranch in Pigeon Forge, but you'll be seeing its presence for miles around. The Rod Run is ENORMOUS here in town and those who come to attend will pretty much party a good deal of the night away (just use excellent judgment when you do). The sidewalks will be lined with chairs, festive watchers, owners, gearheads and much much more.

Word of warning: Traffic will be INSANE and there is nothing you can do about it. Just get in early, find a reasonable spot and some comfort footwear and enjoy.

On the 18th is the Grand Rod Run which takes place at the Grand Hotel and Convention Center. This is the biggest one of the year and if you missed anyone the first week, its a good chance they stuck around for this one.

So what does this mean for you?

As a guest at Mainstay, you are not far from the action, but far enough to enjoy the peace and quiet you paid for. Its just a 5-10 minute walk down the sidewalks before you get right to the core of the action. Dead center of town. All the cars parading around you, all the party stuff going on just down the road.

And when you're done, its just another 5-10 minutes back to the hotel where an air conditioned, comfortable room or the swimming pool or hot tub is waiting to restore you to fully relaxed functionality.

If you come to enjoy the Rod Run in comfort, stay at Mainstay Suites. Have your cake and eat it too.

2009-08-09T22:35:00.001-07:00

August is always the bittersweet month of the prime of youth. Forgiving pretentious nodes of thought on the end of innocence, the return to the real world, days of unbroken splendor - it's mainly just the fact that school is starting any week now. Back in the old days, School didn't start until September. These days it starts half-way through August, so if you've waited to visit the Smoky Mountains with the kids, now is the time.

Pine Mountain RV gives you that opportunity for one last summer adventure. You'll be roughing it, but not really, because you'll be camping but still have quite a bit of convenience at your disposal should you choose to use it.

There are 35 deluxe sites, 25 premium sites and 2 cabins for rent. For the RV guests there is full hook-ups with water, sewer, and up to 50 amps of power. Cable TV and Wireless Highspeed internet hookups are also available plus public showers and restrooms, laundry facility, large splash pool plus everything Mainstay Suites has to offer - www.mainstaypigeonforge.com.

VERY close by for eating opportunities are Bennett's Barbecue (www.bennetts-bbq.com), The Alamo Steakhouse (www.alamosteakhouse.com), and Mama's Farmhouse - each of which is only a few minutes away by car and each comes personally recommended.

The days of summer are limited, but your choices for fun and relaxation at Mainstay are not. Book your next visit before the leaves start to change!

Fourth of July in Pigeon Forge

2009-06-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

Patriot Park, for its wide open space, ease of location, and recognition of every sacrifice our American Armed Forces have made down through the years, is the obvious choice to host one of the most popular annual Independence Day celebrations in East Tennessee.

Patriot Park, which is accessible through Mainstay Suites through a 5 minute drive or the Pigeon Forge Trolley (of which Mainstay is a stop on that route) offers an expansive playground for families to run and play out in the summer sun. Next to it is the Little Pigeon River where some choose to take a dip. Surrounding the park is the Old Mill complex where you can find gorgeous artwork, antiques, arts and crafts, restaurants, a creamery, toys, books, pottery, and other gifts. Its a great place to escape if the heat starts baring down on you.

And more than anything else, before the fireworks start, people gather because year after year, Pigeon Forge has put on a series of incredible shows and performances on a large soundstage built specifically for Patriot Park. This year features performances by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus, Homer Hart, The Temptations, John Berry, Sarah Darling, and the Classic Rock All-Stars. A good, great range of music pours from Patiot Park all day on Independence Day.

And then the Fireworks begin. 9:45 PM is the time (tentative) and you'll be enjoying the fireworks until after 10:00 PM. Far and wide the lights and pyros explode into the night sky and you'll be thinking about them the following morning too.

Now, lets say you weren't really wanting to be outside all day partying with some 5,000-10,000 and just wanted to enjoy a relaxing day until the fireworks started, that is an excellent alternative. The TV always has great movies on 7/4 and our pools and hot tubs and exercise room are always available to cater to a relaxing summer day until the big show starts. From there, you'll want to go to the Red Roof Mall (which you passed on your way to Mainstay), find a good spot out front and enjoy. Sure beats fighting traffic back and forth.

Visit mypigeonforge.com for more detailed information on the Patriot Park festivities and up to date information.

Dollywood Kidsfest 2009

2009-05-19T13:55:00.001-07:00

Summer is the season for kids. There's no school, temperatures made for a plethora of outdoor activities, and KidsFest at Dollywood. Every child in America is at least entitled to these three benefits between June and September and every summer calls for a family vacation trip and with KidsFest at Dollywood, everything lines up perfectly.

Dollywood tailors the park specifically for the young'uns during this time. Everything on park is family-friendly, safe-tested entertainment featuring rides for all ages, costumed characters, streetside activities with puzzles and imagination games. The whole family can enjoy the River Battle ride, the whole expanse of Dreamland Forest and much, much more.

KidsFest 2009 includes:

* Journey to the Center of the Earth 4D Motion Ride
* Creature Adventures starring the Kratt Brothers
* Kamp Kidsfest
* Sandscapes
* Penguin Group USA
* Wandering characters Cas and Walker, Miss Penny and Patches

Bloomin' Barbeque and Bluegrass

2009-05-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

Summer is the season to visit Sevier County. We get millions and millions of visitors each year, and a majority of them visit between May and mid-September. This is for two reasons: A. School's out across the board and when the beach gets too hot and sandy, the Mountains start calling and B. Because ALL the good stuff is happening in between those months.

As a seasonal appetizer (but by all means a full meal of itself), the Blooming BBQ and Bluegrass in Sevierville sketches a drawing of whats to come. Sevierville holds fewer celebrations than Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, so all that energy goes into turning The Courthouse and surrounding downtown area into a family fun center of cooked meats, cool treats and plenty of other eats.

If you have visited the BB&B previously, you know what to expect and are likely on your way over now. If you have not, here is a breakdown of what to expect:

- Largely competitive atmosphere as more than a dozen, maybe even two dozen, cooking teams compete for the best Barbeque in Sevierville. This means a giant spike in terms of quality and no matter who takes home the spoils of victory, the winner is always the same: YOU!

- Constant performances of bluegrass. People in these parts can't get enough, so, hopefully, the TEN hours of performances across Friday and Saturday will help fill that void.

- Family friendly, entertaining and waste-free atmosphere. Sevierville in particular is doing its job to help keep the streets clean for our good city and, hopefully, humanity at large.

BB&B is happening next week on the 15th and 16th of May, 2009, so you'd best get packed and on your way if you want to hit the best Sevierville Summer celebration (5x fast, I dare you) all year. You won't regret it.

Here's a little glimpse at what you can expect to see at the BB&B (thanks to Skeetbait1234 for providing the video.)

2009-04-21T20:15:00.000-07:00

Dolly Parton made Sevier County. This is a fact that cannot be disputed, no matter how you slice it up. The Country music superlegend, a very proud and openly Southern gal from Sevierville, helped bring up what was originally Silver Dollar City and transformed it into Dollywood - a major amusement park that is ranked alongside Six Flags and Disney World and Tennessee's most popular destination. With her larger-than-life personality and frequent personal endorsements, Dollywood has not sustained itself admirably for 20 years, but the economy of Sevier County too.

So you can imagine why its a pretty big deal for Miss Dolly to come to town every Spring.

This year, Dolly returns once again as Grand Marshall of the Dolly Parade, May 8th, 2009. Upwards of 50,000 people regularly attend to watch the streets of Pigeon Forge transform into a playground showcasing everything Sevier County is and stands for. That means floats from Dixie Stampede, Country Tonite, The Miracle Theater, Smoky Mountain Jubilee, Magic Beyond Belief, and our troops, local businesses, clubs and anything else this good county can drum up and build a float for. Previous themes of past Parades have included Celebrate Ireland!

The Parade starts on River Road near Traffic Light #7 and continues to the Belz Factory Outlet at traffic light #3. The Parade begins at 6:00 P.M. May 8th, 2009. The traffic during this time is heavy to the point of being unreasonable, but guests with Mainstay Suites in Pigeon Forge have the much, much easier option of walking to the festivities below, or making use of the Trolley stop nearby (it will still take a while to get around, but you won't have to worry about driving in that yourself).

And then once you get back, you can ease those aching feet and sun-sore body in our indoor pool and family sized hot tub and relax in your luxurious accommodation. Only Mainstay Suites will give you that kind of location convenience and indoor aquatic meditation during the Dolly Parade!

Greatest Value Times to host reunions at Mainstay Suites

2009-03-10T12:08:00.001-07:00

If you are planning a family reuinon we always suggest considering off season times, as the crowds are smaller, the rates are at value season, not to mention the opportunities are Great! GREAT MONTHS for the Greatest Values are August, September, November, December-Avoiding Christmas and New Years, January, February, March or April Pigeon Forge hosts events throughout the seaons that are excellent for planning a reunion around. Whether it be Smoky Mountain Harvest, Smoky Mountain Winterfest, or Hot Summer Nights in Action Packed Pigeon Forge, Mainstay Suites is an excellent location to host your reunion. We have pools inside and out, free delicious continental breakfast, a delightful convenient location, large group facilities, and did we mention how great our staff is! As general manager, we welcome you to Mainstay Suites. Phil Campbell, General Manager.

Family Vacations at Mainstay Suites

2009-03-10T11:58:00.000-07:00

We are located near outdoor parks full of softball courts and playgrounds along with the new Community Center filled with simming pools, basketball courts, bowling and more. A babbling brook runs right in front of the Mainstay Suites while our outdoor pool and lazy river await your family. Hiking and Fishing are all around and provide the best of entertainment for any family gathering. And don't forget about white water rafting or Dolly's new Splash Country Waterpark. Perfect for the group looking for adventure in the Great Smokies! Plan your vacation at Mainstay Suites in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.