February 2012 Fun in the Smokies

Are your kids getting a few winter vacation days off school this February?  Pack ‘em up and head to the Smokies!  The Smoky Mountain area is offering lots of events that will help beat the winter doldrums.

Gatlinburg Winterfest lasts through the end of the month.  The Trolley Tour of Lights ends in January, but you’ll still be able to drive through the city and see all the winter lights displays until the 29^th.

Townsend is looking forward to kicking off their Annual Winter Heritage Festival in the Smokies on February 2.  This is a celebration of the human history, natural beauty, and cultural traditions of Townsend, Cades Cove, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park that takes place at a variety of locations including the Townsend Visitors Center, GSM Heritage Center, and locations throughout Townsend.  There will be free presentations, storytelling, live entertainment, exhibits, and tours.  Events with meals required payment and reservations. 

The Farmer’s Almanac is calling for SNOW February 8th through about the 23^rd.  However, as long as weather permits snowmaking, Ober Gatlinburg will be offering fun in the snow all winter long with snow tubing, skiing, snowboarding and ice skating fun!

“Store Britches,” a Gatlinburg Garden Club production of Lula Mae Ogle’s play, is a romantic comedy/mountain love story set in Gatlinburg during the 1890s.  Performances are at 5 p.m. February 17 and 18 at the American Legion Hall in Gatlinburg.  Come experience the “past, present and future of our Smoky Mountains” and help the Garden Club reconstruct the Lucinda Oakley Ogle Cabin adjacent to the Gatlinburg Welcome Center.  Call 1-937-475-7572 for ticket information.  $25.

Looking for bargains?  Our outlet shops will be holding President’s Day Sidewalk Sales and year-end clearances.  You’ll want to stop in Pigeon Forge Factory Outlets, Pigeon River Crossings (formerly Belz Outlet World), and Tanger Outlets in Sevierville between February 17-21 to see what’s happening.  Be sure to bring your AAA card for additional savings at many outlet stores!

Sweet Fanny Adams Theatre will be presenting the Gatlinburg Improv Festival February 23-26 with seat prices ranging from $8-$12.  The Festival will feature improvisation groups and instructors participating in a series of shows and classes over a full four days.  Keep an eye on the website for updates and performance schedules at Gatlinburg Improv Fest.  Already scheduled to appear are Chase Padgett and his award-winning show “6 Guitars” and Einstein Simplified Comedy Troupe.

Saddle Up! is also taking place February 23-26 in Pigeon Forge.  The 12th Annual Saddle Up! is a tribute to the American West featuring concerts by western musicians & cowboy poets, a Chuckwagon cookoff, western dance, and Sunday morning Cowboy Church.   You can call 1-800-251-9100 for full details.

So… what are you waiting for?