About the Valley

Welcome to the December 2007 issue of About the Valley. We hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas. The holidays are nearing an end, but there are still fun family events scheduled for Pigeon Forge beginning in 2008.

TROLLEY TOUR OF LIGHTS

The Trolley Tour of Lights will be scheduling tours of the lights on Mondays and Fridays from January 4 through January 28, 2008. The Fun Time Trolley Station is located at Patriot Park just off the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. The trolley tours are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and the cost is $5.00. Call the Trolley Office at (865) 453-6444 for reservations and directions.

18TH ANNUAL WILDERNESS WILDLIFE WEEK

The 18th Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week is scheduled for January 12-19, 2008 in Pigeon Forge. Enjoy the many outdoor themed activities designed to connect visitors with the Great Smoky Mountains. Nearly 100 experts on nature and the outdoors will host walks, hikes, seminars, and lectures on a wide variety of topics. Learn about the history of the Smoky Mountains plus the animal and plant life in the area. Many of the programs are designed for children.

The Wilderness Wildlife Week activites are free of charge. Music Road Hotel and Convention Center is the headquarters for the event. For a list of classes, expert biographies, hikes and field trips, visit www.mypigeonforge.com/winterfest-wilderness.asp. For a brochure outlining the activities, call 1-800-WINTERFEST or the Pigeon Forge Office of Special Events at (865) 429-7350.

SECOND ANNUAL APPALACHIAFEST

Plan to attend the musical portion of Wilderness Wildlife Week at the Country Tonite Theater on January 15, 2008. Dr. Ralph Stanley, renowned bluegrass music star, is scheduled to appear at this second year celebration. Dr. Stanley has been performing since the 1940s and enjoyed renewed popularity from his contribution to the “Oh Brother, Where Are Thou?” soundtrack.

David Holt will return to host this year’s program and perform with his band, the Lightning Bolts. The Steep Canyon Rangers, another well-known bluegrass band, will also appear.

Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $5 for ages 17 and under. Tickets are available at 1-800-792-4308 or at the Country Tonite Theater beginning January 12. For more information, visit http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events.aspx.

17TH ANNUAL SMOKY MOUNTAIN STORYTELLING FESTIVAL

Professional storytellers from all across the country will gather in Pigeon Forge for the annual storytelling festival, February 7-9, 2008. They will share their talents on the stage as well as in workshops.

The festival also features the National Youth Storytelling Showcase presented in partnership with the National Storytelling Network (www.storynet.org). This event will feature performers age 17 and younger from across the nation.

You will not want to miss The Old Mill Haunts ‘n’ Haints Tales sessions with evening performances of family friendly ghost stories.

Concerts and workshops will be held at American Jukebox Theater. Day passes for Storytelling activities (excluding Haunts ‘n’ Hints) are $10 for ages 18 and older and free to ages 17 and younger. Weekend passes are $25. Haunts ‘n’ Haints tickets are $5 per person. Tickets are available at 1-866-430-8422. For more information, visit www.mypigeonforge.com/winterfest-storytelling.asp.

There are always great family events in the Pigeon Forge area!

FIVE-MINUTE FUDGE
INGREDIENTS:

1 12-ounce bag semisweet chocolate morsels
9 ounces (3/4 of a 12-ounce bag) butterscotch morsels
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chopped nuts (if desired)

Place a heavy pot on the stove and preheat it over low heat. Add chips and milk and stir until chips are melted and milk combined. Stir in vanilla and remove from heat. Add nuts if desired and stir in immediately. Pour in pan or glass dish and chill, covered in the refrigerator.

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A GREAT INVESTMENT!!

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Thanks for subscribing to About the Valley. We look forward to bringing you more news next month. As always, if you have any questions or comments or want to share your favorite place to visit in the Smoky Mountains, e-mail us at .

Chestnut Ridge Cabins