The Derosia Team

It's that time of the year....ready to see lights a sparkling, ready to get into the Christmas spirit, ready to make memories with the entire family??? Join in on several events throughout the county and feel the warmth of the season! Pigeon Forge Winterfest Kickoff November 6, 2018 4 p.m. Join in on the fun at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge, TN. Enjoy food vendors, children's games and live entertainment with headliner Chris Blue, winner of Season 12 of the voice. City officials will flip the switch and Pigeon Forge will be aglow with spectacular lights throughout.  Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff November 7, 2018 5-8 p.m. $10 Sample chili from over 20 different vendors at this family friendly event. The event will be held downtown Gatlinburg and features mouthwatering chili and free entertainment. Jimbo Whaley and Greenbrier band will perform at 5:15 and event headliner The Petty Hearts will perform at 6:15. City Dignitaries will signif

Who doesn't love the smells of fall....apples, cinnamon, pumpkin, nutmeg, and more? The leaves are changing and beauty is all around us. The air is getting cooler and the animals are preparing. Bonfires are a blazing and kids are picking out the perfect pumpkin for carving. Check out this blog post for some recipes that are sure to keep the lovely smells of fall filling your home! This one is great for younger children....it might be a little messy, but everyone will have a blast! Apple Cider Cloud Dough: Here’s what you need for Apple Cider Cloud Dough: 7 cups flour 1 cup vegetable oil 6 packets of spiced apple cider mix 1-2 tablespoons of cinnamon & clove spices plastic tub To make the cloud dough, simply combine the flour with the apple cider packets in a large tub. Then add in the vegetable oil and mix it with your hands. Continue mixing until the dough forms together. If you can form a ball with the cloud dough, then you know it’s ready! If you feel

It's almost the first day of Fall.  Typically, we would imagine our days getting cooler, but around here it seems like summer wants to hang around a little longer. However, even though the temperature might not be getting you in the fall spirit, there are plenty of activities for the family to make it feel more like fall! Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is bigger than ever this year. This event takes place from September 7-November 25, 2018. Don't miss the traditional Chili Cookoff on Wednesday, November 7. They have gone all out decorating town for Fall this year with new season decorations. Make sure to take a picture with one of the many life size 3 dimensional scarecrow people.  Experience the past at the Old Mill Heritage Day on September 22, 2018. This annual tradition is sure to get the whole family excited for Fall. Enjoy a farmers market, petting zoo, old-time games, basket making, quilt demonstrations, cloggers, and so much more. Lear

Home Grown What's better than locally raised, farm fresh produce? One of the best things about summer is the variety of delicious fruits and veggies available. Luckily, in Sevier County there are 4 Farmer's Markets to help you find the perfect items to complement your meal. Even better, you might even find a locally made gift for a friend or loved one. Read on to find out more about each of our wonderful Farmer's Markets.  Gatlinburg Farmer's Market is held on Saturdays at the Covered Bridge on Galdes Road from 8:30-12:00. Stop by to find fruits, nuts, berries, honey, jellies and jams, and vegetables. Also, find plants, baked goods, and health products. Every second Saturday includes live music, and every fourth Saturday features kid's activities. Check out their webpage for even more information:  Gatlinburg Farmer's Market Sevierville Farmer's Market is held on Fridays at the Bruce Street Gazebo from 9-1:30. Stop by to fresh bagels, breads, a

Photo Creds: Sheila Hoskins Callahan What's one of the best things about living in the Smokies?  Why the Black Bears of course! Photo Creds: Craig Johnston The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to about 1,500 Black Bears. It is one of the largest, protected habitats for black bears in the world. During the summer a typical male bear will weigh 250 pounds and female around 100 pounds. However, in the fall their weight increases dramatically as they prepare for winter. Bears over 600 pounds have been reported. A typical bear lives for around 15 years, but sadly those that have become accustomed to people food may only live half that time. Bears are like people. They like both plants and animals. The majority of their diet comes from plants, but they do enjoy some tasty insects! Did you know that bears can swim? They are excellent swimmers, tree climbers, and runners. Also, their sense of smell is great and they see in color. The bears are the most active in

It's summer time! Are the kids driving you crazy? Need a quick getaway? Check out this blog for some family friendly, weekend getaways close to East TN.  Chatanooga, TN: Kids and even grownups would love to stay in one of the restored train cars at the Chatanooga Choo Choo Hotel. For even more fun, kids can take a ride on the Chatanooga Choo Choo Trolley. Enjoy walking the gardens or taking a dip in the pool. They have on site restaurants offering a breakfast buffet and delicious quick meals. You wouldn't even have to leave the property! Looking for more fun for the weekend? Check out the Aquarium, Rock City, Imax Theater, and Children's Museum! Abingdon, VA: Want to immerse your kids in history? Downtown Abingdon is a Virginia Historic Landmark. Visit Abingdon Muster Grounds is an epicenter for Colonial Backcountry History from the American Revolutionary Period. Visit the Old Mollie Steam Engine on the Virginia Creeper trail. This same type of engine