Fall is on it’s Way!

 

One of our favorite times of year around the mountains of North Carolina is fall! The mountains change from and endless sea of lush greens to a never ending canvas of splotched reds, yellows, oranges. These beautiful colors give the mountains a warm and rich feel that makes you just want to curl up next to a fire and sip some hot apple cider. Fall in the mountains also means tons of festivals and events, there are many things for visitors to enjoy when they visit during the fall and you can find a whole list of what will be going on in the area under out Area Events page.

We are almost to the middle of September and the colors have already started to change a little in the higher elevations, but the peak season usually does not show up until early October in the high elevations and late October early November in the valleys. Once the colors really start to change, a ride on the Blue ridge Parkway or through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will be breathtaking. The gorgeous view paired with the bright colors of fall make for some of the best memories of the mountains.

Fall color experts were saying that the colors this year might not be as good because of all the rain we had this summer. However, the experts did say that if we had a dry and hot September that the leaves would be bright and colorful, and let me tell you what, we have had a very hot September! Our weather over the past two weeks has been more like summer than anything we saw all summer, hot and dry has been the usual lately and that is fine with us because the brighter the colors in the fall the better!

Check out the Great Smoky Mountains Association’s Fall Color Report for updates on what the color is doing in the area and what the predictions are for peak season. We hope to see you in the mountains this fall! Make sure to check out yellowroserealty.com for specials on vacation cabin rentals in the area.

Deals For You, When You Stay In Our Cabins!

Yellow Rose Realty only selects the best outfitter partners to create value-packed vacation packages for you during your mountain vacation. From getting pampered at a spa and touring a mansion to rolling down a raging whitewater river you can be sure that there is something for everyone in the family. There are different companies that offer the same things as the expert partners we have listed below, but if you choose to book with them you will miss out on the special rate that we can get for our guests. If you are interested in booking any one of these adventures while you are staying with us at Yellow Rose Realty then just mention it when  you are booking your cabin and we will help you get set up!

Save when you book a Yellow Rose vacation rental and one of these adventure activities:

BILTMORE HOUSE TOURS – America’s Largest Home is an breathtaking experience for the entire family.

Expert Partner: Biltmore Estate  Buy a 2 day pass for the price of 1! Tour America’s Largest Home and experience a grand piece of American history. Yellow Rose is thrilled to offer vacation packages including tickets to magnificent Biltmore Estate. America’s Largest Home is only an hour drive from the Great Smoky Mountains. The 250 room mansion has 65 fireplaces, an indoor bowling alley and swimming pool and an awe-inspiring grand spiral staircase. Situated on over 8000 acres, Biltmore Estates has flush formal gardens and its own winery. Advance purchase Vacation Package tickets include tours of the house, gardens and winery and allow visitors to by-pass long lines at ticket counters. Plus it is a 2 day pass

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CANOPY TOUR – Sky-bridges & tree-top zip-lines offer a unique view of the Nantahala Forest.

Expert Partner: Wildwater LTD  A soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change at Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours. Enjoy a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual elevation change at Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours. It takes limited energy to participate and is not designed to scare with big drops as much as excite with smooth gliding. Each participant is provided with state of the art equipment including helmets, full body harnesses, trolley, gloves, tether safety lines, and 2 canopy rangers per group. This Brand New three-hour experience gives you over 1/2 mile of air time with – 3 Sky Bridges and 5 transfer bridges – 11 zip line sections alternating between slope side, trees, & elevated platforms – A flight into our Eagles Perch, Slingshot, & Elevated Overlook stations – Over 20 scenic and unspoiled acres of flying area all within the heavily wooded and scenic setting.Age/Weight range: 10 years and 70 lbs to 250 lbs. All flyers will need to arrive wearing collared shirts, longer shorts or cropped pants and require closed toed shoes. All flyers must be in reasonably good physical condition. Flyers must be able to raise their arms over head to self regulate speed and braking.

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FLY FISHING – Learn to fly fish!

Expert Partner: Endless River Adventures  Fly Fishing trips and Instruction: Find the rhythm of the cast in the green streams of the Smokies Western North Carolina boasts some of the best trout and small-mouth bass fishing in the Southeast. We offer fly fishing instruction and fly fishing trips with professional guide service. All necessary fishing equipment, instruction, transportation and lunch.

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HORSEBACK RIDING – Horseback Riding through the mountains of Western North Carolina.

Expert Partner: Smokemont Riding Stables  Horseback Riding: Enjoy the Great Smokies on horseback with these guided tours. Smokemont Ridging Stables is located within the Great Smoky Mountaints National Park. Beautiful natural trails with wooded forests, mountain streams and waterfalls. Authorized concessioner of the National Park Service. *experienced guides *ages 5 & up *1 hour ride features crossing the Oconoluftee River *2.5 hour ride features cascading waterfalls *4 hour ride features waterfalls and river views *Wagon rides for any age

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JEEP ADVENTURE – Explore Smokies from a custom Jeep

Expert Partner: Wildwater Rafting  Jeep Adventure Waterfall Tour: Unique touring jeep carries you to breathtaking waterfalls This 2-hour tour takes you on a personal exploration up the mountain to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Nantahala area. We will be traveling in a Jeep® Wrangler converted vehicle, with an extended rear to accommodate 5 passengers and a clear plexiglass canopy over the roof. We recommend adventurers bring: jacket, hat, sunglasses, binoculars, camera, and wear comfortable shoes for walking and weather appropriate clothing. Wildwater will provide a rain poncho, water and snack. We also carry insect repellent, a first aid kit and a small cooler along with interpretive books with maps and plant ID pictures. Trip minimum: 2 people, Trip maximum: 6 people. Minimum Weight: 40 lbs. Advanced reservations are required.

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JETBOAT ADVENTURES – Jetboat rides and hike & ride tours for the whole family!

Expert Partner: Smoky Mountain Jetboats  Hike & Jetboat Ride: The Fortney Creek Hike & Ride combines the beauty of a 4-mile hike (which begins with a tunnel) with the thrill of a Jetboat ride across Lake Fontana. The hike features towering poplars, majestic oaks, and abundant rhododendron. There are periodic stops to rest, have snacks and learn about the park and its incredible diversity of plants and animals. Once at the lake, there is time for a swim and lunch, before boarding the Jetboat to race across Fontana Lake. Great for families! Reservations at least 24 hours before are required. Starting time is 10:00 am. All day adventure!  Jetboat Adventure: A Jetboat ride is like nothing you have experienced! These boats are extremely maneuverable and can spin within their own length. Excitement awaits the whole family as you speed and spin across Fontana Lake with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as your backdrop. Trip Time 1 hr, on the water 35-40 minutes.  Extreme Hike & Ride: (Adults Only) The Extreme Jetboat Combo begins with a 12-mile hike descending 5000 feet from 6643’ Clingman’s Dome (the 2nd highest peak in the East) to Fontana Lake. The hike descends through all the ecosystems and the five forest types – spruce-fir, northern hardwood, pine-oak, hemlock, and cove hardwood. At the lake, take a swim, then board the JetBoat for a thrilling ride across Lake Fontana. Lunch, snacks, water, the Jetboat ride and all transportation is included. All day extreme adventure!

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KAYAKING PACKAGE – Great for families! (Ages 8+)

Expert Partner: Endless River Adventures  Private Whitewater Kayak Instruction: Private instruction is the quintessential method if you wish to excel in this great sport. There is a focus- with the instructor wanting exactly what you want: for you to learn and to improve. They are able to adapt teaching techniques to accommodate your learning style and make sure you get the most out of your time. Progressive techniques are used to improve your rolling, playing used as a mechanism to gain more boat control, and river running used as the basis to improving your overall skills. We are proud of our group of instructors. They are committed to working with you you in your quest to become a better boater! Private Instruction is for a Group of One to Four For you individually, or your group of up to four, the day is yours to learn as much as you can.  Scenic Kayak Lake Tours: Join us in touring kayaks to explore the seldom-visited areas of Cheoah and Caulderwood Lakes.Comfortably outfitted in Wilderness System kayaks, any and all experience levels will enjoy this trip. Both scenic and informative, this will be a highlight of your visit to western North Carolina.  Kids & Family Kayak Instruction: Does the whole family want to learn together? Take instruction as a family and share the experience of learning a new sport that everyone can enjoy! Private instruction is available 7-days a week and is the perfect arrangement for the family paddling together.

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RAFTING PACKAGES – Great for families(Ages 7+)

Expert Partner: Endless River Adventures  Fully Guided Trips: Eight miles of constant waves and swift, clear currents make the Nantahala River a delight for all ages and groups interested in an exhilarating introduction to whitewater rafting. The trip takes over 3 hours and contains numerous class I and II rapids, with a class III at the end. On our rafting trips, there is a lead guide, a sweep guide, and typically a guide in every third raft. Since the Nantahala River is a dam-controlled river, one can expect good water flows at all times of the year. Minimum Weight: 60 lbs. or 7yrs. old Intensity Level: Mild to moderate. No previous whitewater experience needed. Trip Length: Approximately 3 1/2 hours (2 hours on the river)  Inflatable Ducky Trip: A ducky or inflatable kayak is a one or two person inflatable raft. Duckys are a great choice for experienced river rafters who are looking for a more high-performance trip down the river. We offer both guided ducky trips and ducky rentals. And wet suits are complimentary for all our ducky guests. There is a minimum weight limit for children of sixty (60) pounds or seven (7) years old. The river is an eight mile Class II-III river that flows through the Nantahala Gorge.  Raft Rental: The Nantahala is not a one-time affair! For more experienced river runners you may opt for a self-guided raft trip–where we provide all the equipment, trip orientation and shuttles and you guide yourselves down the river.Expert Partner: Wildwater Rafting  Guaranteed Guide in your raft.

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SPA PACKAGE – In cabin services or visit the local spa

Expert Partner: Avanti Spa Services  Hot Stone Massage:Tension, muscle aches and stiffness float away as your body sinks into total relaxation. Special massage techniques are joined by a surprisingly enjoyable element- the heat and weight of warmed basalt stones- for added effectiveness.  Swedish Massage: It’s amazing how light pressure, smooth strokes and easy movements can revive a wonderful sense of well-being. Ideal for getting your circulation going and keeping tried muscles humming. This massage helps reduce emotional and physical stress.  Ultimate Foot Massage:  Here is the ideal antidote for a day of hiking, or any other day that leaves tired tootsies longing to be lavished with extra TLC. This luxuriating treatment includes relaxing mask, calming cream and massage.  Face Massage: Renew and rejuvenate with our specialty: an anti-aging face massage that delivers instant and visible results. From massage contouring to detoxification, every step of this six-step treatment is designed to firm and lift your appearance, as well as your spirits.  Body Treatments: This shoulder-to-toe treatment smooths, soothes, and slenderizes. Following exfoliation, a state-of-the-art firming machine is applied to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Nourishing steam and masks refine skin texture. Topped off with a moisturizing body cream, your skin emerges soft, supple, and noticeably toned.  All-Season’s Aromatic Scrubs: Citrus-mint, chocolate-rose, lemongrass-lavender, apricot chamomile and eight other delectable duos are among our flavor-of-the-month scrubs. There’s no question about it. You’ll want to visit often to savor each smoothing, skin-quenching combination. Treatment includes exfoliating scrub, massage and cream moisturizer.

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STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD PACKAGE – Take you family and friends out for and amazing paddleboarding adventure. Perfect for the whole family!

Expert Partner: Bryson City Outdoors  Come see what all the fuss is about and have a great time exercising and stand up paddleboarding on Fontana’s finger lake. Just minutes away from Bryson City, NC. Bryson City Outdoors is a Stand Up Paddleboard(SUP) rental company located in Bryson City. Owned and managed by people who love the outdoors and love their community. Stand Up Paddling is one of the fastest growing water sports today. It fun, healthy, and can help improve the overall quality of a persons life. Strengthen your core, improve your balance and get to know a part of nature you may be unfamiliar with.

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TRAIN AND JEEP EXPLORATION – Follow a train ride with Jeep exploration in the Nantahala Gorge.
	Expert Partner: Wildwater Rafting  Rails and Trails: Ran /Jeep Tour – Take a 2 hour/22 mile scenic rail excursion from Bryson City into the Nantahala Gorge. A customized Jeep meets you and continues the exploration for a 2 hour trip up the mountain, past waterfalls and lakes, to ridges and valley. Rendezvous back with the rafters at Wildwater’s Rafting Center for lunch.

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TRAIN AND RAFTING PACKAGE – Ride the Train, Raft the River – all in one day-trip!

Expert Partner: Wildwater Rafting  Raft & Rail: See the Smokies from a new angle! *2hour/22 mile scenic rail excursion from Bryson City Depot into the Nantahala River Gorge. *3 hour/8 mile Follow-A-Guide family whitewater rafting trip down the scenic Nantahala River *Picnic lunch at Wildwater’s private pavilion includes sandwich, hot soup, fruit, desert and beverage *One price includes hot showers & modern changing facilities, lunch plus all transportation *All paddlers must be 60 pounds or 7 years old

The Busy Season

It is officially here, “The Busy Season”! The week of July 4th is one of the busiest of the entire year, with thousands of people descending on our little town to enjoy the beauty of the nature around them and to steal a little bit of our small town charm for their memories. We love this time of year because there is so much going on and there are tons of people around to help boost our small town economy, but this also means that we will be working ourselves to death until the visitors leave. We are okay with working overtime right now though, because in a seasonal town like this you have to make up for January, February, and March when you can.

Even though we find ourselves working a lot during this time of the year we also find time to still enjoy the beautiful place that we call home,  and we would like to share with you some of the things that you should not miss out on seeing/doing when you are in town.

1. Deep Creek

Familly Fun at Deep Creek in Bryson City, NC

This a special spot because it is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and even though it is very busy in the parking and picnicking areas during this time of the year you can still find peace and relaxation if you are willing to hike far enough in to the park. Many people will just turn around once they see how many people are using Deep Creek for tubing, but if you take the initiative to hike 1/2 mile further than the rest of the crowd you will not be disappointed! With many waterfalls, diverse wildlife, hundreds of thousands of trees, and much more your time spent here will be simple but so enjoyable.

2. Wesser Fire Tower or Wesser Bald

This is a great spot to go where you can experience some great mountain views and peacefulness without being tuck in traffic and sharing your time with hundreds of other visitors. You can drive most of the way to Wesser Fire Tower and then the hike is about 1.5 miles on the Appalachian Trail. Once you reach the fire tower you can climb on up and sit and soak in the views while enjoying a picnic or take a short nap, be sure to bring sunscreen though.

3. The Fingerlake

The Fingerlake is part of the Nantahala National Forest, this lake is connected to Fontana Lake by a pipes, so that means no boat traffic to worry about! There are absolutely no motorized water crafts allowed on this part of the lake, so that means you can swim, paddle-board, kayak, canoe, float, soak up the sun, and much more without having to worry about getting run-over by a boat. This is a very popular spot in the summer for locals and tourists alike to cool off and enjoy the water, but it is still one of our favorites!

These are the places we will share with you for now, check in later on for more unique places that you should not miss while you are visiting our small town with a big backyard!

 

Cabin or Hotel?

Why to choose a Cabin rental over a hotel stay:

From growing up in the mountains the first thing I think about when I hear the word vacation is a high-rise hotel right on the beach. Why? Well because that is what we did every year, not because it was the best value, but because we had done it all those times before and it was routine. However, we did eventually move our family vacations over to a vacation rental because of the reasons below and more, and we have some of the best memories from the times where we rented a house, the experience was much more personal and it felt like a second home.

note: (Families who live in the mountains go to the beach  for vacation, and families that live at the beach come to the mountains) This tends to be the norm.

When you come to the mountain on your vacation in the near future we hope you consider all the reasons below and rent not a hotel room, but a relaxing and spacious cabin. Here are some factors which make staying in a Yellow Rose Realty Cabin a better choice than your regular hotel stay:

• Spacious: The cabins are more spacious than a regular hotel room. They have separate rooms which means that everyone in your group is free to spend their time anyway they want. The balance of personal space, family space, and the beautiful outdoors will make you stay as comfortable as your own home.
• Amenities: Today most rental cabins come with all the necessary amenities. You will find all the modern appliances, kitchen equipment, comfortable furniture, Television, DVD player, Hot Tub, Pool Table, Large decks and patios, amazing views, and much more.
• Affordable: Comparing the rental cost for a cabin, which has multiple rooms, with the expenses of just one hotel room can give you a clear idea that how cost-effective and beneficial it is to rent a cabin rather than a hotel. Plus, all the extras that a hotel has you have to share with strangers!

For people who love being surrounded by the outdoors and having the option of cooking their own meals and hanging out without random strangers beside you should really look in to renting a cabin/house for your next vacation. Yellow Rose Realty would love to help you find the perfect cabin for you vacation as well as help with any other questions about the Western North Carolina Area you may have!

Visit us online at www.yellowroserealty.com or call us at (800)528-0760!

Noteworthy Mountain Events in June

Western North Carolina is a great place to visit in Spring and below we have listed just a few of the events that are going to be happening in June 2013. There are also links to our cabins that are closest to the event that interests you. We look forward to these events and assisting you with whatever we can while you are in the area!

-The Yellow Rose Team

Events:

 

Dwight Yoakam

Date(s): Jun 14, 2013

When: 9 pm

Where: Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center

His name immediately conjures up compelling, provocative images: A pale cowboy hat with the brim pulled low; poured-on blue jeans; intricate, catchy melodies paired with poignant, brilliant lyrics that mesmerize with their indelible imprint. There are only a few tickets left for this show!

 

P.A.W.S. Sampling of the City

Date(s): Jun 15, 2013

When: 6-10pm

Where: Nantahala Brewing Company, 61 Depot Street, Bryson City, NC

This fundraiser showcases all of the restaurants found in Bryson City as well as the beers of the Nantahala Brewing Company. For only $10 per person enjoy the best tastes of Bryson City and support P.A.W.S. Animal Shelter; our local no-kill shelter. This will be a great night of fun and the band is really great, I have heard them here before!

Billy Idol

Date(s): Jun 21, 2013

When: 9 pm

Where: Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center

Billy Idol first achieved fame in the punk rock era as a member of the band Generation X. He then embarked on a successful solo career. A series of music videos for songs such as White Wedding, Rebel Yell and Eyes Without A Face, made him one of the first MTV stars.

BBQ and Brews Train

Date(s): Jun 22, 2013

When: 7pm

Where: Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

Join us for our first ever BBq and Brews dinner train. Come and enjoy slow-cooked BBQ prepared fresh and beer tasting showcasing our local brewies. Tickets starts at $69 and includes a souvenir tasting glass for three samples ofthe finely crafted beer selections featured.

 

Balsam Range

Date(s): Jun 29, 2013

When: 7:30 pm

Where: Stecoah Valley Center

Enjoy the acoustic bluegrass “dream team”, a perennial favorite on the Grand Old Stage. All the fellows – Tim Surrett, Buddy Melton, Caleb Smith, Darren Nicholson and Marc Pruett – grew up steeped in traditions of The Grand Ole Opry …as well as the important influences of the Scotch-Irish settlers of the Southern Mountains, English ballads, and Western songs. Winner IBMA 2011 song of the year for “Trains I Missed.”

April is NC Beer Month!

Do you enjoy the crisp refreshing taste of a locally brewed craft beer? If you answered yes then Western North Carolina (WNC) is the place for you to visit during April! The biggest metropolis in WNC is Asheville and has been voted as “Beer City USA” for two consecutive years now! With 17 breweries west of Black Mountain, NC there will be plenty of options for the beer enthusiast who is looking to relax in the mountains of WNC.

NC Beer Month promises enough “beer moments” to fill a memory bank. Homegrown beer festivals survey the state’s craftsmanship and tap into local and regional scenes. Award-winning brewers create collaboration beers, a beer barbecue sauce and ale from a Revolutionary War hero’s handwritten recipe. Brewery events and beer tastings, food pairings and beer dinners, classes in cooking and beer-making, and dozens of other events inspire the moment for beer-loving travelers across North Carolina.        – by www.ncbeermonth.com

Bryson City, North Carolina is a new city on the map that is boasting a craft brewery of its own now, the Nantahala Brewing Company is on the map and they are getting plenty of recognition, and recognition that is well deserved. Currently they have eight of their own beers on tap for guests to enjoy with other guest taps available. They will also be doing another release of their limited edition “Trail Magic” series on March 22nd and 23rd.

We here at Yellow Rose Realty have some great options for lodging when you are coming to WNC to enjoy the outdoors and great craft brew. Visit our website at www.yellowroserealty.com to find a cabin that is right for you and your friends and then either book online or call us (800-528-0760) for more information about the area or about our cabins. We have have a special Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd free going on for stays up until March 31st, so book you cabin with us!

For more NC Beer Month events and ideas visit: www.ncbeermonth.com

Noteworthy Events in March

Western North Carolina is a great place to visit in Spring and below we have listed just a few of the events that are going to be happening in March 2013. There are also links to our cabins that are closest to the event that interests you. We look forward to these events and assisting you with whatever we can while you are in the area!

-The Yellow Rose Team

Events:

1. Fontana Classic Bass Tournament

We have some great cabins that are very close to Fontana Lake if you are coming up for the tournament! Time Out Cabin / Fontana Retreat / Bird’s Nest /

Date(s): Mar 16, 2013 – Mar 17, 2013

When: 7am-4pm Daily

Where: Fontana Village Resort and Marina, 300 Woods Rd., Fontana Dam, NC 28733

With the warmer than usual winter it will be time to wet a hook early for some championship bass action on Fontana Lake. This year’s purse is is $5,000 with first place garnering $2,000 in prize money and $1,000 for 2nd place. Prize money will also be awarded for third through eight places and $100 each for the biggest small mouth and  large mouth bass. Fontana Village Marina will be hosting the event on their docks located at the west end of Fontana Lake.

For more information contact Fontana Village at 828-498-2129 or visit: www.fontanavillage.com

2. Nantahala Brewery’s Trail Magic Release

Coming to Bryson City for this two day release event? Stay in one of our many cabin in Bryson City to make the most of your trip! The following are just a few of our cabins in Bryson City: View Point / Dream on a Stream / Mountain Time / Far Horizon / Black Forest Cottage / Black Bear Lodge / Creek & A View / Northern Sky Cabin / Willow Tree Lodge / Chalet du’Mont / Headwaters

Date(s): Mar 22, 2013 – Mar 23, 2013

Where: Nantahala Brewing Company, 61 Depot Street, Bryson City, NC

Celebrating the release of one of their most popular brews, Trail Magic, with live music and more. This will be the 4th Trail Magic Release Party, and will be offering guest the limited edition Russian Imperial Stout that is sure not to disappoint the true Brew-Lover.

For More Information Visit: Nantahala Brewing Company

3. The Third Annual Cherokee Opening Day Trout Fishing Tournament

Look no further for a place to stay when you come up for the fish tournament, all of these cabins are in Cherokee: Holly Mtn Top Lodge / Oconaluftee Lodge / Emma’s Brook / Way Away / Hidden View / Battle Cottage / Nelson’s View /  Sound View

March 29, 30 – 2013
$5 entry fee and $10,000 in tagged fish!
$10,000 in tagged fish in the rivers on the Cherokee Reservation (excluding the 2.2 miles of catch and release waters) Hundreds of specially tagged fish will be stocked in the Cherokee public fishing waters. When a tagged fish is caught it can be redeemed for cash prizes ranging from $20 to $500 based on the color of the tag. Redemption location and times to be announced. Open to all ages and for all legal fishing methods. Registration necessary to redeem cash prize.

For More Information Visit: Fish Cherokee

4. Peanuts the Easter Beagle Express Train

Coming to Bryson City for this weekend to ride the train? Stay in one of our many cabin in Bryson City to make the most of your trip! The following are just a few of our cabins in Bryson City: View Point / Dream on a Stream / Mountain Time / Far Horizon / Black Forest Cottage / Black Bear Lodge / Creek & A View / Northern Sky Cabin / Willow Tree Lodge / Chalet du’Mont / Headwaters

Date(s): Mar 29, 2013 – Mar 30, 2013

When: 11:00 am

Where: Bryson City Train Depot

The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad welcomes back The PEANUTS™ Easter Beagle Express! Trains will depart the historic Bryson City depot and travel along the Tuckasegee River into the quaint town of Dillsboro North Carolina for the 1 ½ hour layover.

Passengers will join Snoopy, Lucy, Charlie Brown and our Easter Bunnies for old fashioned Easter fun! Festivities include an on-going Easter egg hunt, crafts, coloring sheets, temporary tattoos, and snacks with Snoopy and more.

For More Information Visit: Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

The Landslides in GSMNP and Cherohala Skyway

Jan 16, 2013 Landslide on 441 in GSMNP

Western North Carolina experienced two significant landslides in last week’s deluge of rainfall over a three day period. From January 15th thru the 17th, the Bryson City & Cherokee areas got approximately 11 inches of rain. Yep, that’s a flood!  Two major landslides occurred, in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Hwy 441, on the NC side of Newfound Gap, and on the Cherohala Skyway near the TN/NC border.

The Cherohala Skyway landslide took out one lane, (it slid down the mountain), and construction crews are building a temporary detour at the site to allow traffic through. Proposed timeframe to reopen that section is by January 28th, 2013.  For more about the Cherohala landslide, see the article in the Graham Star.

The landslide in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is going to take a lot longer to fix! See a video about the slide here. Hwy 441 into GSMNP has reopened to Newfound Gap on the Tennessee side, and to Smokemont on the North Carolina side. The road is not open all the way through. To travel to Gatlinburg or Cherokee from the opposite sides of 441, take I-40 E/W.  Check traffic conditions in the Park before you drive here.

Want to talk to a live person? Call Yellow Rose at 828-488-2797 about the roads before you head out, we’d be glad to share what we know.

Post Christmas Train Ride: Taking Santa Back To The North Pole

Recently Added by the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Here’s the “Taking Santa Back to the North Pole” train ride!  Did you miss the Polar Express ride in November or December leading up to Christmas? You can still enjoy a magical trip with Santa on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad the week after Christmas.

If you will be enjoying your Bryson City or Cherokee vacation cabin rental between December 26 and December 29, you will be in time to keep Santa company on his journey back to the North Pole. The train ride departs from Bryson City’s station, and includes a reading of The Polar Express, hot cocoa and lots of lively songs on its way to the North Pole.

Take Santa Claus back home to the North Pole excursions run daily December 26th-29th, at 5pm and 6:30pm.  Tickets prices are $26 for kids, $38 for adults, and kids under 2 go free. First class upgrades are always available. Plus, Santa will visit with each child and give them a special gift of Christmas. There’s a reason why families return every year to ride the Polar Express, now you can experience the magic, too!

Click here for ticket information.

See what the Polar Express train ride is all about here.

Upcoming 2012 Winter Concerts

Some great music and concerts will be coming to the mountains in February and March. On Valentine’s evening, The Lettermen will be performing at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, enjoy a great, romantic evening and live music. Coming to Harrah’s Casino resort in March, music giants Diana Ross and The Moody Blues will be in concert, be sure to get your tickets reserved!