Last week, we touched briefly on the recent Trip Advisor article that named Pigeon Forge #4 on its list of the top 15 United States vacation destinations “on the rise for 2012″.  Now we would like to explore some of the reasons the area could be named such a great destination and what this means to you in terms of a possible real estate purchase in The Great Smoky Mountains.

Trip Advisor attributed close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, outdoor activities and other attraction options like Dollywood as a few of the advantages of Pigeon Forge. If we dig deeper into the area we will find a few other things that bring many people back to the area time and again.

First, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge boast America’s largest collection of independent artisans. Gatlinburg is the home of Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts and the 8 mile loop known as The Arts & Crafts Trail.  Established in 1937 the Arts & Crafts Trail has been designated as part of the Tennessee Heritage Trail. Many events throughout the year, such as the twice a year Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, are centered around Smoky Mountain arts & crafts and attract many visitors, shoppers & craftsmen to the area.

Next, two-thirds of America is within a one day drive. With rising travel costs, the Smoky Mountains are an easy trip for a large portion of travelers to make.

The third point we would like to touch on is the wide variety of activities available. There is literally something for all ages, interests and budgets. Entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is free. You can spend time hiking, viewing wildlife, camping and much more within the park. Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg boast numerous opportunities for shopping with outlet malls and smaller shops showcasing mountain heritage items. There are a wide variety of dinner shows, haunted houses, go-kart tracks and other family friendly attractions. Throughout the year you will find numerous special events going on, such as The Grand Rod Run car show, Wilderness Wildlife Week, Appalachian Quiltfest and many more.

The area has millions of visitors each year and many come to the area looking for a true mountain experience in a Smoky Mountain cabin. We feel that all of this combined with low property taxes & affordable home prices make this a top area to consider for a real estate investment. 

Our team is experienced in all aspects of purchasing a vacation rental home. We will be there from the very first steps of your search through helping you find the right rental management company. You can take a look at some of the great opportunities available at our website. When the time is right we are ready to assist in any way we can. Give us a call and start  learning what America’s #4 destination has to offer.

Here are a few of my featured properties:

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: $243,900 Get more information >

High on a Ridge outside of Gatlinburg Log cabin high on a ridge with spectacular views of the Smokies. Excellent location- only 5 mins to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge. Cozy log construction. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $129,900 Get more information >

Nature & Beautiful Mountain View Plenty of community amenities, private, yet close to town. Enjoy nature and wildlife at this tastefully furnished log cabin from three covered decks, all with mountain views. Spacious for family gatherings, with two game rooms as well as a living room. Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $325,000 Get more information >

The activities and celebrations do not end with Christmas in the Smoky Mountains. As we begin 2012, January 7th will kick off the 22nd Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week. What better time to come explore more of the Smoky Mountains? With nearly 100 different expert guides on hand it is a great opportunity to get into the great outdoors and learn more about everything related to The Great Smoky Mountains.

Authentic Log Cabin Authentic log cabin home in a resort like community. Over $20,000 in rental income for the last three consecutive years. Everything to love… Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $215,900 Get more information >

Character, Details & Views! Pictures do not do justice to the view! Picturesque home with tons of space and lots of windows. Wine cellar/tasting room are just one of the many unique features you will enjoy. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $389,900 Get more information >

Quality Features & Mountain Views If you are looking for your own home away from home you must see this quality three bedroom. Fantastic Smoky Mountain Views, attached garage, workshop & much more. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $379,900 Get more information >

In an article dated November 21st, Time magazine listed Pigeon Forge as one of the top nine most “Christmassy” towns in America. When we take a look at all of the events, activities & traditions surrounding  the holidays in The Great Smoky Mountains, there is no room to wonder why.

Just this past weekend, Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies presented the 36th Annual Fantasy Of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg. More than 80,000 spectators were expected for the event. With over 100 parade entries and more than a dozen marching bands from Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and Alabama it was a beautiful Christmas event. You can watch the festivities on video at this link. Coming up this Saturday, December 10th you can join The Great Smoky Mountains National Park for the 36th Annual Festival Of Christmas Past at Sugarlands Visitors Center. Focusing on the culture of the Smoky Mountains with an emphasis on Christmas, this is a free event sponsored in cooperation with The Great Smoky Mountains Association. There will be music by the Lost Mill String Band, Boogertown Gap and South of the River Boys, demonstrations of making mountain berry baskets, apple-head dolls, quilts, and apple butter along with many special presentations throughout the day.

In Pigeon Forge you can enjoy over five million lights on display, stop by Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas (three-time winner of America’s Best Christmas Event), take a stroll through The Christmas Place (the American South’s largest Christmas store) or spend an evening at the brand new “Smoky Mountain Opry Christmas Spectacular”.

These are just a few of the events that go on in Sevier County during this part of the year. It is truly a special time when The Smoky Mountains come to life with all of the beauty and cheer of the holidays.

Imagine spending your holidays below snow-capped mountain peaks, cozy by the fireplace in your Smoky Mountain cabin. It would be easy to take part in all of these holiday activities and maybe even start a few new traditions of your own. With plenty of homes to choose from, why not get started now towards having your own “Smoky Mountain Christmas” to look forward to? Visit our website to view the wide array of homes available.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

Your Smoky Mountain Dream Smoky Mountain dream cabin for a great price. Wrap around covered decks w/vaulted ceilings and exposed beams. Level yard, patio, spacious rooms and walking distance to Arts & Crafts shops. Type: Single Family Home Location: Price: $239,900 Get more information >

Private Oasis Bordering National Park Private mountain oasis tucked on over an acre bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plenty of amenities & plenty of space. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $369,900 Get more information >

Wonderful Family Home/Fenced Yard!! Great family home with additional space for possible, media room, in-laws quarters, or teenage paradise. 2 car garage, fenced back yard, and close to Knoxville or Sevierville. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $259,900 Get more information >

Your choices range from homes in Gatlinburg to rental cabins/chalets elsewhere in the East Tennessee Smokies. The time we choose to spend with family can take on a special quality when we truly savor each moment. The holidays, from Thanksgiving thru the end of the year, serve to remind us that another calendar year is coming to an end. It is a wake up call to pause and give thanks. This special family time is important to include the children. The eldest family members should be acknowledged for their wisdom and experience. These elders should be encouraged to pass their expertise to younger generations. Advice from experienced family members has never been more crucial, given the challenges that currently face humanity across the planet. Most important at this time of year is to be thankful for life’s many blessings. When we take time to feel gratitude all aspects of our lives are enriched.

Obviously, there are a ton of local activities and celebrations here in Sevier County to amp up any Holiday vacation. Our blog has touched on the Holiday lighting displays across the county in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge & Sevierville. Gatlinburg has their Trolley Ride Of Lights going on through January 30th. The city adds then; The Festival Of Trees, Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Holiday Show, The Nutcracker and Winter Magic Tunes & Tales. Go online to pull up details on these events and much more.

If you are entertaining the purchase of Smoky Mountain real estate, visit our website to get started online. We geared the website to assist our clients and customers.There are helpful tips to get started in the quiet of your own home. You proceed at your own pace. When the timing is right, our team of professionals is here to help you finalize your purchase. Go online and begin today!

Here are a few of my featured listings:

Tucked Away Above It All What a great deal on a nice, clean & spacious mountain get away. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $129,900 Get more information >

Stunning View Of Mount Leconte Absolutely stunning view of Mt. Leconte & ski resort. Fantastic complex in excellent condition that is of the highest construction quality. Type: Condo Location: Chalet Village Price: $199,900 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 >

Whether you enjoy Gatlinburg homes or other delightful locations in the East Tennessee Smokies, this time of the year is magical! Our blog has spent some time in years past mulling over the awesome beauty of year-end holidays in the Tennessee Smokies. For one reason or another many  of us get caught by the rapid progression of time as our planet completes one more revolution around the sun.For the blog, it seems only yesterday that we shared the incredible progression of spring time beauty overtaking these magnificent mountains. Now we are in the final days of one awesome fall of leaf changing color. Snow has already briefly dusted the highest  peaks of  The Great Smoky Mountains. Within a matter of weeks the leaves will have fallen for most deciduous trees. Our calendars display that the month of November is well underway. This can only mean that Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah & other important year-end holidays are rapidly approaching. So we need to examine the upcoming activities associated with our winter festivals. Sevier County kicks off their fabulous winter lighting displays in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Monday, November 7th, marked Sevierville’s Winter Kick Off with music, lights and magic. This event features free food & entertainment each year. The evening wrapped up with “flipping the switch” to begin the area’s Winter Festival Of Lights. Dollywood began their Smoky Mountain Christmas on November 5th. Sevierville provides 3D glasses in limited quantities for $1.00/pair that give lighting displays a new look. Gatlinburg begins their Winterfest with parades, trolley rides, entertainment & more on December 9th.

Our blogs will continue to skim the primary events as they come on board. For even better planning you can go online and get more details far in advance to better map out family trips. Some of you are still entertaining the idea of a property purchase this time of year. Visit our website, we have geared the
site to help you find the perfect property. You can begin the search at your own speed in the privacy of your own home. When the time is right, our team of professionals is here to help you close the deal.

Here are a few of my featured listings:

180 Degree Mountain & City Light Views $14,300 rental income in 2010 with 2011 already ahead at $14,500 through October. Very private ridgetop retreat w/ wraparound covered deck that has amazing 180 degree views of the mountains & city lights. Type: Single Family Home Location: Price: $189,900 Get more information >

Private Oasis Bordering National Park Private mountain oasis tucked on over an acre bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plenty of amenities & plenty of space. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $379,900 Get more information >

Mt LeConte View w/Large Open Floor Plan 5 bedrooms all with in suite baths for privacy. Huge great room for those family gatherings and could walk to trolley to take to town or to Nat’l Park. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $350,000 Get more information >

Stay at a Gatlinburg home or other local rental location to get an intimate perspective on the colors of nature during this time of transition. This awesome process is already under way in the forests of our area. The calendar pages shift from September to October on this coming weekend. It also signals that Fall Harvest Festivals are opening across the region.

Gatlinburg kicked things off with the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival which began on September 15th. This weekend running until Halloween, Ober Gatlinburg hosts their Bavarian Style Oktoberfest At Ober. This fun event is held  each weekend until October 31st. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure celebrates the 13th year of Fright Nights held every weekend through Halloween. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville begin their Harvest Festivals with Dollywood and Dixie Stampede hosting great activities. The first and second of October in Sevierville enjoy Robert Tino’s Smoky Mountain Homecoming as well as a VW Car Show and swap meet at the Sevier County Fairgrounds. These events are set up to cater to all members of a family. There are food choices, arts & crafts, activities to engage all participating individuals and shopping or entertainment to appeal to almost anyone.

We frequently mention to our readers that EVERY kind of real estate is available in our area. Becoming a property owner puts you in close touch with the multitude of activities that occur here on a daily basis. Hop on our website to explore your options today!

Here Are A Few Of My New Listings:

Your Key To Resort Living Over $20,000 in rental income in 2009 & 2010 with 2011 right on track for the same or better. Just minutes to downtown Pigeon Forge, area attractions and Dollywood. Don’t miss your chance! Type: Single Family Home Location: Pigeon Forge Price: $159,900 Get more information >

Your Key To Prestigious Riversong Own this lot in a premium neighborhood for 25 cents on the dollar! Over an acre with Mountain Views, river access and more! Type: Land Location: Pittman Center Price: $15,000 Get more information >

Private Oasis Bordering National Park Private mountain oasis tucked on over an acre bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plenty of amenities & plenty of space. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $399,900 Get more information >

The Jason White Team
Century 21 Four Seasons Realty
1441 Wiley Oakley Dr
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Toll Free: 877-678-2121
Fax: 865-436-7227
Email: jason@jasonwhiteteam.com
Website: www.SmokyMountainLifestyle.com

Shopping for Smoky Mountain homes comes with benefits.  Our East Tennessee Smokies are a 24/7 tourist destination.  Because tourism is so dominant, this area always has plenty of fun activities on tap.  Even Mother Nature is amping up your enjoyment.  Temperatures and high humidity levels have dropped in the past few weeks.  It now is fun to get outside and participate.  The Autumn equinox is days away and the vibrant colors are only beginning to appear.

Please realize that this blog can only scratch the surface of all there is to enjoy.  Going online opens up a huge magnitude of possibilities.  So please dive in and pursue your cornucopia of options.  However, to wet your appetite here are a few items to get you started.  Gatlinburg is into their Fall Festival season with their Craftsmen’s Fair beginning October 6th.  For fishing enthusiasts the 12th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament will be held this weekend, September 24th & 25th.  Octoberfest kicks off at Ober Gatlinburg from September 30th- October 31st with Bavarian Fun.

In Pigeon Forge, the Titanic Museum hosts the Titanic Princess Tea Party on Saturday, September 24th.  Also, occurring in Pigeon Forge on Saturday, September 24th is the 8th Annual Old Mill Heritage Day.  On October 1st Pigeon Forge begins their 16th Annual Harvestfest for one month.  The Rotary Club Craft Fair will be held during this time at Patriot Park and Dollywood hosts the National Southern Gospel & Harvest Celebration at Dollywood.  In Sevierville, on September 23rd, Gene Watson and Connie Smith will be in concert.  On Saturday, September 24th, the Diner will host a car event “Crusin For The Kids” with trophies, music, games, and prizes.  From Sept 25-October 2, Wonderworks sponsors Teacher Appreciation Week.  Teachers and 1 guest are free, but RSVP is required.  On October 1st & 2nd, Sevier County Fairgrounds has a Fall VW Show & Swap Meet.  These same days Robert Tino hosts his Smoky Mountain Homecoming at the Gallery with 2 days of art, bluegrass music, storytelling, children’s activities and more.  Go online for details and much more to do.

If you want to have a home or vacation home here, then you could be involved in these events whenever you choose.  To explore your options, follow my website and get started today!  Your options are endless and the rewards are great.

Here are a Few of My New & Current Listings:

Astonishing Views Are What It Has Looking for amazing views & plenty of privacy? It can be found right here perched high above Pigeon Forge & just minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $249,900 Get more information >

Come Be A Happy Bear Great rental potential with $10,185 in rental income just since August of this year. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $289,900 Get more information >

Great New Price On Corner Condo W/View Ground floor, corner unit with spectacular Great Smoky Mountain views. Wonderful indoor facility w/ pool as well as an outside pool. Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $74,900 Get more information >

Selections ranging from a Sevierville cabin to a Gatlinburg home offer visitors, a close and personal view of our area.  These rental homes allow new people to experience the Tennessee Smokies almost like a local.  Our blog for this week is focused on upcoming events that typically occur in late summer/early fall.  As we get ready to put out this blog, changes are afoot.  Just this week, it seems the lid came off the pressure cooker.  Our temperatures and humidity have left like triple digit since April.  However, in the past few days there has been a shift for the more comfortable.  Up on Ski Mountain Road in Gatlinburg some trees are beginning to turn color.  All of these items are indicators that change is in the air.  When it’s getting really comfortable to be outside there is usually a multitude of fun activities in our region. 

One of the best known and well attended of our area’s events is just a few weeks away.  The “Shades of the Past” car show will be held at Dollywood’s Splash Country, September 9th & 10th of this year. This features hot rods and other custom collectible cars and chassis’s through 1972.  One week after “Shades of the Past” rod show is the 2011 Grand Fall Rod Run held on the strip in Pigeon Forge.  This event is scheduled September 15th-19th.  This is a huge car show with almost all day and night activities.  If you do not like cars, hot rods, etc. avoid this area for these 2 weeks.  Traffic congestion is intense, but for vehicle enthusiasts, this is a heavenly event.

If you would like a home base here in the Smokies, check out our website.  We have geared everything to help our prospective clients find a property to suit their needs.  Hop on today and get started.  Then all our fun activities become available anytime you choose to attend.

Here are a Few of My New and Current Listings:

If You Want It All Check This Property! Enjoy the owner’s club with pool, tennis courts, game room, etc. which is included in the purchase of this property. This lot also has views of Mt LeConte and is located in the desireable Chalet Village in Gatlinburg. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $39,900 Get more information >

Mt LeConte View/Owners Club w/ Pools! This property has it all- mountain views, close to downtown Gatlinburg for dining and shopping, Owner’s club with pools, tennis courts etc, and even close the Ober Ski Resort! Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg,Tennessee Price: $39,900 Get more information >

Level Ridge Top w/ Amazing Mtn Views! Level ridge top property with amazing mountain views to enjoy from the wall of glass in the open great room. 2 private bedroom suites, one on each level. Tongue and groove throughout. Even a community pool to enjoy on those hot days. Type: Single Family Home Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $219,900 Get more information >

Corner Condo with Spectacular Mtn Views! Ground floor, corner unit with spectacular Great Smoky Mountain views. Wonderful indoor facility w/ pool as well as an outside pool. Type: Condo Location: Gatlinburg ,Tennessee Price: $79,900 Get more information >

This area has a huge selection of mountain homes that provide wonderful accomodations for your family’s stay here in the  Tennnessee  Smokies.  Some people are unaware that the name “Tennessee Smokies” has a meaning beyond our majestic mountains.  This name also refers to our local double A minor league baseball team.  This week’s blog will focus on our “Tennessee Smokies” baseball team.  Baseball has been nicknamed “America’s Pastime”.  Our baseball team lives up to that, by offering everyone another entertainment attraction in the area.  Locals and visitors alike will find our ballpark conveniently located on the northeast corner of exit 407 off Interstate 40.  The Tennessee Smokies as a baseball team go back in area history to 1896.  At that time they were located in Knoxville and were known as the Knoxville Indians.  The team had a sporatic and choppy past.  They had numerous re-incarnations under different; owners, leagues, and names.  There were periods of time (such as the great epression and world wars) when the team did not exist.  The Smokies were revived after World War II under a number of owners and different team names.  They functioned as a minor league farm team for various major league teams and played in different leagues within the minor leagues.  There were numerous changes in these periods of team history and some of these included various locations for the home ballpark within the Knoxville area.

The team experienced a radical change of direction when in 2000 they relocated from Knoxville to it’s new home in Sevierville at a new state-of-the-art stadium off exit 407.  The team has done well in it’s new home, winning division titles and coming in second place in the championships.  The easy to reach location makes this a fun destination for the baseball fans visiting our area.  Go online to get other details and historical information.

Many people who rent vacation homes in the Smokies decide that they want to own similar property for investment or as a permanent residence.  If you get inspired to buy property in the Tennessee Smokies, hop on our website.  There is everything available to assist you in your search.

Here are a Few of My Current and Reduced Listings:

Views of Mt LeConte,Tramway,Ski Resort!! Enjoy the views of Mt LeConte, tramway, lights of Gatlinburg, and even the ski resort from this property. Located in desirable Chalet Village which included use of the community pool, tennis courts, and game rooms. Only 10 mintues to downtown Gatlinburg. Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $39,900 Get more information >

5 Adjacent Lots Sold As A Group!! 5 adjacent lots sold as a group in beautiful Chalet Village area of Gatlinburg. Lots of privacy and amenities with community pool etc just minutes away. 10 minutes from Gatlinburg shopping and dining and close to Ober Gatlinburg for skiing in the winter. Type: Land Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee Price: $59,900 Get more information >

WHAT A BARGAIN! JUST REDUCED AGAIN!!! Formal, custom built home on a very nice and private corner lot in beautiful neighborhood of Belle Meadows. Close to hospital and all the amenities that Sevierville has to offer. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $269,900

Smoky Mountain homes bring you back to the nation’s largest group of independent artisans.  Almost one hundred individual; galleries, studios, and shops occupy the loop along Rte 321, Buckhorn Road and Glades Road.  When you consider additional stores outside of this hub of artists, that’s an awesome selection.  Shoppers who appreciate unique, quality-made items love to buy creations from these places.  In an age, when a majority of what we purchase is made cheaply, on the opposite side of the world.  Our Arts and Crafts Community is special.  The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community was founded in 1937.  Like other locations in these Southern Mountains, wise individuals saw value in preserving the crafts of a bygone era.  The products of these artisans still have value in our modern society.  When a storm or other event knocks out power, it is nice to have beautiful candles for light and a nice quilt to keep us warm. 

Another aspect of this community is that your money gets spent here, where it feeds local people, not foreigners living one-half-a-world away.  With the current state of our economy, it is crucial to spend money where it helps our local population.  In addition, these artisans produce products that are often unique, one-of-a-kind items.  Anyone who appreciates quality would choose an object fabricated with care and attention, over mass produced assembly-line items.  Go online and you can pull up links that will give you more details on all these artistic endeavors.

If being close to all these wonderful arts and crafts, calls to you, then consider living here, or buy a vacation home in the area.  Either option provides you with close contact to the artists.  You also, could take classes to learn these skills.  Centers like Arrowmont in Gatlinburg, allow for study with artists and artisans. They share their skills with future craftspeople.  Begin your property quest on our website and define your personal search options.  When it’s time to view the finalists in your search, schedule time with our professionals and seal the deal. 

Here are a Few of My Current and Sold Listings:

Sold- Contract in 23 Days!!!!!! This home has a large level parking area for guest and great mountain view. Large bedroom suites, beautiful mtn stone F/P in the cathedral living room and recreation room with all the amenities to make your stay enjoyable. Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village, TN Price: $225,000 Get more information >

Close to Everything w/ Mtn View! Close to everything including shopping,dining, etc. in Gatlinburg. Club house with pool and tennis courts close by as well. Green space/unbuildable lot across the street to insure privacy comes w/house. Great for detached garage! Type: Single Family Home Location: Chalet Village Price: $249,900 Get more information >

Quality Built Home on Private Corner Lot Formal, custom built home on a very nice and private corner lot in beautiful neighborhood of Belle Meadows. Close to hospital and all the amenities that Sevierville has to offer. Type: Single Family Home Location: Sevierville,TN Price: $279,900 Get more information >