This month we would like to shine the spotlight on the quaint mountain town of Pigeon Forge. Let’s take a look at some of the history of this town and everything it has to offer to today’s home buyer.

Surrounded by the blue mist of the Great Smoky Mountains, the community of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is filled with rivers and streams, waterfalls and native flowering plants and trees. Pigeon Forge is packed with southern hospitality and as many as 11 million tourists visit each year making the town not only one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the southern states, but a charming real estate market with a strong economy.

Located along Highway 441 only five miles from Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge is an action-packed town nestled in the breathtaking setting of eastern Tennessee. It is a wonderful place to call home, or to invest in a home away from home. Some of the more popular attractions in Pigeon Forge are the Dollywood theme park and water park, golf courses with rolling hills, tubing, hiking, backpacking, camping, horseback riding and helicopter rides over the misty blue mountains. Follow any of these activities with dinner at one of many diverse restaurants offering cuisines to inspire all tastes.

Ultimately, the greatest appeal of Pigeon Forge is the natural surroundings that boast four distinct and mild seasons to satisfy the lifestyles of all residents and visitors alike. If the never-ending recreational opportunities of this outdoor mecca do not inspire homebuyers, perhaps they will be by the distinction given by Southern Living Magazine Readers™ Choice Award in 1996 as being the shopping paradise of the south, with unlimited outlet malls and retail shops, surrounded by a thriving real estate market.

One of the earliest settlers to the Little Pigeon River in the Sevier County region was a man named Richard Fanshiers, and the town held his name, Fanshiers, until the early 1800s. Along the beautiful river that flowed through the land grew beech trees and the beech nuts feed the now extinct species of Passenger Pigeons that flocked to the river. In 1820, Isaac Love built an iron forge along the river, and in 1841 a post office was established under the name of Pigeon Forge. In 1885, a mill was built in the location and is still in operation today, using the same machinery. The mill is a National Historic Landmark and a proud part of the history of Pigeon Forge.

In 1946, changing the face of history, an old tobacco barn was sold and became Pigeon Forge Pottery. This sale officially marked the first tourism-related business in the region and the beginning of what would transform cornfields into tourist attractions to create the backbone of the local economy. This once sleepy mountain community is now a bustling real estate market in Pigeon Forge offering single family homes, cozy or resort style log cabin homes with stunning mountain vistas, gated communities, condos and townhomes, golf course homes and large estate homes. Sevier County is proud of its low crime rate, exceptional educational systems and healthcare, along with a booming work environment.

The small town atmosphere of Pigeon Forge, filled with genuine southern charm and hospitality, is one of the other many reasons to call this community home. Homes for sale in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are reasonably priced and exceptional in value. Buyers looking to relocate or invest in a second home, will find the real estate market in Pigeon Forge to be varied in styles and amenities, offering mountain charm and modern conveniences, surrounded by the tranquility and hanging blue mist of the Great Smoky Mountains.

With something for everyone, why not take a look at all the real estate choices Pigeon Forge has to offer. You can start by browsing available homes at our website.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Pigeon Forge Listings:

Private Log Cabin In The Mountains Did over $20K in rental income in just six months of 2011! This is a really fantastic log cabin. Huge rooms, great lay out, high ceilings and all wood interior. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $275,000 Get more information >

Enjoy A Mountain Sunset From Here Incredible large diameter log construction creates a special, solid, and timeless appeal. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $450,000 Get more information >

Smoky Mountain Money Maker Smoky Mountain money maker did over $26,000 in rental income for both 2010 & 2011. Nestled in a resort like neighborhood this large cabin is filled with amenities & is close to Dollywood. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $179,900 Get more information >

It has been not only an exceptionally busy year but also a year that has brought great news for the local housing market. Many sellers fear that buyers are not willing to spend much money and many buyers fear that banks are not willing to lend much, especially on investment or second homes. Recent events point to a very different story for both buyers and sellers. On March 14th, our team closed the largest residential real estate transaction that our local MLS service has seen in over five years. This was not a cash deal nor a distressed sale. It is simply a feel good story of willing buyer, seller and lender coming together. The home pictured above is a twelve bedroom vacation rental property here in Chalet Village above Gatlinburg. Many thought it would be impossible to sell in today’s market. With conventional bank financing and a willing and able buyer we were able to gain an acceptable offer and successfully close the transaction with a purchase price of $1,750,000. What does this mean for your real estate plans? The fears of a slow market are becoming a thing of the past. The market is saturated with buyers and banks are lending money. If you have been considering putting your home on the market, now may be a great time to request a market analysis.

This kind of market movement is combined with recent attention for the area from Forbes magazine. In a recent article they have named Gatlinburg one of the Top 10 Prettiest Towns In America. Calling upon experts from the Travel Channel, National Geographic, travel authors and others to bring the list together, Forbes cites many reasons why Gatlinburg made the list. Zain Habboo, National Geographic’s director of travel stated “The wildflowers around Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are absolutely spectacular in the spring as they burst with wildflowers at their peak.” Others pointed out access to whitewater rafting, hiking and the dramatic mountain backdrop as reasons Gatlinburg has become a hotspot. It is truly a beautiful mountain town filled with charm, history and nature. As a top tourist destination we believe the Gatlinburg area is one of the best places in America to consider purchasing an investment property.

There is plenty of inventory available, homes are moving and banks are lending. Is now your time to purchase that Smoky Mountain dream property? Take a look at our website to browse all that the Smoky Mountains have to offer. When the time is right our team is ready to help you turn dreams into reality.

Here Are A Few Of My Featured Gatlinburg Properties:

Travel Through Time Take a walk in the park just by stepping off of the deck. Perfectly preserved, this mountain home is just steps from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Boundary and will take you back in time. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $179,900 Get more information >

Mount Leconte Views Beautiful mountain home with view, wrap around decks, updates throughout including kitchen, new appliances, quartz counter tops and glass tile back splash. Great for permanent residence or rental. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $239,900 Get more information >

Unparallelled View of Great Smokies!! Contemporary home with many interior updates and incredible view of ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg and Great Smoky Mountains. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $224,900 Get more information >

Last week we talked about my experience on Mt. Leconte with the annual helicopter supply drop and ended with a note about being able to see Chalet Village from that high vantage point. Today I would like to explore more facts about Chalet Village and why I think it is a great place to consider for your mountain home purchase.  One of the great advantages is being able to have a view like the one you see pictured above, but let’s take a closer look at this beautiful community above Gatlinburg.

Easily accessible from four major roadways on Ski Mountain in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is the mountain resort community of Chalet Village. Residents are close to countless opportunities available at Ober Gatlinburg Mountain Ski Resort, Ripley’s Aquarium, Dollywood, Outlet Mall shopping, Splash Country, numerous restaurants and other attractions. Many recreational options are also available at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which lies adjacent to Chalet Village. It is not unusual to see people hiking, biking, rafting, fishing or enjoying any number of other activities. Chalet Village is in the center of all the fun of the eastern Tennessee mountains.

Chalet Village offers homeowners exclusive resort communities that are great for second homes, investment properties for rentals, or full-time residency. Homebuyers in Chalet Village can find older single family homes, chalets, condos or breathtaking new and luxurious log cabin homes. If you are wishing to build a custom home, lots and land are readily available and provide breathtaking views of the mountains surrounding Chalet Village.

The prestigious Chalet Village, with around 2,000 residential/rental lots, is the last community before entering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Not only do residents enjoy breathtaking views of mountain peaks, but also spectacular views of Gatlinburg and the ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg Mountain Ski Resort, which is located in the village. A route of the Gatlinburg Mass Transit runs over Chalet Village and makes stops within the national park.

Despite its close proximity to Gatlinburg, the community is nestled and secluded in the never-ending mass of forests for the ultimate in privacy and peacefulness. Three main sections make up Chalet Village, and these neighborhoods offer the best amenities including tennis courts, swimming pools and playgrounds. The main subdivisions of the Chalet Village area adjacent to Gatlinburg are Alpendorf, Chalet Village North and Tryolea.

Residents of Chalet Village are served by the Sevier County School System. For residents of all ages, The Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, established in 1945, is world-renowned for arts and crafts instruction. It is located within minutes of this charming mountain hideaway.

Set in a serene and quiet environment, yet surrounded by big city amenities and recreation, Chalet Village offers the finest choices in mountain living amidst the blue mist of the Great Smoky Mountains range. Our office is also located here in Chalet Village, give us a call anytime to explore the neighborhood and all it has to offer. With many Chalet Village homes available, you can visit our website to start your search.

Here Are A Few More Featured Chalet Village Listings:

Views Of The Highest Mountain Peaks Over $24,193 rental income for 2010 & $9,956 for only 5 months of 2011! At the very top of Gatlinburg at around 3200ft in elevation sits this gem of a cabin along the boundary line of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $399,900 Get more information >

Wide Open Spaces Dances With Bears is a spacious chalet with soaring ceilings and an open floor plan. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $179,900 Get more information >

Everything You Are Looking For You will find all the features you are looking for right here in Creekside Serenade. Make this one your personal mountain retreat or your personal income producer. Consistent rental income & tons of amenities! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $205,000 Get more information >

I recently had the experience of helping with the annual helicopter supply drop at LeConte Lodge on Mt. LeConte. Wow! An amazing hike, amazing experience and amazing views. Today, I would like to share more about this experience, several photos and a little information about Mt. LeConte and The LeConte Lodge. If you have never been, today you will find out why this is one hike you should be putting on the calendar.

At 6,593 ft. elevation, Mt. LeConte is one of the highest peaks in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 1924, avid hiker Paul Adams led an expedition up the mountain to show the group the rugged beauty of the mountains. They spent the night in a tent which later became a cabin and eventually LeConte Lodge. LeConte Lodge is the highest inn serving guests in the Eastern United States. Featuring a series of personal cabins and a central lodge/dining hall the lodge is usually open from March – November and can accommodate around 50 guests at a time. Guests must hike in on one of five trails that access the mountain. Being a quite popular trip, guests are encouraged to make reservations a year in advance. Due to the lack of traditional access supplies are brought in annually via a helicopter drop. It was a beautiful day for the air lift.

On the hike up the last of winter was still hanging on the mountain. By the next day it had completely melted & now it is officially spring.

At the top enjoying the excitement of the supply drop and all of the amazing views.

Watching the helicopter getting closer with the supplies.

Drop! Navigating a tight space the helicopter brings all of the fuel, canned goods, t-shirts and more.

The next day the fog put the final hours of the lift on hold. After all the excitement the fog made for another gorgeous hike down from Mt. LeConte.

You can see for miles from here. The second ridge line below the bird is a view of Chalet Village in Gatlinburg from “Cliff Tops” on Mt. Leconte.This was a truly awe-inspiring experience. If you have not hiked Mt. LeConte or visited the LeConte Lodge you should start planning now.
You will find yourself surrounded by stunning views, wildlife and great people. Seeing Chalet Village from such a high vantage point in the picture above reminds us of what a great location the homes in this community occupy above Gatlinburg. Chalet Village is minutes to Ober Gatlinburg, downtown Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Though it’s not Mt. LeConte, it has some pretty stunning mountain views of its own. Below are just a few Chalet Village properties, you can see more at our website.

Here Are Some Of My Featured Chalet Village Listings:

Functional Work Of Art W/Stunning Views Once you see this functional work of art that doubles as a spacious home you’ll never want to leave. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $950,000 Get more information >

Upper Unit With Views!! Much sought after top level corner condo has it all. Great mountain views & two large balconies put you one on one with the spacious outdoors. Type: Condo Location: Chalet Village Price: $112,000 Get more information >

Awesome Amenities Awesome Views This spectacular custom built home offers so many unique features. Waterfall shower off master bedroom private deck, atrium green house, and includes all furniture and furnishings. Plus plenty of level parking and only Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $299,900 Get more information >

Once a month we are going to feature fun facts and amenities about many of the different areas around Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville. This month we are featuring the quaint mountain community of Pittman Center. Let’s take a look at what makes this beautiful location so special.

Just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg is where you will find Pittman Center, a small community of roughly six square miles, which perfectly blends nature, mountain culture and Appalachian history. There is truly something for everyone, from golfing & fishing to visiting the covered bridge. Being just minutes from the Greenbrier entrance to The Great Smoky Mountains offers easy access to wildlife viewing and hiking as well.

In 1784, this mountain region was settled by Frederick Emert and known as Emert’s Cove. The name Pittman Center became official in 1974. In the early 1900s, a Methodist missionary named John Burnett oversaw the construction of a community center & school that were named after a friend, Reverend Pittman. The school supported itself by canning tomatoes & growing apples, with the students doing the maintenance work. In 1955 the Sevier County Board Of Education purchased the Pittman school, combining it with Gatlinburg’s Pi Beta Phi High School in 1963. The only building remaining from the Pittman School is the home economics building which was placed on The National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The community has resisted commercialism and maintained its roots and mountain heritage. It was awarded the Distinctive Destination award by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. There are many great homes available tucked in to this secluded mountain region. All have been designed with an eye to respecting the surroundings and preserving the past. Pittman Center, Tennessee is truly a mountain getaway in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains offering homebuyers the best options in modern living with every possible amenity and convenience, yet in a setting so relaxing and quiet, it is a well-planned step back in time. See what gems in the smokies are available here at our website.

Here are a few of my featured Pittman Center listings:

Prestigious RiverSong With A View $20,330 gross rental income in 2010 & $17,432 in 2011! Wonderful location in the prestigious community of Riversong and only one mile from The Great Smoky Mountain National Park entrance at Greenbriar. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $319,900 Get more information >

Mountain Streams/View/Private Home Fantastic creekside location on 1.84 acres in beautiful Pittman Center. Enjoy the ridge top views and private mountain stream from this log cabin. If privacy is what you want this is it. Even a level driveway and easy parking. Comm swimming pool access. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $249,900 Get more information >

One Of A Kind On The River!! Located on the state’s most pristine river this is truly a one-of-a-kind property. Listen to the sounds of the river on this 2.8 acres in upscale subdivision of Riversong. This home offers a gourmet kitchen, huge game room and even a playroom for the kids Type: Single Family Home Location: Pittman Center Price: $1,290,000 Get more information >