The Derosia Team

Spring is right around the corner.  While the first day isn't officially until March 20th, we can see plenty of signs.  Daffodils and tulips are sprouting all around. Days are getting longer and trees are beginning to bud. Don't forget daylight savings time ends on Sunday, March 11th. Don't forget to move (or spring) your clocks one hour forward. Spring is the perfect time to enjoy some hiking or picnicking with the family in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You certainly can't go wrong with a drive around the Cades Cove Loop and a picnic in one of their fields. If you are lucky you may be able to see deer, turkey, bear, coyotes, chipmunks, and other wildlife. Here's some hikes perfect for the entire family to enjoy together.  Porter's Creek: This trail is located in the Greenbrier section of the National Park. The trail follows the river most of the way and culminates at a gorgeous waterfall. Take a side trail to walk just a couple hundred yards to...

CADES COVE IN THE SPRING! Cades Cove is a perfect area to visit with the family during the whole year. Lots of hiking trails, wildlife, and plenty of room for picnics. Walk the 11 mile loop, ride a bike, or pile the whole family in the car. Spring in Cades Cove though is an absolutely magical time. The plethora of wildflowers is unmatched and bears are emerging after their long winter nap. Also, during the week crowds are not as busy. Went this week and there were times we did not see another car. Just one trip around the loop provided the opportunity to observe about 50 deer, numerous turkeys including a white one, several bears including teeny tiny bear cubs, lots of horses, a coyote, an owl, and a black bat. Not to mention the numerous times stopping to take pictures of all the wildflowers. White oak sinks is an unmarked trail that offers a carpet of flowers among the four caves. The caves are currently closed due to the treatment of white nose syndrome on the bats. Enjoy t...

Spring into the Smokies! It's spring time in the Smokies, which means it's a great time to get out and explore all the beauty our area has to offer. There are several great hikes with varying difficulties for those who like to explore. Try horseback riding or zip lining for the more adventurous types. Not quite sure about too much adventure? Check out the motor loops and enjoy the Smokies from your car! Hiking:   Porter's Creek trail is located in the Greenbriar section of the Smokies and is considered a moderate hiking trail. It is 4.0 miles in length and is one of the most popular wildflower trails in the park. The fringed phalencia is so abundant that it looks like a fresh snowfall. This trail is great, because it has so much to see. Don't miss the cabin, barn, cemetery, and waterfall; as well as, one of the longest foot bridges in the park! Horseback riding is offered by various companies throughout the county, but check ...

It's Spring Time in the Smokies. The weather is warming and wildflowers are popping up everywhere. Now is a great time to do some projects around your house that will increase your property value without breaking the bank! Remodel the Kitchen: Upgrading the kitchen cabinets, adding granite countertop, re-doing the floor, and updating kitchen appliances will not only make you want to live in your kitchen, but will increase the house's value! Open the Floor Plan: Open floor plans are the hot item right now when it comes to looking for a home. Knock out a wall or two. Not only is it a great way to get some frustration out, but it will make your home more appealing to prospective buyers.  Paint: A fresh coat of paint will make the rooms of your house look like a brand new room. It's an easy and expensive way to change the complete look and who doesn't like clean walls? Replace the Front Door: Not only will it improve curb appeal, but i...

Happy Groundhog Day!   It's February 2nd...A.K.A. Groundhog Day! Will we have 6 more weeks of winter or is Spring around the   corner? We turn to Punxsutawney Phil for the answer!   If it is cloudy, he will come out of his burrow and see no shadow, signifying Spring is on its way. However, if it is sunny, then he will see his shadow and run back to his burrow for 6 more weeks of winter sleep. This tradition dates back to February 2, 1887. From USA: (tune of I'm a Little Teapot) I see a little groundhog, furry and brown, He's popping up to look around. If he sees his shadow, down he'll go. Six more weeks of winter - oh, no! Traditions are fun, but how reliable is Punxsutawney Phil? Since 1887, the groundhog has seen his shadow 102 times and not seen it just 18 times. The groundhogs accuracy has been tracked since  1988. He has been correct 13 times and wrong 15 times. Thus, giving him an accuracy rating of only 46%. Dating b...

Growing up in Gatlinburg, I (Kim) have always heard my family talk about "dogwood winter" but had no clue what they were talking about. It's actually very simple! Dogwood winter is a term used mostly in the south that refers to a period of cold weather that coincides with the blooming of the dogwoods. In the beginning of spring there is usually a stretch of warm and pleasant weather followed by several days of cold, cloudy weather and even possibly frost or snow flurries. Because of dogwood winter, most gardeners don't plant until after the dogwood trees have bloomed. With that said, I do believe that dogwood winter has recently just ended in Gatlinburg!!