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Family Trees and Fall Foliage: Reunions in the Smokies
Need an editable PowerPoint map of the World Up in the mountains, in picturesque foliage, millions of tourists cherish the most precious moments of their life. The East Tennessee region known as the Smoky Mountains is one of the ideal locations to relax and rejuvenate, while sharing family feelings. Intergenerational-travel is a fast growing segment in today's market. According to Travel Industry Association (TIA), nearly 72 million US adults have traveled exclusively for a family reunion in the past three years. In fact, one in five took a trip to attend the same, just the past year. Indeed, grandparents and grandchildren can especially benefit from it. “My husband and I drive around 550 miles (966 km) each year for our reunion. We just love the fact that we get-together, and I love watching the kids,” says Carol Price, a resident of Georgia. Peter Greenberg on MSNBC.com gives some useful tips. “The key to the popularity of grandtravel may be that it offers something for everyone, even the parents who are not involved,” he comments. Sometimes parents simply stay home knowing their children are with someone they know and trust. Popular among planners, the Reunions magazine has sections on family, class, and military group. Edith Wagner, editor of the magazine, explains that families look for value first, then attractions. "Budget is an important constraint, as the elders are tight and the young always stretched," she notes. "Some of the popular destinations are Florida Disney, Carolinas, Colorado." Many find the Smokies' serenity preferable to the madding crowd of the hotspots. Mona Hanumante, a resident of Georgia, recently had a get-together with her parents and sister, who flew from New Jersey. “A trip to a theme park was an expensive affair for us. Long hours were spent at lunch with not enough space and time to explore attractions, especially when my little baby boy needed constant care and attention.” Mona concluded, “I wish I had booked a week extra, or chosen a quiet location.” Tourists not only give importance to the getaway, but also the stay. Indeed, a reunionsmag.com reader survey showed that 26% prefer various places, such as town hall, country club, church, church camp, catering hall recreation center, community center, a ranch, or a cruise. While, 23%, 20%, 18%, 5%, 3%, 3% and 2% prefer hotel, park, the home of a family member, a resort, beach, mountains and camping respectively. The visitor season at Great Smoky is long, starting with spring break and running through October, when leaves flutter red, orange and brown. Roads and other facilities open in the second half of March. Locals prize the cool summer weather, but that's mainly in comparison to the high temperatures at lower elevations. Smoky Mountain Winterfest from mid-November through February displays spectacular lights. Outdoor Adventures: Some of the best things to enjoy in Smoky National Park itself are hiking, fishing, camping, horseback riding and hayrides, inner-tubing and swimming, mountain biking, and rafting. Open areas such Cades Cove or Cataloochee are good places for wildlife-watching. During summer and fall, rangers lead an extensive program for hikers; talks on flowers, forest; history walks and talks. Children can go along, and the programs are free. The park has a Junior Ranger program for kids ages 5-12 based on a booklet of activities, priced $3. Printed in full color, it comes with a magnifying glass and trading cards. Indoor Activities: Fun in the log cabin rentals with hot tubs, Jacuzzis, pool tables, kitchens and much more. Joan Boone, a customer care representative at Smoky Getaways, Sevierville, comments that “cabin rentals are less expensive than hotels, with more privacy and greater amenities. Smoky Getaways is unique, because of the covered bridge entrance. Moreover, our office is on the premises.” She says, “several factors appeal to a family reunion, such as 1-6 bedroom, a clubhouse next to a swimming pool.” Centrally located between Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Townsend and Sevierville, Smoky Getaways offers fully furnished cabins and condos, private home sites and dramatic views of the Smoky Mountains.” Nearby Attractions Gatlinburg – Synonymous with carnival atmosphere, popular attractions include the Guinness World Record Museum, Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum and Gatlinburg Golf Course. Several hotels and motels or cabins, plus condos and chalets, give tourists a variety of choice. The Smoky Arts & Craft Community has a treasure trove of items like candles, quilts, pottery, jewelry, dolls, ceramics and scrimshaw. Spring and summer art workshops are held every year. Shops display an array of air-brushed T-shirts. The Smoky Mountain Insider (http://www.smokymountaininsider.com) details one of the most popular reasons to visit the area: weddings! Many chapels in Gatlinburg, the honeymoon and wedding hub of the South, offer a complete range of wedding packages and services. Some include tuxedo and dress rentals, caterers, flowers, and jewelers, also referrals for other last-minute services, such as picture, videos, and candles. Pigeon Forge – A perfect destination resort for the young-at-heart. Thrill to spectacular Dollywood amusement park rides, including the award-winning wooden roller coaster, The Thunderhead. From miniature golf, go-carts and bumper boats to water rides, laser games and even an indoor skydiving simulator, folks love this vacation. In addition, the city's theaters present all styles of music, high-energy dancing and magical illusions: a wholesome family entertainment. Amazing equestrians, racing ostriches, mind-reading-pigs, fire-eaters, and jugglers perform on stage. Don't miss the Great China Circus, the first professional acrobat troupe to have ever performed in the Smokies. Cherokee – Travel to the Smoky side of North Carolina. Tourism season runs from May to October. Unto These Hills is a huge summer outdoors drama telling the story of the Cherokee, from the arrival of De Soto in 1540 to the Trail of Tears. At the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a guide leads visitors through a shaded recreation of a 1750s village. Other attractions include Museum of the Cherokee Indian and Harrah's Cherokee Casino. Whatever the occasion–mom's 60th birthday, parent's anniversary, or simply a Christmas get-together – every reunion planner knows that the ideal reunion site should be accessible, affordable and enjoyable for those who attend. The Tennessee cities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are chock full of top recreational attractions, seldom found in a single holiday location. Definitely, it's a great destination to host such a group event. Sidebar Information: Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.
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