Cove Creek Resorts Wine and Cheese and Covered Dish Social

Our Wine and Cheese and Covered Dish Social had a long name but it didn't seem to confuse all that attended.  We met in the Cherokee Room at the welcome center and were afforded a great view of the storms rolling in.  Everyone had a great time and we are really looking forward to the next gathering.  July 3rd we will hold a cookout for the guests with hot dogs, hamburgers and s'mores.  Not to mention a great possibility of a little fireworks show! 

That's Pat and Andrea and Libby

Mingling and lots of food

Exciting Times for the Wears Valley Area Chamber

The Chamber held a marketing event last week here at Cove Creek and thanks to large efforts from Sharon Hazard (Imagine it! Embroidery) it was a great success.  All Chamber mambers brought a promotional gift that was placed in a goodie bag so each business has a little something to remember each other by.  Each Chamber member also recieved a business card holder that holds each members business cards, so they are easliy at hand to reference and referr to. 
The guest speaker was Drew Bowman of Best Dressed Media who has built the new site for the Chamber, and he did a phenominal job with a very refined site that reflects our Valley well (click here). 

Thank you to all who attended and we sure missed those who couldn't make it!

Wears Valley is home to an amazing story....

The Wears Valley Business Association met Tuesday at the Wears Valley Ranch.  Myself and several others voiced that we had never been on the property but knew a little about them.  Obviously very little.  It's an amazing place with an amazing story.  To read the story click here.  And their story had been on WBIR which we were able to view as Brian McDonnell presented it to the group.  The Ranch operates on donations from individuals, churches and foundations.  Brian stated that several times they have wondered how they would pay the electric bill, but somehow some way God has always provided.   It's an amazing place with an amazing story and of course, amazing people.  Be sure to visit the family at Wears Valley Ranch and see the work they do and don't forget to make a donation!

The Pool is OPEN!!!!

The pool was opened early this year, we had it ready mid-May.  And we had several people using it then!  But then Memorial Day brought us some seriously warm weather and now we see guests enjoying it everyday.

A Big Welcome to Our Neighbors

We have a new jewel in our crown here in Wears Valley!  Old Smokies Produce has moved in to the Big Red Barn on the property just in front of Cove Creek Resort.  Owner John Marzucco and his right hand man Jose have been working hard the past few weeks to get situated and ready for the season.  Fresh watermellon, Grainger County tomatoes, cucmbers, yellow and green squash, corn, and more!  Be sure to come by and visit John and meet the Valley's newest member.  Right beside Old Smokies is McGill and Sons Pony Rides with some super cute goats and miniature ponies.  Alvin McGill is a lifelong resident that has been offering pony rides here in the Valley for a few years now.  The kids can have fun while you get fresh produce for dinner! 

It has been great for the guests that come to Cove Creek.  We have had several guests enjoying a watermellon by the pool. 

The Barbeque and Bake Sale Benefit was a Success!

We recently hosted a benefit barbeque and bake sale to benefit local resident Keith Ownby who fell victim to a severe burn injury and has been hospitalized at the Vanderbilt burn unit in Nashville.  While conducting the benefit there was a food drive to support the Sevier County Food Ministries.  The Wears Valley Chamber of Commerce conducted the event and it was a smashing success!  The Volunteers worked so, so hard and were smiling the whole time!

Kieth Ownby's family volunteered their help as well.

And the bake sale!

And the Food Drive!

And.....the reward!

I am continually impressed with our beautiful community on how they are such caring and giving people.   There is no place like home!

Top 10 Things Smoky Mountain Visitors Want To Know.....So here it is!

Planning a visit to the Smokies or its surrounding areas?  We know what you are looking to do so here are our honest and unbiased suggestions!

#1  Shopping:  Tanger Outlet Mall for serious bargain shopping and they have coupons on their website.  But for unique boutiques and in a beautiful setting, don't miss the Village in Gatlinburg.

#2  Scenic Drives:   Well, it really just depends on what you want!  The best way to figure that out is to go to Sugarlands visitors center and get information on all of the roads in the park.  Or click here for the park's day planner.

#3 Eating at Unique Restaurants:  The Greenbriar Restaurant is rich with history and has great views in the evenings.  The Park Grill is always a favorite.  It has the cabin feel with murals on the walls and great atmosphere.  The food is good and they have an incredible salad bar.  Both are open for dinner only.

#4 The Smoky Mountains:  Well, I always suggest staying somewhere that you will have a good view of the mountains (shameless plug for our resort......every site has a great view!).  If you are interested in getting into the mountains and being in nature, the park has many walks or hikes and they vary from easy to difficult.  If you have children and/or you have a stroller, several of the walks and hikes are still available to you.  Click here for trail maps.  Please note many of the trials do not allow pets, please don't feed the wildlife and be sure to take all trash to an appropriate container. 

#5 Historic Sites:  The Park is home to nearly 80 historic structures—houses, barns, churches, schools, outbuildings, and grist mills that have been preserved or rehabilitated. The best places to see them are at Cades Cove, Cataloochee, Oconaluftee, and along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Self-guiding auto tour booklets are available at each place so you can understand the history behind every historic site.  

#6 Live Music:  In the evening during the summertime you can listen to live bluegrass at Settlers Village in a little white gazebo in the parking lot.  Occassionallly street musicians can be found among the Gatlinburg shops, and mostly perfom bluegrass as well.  There is no charge to listen but if you appreciate what you hear be sure to let them know.  Dollywood is also a great place to find a variety of music and they are home to the Kingdom Heirs.                         .

#7 Dollywood:  Pretty self-expanitory.  Just jump on thier site and you can see everything that is going on and plan your visit with show times, what the rides are and where they are.  They have a "Play Another Day" offer where you actually get two days at Dollywood for the price of one day.  And offer "Splash and Play" where you have three full days at Splash Country and Dollywood; and you can combine the two parks however you like.  (We do offer these tickets at our office, and you can purchase ahead of time to avoid waiting in line!)

#8  Antique Shopping:  Rebecca's Thyme, Yesterdays Antiques, and Bears Valley Antique mall.   These are only a few and an attraction in itsself is the Flea Market where you will find lots of antiques and anything imaginable.

#9 Hiking and Biking:  See numbers 2 and 4.  In Townsend they have a bike trail that is really nice and easy, click here.  And there is Cades Cove which is a little more challenging.  The smokies offers all levels of hikes and trails to explore on foot just click here for a day planner.

#10  Art Galleries:  Paul Murray, Alewine Pottery, G Webb, and definitely Arrowcraft gallery; all in Gatlinburg.

And there you have it!   If you have any questions just give us a call or send out an email, we will give you the best answer we know.  We hope you enjoy our beautiful back yard!

Wears Valley Businesses for Bear Safety

By Patti Lanke of The Valley Voice


A FED BEAR IS A DEAD BEAR!


1.  Do not feed or toss food to a bear or any wild animal.
2.  Keep children close at hand.
3. Keep pets indoors or in a vehicle or camper.  For K9 safety keep your pet on a leash.  Dogs will confront bears and may get serious injuries due to the bears strength, long claws and sharp teeth.
4.  Do not approach a bear at any time.  They are dangerous and unpredictable.  If a bear changes its natural behavior (feeding, foraging, or movement) because of your presence, you are too close and the bear is going to respond.
5. Never surround or corner a bear.
6. Never run from a bear.  Slowly back away and make lots of noise.  Bears understand oral confrontation and will often use their own abilities to voice their disapproval.
7.  Encourage others to follow all safety instructions when they are in your presence.
8.. Be responsible.  Improper behavior on your part may cause the bear to die or a human to be seriously injured.


Willfully approaching within 50 yards (150 feet), or any distance that disturbs or displaces a bear is illegal in the park.  Violation of this federal regulation can result in fines and arrest.  Use binoculars, a telephoto lens, or a spotting scope to view the animals.

You Can "Sing Your Way to a FREE VACATION"!!!!!!

And Simon WON'T be judging you.  The entries are starting to come in so get your video ready!  ALL you have to do is write and perform a song about our Great Smoky Mountains.  You can go a capella or with a full string section, you can rap, you can beatbox, you can do it opra style.  Just be sure you are having fun when you do it!!!!
You can do it for you and your family or for a family that you think really, really deserves a FREE vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains.  Who could turn that down?!?!?!?!  And its easy to enter and easy to win!!

Here is what the winning entry will get:

 It's worth over $4,000.00!!  The prize package is 5 days and 4 nights in The Great Smoky Mountains.  But that is not all, along with accommodations you will get 2 adult and 2 child tickets to:

The Hatfield & McCoy dinner show

Dixie Stampede dinner show

Comedy Barn

Zip line tours

River Tubing

The Aquarium

The Titanic

Putt Putt Golf

Wonderworks

Tuckaleechee Caverns

Breakfast at Grandmothers Kitchen

Breakfast at Regan’s Pancake house

Dinner at Bullfish Grill

Dinner at Mama’s Farmhouse

Lunch from The Picnic Pantry

A Free Family Portrait

4 Great Smoky Mountains T-Shirts

The history of the Great Smoky Mountains DVD

And priceless memories!!!!

You just have to enter the contest and get here!

Here is all you have to do…….write and perform a song about the Great Smoky Mountains.  Be sure you don’t “borrow” any lyrics or melodies from another source!  Keep it clean, we're all families here.  Submit your entries to us at covecreekresort@gmail.com between the dates of March 1^st and May 1^st.  The winner will be selected by a panel of 5 judges and announced on May 15^th.  The prize package may be used between the dates of August 1^st 2011 through March 10^th 2012, excluding holidays.  See the contest rules here. 

We will post entrants that have made it to the final round (8 spots) on our blog.  You can enter as many times as you like, just be creative and have fun! 

Spring Break Family Visitors and Friends

Spring has finally visited the Great Smoky Mountains and with it she brought us a very busy few weeks.  First of all we enjoyed having the K-Town Good Sams Rally last weekend.  Everyone seemed to have a great time and we sure enjoyed their company.  I was told that this rally group is the most sought after to join, and I can see why......they are always smiling and laughing and carrying on.  I sat at my desk and just enjoyed hearing them play cards or picking their guitars.  We welcome you all back ANY time!!!

Then a few days later we hosted our Wears Valley Chamber meetings.  At the main meeting on Thursday evening we had a guest speaker, Jim McGill who is the founder of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce who hosts the Bloomin' Bluegrass & Barbeque on May 20th and 21st.  (Eating and Entertainment for all ages)

Our own Wears Valley Chamber of Commerce hosts Oktoberfest yearly.  This year the dates are October 21st, 22nd, and 23rd.  Be sure to put it on you calendar, it is a full 3 days of entertainment, crafts, music, contests, demonstrations, pony rides and it's free to attend!  Parking is by donation to benefit the Wears Valley Fire Department.  

Stay tuned for updates about "Sing your way to a free vacation" updates!!!!

Great Things Are Coming With Springtime......

I am talking about FOOD!  We have so many choices of restaurants with such great variety of menus here in the Great Smoky Mountains.  And here are a few secrets that we locals really appreciate:

The Johnson Family of Restaurants offers great discounts during January through March 4th and they have been doing this for a few years now.  It is a phenomenal deal and you can have a feast for what you would pay for fast-food.  All the specials are dine in only.

Alamo Steakhouse (I am putting my favorite first):
Buy one get one free lunch (M-F 11a-3p)
Buy one get one free dinner (Wednesday only)

Bennetts Pit Barbecue:

Buy one get one free lunch (M-F 11a-3p)

Mama's Farmhouse:

10.00 All you can eat dinner of 3 meats, 5 veggies, soup, bread, dessert and a beverage!(M-F)

Big Daddy's Pizzeria:

Buy one get one free lunch (M-F 11a-3p)

Buy one get one free dinner (Friday only)

See, I told you so!  Where can you get an all you can eat home-cooked dinner with all those choices and a beverage for 10.00!?!?  Unheard of!

And, if you happen to be visiting the area outside of the dates for these specials, you can visit their websites and get coupons for up to 15% off.  

And last but definitely not least.........We have heard that my husbands prayers have been answered.  We are getting a Buffalo Wild Wings!  I am sure we will be found there at least once a week as soon as the doors open.  We have been amazed that you really can't find a true hot wings restaurant close by.  We usually travel to Knoxville to Quaker Steak to satisfy our cravings.  Think of the money we will save in gas!

Frugal RV'ing, The Latest Trend!

From the Kansas City Star:

By SHARON HARVEY ROSENBERG AND MYSCHA THERIAULT

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

After months of shopping for an affordable tow-behind recreational vehicle, a manufacturer of custom cargo trailers caught our eye. When we pulled in to see if the cargo trailers could be modified for RV travel, the business owner gave us a bargain tour. The detour included frugal ideas for RV travel.

Alternatives: Horse and race car owners have altered custom cargo trailers to tow gear to events and to haul around a place to sleep on site. The average cost? Around 80 percent less than any other option we had researched. Cheaprvliving.com has information about other unexpected RV alternatives as well, including converted box vans and school buses.

Efficiency: Downsize your belongings and store them as efficiently as possible in order to conserve, space, gas mileage and sanity while traveling. Use accessories to organize your travel equipment. Wall hooks are ideal for securing bags, including sacks filled with bulky cold weather equipment. Other items can be clipped to the ceiling or spaced throughout the vehicle.

Networking: Partner up with other RV folks to share costs on activity and entry fees when you reach your destination. Group and potluck camping dinners are popular with the recreational vehicle crowd, and group activities turn make-your-own meals into a social event. Make new friends to develop a support network and sense of community that you may start missing after several months on the road. Rv.meetup.com lists RV networking groups in various locations. Find one near where you're heading to see if there's an event scheduled during your time there.

Public parks: State parks and private camping grounds often charge affordable overnight rates for RV travelers. Many camp sites are full-service facilities, with a variety of amenities and activities. Regional lists are available at campgrounds-by-city.com and rvparksusa.com. Campgroundsofamerica.com, for example, features a state-by-state list of national forests, state parks, RV parks and campgrounds. Floridaparks.com provides a detailed list of rental fees, park attractions and pet-friendly policies.

Rosenberg and Theriault are co-authors of the best-selling book "10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget," and founders of PoshFrugalityNetwork.com. Theriault is founder of TrekHound.com, a travel website, and TheLessonMachine.com, a website for teachers. Rosenberg is the author of "The Frugal Duchess: How to Live Well and Save Money."

Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2011/01/31/2621821/the-frugal-traveler-rv-travel.html#ixzz1DCtWFVYf

Did you know Dolly is a avid RV'er? Sure enough........

Our favorite celebrity loves to take off in her RV.  Click here for the clip from the biography channel where she tells all about it.   The RV you see in the video clip is not her actual RV, but click here to see a tour of her class A from an avid fan.  We would love to have her stay with us! 

Gatlinburg in the snow last week

Top Entertainers to be at Country Tonite in 2011

Country Tonite has lined up an amazing year of concerts.  No need to go to Nashville, we'll have it all right here.  Be sure to get your tickets and come stay with us!

 

 

 

LORETTA LYNN

Friday, May 27, 2011 @ 8:00pm

$44.50 + tax

For fifty years now, Loretta has fashioned a body of work as artistically and commercially successful—and as culturally significant—as any female performer you’d care to name. Her music has confronted many of the major social issues of her time, and her life story is a rags-to-riches tale familiar to pop, rock and country fans alike. The Coal Miner’s Daughter—the tag refers to a hit single, an album, a best-selling autobiography, an Oscar-winning film, and to Lynn herself—has journeyed from the poverty of the Kentucky hills to Nashville superstardom to her current status as an honest-to-goodness American icon.
Loretta Lynn's Official Site

---

RONNIE MILSAP

Friday, June 17, 2011 @ 8:00pm

$35.00 + tax

Ronnie Milsap ranks as the pre-eminent country soul singer of his generation. His track record speaks loud and clear: Forty # 1 hits, seven Grammy Awards and eight Country Music Association Awards. Together, they underscore Milsap’s position as one of the best-loved and most enduring artists in country music history. A few of his classic songs are “It Was Almost Like A Song”, “What A Difference You’ve Made In My Life”, “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For the World”, and Tennessee’s newest state song, “Smoky Mountain Rain”.
Ronnie Milsap's Official Site

---

LORRIE MORGAN
and
PAM TILLIS

Friday, July 1, 2011 @ 8:00pm

$35.00 + tax

Lorrie Morgan was barely a teenager when she made her first major appearance in 1975 singing “Paper Roses” with her dad, country star George Morgan on the Grand Ole Opry. Since that fateful night, Lorrie has never looked back. Timeless country standards like “Five Minutes”, “Something in Red”, “Watch Me”, and “What Part of No” established Lorrie as a bona fide country star.
Pam Tillis has been a formidable force in country music since her first single hit the charts in 1990. She has racked up 14 Top Five hits including six that hit #1, and has sold over 6 million records. Her hits include “Don’t Tell Me What to Do”, “Maybe It Was Memphis”, “Shake the Sugar Tree”, and “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)”.
Lorrie Morgan's Official Site
Pam Tillis' Official Site

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GEORGE JONES

Friday, July 22, 2011 @ 8:00pm
and
Saturday, July 23, 2011 @ 8:00pm

$44.50 + tax

Whether the times have favored honky tonk songs or lushly produced “pop” offerings, George Jones has continued to make his brand of country music, which has produced hits in every decade of the second half of the 20th century. In fact, Jones has had more charted singles than any other artist in any format in the history of popular music. Many consider this member of the Country Music Hall of Fame to be the greatest country singer ever. George Jones is truly a living legend.
George Jones' Official Site
We are happy to announce the addition of Wilson Fairchild as the opening act for Friday and Saturday nights with George Jones. The Reid cousins, who seem more like brothers, have sung together as Grandstaff for over 15 years. Along with their outstanding harmony, which is an inherent trademark from their fathers, Harold and Don Reid, members of the Statler Brothers, Wil and Langdon are prolific songwriters who have had over 30 songs published and recorded. In 2010 the duo changed their name to better express who they are. Wilson is Wil's middle name and Fairchild is Langdon's middle name, making up Wilson Fairchild. Click here to see their video "The Statler Brothers Song", a moving tribute to the men and their music.
Wilson Fairchild's Official Site

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DON WILLIAMS

Friday, August 19, 2011 @ 8:00pm

$39.95 + tax

Don Williams was recently inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. And rightfully so. With 17 Number 1 hits, Don has an amazing body of work. Some of his classics include "You're My Best Friend", "Tulsa Time", "I Believe In You", "I'm Just a Country Boy", and "Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good". In 2006, during his "Farewell Tour of the World", Don played here in Pigeon Forge. That night he promised the audience that if he ever came out of retirement, he would be back. Mr. Williams is keeping his word. And we are thrilled to be one of the stops on this very limited tour.
Don Williams' Official Site

---

GENE WATSON
and
CONNIE SMITH

Friday, September 23, 2011 @ 8:00pm

$35.00 + tax

If you ask any number of country singers who their favorite singer is, a large number of them will respond: “Gene Watson.” Gene has scored over 72 charted songs, including 23 Top Tens and 6 #1 hits over his forty-year career. It is safe to say that most knowledgeable country fans would point to Gene Watson as one of country music’s best ballad singers in the same league as country icons George Jones, Merle Haggard, Vern Gosdin and others who are the standard bearers for honest, traditional country music.
Connie Smith is often referred to as the “Rolls Royce of country singers”. Dolly Parton once said, “There’s only three real female singers; Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Connie Smith. The rest of us are only pretending.” With hits like “Once a Day”, “Ain’t Had No Lovin”, and “If I Talk to Him”, it is easy to understand why in 2002, Connie was voted in at number 9 on CMT’s Greatest Women of Country Music.
Gene Watson's Official Site
Gene Watson's Fan Site
Connie Smith's Official Site

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RAY STEVENS

Friday, October 21, 2011
@ 3:00pm & 8:00pm

$44.50 + tax

Multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter and two-time Grammy winner Ray Stevens just celebrated 50 years in the music business. With over 25 million albums and over 4 million videos sold throughout his illustrious career, Ray is still entertaining audiences. Some of his comedy classics include “The Streak”, “Shriner’s Convention”, “The Mississippi Squirrel Revival”, and “It’s Me Again Margaret”. Two other favorites are Ray’s Grammy-winning hits “Everything is Beautiful” and “Misty”.
Ray Stevens' Official Site

---

The Nashville Legends Show Featuring , Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, Jack Greene and Jeannie Seely

Friday, November 11, 2011 @ 8:00pm

$35.00 + tax

This year’s Nashville Legends Show includes four of our favorite stars from The Grand Ole Opry. They will perform solos, as well as duets. This concert will include some of the biggest hits in country music history such as Jim Ed and Helen’s “I Don’t Want to Have to Marry You”; Jeannie’s signature song “Don’t Touch Me”; and Jack’s classic, “There Goes My Everything”. Four country legends in one big show.
Jim Ed Brown’s Official Site
Helen Cornelius’ Official Site
Jack Greene’s Official Site
Jeannie Seely’s Official Site

Top 5 RV Recipes: Quick and easy to cook, with little counter space!

* I can’t take the credit…..my fav Paula Deen is responsible for this one. Though, it’s very flexible and you can mix things up a little. I use 2 cups of shrimp stock (make this myself from the shrimp shells and keep in the freezer) and 1 1/2 cups of sherry. The alcohol cooks out and leaves a rich flavor. Be sure to mix the stock and sherry together before you integrate into the base. You can also add curry to give it a sweet and savory edge.


Shrimp Bisque:

Ingredients
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 green onion with tops, chopped
4 tablespoons butter
1 glove garlic, minced
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half and half
3 1/2 cups fish stock
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
8 ounces cooked shrimp or lobster meat, chopped
Homemade croutons, recipe follows
Directions
In a medium saucepan, add celery, onions and butter, stirring occasionally. When tender add garlic and mix together. Stir in flour and half and half. Let simmer for 5 minutes.

Stir in fish stock and parsley. Cook for 10 minutes until it thickens. Add shrimp meat and let simmer for 10 minutes or until heated through. Stir occasionally. Add salt, to taste.

When ready, serve with croutons.

“Yummo” as Rachel Ray would say. Perfect for winter and it only takes about 30 minutes!

*This one is handed down from my mom.  It is in an old cookbook that she had from her home-economics class in college.  It's a classic and we call them cow patty cookies.  Easy to make on the stove top, especially if you are in a travel trailer with no stove!  Great to share with fellow RV'ers next door or around the fire-pit.

No Bake Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients

1/2 c. milk

2 c. sugar
4-5 Tbs. cocoa

1 stick butter

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice)

2.5-3 cups quick cooking oats

In large saucepan, mix the first three ingredients. Turn on heat and add butter, stirring constantly. Slowly bring to a boil over medium heat. Go to a full boil for 2 minutes. If you don't reach a full rolling boil for 2 full minutes the cookies will be grainy.

Remove from heat and add 1 tsp vanilla, stir in peanut butter until fully incorporated.  Add 2 cups of the oats and slowly add more as needed.  The oats should be totally coated with not much excess liquid.  Quickly drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper.  Let cool about 30 minutes.  

We don't always let them fully cool, they are good warm by themselves or over ice cream.


 

* Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner!  This is a very flexible recipie that you can add peppers or a layer of beans.

Breakfast Hashbrown Mash

1 package shredded hashbrowns (if using boxed, rehydrate with water and drain)
Sausage (bulk, fried and crumbled) or Chopped ham or Crumbled fried bacon
One small onion chopped (or 1 tbls. dried onion)
One garlic clove (or garlic powder or salt)
1 8 oz package grated cheese (your choice)
6 Eggs beaten well
Vegetable spray or vegetable oil

This can be cooked in a skillet, Dutch oven or regular oven. Spray bottom of pan, put hashbrowns on bottom, place meat choice on top of hashbrowns, mix onion, garlic with eggs, and pour over hashbrown and meat mix. Top with cheese and bake 30 minutes or brown on stove top, cooking potatoes and meat first, then add egg mixture, turn once and when done add cheese until melted. Great served with homemade salsa or chili.

Preheat electric skillet to 300 degrees. Beat egg in large mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients and mix well to combine. Pour into skillet, cover and cook until edges pull away from side of pan and are slightly brown - 20 to 30 minutes. Bam!  How easy is that?!? *This one is from a favorite site of mine (click here) and this was featured when they were in the Great Smoky Mountains! Corn Casserole 1 large egg 1 can (15 oz) whole kernel corn 1 can (15 oz) creamed corn 1 box Jiffy Corn Muffin mix 1/2 c reduced fat sour cream 1 stick (1/2 c) butter - melted Preheat electric skillet to 300 degrees. Beat egg in large mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients and mix well to combine. Pour into skillet, cover and cook until edges pull away from side of pan and are slightly brown - 20 to 30 minutes. *Last, but not least.  Another simple and easy main dish from another favorite site (click here). Porcupine Beef 1 lb. ground beef 1/3 cup uncooked instant rice 2 eggs, beaten 1 1-1/2 ounce envelope dry onion or vegetable soup mix 1/4 cup finely chopped sweet green or Jalapeno pepper 1 14-1/2 ounce can stewed tomatoes 1 12 ounce can or bottle of light beer 2 tsp. chili powder 3 Tbsp. Flour Mix together the ground beef, rice, eggs, dry soup mix and chopped pepper. Shape into 6 large balls. Combine tomatoes, beer and chili powder in a large skillet or 3-quart baker. Heat to boiling over medium heat or in a 350 degree oven. Carefully drop meatballs into hot tomato mixture; cover and simmer or bake for 45 to 55 minutes. Lift out meatballs and thicken sauce with 3 Tbsp. flour mixed with cold water, if desired. Serve in deep bowls with cornbread or crusty bread. Makes 6 servings. Thanks to the contributors, and ENJOY!

Welcome 2011! Upcoming Events For January and February

Night Magic Skiing Gatlinburg : Jan 02, 2011 — Feb 25, 2011 Ober Gatlinburg:  For more information click here.

Wilderness Wildlife Week Pigeon Forge : Jan 08, 2011 — Jan 15, 2011  The award-winning 21st annual event has something for all ages.  Seminars, lectures, walking tours, hikes, and hands on events all about the glorious creatures that live here in our Great Smoky Mountains.  For more information click here.

Titanic's Ice Sculpting Competition Pigeon Forge : Jan 22, 2011 The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge will kick-off its first free, family themed, outdoor event with a major ice carving competition on Saturday, January 22 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Professionals and amateurs will sculpt 250 pounds of ice into a work of art.  Come early to get the best spots by the stage.  For more information click here.

Tennessee Winter Special Olympics Gatlinburg : Jan 30, 2011 — Feb 02, 2011 Watch and cheer as the Special Olympics athletes compete for the gold in their annual Winter Olympics day.  For more information click here.

Titanic's Sweetheart Month Pigeon Forge : Feb 01, 2011 — Feb 28, 2011 Valentine's Day will be celebrated all 28 days of the month! Wedding Renewal Ceremonies will be held on the Grand Staricase and officiated by the captian.  Reservations are required, space is limited. For more information click here.  Townsend's Winter Heriatge Festival Townsend:  Feb 03, 2011 - Feb 06, 2011 The Festival is a celebration of the human history, natural beauty, and cultural traditions of Townsend, Cades Cove, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Lectures, classes, mountain crafts, mountain music, hikes, walks, tours, an award winning event that has something for everyone.  For more information click here.

Saddle Up! Pigeon Forge : Feb 24, 2011 — Feb 27, 2011 Saddle Up! is an award-winning 4-day event. A celebration of the American West that features concerts, Cowboy poetry, chuckwagon cookoff, and even Cowboy Church. For more information click here.

Night Magic Skiing Gatlinburg : Jan 02, 2011 — Feb 25, 2011 Skiers and snowboarders will be able to stay on the slopes well into the evening during Night Magic from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ober Gatlinburg.  For more information click here.

Christmas Snow in the Smokies, and lots of it!

I clearly remember the last white Christmas we had before this year.  It was 1983 and it wasn't near the amount we recieved this year!  I was hoping to go home for Christmas but the weather had different plans.  We spent the day in Gatlinburg having fun.  Here are some pictures on Christmas Day and the day after.  Christmas Day had the least amount of accumulation and then on Monday we finally saw some beautiful sunshine! 

The day after Christmas, and more snow!

Monday and the much needed sunshine!