 |
|
|
Newsworthy and Notable in Gatlinburg Tennessee!
|
|
|
|
July 4th
Independence Day is one of the busiest days of the year for Gatlinburg, as there are 3 special events going on in the downtown area in less than 24 hours. First is the Midnight Parade which starts 5 minutes after 11:55 PM, July 3rd (so you don't get confused over the usual designated date of "July 4th - Midnight") and has an hour+ long show down the main street of downtown Gatlinburg. There's going to be over 100,000 people crammed into about half a mile of city property, so you're going to want to get a spot early. Walking from Sidney James is a little bit of an effort, but when you see what it would take to DRIVE down there with all the traffic, then Sidney James becomes a smart investment for Fourth of July lodging.
About 12 hours later is another fan favorite of Gatlinburg's, the River Raft Regatta. It’s an unmanned river raft race to get from River Terrace bridge to the Aquarium and features all kinds of man-made-out-of-whatever-was-probably-lying-around-on-the-ground-at-the-time vessels, competitively floating aimlessly down the creek for a shot at number 1! This event is hosted by the United States Navy and supported by the Gatlinburg Recreation Department.
And then, about an hour after the sun sets, come what we all came to see. A fireworks extravaganza from Applebee's to the Sky Lift (which is about a 16 minute walk!) lights up the night's sky for 20 full minutes to the sound of "The Rocket's Red Glare" according to Gatlinburg's Special Events page. You likely won't have to walk down into town to see the fireworks though, because you'll be able to see the fireworks just fine from your room at Sidney James - AT THE TOP OF THE HILL!
And that will close the day for you. Only a few yards to the bed you smartly requested for the Fourth of July vacation at Sidney James. It was hard-earned but well-spent.
|
|
|
|
Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales
Summertime in Gatlinburg means free performances dotted along the ups and downs of the downtown area. Singers, bluegrassers, characters, dancers, the whole lot will be out and about waiting to share with you the stories and songs of the Appalachian Mountains. Starts at 5 PM nightly and from there to 10 PM, you get to go as far back as 1800 and every point in between then and now.
Little cloggers clog away on one side of town, while the Dulcimer provides the overriding sounds on the other side of town. In the middle and around are Zeno the Gatlinburg Bear, Whittlin' Joe, Annie The Quilter (wonder how she got her name), and possibly someone playing a psaltery. Lots of bluegrass and local players plucking the night away. Plenty of music, plenty of energy.
The night really comes alive in downtown Gatlinburg during Smoky Mountains Tunes and Tales, and Sidney James is one of the best places to stay as its going on. It is a 10-minute walk from the hotel to the center of downtown Gatlinburg with restaurants, a convenience store, churches, and the Expo center all along the sidewalk down, and the trolley stop right in front of the hotel will save you quite a bit of cash that doesn't need to be spent on parking. Don't forget about the walking trail & municipal park that's also right around the corner if the downtown area isn't your thing.
|
|
|
|
Visit Us on All the Hot Social Media Sites!
Learn More About Us and Share Your Gatlinburg Vacation Experience with Us!
|
|
|
|
Find our vacation rentals on Craig's List and more!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
Craftsmen's Fair, July 2008
Much of the merchandise sold in Gatlinburg was made just a few miles away! And at the Craftsmen's Fair, we gather them not just from here, but from around the country to display their wares and their talents.
At the Gatlinburg Expo center, just a 3-5 minute walk down the road from Sidney James, is where all the action takes place. Action at a craft show? You bet. It’s a huge deal around here, lots of people moving in and around, lots of crafts people actually going to work right in front of you. It’s not quite Christmas Eve at the only mall in town, but you'll want to keep your senses sharp so you don't miss anything. Keep your ears open too, I hear Keith Longbotham and Dennis Lee (with their respective bands) will be playing bluegrass and gospel.
The 33rd Annual Summer Craftsmen's Fair goes from July 18th to the 27th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. Visit the Craftsmen Fair web site for more information.
We look forward to bringing you more newsworthy events located in the heart of Gatlinburg where the Sidney James keeps you comfortable, cool and happy!
|
|
|
Reserve your room now! Creekside Luxury or Courtside Economy!
|
|
|
|
