Winter: A Season For TennesseeTravel (NAPSA)—Travel. It’s not just for summer anymore. In fact, many Americans are finding the pleasure in traveling during alternative seasons, including winter. States from coast to coast offer a variety of winter activities— from snow skiing to water sports, depending on climate and temperature. But some of the most unique winter activities can be found in the East Tennessee mountain town of Pigeon Forge. The city is nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, so the nearby national park is a popular destination in any season. Winter in the park is especially interesting as the lack of leaves on deciduoustrees offers extended views to mountain vistas. These views give park visitors the opportunity to see numerous forms of wildlife including white tail deer and wild turkeys. During the months of January and February, Pigeon Forge celebrates Winterfest with a series of exceptional events offering visitors unique insights into a variety of topics. Kicking off the New Year is Wilderness Wildlife Week. The Jan. 10-18 event features more than 80 outdoor experts presenting seminars about the mountains of East Tennessee. There are a number of educational and hands-on workshops, with several geared specifically for children. And the cooler winter temperatures (around 40F) make for an invigorating hike in the nearby national park. Guided hikes take place from sunup to sundown and give visitors the chance to exercise both mind and body. Master storytellers from the Southeast and beyond converge on Pigeon Forge for the Smoky a variety of winter activities for the whole family to enjoy. Mountains Storytelling Festival. The 13th annual event takes place Feb. 5-7 and will feature these tellers in a series of concerts and workshops. Suitable for all ages, this event is both entertaining and educational. And take a late night trolley ride into the dark Pigeon Forge night for a spine-tingling adventure known as Haunts ‘n’ Haints Trolley Tales. Saddle Up! follows closely on the boot heels of the storytelling festival. From Feb. 26-28, Pigeon Forge brings the “cowboy way” to East Tennessee with music, poetry, dancing and more. Baxter Black, one of America’s premier cowboy poets, will be a featured performer, and Wylie and the Wild West will travel from Washington to share their traditional and original western music. A songwriting workshop and western dance fill out the weekend’s activities. Whether you're into the great outdoors, tales of fact andfiction, or you simply want to be a cowboy, you'll find just what you're looking for this winter during Pigeon Forge Winterfest. For more information you can call 1800-454-5320 or go online at www.mypigeonforge.com.
