Tag: pigeon forge

Fall Colors in Townsend

The mornings are getting a bit cooler, football is beginning to creep back into everyone’s daily lives, and school’s starting back. If these all signal the onset of Fall to you, well you’re like many others in East Tennessee. And with autumn comes Fall colors. If you’re in the Great Smoky Mountains, you’re probably beginning to wonder about the fall colors and when the leaves will start changing in Townsend, as well as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and the surrounding areas.

The mornings are getting a bit cooler, football is beginning to creep back into everyone’s daily lives, and school’s starting back. If these all signal the onset of Fall to you, well you’re like many others in East Tennessee. And with autumn comes Fall colors. If you’re in the Great Smoky Mountains, you’re probably beginning to wonder about the fall colors and when the leaves will start changing in Townsend, as well as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and the surrounding areas.

Thankfully, this summer has not been extremely dry, and though there have been some hot days, it seems like prevalent conditions could produce a vibrant autumn season. In all, the Great Smokey Mountains National Park consists of 100’s of species of deciduous trees in a variety of elevations. What this means is that, no matter the summer conditions, there will still be an abundant amount of color to see since weather varies throughout… there is no such thing as a “bad” fall in the Smoky Mountains!

Once cooler weather starts to prevail, then leaves will start changing color at a more rapid rate. It starts off in the higher elevations with a number of tree species. Once you get to around mid- October, you’ll see mostly golden yellow colors mixed with some orange, and a hint of red. These colors will descend down the mountains into the valley as the vibrant reds slowly catch up and start to mix with the oranges, browns, and yellows. If cold weather sets in during these months, the colors will peak in the mountains and valley around the last week of October and into early November.

I’d highly suggest keeping track of the official Great Smoky Mountains National Park website to follow the fall foliage changing color. They even have a page dedicated to fall foliage at: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fallcolor.htm.

Also, take a look at their webcams:

http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams/parks/grsmcam/grsmcam.cfm

http://www2.nature.nps.gov/air/WebCams/parks/grsmpkcam/grsmpkcam.cfm

Finally, be sure to check out the Park’s tips for fall hiking and scenic drives: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/fall-suggestions.htm

Once again, the best time to see the fall colors in Townsend, Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will be the last week of October and into early November. This is my favorite time of the year in the Great Smoky Mountains…I hope you enjoy it as much as the locals do!

Summer Jam 4 All Volkswagen Car Show in Townsend

Townsend, Tn will get an extra injection of horsepower this summer when the local Volkswagen club rolls with their annual Summer Jam car show. The Knox Volks Motor Club chose the beautiful backdrop of Townsend, Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains for their big VW show.

From July 21-22, the club will hold their Summer Jam 4 All Volkswagen Car Show at the Talley Ho Inn. The reasoning was that The Talley Ho Inn in Townsend offers a huge grassy area that will accommodate show cars, vendors and spectators. And you can take your time browsing through the cars and vendors because the grass is so much cooler than pavement.

Started by four local VW enthusiasts in September 2007, Knox Volks Motor Club has grown to over 80-members and counting today. The club is Knoxville’s premier Volkswagen Club with a membership made up of a wide range of ages and abilities with an emphasis on VW knowledge and education, family and fun.

Event Hours
Saturday, July 21 from 9am – 6pm
Sunday, July 22 from 9am – 3pm

Show Entry Fees

Show Entry Includes 1 Vehicle/Driver (both days)
Pre-Registration Before July 14, 2012 – $15.00

Show Entry Fee at the Gate and Pre-Registration after July 14, 2012
Show Entry Includes 1 Vehicle/Driver Only (both days)
After July 14, 2012 – $20.00

Spectator Entry Fee

Pre-Registered Spectator Before July 14, 2012 (2-days)
$8.00 for both days

Spectator Fee at the Gate and Pre-Registered after July 14, 2012
$5.00/day
Children under 12 – FREE

VDub’s For Sale Area

Want to sell your car? Bring it to Summer Jam and park it in the For Sale area.

$20.00 for both days

Volkswagen Show For Sale fee includes one vehicle and one driver. If you have additional people in your party, they will need to purchase a daily spectator fee. There is a discount for two-day spectator if purchased prior to May 19th, 2012.

Please pre-register by May 19th to ensure your spot. After May 19th and at the gate, For Sale registration is $25.00 for both days.

Sorry, Camping Is NOT Available On Site!

This is the first year that camping will NOT be available at the Summer Jam venue. Our new location does not allow camping on-site. However, there are several great campgrounds located in Townsend.

Pets are Welcome

Pets are welcome at Summer Jam! Please be advised that pet must be on a leash at all times. You must also pick up after your pet while at Summer Jam.

Parking

Free spectator parking will be available at the Talley Ho Inn.