Snow on Mt Leconte - or "What a difference a week makes!"
This picture was taken Monday, April 24th, 2012 from the pull over on the Gatlinburg Bypass. There was still a good dusting of overnight snow on the top of Mt. Leconte as you can see in the distance, that’s downtown Gatlinburg in the middle ground. We locals often joke that if you don’t like the weather just now you should wait an hour and see what it’s doing then! Here we’ve waited a week and gone from a little snow to the low 80′s this Monday, April 30th. No matter what the weather, its always beautiful in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.
Bearway To Heaven Gatlinburg Cabin for Large Groups and Families has been remodeled to add hardwood floors, new furniture and complete kitchen and bathroom makeovers! Remodeling was completed April 14th, 2012. This Gatlinburg cabin rental is ready for your arrival.
Fantastic Mountain Views out of every window will take your breath away. There is lots of space on the 2 large wrap around decks for you and your guests to enjoy the views and fresh air – even while you are bubbling away the the large Hot Tub!
Bearway to Heaven is technically a Gatlinburg Cabin but it is located in between Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee so you will l0ve the location. Hmm… Fun everywhere and all you have to decide is which direction to go, Right or Left? Or stay in the cabin and have fun and games at home – after all you have a pool table, air hockey and foosball tables in the large game room on the lower level – you know, the one with the Hot Tub!
Like everything else, the more effort you put into your Smoky Mountain vacation, the more you get out of it. It’s still pretty easy to enjoy your time in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge and beyond with a minimalist mindset, but those who venture further and take more time to plan will see their efforts pay off here in the mountains.
Here are some recommendations for things to keep in check as you make your way and make your stay here with us at Baskins Creek.
1. Get plenty of walking and exercise in. Children are naturally extremely excited in new areas with fun stuff all around them and that energy needs to go somewhere. Look for hikes or some of the city parks to let them run around and work off those desserts and treats and let them calm down naturally once it gets to be evening time.
2. Look for ways to make learning fun in the Smokies by making games out of educational opportunities here in the Smokies. Look for what your kids are focusing on and interact with that focus. If your child is watching a frog, ask him or her what they like about the frog and just ease into talking to them how the frog jumps and eats and lives, etc. Children are all about imagination, so use that as a springboard into learning.
3. Kids lose things – there is no getting around that. Keep a checklist of what you and your family brought and check it off every so often.
4. If you brought a large family as part of a reunion, check websites for group rates and keep an eye around town for coupon books that are helpful in several ways. Restaurants in town fill up quickly so PLAN AHEAD and make reservations for the best chance there will be ample seating.
5. It’s not always about planning, you know. A little bit of improvisation and spontaneity can go a long way on vacation; especially if plans don’t go right in the first place. Remember you’re on VACATION. You came here to get away from stresses and lighten up! Have fun and feel free to go a bit on the wild side (within reason) here in the Smokies.
The Smoky Mountain Field School is a great way to really get to know the Smokies. These classes are good opportunities for all ages and may provide some educational fun for your family during your vacation time.
The Smoky Mountain Field School mission is as stated:
The Smoky Mountain Field School enhances public appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the natural world while promoting the idea of learning as a joyful and enriching part of life.
Amphibians & Reptiles of the Smokies
Incredible Edibles & Traditional Medicinals
Spring Wildflower & Nature Photography
The Perfect Hike
*Waterfalls with Your Children
May Classes include:
Bears of the Smokies
Geology of the Smokies
Old Growth Forest: Albright Grove
Spring Wildflower & Walker Sisters’ Homesite Day Hike
Birding in the Smokies
Mt. LeConte Hike & Overnight in the Lodge
Fly Fishing in the Smokies
*Birding for Beginners
Late Spring Wildflowers & Ferns
Backpacking with Confidence
June Classes include:
The Light Show in the Smokies
Nature Sketching: Watercolor or Pencil
Salamanders in the Smokies
Basic Visual Tracking
Day Hike to Mt. LeConte
Incredible Edibles & Traditional Medicinals
Wildflowers, Ferns & Ecology of Roan Mountain
Fly Fishing in the Smokies
Incredible Edibles & Traditional Medicinals
Photography for Naturalists
Intermediate Photography for Naturalists
2012 Class Schedule There are Classes Every Month through October 2012 – Add something unforgetable to your Smoky Mountain Vacation this year!!
