Smoky Mountains RV Campgrounds Newsletter May 2008 (Issue #2008 - 03) Getting concerned about the gas prices ? Worried about weather or not you are going to be able to go on vacation this year ? We have talked to a lot of campground owners and they tell us reservations for this summer are still booking up. Why ? Because going camping is the most affordable way to go on vacation. The cost per night is less then a decent motel room. You can prepare your own meals. Many of the campgrounds have a lot to do right on their property. Set around the campfire and relax. Camping is an awesome way for families to bond. So, by saving on not having to eat "out" all the time, a hefty hotel bill, and not having to go "somewhere" just to have fun, camping is the way to go on a tight budget. The best thing about coming to the Smokies is that you don't have to "pay" every time to go do something. There is so much to do for free. None of the Smoky Mountain State Parks charge you to get in. You can spend a whole day in Cades Cove, Clingman's, Big Creek, or taking a family hike on the numerous trails . There are many attractions and things to spend your hard earned money on. I suggest you take a family vote and pick the most important and do that instead of trying to do "everything". Choose a campground with a lot of amenities so you don't have to drive anywhere to have fun. But most importantly - Relax - and spend some time with the family - after all - isn't that what a "vacation" is supposed to be ? Yes, gas prices are going to be ridiculous this summer - but don't let that stop you from taking your family on vacation, you only go through life once, make sure you spend the time with the people who really matter.   Our Highlight for this months Newsletter is "Spelunking" For our review of attractions this month, we decided to go "Spelunking". If you are not familiar with that term - it means to go cave exploring. The East Tennessee area is riddled with numerous cave systems - about 700 known. Among the best are the Forbidden and Tuckaleechee Caverns. Each cave system offers it's own unique attributes. This is a great thing to do if you have a "rainy day" or want to escape the heat. Both caves maintain a very cool 58 degrees. We suggest that you wear a good pair of tennis shoes with tread on the bottom as you are walking on gravel and rocky surfaces and climbing stairs. Both caverns have underground rivers so the walking paths usually are wet. Wearing slick bottom shoes of flip flops are a no no. Walk ways are lighted and have hand rails where needed. If you are afraid of the dark or have claustrophobia (fear of small spaces) then Spelunking is probably not for you. We enjoyed are exploration with tour guides who are very knowledgeable and helpful. Stalactites are formations that start from the ceiling and grown down. Stalagmites grow from the ground up. To remember this - the "mites"- "might" reach the ceiling. When a stalactite and stalagmite meet, it is called a column or pillar. The cost to tour is about the same for each. Our creator not only did a great job on the surface of the earth - He made under the earth magnificent as well! Forbidden Caverns Location: 455 Blowing Cave Road Sevierville, TN 37876 865.453.5972 Directions From Sevierville - take 411 east towards Newport and follow signs. Directions From Newport - exit 432A off I40 and turn left unto Hwy 411 and follow to signs. About a 15 - 20 minute drive. Open April - November Tour takes about 1 hour. Restrooms, gift shop, and picnic area. Features: Woodland Indians cave, artifacts, and legend of lost princess, United State's largest wall of white Onyx, Moonshiner's hideout, towering natural chimneys, many active stalactites and stalagmite formations and flow stone. Lighting effects and a sound presentation. Tuckaleechee Caverns Location: 825 Cavern Road Townsend, TN 37882 865.448.2274 Directions From Maryville - take Hwy 321 to Townsend Directions From Pigeon Forge - take Wears Valley Road Hwy 321 to Townsend and turn right. It'll be just northwest of town. Follow signs. About a 20 - 25 minute drive. Open March 15 - November 15 Tour takes about 1 1/2 hours. Restrooms and gift shop. Features: Massive rooms, largest in the Eastern United States, giant stalagmites - 24 ft tall, waterfall of flow stone, 12 ft Toothpick, stream runs the length of the cave system. You're allowed to touch the larger formations. Palette and Ribbon Stalactites. Silver Falls - a 200ft water fall onto Elephant Rock.   APRIL CALENDAR can be found HERE!   MAY CALENDAR Saturday May 3rd, 2008 & Sunday May 4th, 2008 At Sevier County Fairgrounds: Circle Your Wagons Volkswagen Show. 865-453-0770. Thursday May 15th, 2008 & Saturday - May 17th, 2008 In Pigeon Forge: Chevy Classic Round-Up 1955 / 1956 / 1957 Chevy Classics Show (865) 984-3758. Location: Music Road Hotel And Convention Center. (800) 429-7700 Friday May 16th, 2008 & Saturday May 17th, 2008: In Downtown Sevierville: 4th Annual Bloomin', Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival Tennessee State Barbecue Championship, bluegrass concerts, arts & crafts, food, and authentic mountain crafts. A family event! 888-766-5948. Saturday May 17th, 2008 & Sunday - May 18th, 2008 In Gatlinburg: 4th Annual Gatlinburg Fine Arts Festival A family oriented fine arts festival featuring juried artists from around the country, delicious cuisine and music on River Road at Aquarium Plaza Friday May 16th, 2008 & Sunday - May 18th, 2008 In Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg 27th Annual Scottish Festivals & Games Scottish clans meeting featuring Highland athletics, bagpipe competitions, Highland dancing, border collie demonstrations, haggis hurling, entertainment, whiskey tasting, food & merchandise vendors at Mills Park. Some Items Are Charged For. Admission: Daily Fee Friday May 23rd, 2008 & Saturday May 24th, 2008 In Gatlinburg: Gatlinburg MountainFest Relive Life In The Olden Days With Mountain Entertainment, Crafts & Food. Admission: Free.   UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS Thursday June 18th, 2008 - Saturday June 21st,2008 In Knoxville 15th Honda Hoot More For More Information Call 1-800-347-1289 Thursday - July 3rd, 2008 & Friday - July 4th, 2008 In Gatlinburg: Midnight Independence Day Parade Presented by Red Barron Pizza For the 33rd consecutive year, Gatlinburg will kick off America's Independence Day celebration with the nation's first parade which will lead off at midnight to the cheers of 80,000 to 100,00 spectators. Friday - July 4th, 2008 In Gatlinburg: Stand Here Fireworks Finale "Stand Here" will be the best advice for visitors as Downtown Gatlinburg's skyline will transform into a flood of brilliant colors on the night of Friday, July 4th, 2007 when the sights and sounds of a spectacular fireworks display will fill the night sky in commemoration of America's independence. The fireworks show, is scheduled to begin shortly after sunset Saturday - August 23rd, 2008 In Bristol: Sharpie 500 Night Race - Bristol Motor Speedway For More Information Call (423) 764-1161 Sunday - August 31st, 2008 In Knoxville: 21st Annual Boomsday Fireworks Celebration For More Information Call (865) 342-9191 Friday - September 5th, 2008 & Saturday - September 6th 2008 In Pigeon Forge: Shades Of The Past Hot Rod Roundup XXVI. Location: National Parks Resort Lodge & Smoky River Ranch. For More Information FAX: (865) 995-9097 Thursday - September 11th, 2008 ~ Sunday - September 14th, 2008 In Pigeon Forge: Grand Fall Rod Run Location: Grand Resort Hotel & Convention Center For More Information Call (800) 251-4444