Fans of Dolly Parton will love her homecoming parade on May 10. See grand marshal Dolly Parton strut her stuff on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge along with floats, marching bands and much more.

Take Mom to the Bloomin’ BBQ & Bluegrass Festival. Enjoy free concerts, delicious food, authentic mountain crafts, and plenty of games for the kids in Sevierville TN.

Whether you book a cabin for the weekend or an entire week, you will enjoy all of the comforts from home when you stay with the friendly folks from Patriot Getaways. Each luxury cabin has everything you need for the perfect Mothers Day.

Newfound Gap Road in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reopened to traffic Monday April 15^th, 2013, one month ahead of schedule.

The road was shut down in January, after a massive landslide washed away the land supporting the road.

Crews have been working since then to re-stabilize the land and repair the roadway. Park officials expected the road to reopen by May 15, but it was back open by 10 am on April 15. Crews from contractor Phillips-Jordan worked 24 hours a day in the last few weeks, and finished the paving and striping of the road over the weekend.

Workers moved 50,000 cubic yards of crushed rocks to better support the road surface, and added drainage, to hopefully prevent this from happening in the future.

The Park Service and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee offered the contractor $18,000 per day for each day of completion prior to May 15, with a maximum of $500,000.

Newfound Gap Road, also known as Highway 441, is the main route to North Carolina through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Book a three-bedroom two-bath deluxe cabin in Gatlinburg like Smoky Mountain Mist. This custom-built log home in Sky Harbor Resort offers access to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Settle in for the evening and prepare a delicious dinner in your fully equipped kitchen. After your meal enjoy a game of pool or watch a movie on the 52” HDTV. Step outside and enjoy the stunning views of Bluff Mountain while you soak in the outdoor hot tub. Smoky Mountain Mist can sleep up to 10 people and is the perfect place to call home.

The annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage takes place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from April 23-27. Enjoy natural historic walks while you gaze in awe at the beautiful flora and fauna that seem to come alive in spring.

Of course, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy when you book a luxury cabin in March with Patriot Getaways.

Pigeon Forge, TN – March 2013 / Hospitality 1ST / Dollywood treats its 2013 guests to more shows and more time to enjoy them as the Smoky Mountains theme park introduces a spectacular lineup of new entertainment throughout the season, six summertime weeks of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. operating hours with nightly fireworks and much more this season.

“I know one of the best things I have to offer folks is more Dollywood time to enjoy and spend together,” Dolly Parton said. “This year, we’re going to share more showtime, more nighttime, more summertime, more fun time but, most especially, more good old-fashioned family time. And to me, that’s the best time of all!”

On the heels of the park’s fourth Golden Ticket Award for Best Shows (awarded by the theme park industry’s leading trade publication Amusement Today), the entertainment begins with two new headlining shows during Festival of Nations presented by Humana (now through April 22). Cirque Shanghai showcases traditional and modern Chinese acrobatics alongside amazing displays of physical strength and incredible feats of balance. Mystic India takes audiences on a celebratory journey through India via a stunning performance which fuses dance, theatre and visual effects into an amazing explosion of color and energy. The festival also features stilt walkers, sway pole dancers, mariachi singers, a bagpiper as well as a new World Passport to Food which offers a culinary world tour featuring 100 food items.

The Great American Country Show heats up the summer stage, premiering May 11. The 40-minute cutting-edge show features today’s country music along with GAC’s most popular on-air personalities appearing on towering big screens that flank the stage. Each show includes an appearance by a special guest artist, too. The Great American Country Show continues through Oct. 26.

Come summertime, Dollywood introduces The Great American Summer, June 22 through Aug. 4. Extended park hours – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily – offer unique rides like Wild Eagle, the country’s first wing coaster, all day and into the night. Each day is capped by Dolly’s Nights of Many Colors, a spectacular nightly fireworks display synchronized to music. Parton wrote Paint Your Dreams across the Sky, a musical crescendo, for the occasion. Other highlights include homemade ice cream and more than 300 flavors of fresh and frozen lemonade, iced tea, and milkshakes.

For the first time since 2009, Parton penned a new show and new music for another. My People features her brother Randy and sister Cassie along with several other family members who share songs of their family’s strong faith, their deep love for the Smoky Mountains and their steadfast belief in their sister Dolly who says, “With the love of your family, all things are possible.” The show, underscored by Parton’s recollections of several of her pivotal life moments, runs May 10, 2013 through Jan. 4, 2014, in Dreamsong Theatre.

Parton also provides all-new music for Dollywood’s A Christmas Carol, the park’s original adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic. For the first time ever in theme park history, cutting-edge holographic technology brings Parton to the stage in a very special role as the Ghost of Christmas past in this heartwarming musical that follows the inspiring and powerful transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge. Set amid lavish Victorian scenery, the classic story of redemption and hope is underscored by seven powerful new songs written by Parton especially for this 45-minute musical. Dollywood’s A Christmas Carol headlines the park’s annual Smoky Mountain Christmas presented by Humana, a five-time winner (2008-12) of the Golden Ticket Award for Best Christmas Event.

In addition to Wild Eagle, the country’s first wing coaster and winner of the 2012 Golden Ticket for Best New Ride, Dollywood offers Barbeque & Bluegrass (May 25-June 9) with the South’s sauciest barbeque served alongside free daily concerts by Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder (May 25 & 26), Dailey & Vincent (June 2 & 3), Rhonda Vincent & The Rage (June 1 & 2), Riders in the Sky (June 7 & 8), The Darrell Webb Band (May 27-29) and many more. National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration presented by Humana features daily free concerts by a who’s who of artists including Guy Penrod (Oct. 25-27), The McKameys (Oct. 11 & 12), The Isaacs (Oct. 18 & 19), Karen Peck & New River (Oct. 4 & 5), The Perrys (Oct. 20 & 21) and many more along with the artistry of the visiting crafters.

A 150-acre family adventure park located in the Smoky Mountains, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade. Open nine months a year (March 23-Jan. 4, 2014), Dollywood offers rides and attractions; award-winning live entertainment featuring country, bluegrass, gospel and mountain music; and a dozen crafters authentic to the East Tennessee region. The neighboring 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country, which operates Memorial Day to Labor Day, features RiverRush, Tennessee’s first and only water coaster. Dollywood Vacations offers all-inclusive vacation planning that features lodging and tickets for Dollywood and Dollywood’s Splash Country. For more information, call 1-800-DOLLYWOOD. Operating days and hours vary.

Media Contacts:
Pete Owens, Sr. Public Relations Manager, 865-428-9486
Trish McGee, Public Relations Manager, 865-428-9601
Wes Ramey, Publicist, 865-428-9484

Book a luxury cabin from the friendly folks at Patriot Getaways and start planning the vacation of a lifetime. Book a weekend with a minimum 2-night stay before March 15, and receive a 25% discount on selected cabins, or book a 2 night stay during the week before March 15 and you will get an astounding 35% off on certain properties. With over 300 properties to choose from, you will be able to find the perfect cozy chalet for two or a grand lodge that can accommodate your entire family and then some.

Patriot Pointe is a newly remodeled deluxe cabin that has everything you need for the perfect getaway. Just seconds away from the parkway in Pigeon Forge, it is a quick stroll to the trolley stop and features five bedrooms and three baths. After a day of hiking or bird watching, you can come back to the comfort of your vacation home and have a game of pool, or watch the latest movie in the huge home theater. Prepare a magnificent meal for up to 11 people in the fully equipped kitchen before you enjoy a well-deserved soak in the outdoor hot tub.

If you want to surprise the love of your life with a quick getaway, Getting’ Lucky is the perfect custom-built luxury cabin for you and your partner. Curl up together and watch a romantic movie in front of the 50” flat screen or relax in front of the fire. This one bedroom cabin also features a large Jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom.

Call or click today and make your reservations with Patriot Getaways.

The event opens with a luncheon April 24, during which guest speaker Ila Hatter will explain Cherokee plant lore. The day, which has been set aside in recognition of the 175th anniversary of the Trail of Tears, will feature other indoor programs including a talk on Cherokee culture. Randy McGinnis will perform a live Native American flute program later that evening.

The “Smokies Life” reception is set for Thursday evening, while the Photography Contest Awards Ceremony are Friday night, both prior to the evening programs which are open to the public at no charge.

Artists, craftsmen, and plant vendors will be on-site for those wanting to take home a special remembrance of the event.

For more information on photography contest rules, program scheduling, and to register online, visit the website: www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org.

From the cub report put out by the Great Smoky Mountain Association. Become a MEMBER of Great Smoky Mountains Association today.  You’ll receive discounts at our park stores of up to 25% and receive premiums like Smokies Life magazine and the Bearpaw newsletter.  Most importantly, you’ll be helping protect nature and history in the Smokies.

The Federal Highways Administration on Wednesday awarded a contract to rebuild the road to Phillips & Jordan, Inc. of Robinsville, North Carolina. The contract was awarded for the submitted bid of $3,989,890 and came with a completion date set at May 15.

P&J could be on the ground Friday to begin Phase 2 of the reconstruction project. That phase includes rebuilding the paved roadway and filling the area washed away during the landslide with crushed stone. The design will allow for the drainage of water that hopefully will protect the road and park resources from future damage.

The fill area will be naturally sloped and planted with native seed. APAC –Atlantic, Harrison Division recently completed Phase 1 of the reconstruction project by developing an access road to the slide area, removing debris, and stabilizing the slope above the work area.

The reconstruction contract includes a monetary incentive of $18,000 per day to the selected contractor for each day of completion prior to May 15, up to a maximum of $500,000. The incentive funds are being offered jointly by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian and the National Park Service. The amount donated by the EBCI will apply to the first 14 days of the incentive period at the above rate. In addition to the monetary incentives, the contract also includes monetary disincentives. The contractor will be charged $18,000 per day past May 15 to help ensure the project is completed on schedule.

Newfound Gap Road will remain closed to thru traffic during the construction, but visitors are still able to access the park to Newfound Gap from the Tennesse side and to Collins Creek Picnic Area from the Cherokee, North Carolina entrance.

Info from http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com

When coming to Pigeon forge and Gatlinburg for a Smoky Mountain spring break, everyone should attend at least one of these wonderful annual events:

Dollywood’s Festival of Nations

March 23^rd – April 22^nd, 2013

Dollywood is your window to the world during Festival of Nations! Experience 20 fascinating countries represented through music, dance, food and art, including the all-new headlining show Cirque Shanghai!

Be here as Bollywood comes to Dollywood by way of the new fast-paced show Mystic India. Special entertainment from all corners of the world collides at Dollywood’s Festival of Nations.

Spring Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament

April 6^th – 7^th, 2013

Play a part in the fun and excitement of the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. This event is perfect for adults, children and of course all visitors. Before these seasonal, 2-day trout tournaments get started, there will be over 10,000 trout stocked in over 20 miles of streams! Enter the tournament for your chance at over $10,000 in cash and prizes. Spend your next vacation trout fishing in Tennessee and experience all the fun the Smokies have to offer!

Grand Spring Rod Run

April 19^th – 21^st, 2013

Thousands of classic car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts make the pilgrimage to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Sevierville, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains each year. Pigeon Forge is a popular host to rod runs and car shows. Participants love to take their classic car or hot rod group on a Smoky Mountain scenic drive or just cruise the parkway. Although the hotel itself will be closed at the time of the Spring Grand Rod Run, the event will be based at The Grand Resort Convention Center and hotel grounds. Call 1 -800-241-4444 for more information.

Dolly’s Homecoming Parade

May 10^th, 2013

Like most parades, the Pigeon Forge Dolly Parade is filled with marching bands, entertainers, floats, baton twirlers, horses and other colorful entries. What makes this parade different? Its namesake and the grand marshal, Miss Dolly Parton!

During the Dolly Homecoming Parade, Ms. Parton will be sitting atop her float leading the parade through town. More than 50,000 visitors will line the Parkway to experience this annual event. This year spectators can expect to see even a “9 to 5″ float based off Dolly’s movie! Plus there’s even planned sightings of a submarine and NASCAR racecar.

The Dolly Parade begins near traffic light #6 and continues north on the Parkway to traffic light #3. The parade traditionally begins at 6:00 P.M. You should arrive early though so you can get the best view.

NOTE: You can expect traffic congestion and delays during this event. Please plan accordingly. Come in Thursday to avoid the traffic on Friday.

Dollywood’s Barbeque & Bluegrass

May 25^th – June 9^th, 2013

Bring your barbeque eating hands and your bluegrass tapping feet to the Dollywood Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival! With the price of park admission you get 300 free concerts by some of the greatest bluegrass acts in the country and great food to go along with it. Performers include Grammy award-winner Ricky Skaggs, Kentucky Thunder, Riders in the Sky, Rhonda Vincent and much more!

When you’re ready for some southern dishes head over to the Barbeque Headquarters at Market Square. There you can try some Tennessee pulled pork, delicious ribs, and succulent chicken. If you want to try something new, the Backstage Restaurant will have a hot new menu for the Dollywood Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival that includes all new barbeque dishes! If you still need to spice things up stop by the Sauce Tastin’ Station to try some eyebrow raising barbeque sauce. Make sure to leave room for dessert which includes a 3-pound slice from a 25-pound apple pie!

Book your favorite cabin today for your Spring getaway at www.patriotgetaways.com

The road is a popular high elevation destination and typically closes in winter months because of a threat for winter weather. The park plans to open the road to traffic as weather conditions allow as early as February 15.

The park plans to monitor the road for dangerous conditions and will close it if the weather turns bad.

The park says milder temperatures over this season have allowed for better access to the road for visitors wanting to see Clingmans Dome.

For the most current road closure information, please call 865-436-1200 x 631 or follow SmokiesRoadsNPS on Twitter.

BEARS ARE EVERYWHERE!! Come enjoy this CUSTOM Built wonderfully decorated log cabin with Bears Galore, on the walls, on the beds, everywhere. The bears feel at home here and you will too with the TWO KING SIZE CUSTOM BUILT LOG BEDS and the Log furnishings to match. The Game Room has a very nice POOL TABLE and LOTS OF GLASS to enjoy the Great Outdoors. But, if its outside you want then you will enjoy the BIG WRAP AROUND PORCH with many ROCKERS, A SWING & LARGE HOT TUB. There is plenty of space for a couple, two couples or the whole family. Paws n’ Claws will make you feel like a bug in a bear rug. Book this log cabin today and enjoy your next visit to the Great Smoky Mountains living with the bears. Now with a 47″ LCD TV in the living area for your enjoyment.

Paws N’ Claws is a great getaway destination for the entire family. All the cabins offered by American Patriot Getaways come with fully equipped kitchens, heat and A/C, as well as a starter pack of supplies. Once you are staying in the cabin, it is up to you to replace things that you run out of, furnish your groceries, and straighten up after yourself. Our guest services office is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and we are there to help with anything you may need from discount show and attractions tickets to directions to area sites.

Rates for Paws N’ Claws vary seasonally and American Patriot Getaways does offer many specials which are typically not applicable during holidays and special events. With the close proximity to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you’re sure to enjoy plenty of activities if you decide to leave this outstanding cabin. You’ll find plenty of shopping, entertainment, and attractions, as well as an array of dining experiences all over the area. You can visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, The Smith Family Theater and Dinner Show, hit the slopes at Ober Gatlinburg, or take a hike through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Paws N’ Claws is a great location for families and friends. You can book Paws N’ Claws as well as other amazing properties online or by calling one of American Patriot Getaways’, Getaway Specialists at 1-800-204-5169. The knowledgeable and friendly staff at American Patriot Getaways is ready to help you find the perfect cabin for your next Smoky Mountain Getaway.