10 Things to Do In Pigeon Forge for Valentine's Weekend

Pigeon Forge has so much to offer for a Romantic Getaway on Valentine's Weekend! Here are my picks for a really romantic weekend. 

"For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul." -Judy Garland

(1) The biggest news in Pigeon Forge for Valentine's Weekend is this: 
Meet Captain Rostron's Great Granddaughters and see the Loving Cup Reunion
For the first time in the world, on Valentines Weekend, Margaret "Molly" Tobin Brown's Great Granddaughter, Helen Benziger, along with Captain Rostron's Great Granddaughters from England, will come together with the ACTUAL Loving Cup at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. These 3 Titanic Descendants will be at the ship to meet and greet guests on Friday, February 14th and Saturday, February 15th. You won't want to miss this historical event.  

Watch this video that reveals the significance of this historical event.

 

Click here for tickets. 

(2) "Get Stranded with the one you Love" at the Island in Pigeon Forge, Tn. They are offering a Valentine's Package for 2 with dinner, a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Ferris Wheel and  $10 in Arcade Games.

(3) Another RARE Opportunity to meet a Titanic Descendant! Meet Molly Brown's Great Granddaughter at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. The Titanic Museum Attraction is honored to announce a rare, exclusive event this Valentine's Day weekend, Friday, February 14 - Saturday, February 15th. Mrs. Helen Benziger, Margaret "Unsinkable Molly" Brown's Great Granddaughter, will make a rare, two-day appearance. All museum attraction visitors will have a chance to meet her and hear her separate fact from fiction in the life of her famed ancestor. Click here for tickets.

(4) Couples Massage! Men, take your wonderful lady to get a massage. You cannot go wrong here. Riverstone Resort has a great spa with a wide array of treatments available. Guess what - you men will enjoy it too and no one has to know. Wink.

(5) Talk about Romantic! Surprise your spouse with a VOW RENEWAL on the $1 Million Titanic Museum Attraction Grand Staircase. There are several packages to choose from ranging in price from $175 - $300. 

(6) Take your amazing wife shopping at the Tanger Outlet Mall. Every woman likes to shop and you could surprise her with a shopping spree. She will think your gesture is very romantic if you pick out a pretty dress for her to wear and then take her to dinner in it. 

(7) Dinner is always a great option for Valentine's Weekend. There are MANY options in the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge/ Sevierville area to choose from. Here is a great list of restaurants in the area. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/where-to-eat/

(8) Why not take a tour of the #1 Aquarium in the US according Tripadvisor. Ripley's Aquarium is located in Gatlinburg, Tn. You can walk through the Shark Tunnel where you are surrounded by Sharks and other sea life.

(9) Sit in a hot tub at your favorite cabin rental company. We have so many favorite cabin rental companies that we just can't choose. You can google "Cabins in Pigeon Forge" and choose for yourself! 

(this photo is compliments of Aunt Bugs Cabin Rentals)

(10) Take a hike. The Great Smoky Mountains are absolutely breathtaking! There are hikes available to waterfalls. Hopefully the weather will be warm enough to get out and enjoy God's country. Here is a directory of trails by location. http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/location.htm

These are my picks. What do you have planned? What memories will you create with your loved ones this Valentine's Weekend 2014?


Chief Purser
Erin Wicker
Signing off....

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Branson during Christmas 2013

I can't believe Thanksgiving is almost here. Wait. I can't believe I only have 39 more shopping days until Christmas. I love Christmas. It's a bit overwhelming, but what better things could we be doing with our lives than blessing each other in honor of our savior? 
Besides shopping and giving, I have a top 10 list of my favorite things I like to do with my family during Christmas in Branson, Mo. 

Another Drum Roll Please.....

10. Experience The 25th Annual Ozark Mountain Christmas as Branson transforms into a Holiday Wonderland.

It's so beautiful. Christmas is the busiest time of year in the Ozark Mountains. Visitors come from all over the world to enjoy all of the holiday lights, shows, shopping, and entertainment that Branson, Mo. has to offer. Why? Because every square inch of Branson is decorated.

9. Drive through the Branson Area Festival of Lights that includes 175 holiday displays. 



Now through December 31, 2013, Gather your family and drive over to the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through off of Shepherd of the Hills Expwy, where you will see thousands of holiday lights in a 1-mile drive complete with Christmas music. Make this one of your family's holiday traditions. Spolier alert - Santa is at the end of the lighted tunnel with a special treat for all good little boys and girls, so be on your best behavior.

8.  Shop the Branson Landing and the Tanger Outlets of Branson for the best Holiday gift selection.  


November 28th, 2013 at 10pm - Black Friday look out. Branson, Mo. is home to so much shopping, you will be able to get gifts for everyone on your list! Branson Landing, located next to Downtown Branson on lake Taneycomo, has over 100 specialty stores, and our favorite, the Bass Pro Shops. Tanger Outlet Malls will have an after Thanksgiving Moonlight holiday sale at 10pm on Thanksgiving night. Get there early. The parking lot is packed. I like to go and people watch with my husband. It's very entertaining.

7. Stay at the 5-Star Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa and eat Breakfast with Santa. 

Enjoy 4-star hotel accommodations plus on Saturday, December 21, 2013 will be the 16th Annual Breakfast with Santa event at Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa. They have chosen this year to support a local 
 charity with ticket sales - Options Pregnancy Clinic. Click here to visit their website and make reservations. 
My kids love meeting Santa and eating the delicious breakfast. Who wouldn't?

 6. Attend An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. 

We go every year. Visit Silver Dollar City this Christmas, one of the WORLD's TOP 10 Amusement Parks. You will enjoy 5 million holiday lights, a Christmas Parade complete with Santa himself, and a train ride that shares the True Meaning of Christmas, not to mention all of the rides. The new wooden roller coaster, Outlaw Run, is the very first wooden roller coaster to twist upside down! Visit their website here for tickets. 
 

5. See Branson's 65th Annual Adoration Celebration & Parade in Downtown Branson. 

A tradition in Branson, Mo. the 65th Annual Adoration Parade begins with the lighting of a nativity scene on the top of the hill overlooking Taneycomo. It is a time to celebrate Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas with your family. Click Here for parade information.  We like to bring hot cocoa with lots of marshmallows.



4. See the Miracle of Christmas production at Sight and Sound Theater 

Away in a manager, no place for his head...You know the song by heart. It's the story of the birth of Jesus. It's a very visual way to teach your children about the true meaning of Christmas. My children love the live animals that they bring on stage! Find out more here.  
 
 
3. Browse the Titanic Gift Shop brimming with Classic Christmas gifts and ornaments. 

Now through December 31, 2013 - The entire ship inside and out will be aglow with Christmas Click Here to see it.

lights and decorations. In the gift shop, you will find children's toys, collectible hand-painted Christmas ornaments, beautiful jewelry, and gifts for everyone on your Christmas list.  Have you seen the Titanic ship that you build out of blocks that are compatible with legos? It is awesome. My boys built it last year.


 
2. Fly direct to Branson, Mo. via Southwest Airlines now landing at the Branson Airport. 

I obviously don't have to fly, but this is a big deal for Branson. This makes travel a hop and a jump! Fly direct to Branson, Mo through Southwest Airlines. Enjoy low fares and an airport with a hometown feel. It's easy to get in and out and you are minutes away from the Ozark Mountain Christmas celebrations. Click here for rates and dates.  

AND...the #1 reason to visit Branson, Mo. during Christmas 2013....
 

1. Meet The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess,  this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland. 

If you like fantasy and the magic that surrounds the Christmas holidays, this is for you! The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess is this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland, which features thousands of holiday lights, Edwardian-style decorations, costumed merry-makers and a Gift Shoppe brimming with one-of-a-kind selections. Also available is a magical photo op with the princess herself. Click Here for more information including dates and times for this events. 

Well, if you have any questions, let me know. I'd be glad to help. If you have any photos of your family visiting Branson during Christmas, post them to our facebook page - Titanic Museum Attraction.  Share the Christmas spirit with us!

Yours Truly, 

Chief Purser Erin Wicker

 

24 Christmas Trees, Holiday lights, and a Fantasy Princess

Each year, the Titanic Museum Attraction decks the halls for a magical Christmas Celebration.  This year, the Titanic Crew worked for 4 days with 12 people working each night, to complete this year's holiday lights and decorations inside the ship. 

You see, the Titanic didn't sail during Christmas, but if she had, we imagine that she might have looked like this: 

There are 24 trees on display throughout the ship, along with thousands of glittering holiday lights! Here is what else you can expect on your tour of the Titanic Museum Attraction during November and December 2013. 

1. Walk the Grand Staircase - Built from original blue prints – for the first time you are able to walk the Grand Staircase. It cost this museum over one million dollars to build this most famous staircase – Titanic’s hand-crafted, wooden inlayed, Grand Staircase, which led First Class passengers into the heart of shipboard society where the rich and richer mingled before dinner.

2. See 3rd Class Cabin and First Class Suite -  What was it like to travel on Titanic? How many shared a room? Was there a bathroom? What did it cost in today’s standards to travel in third class verses first class? Learn the answers during your voyage at the museum.

3. Touch a Real Live Iceberg! - Step into the Captain’s bridge and steer the ship. Learn of Titanic’s voyage from Ireland. Feel the chill of that starry night when Titanic met her destiny. You can steer the ship, will you miss the iceberg? Touch the iceberg. Feel how cold the water was by sticking your hands in 28 degree water. 

 

4. Discover Titanic in 2013 - What does Titanic look like now, on the bottom of the ocean? Our owner, Mr. John Joslyn takes you on a journey of discovery 2 miles below the oceans waves to the resting place of the RMS Titanic. Take a virtual tour, see photos of the wreckage, hear stores from the research crew.

5. Honor the passengers - 2,208 names of Titanic's passengers and crew line the memorial wall at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. Here, we give voice to them all by telling their stories and honoring their memories each and every day.

6. Meet the Titanic Fantasy Princess - she will make special appearances throughout the Holiday season to embody the holiday season’s magic and mystery shared by children of 1912 and today. You can have your photo taken with her too. This is really special for little girls and boys. 

7. And...if you visit the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn. on Thanksgiving Day, you will see a Grand Titanic Fireworks Display that will knock your socks off. 

We hope you will come share the magic of the season with us. We have 2 locations, Branson, Mo and Pigeon Forge, Tn. For additional Christmas photos, please visit our media page or our pinterest page.

See you soon!

Chief Purser, 

Erin Wicker

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Pigeon Forge, Tn during Christmas

Ok. So maybe I learned this on David Letterman? I like lists and wanted to share this list with you because it's all about Christmas in the Smoky Mountains. You can't go wrong!
This list has been talked about, tweeted, shows up on search engines, etc. It's on its way to becoming famous! This list is also enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Smoky Mountains each year and this is YOUR year!


Drum Roll Please!

10. See five million shining lights while you're on the Winterfest Trolley Tour of Lights.

November 13th - January 10th, 2014. Enjoy viewing 5 million holiday lights from the comfort of a heated, enclosed trolley. Complete with your own personal tour guide, sharing stories about the history of Pigeon Forge and it's Winterfest displays. Tickets are just $5.00 per person.

9. Enjoy Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival.

November 9th through January 4th, 2014. Headlined by this year's production of a Christmas Carol, Dollywood shows why it is a five time award winner of America's Best Christmas Event. Featuring over four million holiday lights, more than 20 Christmas themed rides and holiday attractions, Dollywood reamains a Christmas must see for your family's holiday vacation. Click here for more information on Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival.

8. Stay at the Inn at Christmas Place and enjoy 4 star accommodations while being surrounded by everything Christmas

Located on the Parkway right in the middle of the Christmas action, you will be surrounded by everything Christmas the moment you step in this World class Inn. Guest amenities include an indoor pool, gameroom, fitness center, and of course, a singing Santa. Click here to see a photo gallery.

7. Participate in the 3rd annual Salute to Veterans Parade

Join the city of Pigeon Forge as they honor all veterans through a "Salute to Veterans Parade" on November 12, 2013 at 4:30 PM. And if you are a Pittsburgh Steelers fan, the Grand Marshall of the parade this year is Rocky Bleier who is also a Vietnam Vet. 
 
6. Attend the 24th Annual Sevierville Winterfest Kick Off with Music, Lights, and Magic

After the Salute to Veterans Parade on November 12, 2013, stop by Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge where you will enjoy holiday music, lights, and entertainment to Kick off the 24th Annual Winterfest celebration. Bring the kids to meet Santa!

5. Attend the 24th Annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff & Chili Cookoff

On November 13, 2013, Vote for your favorite chili recipe during the 24th annual Gatlinburg Winter Magic Kickoff, complete with millions of LED Christmas lights and a holiday festival with food, family, and friends.

4. Shop the Titanic Gift Shop brimming with Classic Christmas gifts and ornaments.

The entire ship inside and out will be aglow with Christmas lights and decorations. In the gift shop, you will find children's toys, collectible hand-painted Christmas ornaments, beautiful jewelry, and gifts for everyone on your Christmas list. 

3. Watch it Snow Each night, Thanksgiving and every Saturday in December, at the Titanic.

Each night, Thanksgiving and every Saturday in December, the Titanic will produce real, falling snow off the bow of the ship. Click Here for more information including dates and times for this event. 

2. Celebrate Thanksgiving during Titanic Museum Attraction’s second annual fireworks extravaganza.

On Thanksgiving night, November 28, 2013 at 7:30pm, the night sky will be ablaze in colorful bursts of light and fantasy during the Titanic Museum Attraction’s second annual fireworks extravaganza honoring the lives and legacies of the ship’s passengers, crew and rescuers. Click Here for more information including dates and times for this events. 

AND...the #1 reason to visit Pigeon Forge, Tn. during Christmas 2013....

1. Meet The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess, this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland.

The Titanic ‘Fantasy’ Princess is this year’s beautiful addition to the annual Titanic Christmas Winter Wonderland, which features thousands of holiday lights, Edwardian-style decorations, costumed merry-makers and a Gift Shoppe brimming with one-of-a-kind selections. Also available is a magical photo op with the princess herself. Click Here for more information including dates and times for this events. 

Well, if you have any questions, let me know. I'd be glad to help. If you have any photos of your family visiting Pigeon Forge during Christmas, post them to our facebook page - Titanic Museum Attraction.  Share the Christmas spirit with us!

Yours Truly, 

Chief Purser Erin Wicker

Titanic's 3rd Annual Woodcarving Event, a Huge Success!

This past weekend, my husband and I took the boys to Titanic's 3rd Annual Woodcarving event. We went last year too, so the boys were excited to see some new animal carvings. First of all, October weather in Branson, Mo. is perfect. It was warm and sunny on Saturday; ideal for this outdoor event. When we arrived, men and women from ALL OVER the COUNTRY were actively carving very LARGE stumps of wood with chain saws and chisels. There were wood chips flying.

I enjoyed seeing the creativity. It is so neat to see an artist look at a giant stump and be inspired to turn it into a bear with detailed features. The carvers used torches to burn sections of the wood, which I thought was a very neat technique that gave depth and definition to their pieces.

Jaynee, Titanic's 1st Class Maid Personality from the television commercials, billboards, and print was present at the event. It is always a pleasure to see her. As you can see from the video, she picked out her favorite woodcarving, but it was too big and heavy for Jaynee to move on her own. Molly and Carter made an appearance to greet guests, and of coarse were bum rushed by all of the children. They were cute and well behaved as usual.

In my opinion, the most exciting part of this event was the auction held at 2pm each day. On Saturday, the auction started with a bear in a log. So cute. I couldn't believe how cheap these wood carvings were selling for. There were some GREAT deals happening. I wanted to bid on the Sea Turtles that were absolutely gorgeous, but I don't have any place to display them right now. Next year!

As each item sold, the LOGHOGGERS TEAM was kind enough to load the piece into the buyers car/truck. These works of art are super heavy, so that was a nice service. Anyway, we enjoyed it and are planning to purchase a big item next year.

Recommended Reading for Children-2 Heartwarming Stories about the Titanic

I want to tell you all about 2 wonderful childrens books that have recently been in the press and have really complimented what the Titanic Museum Attraction aims to accomplish for all children through the museums.


Titanicat is a wonderful childrens book that was written by Marty Crisp and published by Sleeping Bear Press, June 5, 2008. Titanicat is based on the true story of the ship's cat of the doomed Titanic. There was a young sailor named Jim Mulholland who befriended a cat that was traveling on the Titanic with her litter of kittens. He ends up being saved by the cat as it gets off of the ship with all but one of its kittens and then Jim decides to bring the last kitten to its mother. The young sailor learns later that because he rescued the last kitten of the litter off of the Titanic, he actually escaped his own demise.  The illustrations in this book are magnificent and perfect for any child in grades 1-4.

This book has been selected by the state of Missouri and the state of Tennessee as recommended reading for all schools. This selection is a very high honor to any book, and we are proud that it features the Titanic story in such an engaging way. You can purchase your copy today by visiting the Titanic Museum Attraction's online store at http://www.titanicbranson.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=29&products_id=125. 

The other book that I have to mention was written by a 4th grade student at Northview Primary School in Kodak, Tennessee. Nine year old Luke Copas visited the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tn earlier this summer with his Mom and Dad. See...Luke is an avid reader and loves reading about history; one of his favorite subjects is the Titanic. Luke knows so much information about the Titanic that he decided to write a book about it. When he visited the museum, he presented the book to Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, co-owner of the museum. She was so impressed with his writing and enthusiasm that she decided to help Luke get his book published.

Last week on September 16, 2010, in the library at  Northview Primary School, Mary Kellogg-Joslyn and 1st Class Maid Jaynee presented Luke with his very first copy of Facts For Kids About the Titanic by Luke Copas. The WBIR news story can be found at http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=134540&catid=8 ! Luke spent all day on Saturday at the museum signing copies of his new book and he has now been inspired to write a second book involving facts for adults. The Titanic Museum Attraction will have the book for sale in their store at the museum in Pigeon Forge, Tn and I hope that we can also include his book in our website store.

If you have any questions about how to get your hands on these two publications, send me a message or call our museum at 1-800-381-7670. Enjoy! I would love to hear your reviews!