Clean fresh air, bubbling streams, picturesque mountain views: you must be in the Smoky Mountains!  With the stress of day to day life and worrying about the recession, probably have never wanted to get away any more than you do right now!  Why not let American Patriot Giveaways release you from the pressures of life with a 4 day, 3 night getaway escape into the Smoky Mountains for much needed relaxation?  Not only can you win an amazing trip for right now, this contest enters you to win a vacation once a year for LIFE!  Imagine that, your own cabin in the Smokies for life once a year for fishing, grilling, taking hikes, and just getting the chance to breathe!  Enter now for this life-changing opportunity; peace and quiet time is waiting.

After a long day of hiking, fishing, white water rafting, and photographing epic scenes of nature in the Smoky Mountains, why not wind down with the live entertainment of dinner theater?  Whether in the mood for horror, comedy, or drama, there’s a show to suit your needs and provide a yummy feast on top of it!  Head to your rented Gatlinburg cabin, gussy up a bit, and head on over to any of these fine showings:

1. Tennessee’s country queen, the buxom Dolly Parton, entertains with Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge.  This family friendly extravaganza offers everything from magic tricks, amazing animals, performers, and stunts!  Come hungry for fun and food, because a four course dinner is part of the package!

2. Also in Pigeon Forge is the Memories Theater, a place dedicated to paying tribute to the great artists of yesteryear such as the King himself Elvis Presley or Mr. Buddy Holly.  With shows five times a week, there’s guaranteed to be one during your trip to the Smoky Mountains.  Have a great time listening to hits that you probably never imagined you’d hear live!

3. Country Tonight Theater puts on a memorable country music night of fun each show.  Each day at 3 and 8pm and in production for 14 years, this show has earned the title as the best live country show in America.  On stage, singers, a band, and dancers entertain with musical selections covering country, gospel, comedy, and patriotic elements.  With a stadium built to fit 1,500 fans, all can come out to enjoy the one-of-a-kind experience.

4. In Gatlinburg, be sure to check out Sweet Fanny Adams Theater, a 34 year old attraction that showcases hilarious comedy musicals that the whole family will be tickled by.  Even better, the shows are mostly original comedies written especially for the theater, so it’s a true treat and you’ll never know what show you’ll get!  In honor of it’s long rich history with the city of Gatlinburg, they were named a National Historical Treasure.

5. Fancy a bit of thinking with your dinner?  Come to the Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show for a bit of crime with a side of comedy!  Audience members partake in the crimes and try to help solve the funny cases, so maybe you’ll get to put your sleuth skills to use!

With so many amazing options, no moment should be dull on your vacation to the Smoky Mountains.  Pick a different theater each night and have some amazing stories to tell your friends!  Who knows, you may even solve the mystery and save the day.

Majestic mountains, bubbling streams, fields of lush green grass, scurrying wild life, balmy breezes, and the wide open road make taking an RV road trip through the Smoky Mountains a very appealing prospect!  Yes, we do rent cabins in Gatlinburg so it may not be in our best financial interest, but we completely understand the appeal of an adventure-full RV trip through the Smokies. Why take a plane when the drive is so awesome?  The expense is less, nature surrounds you along the way, and pets can come along to join the fun!

The first and most important step to any RV enjoyment is to ensure that the vehicle is well-fueled, maintained for road travel, and that there are no leaks, flat tires, or other causes for concern.  Check the electrical elements, mechanical under the hood area, as well as the appearance.  Taking care of small problems now can save on a large tab later for repairs, and no one wants to find issues while on the road!

There are plenty of options in Tennessee for those on an RV trip; the Smokies offers 30 campgrounds to station the vehicle and then enjoy the surrounding areas such as Gatlinburg.  Once situated, the possibilities are practically endless!

Love sports activities?  Fishing in the Smokies in any of the miles of streams will reward you with trout and many hours of activity.  Those who are inclined to golf can easily get out onto the green and perfect their swing.  White water rafting, canoeing, water-skiing, tubing, and swimming are just some of the many water activities available for those who want to make a splash!  Fancy becoming at one with nature?  An exhilerating hike through the woods and along the trails will not only give you exercise, but can make for breath-taking photos and memorable adventures!  Happy trails ahead!

Need some family friendly fun that the little ones will enjoy?  There are a host of things to delight their sensibilities!  A cool water park like Wild Bear Falls has fun specifically designed with tiny tots in mind and many things for parents to enjoy as well.

Fairs and concerts are plenty available in the area so gobble down good eats while jamming to country tunes.  Find out about the rich history of the area in your exploration, that alone could make up days of educational fun!  Have some possum treats, explore Dollywood, and learn how to play the banjo!

Before going back on the road in the RV, double check again that tire pressure, fuel, and food supply are all up to par.  Enjoy the trip and see you at a Smoky Mountain National Park soon!

No beans about it—if you are into country music, you’ve spent some time in Tennessee. Nashville is widely regarded as the home of country music, but there’s a lot more to be found outside of that twangin’ town! If you haven’t made it to the Volunteer State yet, or are planning your return, be sure to include one of these great concerts in your trip!

• At the world famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, a steady stream of country artists will parade through until the end of the year. These include Blake Shelton, Restless Heart, Mike Snider, The Grascals, Dailey and Vincent, Larry Gatlin, Josh Turner and Kathy Mattea.
• The Nashville War Memorial is another great place for a concert, as Eric Church is stopping by for a show in August.
• The super-famous Brooks and Dunn are coming by the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville this September, so get your tickets now!
• Chris Young is touring to promote his newest CD, “The Man I Want to Be” at Riverfront Park in Nashville.
• Two superstars, George Strait and Reba McIntire, are teaming up to play the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on September 11th. This concert is sure to sell out, so check into tickets as soon as you can!
• Carrie Underwood, country’s biggest star, is also stopping by the Bridgestone Arena to perform all her hits, including “Before He Cheats” on October 13.
• Check out country champion Don Williams, legend of the Country Music Hall of Fame, when he performs on October 20 and 21 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
• Stop by the Ninth Annual Tennessee River Run, a country music festival in Savannah, Tennessee. Hosted by Darryl Worley, this festival will have live music, food, a golf tournament over three full days.

If you are into country music and you haven’t made it to Tennessee, or you haven’t yet hit up one of Tennessee’s famed country concerts, what are you waiting for? Get over there!

When you are planning a family vacation to the Smoky Mountains, you have to find things that the kids will love. For a summer vacation, what could be better than a series of water activities? They’ll keep you cool while providing a ton of fun. Here are five of the best options!

1. Wild Bear Falls Water Park is a brand new way to enjoy the Smokies. Located in Gatlinburg’s Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort, it is the largest indoor water park in the South. Don’t worry, though—the roof is retractable, so you’ll still be able to get a tan if you visit in the summer months. There are wading pools, slides, rides and a tree house at this amazing amusement park.

2. We can’t forget about a favorite Smoky Mountains pastime—fishing! Fish one of the park’s many streams and rivers to catch Brown, Brook and Rainbow trout. You’ll have to choose if you want to fly or angler fish, so get your gear together and get ready for a great time.

3. Swimming in the fresh, mountain streams is another great way to commune with nature in the Smokies. Check with the park rangers to see which places are best.

4. Rent or bring your canoes and rafts to explore the park from a new angle. If your family is up for some white water rafting, check out the guides that offer their services. Rental is possible for many different kinds of watercrafts.

5. Get creative and rent a houseboat for your Smokies vacation! Take this floating home’s luxurious accommodations to one of the region’s lakes and insert yourself into the Smokies lifestyle.

No matter which way you choose and how you travel (*begin shameless self-promotion* we recommend Gatlinburg cabins of course *end self-promotion*), spending some time in the beautiful, clear waters of the Appalachian Mountains is not to be missed!

Tennessee is home to some truly amazing people. Actors, writers, inventors and more have come from the Volunteer State, all of whom are worth our admiration in some vein. Here are just five of the best known Tennesseans:

Johnny Knoxville, MTV’s “Jackass” star, was born Phillip John Clapp in Knoxville Tennessee. Brave enough to try hundreds of stupid, painful stunts for television, Knoxville hit Hollywood in “Jackass the Movie”, “Jackass the Movie 2” and “The Dukes of Hazzard”.

Patricia Neal is an Oscar-winning actress with an amazing survival story. She was born January 30, 1926 in Packard, Kentucky but grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. Her Oscar came from her 1963 film, “Hud”. She also starred in a number of other films, Broadway shoes and television programs. In 1965, Neal suffered three cerebral aneurisms, putting her in a coma for three weeks. She survived, and how works as an advocate for paralysis victims.

Jack Daniel, born Jasper Newton, is the king of whiskey. He was born in 1850 and went on to open Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the world’s largest maker of whiskey, in Lynchburg, Tennessee. He met his end at a young age after developing a blood disease as the result of a toe injury.

One of the finest American writers to date, Cormac McCarthy is a Tennessee local too! He was born on July 20^th, 1933 in Providence, Rhode Island, but he moved to Knoxville at the age of four. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and a Pulitzer prize winner for his novel The Road, which was recently made into a movie starring Viggo Mortensen. He also won a National Book Award for his novel All the Pretty Horses. He lived in eastern Tennessee until the 90s and based a number of his novels on the region.

Christina Hendricks, the stunning redhead on AMC’s “Mad Men”, wasn’t born a redhead in her native Knoxville, Tennessee. After dying her hair at age ten, she never went back. It has defined her roles in “Firefly”, “Without a Trace” and “Cold Case”, as well as her starring role in the hottest show on television.

The Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee draws tourists to Gatlinburg like a Toby Keith concert draws starry-eyed southern girls.  What’s great about the beautiful southern city is that it is easily accessible by less than a day’s drive for more than half of the country’s population.  On a good day, you can get there by taking I-40 to Exit 407 and going south through Sevierville and Pigeon Forge.  For alternative routes consider the following:

-If coming by way of Virginia, consider a 45 minute drive via I-81 South to I-40 East and get off at Newport (Exit 435). Then, follow Highway 321 South into Gatlinburg.

-For those coming from Lexington, Tennessee, take I-75 North and follow Highway 321 to I-40 East to Exit 435, which should also take 45 minutes.

-From Chattanooga, Tennessee, take Exit 81 on I-75 North, following Highway 321 North to Gatlinburg through Maryville and Townsend. Expect to be on the road for approximately an hour and ten minutes.

-Nashville dwellers, you will take I-75 South and follow the same directions as if you were coming from Chattanooga.

-Those arriving from Asheville, North Carolina can take I-40 West to Exit 440 and follow Highway 321 South to Gatlinburg. This should take 45 minutes.

-Atlanta residents can take a leisurely road trip along I-85 North to I-985 North to US 23. Take US 23 to Highway 23/441, changing to Highway 74/441 through Cherokee, North Carolina. It will take you about 4 hours and ten minutes.  This will allow for maximum sight-seeing potential along the drive!

For those who may balk at taking a road trip but still want to take in the unique fun and foods of Gatlinburg, consider flying into Knoxville – McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) which is 55 miles north of Gatlinburg.  Most major airlines fly there daily and once you are on the ground, renting a car is quite easy for maximum enjoyment of the trip. Hop in the car, turn up the radio to a little Sugarland, and be prepared to enjoy some good ole southern hospitality!  Gatlinburg is waiting with open arms.

1. Bobcats

Now, we aren’t saying to stay away from the Smoky Mountains because there are tons of animals looking to kill you the minute you step foot in the park—that’s not the case. There are lots of animals in the Appalachian Mountains, and some of them can be dangerous if not treated with the proper respect—we just want you to be prepared. So, visit this beautiful place, and keep your eye out for its inhabitants!

You really don’t have anything to be afraid of here, so if you see a Bobcat just enjoy! They are nocturnal, so they probably won’t be around when you are hiking, but you could get lucky. They are carnivorous little kitties, and though they can only grow up to three feet in length and weigh up to twenty pounds, they can kill small deer.

2. Eastern Cougars

The Eastern Cougar is the Smoky Mountains’ only native mountain lion. They were believed to be eliminated from the region, but consistent sightings suggest that cougars present here are transients. They are large brown or gray cats that weigh on average around 140 pounds and can be about seven feet from nose to tip of tail. They are generally shy, but they have killed humans in the past—21 people have been killed in the past 118 years.

3. Red Foxes

These cuties are extremely shy. They are about the size of a domestic dog, and can weigh up to 24 pounds. Their charming rust color and fluffy tail make them extremely recognizable. The Red Fox is a solitary hunter that typically feeds on small game, but they have been known to eat human food if exposed to it.

4. Coyotes

Coyotes look like medium-sized Collie dogs, but they have a round and bushy tail. The coyotes that live in the Smokies have thick, dark fur and white bellies. You may hear their howling at night. They can weigh up to 45 pounds and can be about 60 inches long. They are extremely athletic and can run at high speeds and easily leap an eight foot fence. Alone, they hunt small prey while in packs they can bring down much larger animals. They are typically afraid of humans, but they can prove dangerous for pets!

5. Red Wolves

These are one of the most endangered animals in the Smokies. There are only 350 left in the world, roaming free in the Smoky Mountains and in coastal North Carolina. There are about 25 in the park, and they are generally not considered a threat to humans. They are shy and nocturnal, though you can hear them howl sometimes. Adult wolves can weigh between 45 and 80 pounds, and can be red, grey, yellow or black. They typically eat raccoons and ground hogs. They are not pack-oriented, instead roaming in couples or families.

6. Skunks

Although they won’t hurt you, their spray is extremely unpleasant! Though they are small and cute, their spray can travel up to ten feet. The spray causes no real damage, although it is difficult to remove and smells terrible. They are about the size of a house cat, and can be striped, spotted or swirled—but all black and white.

7. Wild Boars

These animals are not native to the Smoky Mountains, but they somehow arrived and have flourished. These hairy pigs have huge heads, short legs and can be dark grey, black or brown. They typically weigh between 110 and 200 pounds, but this varies greatly. Both males and females have tusks, although male tusks are much larger. They are not typically dangerous, though they will defend their children violently. Males and females will charge, and females will bite if compromised.

8. Black Bears

Though smaller and less aggressive than Grizzlies, Black Bears can prove dangerous. About 600 roam the park, and they can grow up to 300 pounds. While they are usually hidden away, sleeping, for the entire winter, their time in the spring, summer and fall is consumed with finding food. They will eat anything, including human food. Human food drastically shortens their life span and removes their fear of people, often making them dangerous. Feeding bears is illegal, as well.

9. Northern Copperhead Snakes

This is a poisonous snake, though their poison is not lethal. They can be up to 36 inches in length and have a stocky body. They are typically copper, orange or pinkish in color with chestnut colored bands crossing the body. They are shy and difficult to find, but they have bitten more people than any other venomous snake in the U.S. They will only strike if very threatened and are most common below 3,000 feet.

10. Timber Rattler

This is a fairly large venomous snake that lives mostly above 3,000 feet. They can be up to 4.5 feet long and fairly thick, with black or brown cross bands on a lighter background of yellow, brown or gray. Some can appear all black. It has a triangular head with small scales on the crown. This snake’s poison is not lethal either.

One of the best reasons to visit the Smoky Mountains is the fishing—there are lots of great, big fish to catch and fry up for your family in your cozy Gatlinburg cabin! There are about 2,115 miles of streams in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, making up what is one of the last wild trout habitats in the eastern United States. Here are just a few tips to ensure that you make the most of your Smoky Mountain trip:

1. Keep in mind time limits. While there is no real season for fishing, you can only fish from 30 minutes before official sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset.

2. Only use hand-held rods, artificial flies or lures and single hooks. You can also use up to two dropper flies on a leader. No other bait or lures are allowed—and you may be asked to show your tackle to an authorized ranger at any point while you are in the park.

3. You can keep up to five trout or Small Mouth bass each day if they all measure at least seven inches long. You can also keep up to 20 Rock Bass each day.

4. You cannot catch Spotfin Chubs, Duskytail Darters, Smoky Madtoms and Yellowfin Madtoms. They are all federally protected in the park, so let any you catch go.

5. You cannot fish in the Lynn Camp Prong where it merges with Thunderhead Prong in Tennessee. In North Carolina, stay away from the place where Bear Creek meets Forney Creek.

6. You need a license from the state you are fishing in. You must be at least 13 years old to fish, and you need a special license if you are over 65. Special permits are also required if you plan to fish in Gatlinburg or Cherokee.

7. Be careful in the water, as prolonged immersion in water can cause hypothermia. The current moves fast, so get a good footing in the water and watch out for wet rocks and moss.

8. Respect the natural habitat of the fish by keeping rocks where they lay and keeping your fishing site clean of bait and tackle debris.

Fishing is a great activity for friends and family to share together, so as long as you are respectful of the environment and the animals of the region, you will make it a good experience for everyone.

For a jam-packed day or weekend of hunting, don’t overlook eastern Tennessee. With an abundance of native wildlife and acres of forests and mountains, no wonder hunting is one of the most popular activities in the Smoky Mountains. To get you started on the right path, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency provides various licenses catered to your hunting pleasures, whether you hunt solo, with children, or take a weekend trip with the boys. To get your trigger finger twitching and taste buds salivating, take note of the four most popular game animals in the Smokies.

1. Eastern Wild Turkey: Now one of the most popular game animals, the skittish and difficult to catch wild turkey once graced the endangered species list. Their small size—hardly ever more than 20 pounds—adds to the hunting challenge. If you master their call, consider yourself a talented hunter. Very few capture the wild turkey this way, and even experienced hunters rely on a guide. Turkey season goes from the last day of March to the middle of May. Bag limits: One bearded turkey per day; 4 per season.

2. Wild Hogs: These large beasts resulted from a crossbreeding of wild boars and domestic pigs, and today, hundreds roam the park freely. Their features include black hair, long legs, tusks, canine teeth, and a distinctive white blaze on their face. Wild Hogs are huge—they can weigh up to 125 pounds and grow to 3 ½ feet long. They make up for poor eyesight with an acute sense of smell and hearing. Wild hogs typically live in the western area of the park, but during the warm spring and hot summers, move to higher elevation. Don’t feel guilty about bagging one of these boars—as an exotic species, they cause harm to the park.

3. Black Bears: Although a popular target, not many black bears live within the park limits, so it is illegal to kill more than one a year, and you must always leave alone cubs or female bears with cubs. Bear hunting carries some restrictions depending on the county, so check out the rules and regulations carefully. Some counties only permit archery, while other counties prohibit dogs.

4. Deer: Does the deer have antlers at least three inches long? Is it a Buck? Hunt freely. However, you may not hunt antlerless or albino deer anywhere in Tennessee. Tennessee regulations allow for three deer per season, except in Unit B, which allows only two. Deer season dates and length depend on your weapon of choice and the presence of children, so ask when you apply for a license and before you enter the park and check on the bag limits.

Remember that all hunters in Tennessee must have a license. The best way to purchase the correct license is to decide how long and what you want to hunt. The more specific the license, the less money you spend; however, the more limitations on where you can hunt and fish. With such beautiful surroundings and wild game to chase, why limit yourself? Go with the more expensive, general licenses and follow your whims into the mountains!