Blackwood Breakfast Show in Pigeon Forge a Great Way to Start your Morning

The Smoky Mountains are famous for many things including beautiful scenery, fun theme parks, log cabins, home cooking and entertainment. When it comes to meals and entertainment, nobody provides a better combination than the Blackwood Family. If you know anything about gospel music, then you have heard of the Blackwood Family. Considered one of the premier gospel groups in America and featured at Dollywood in the Gospel Hall of Fame, it is an honor to have the Blackwood´s performing at the Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show.

With musical roots that go back more than a century, this family is chocked full of talent. The tight four-part harmony gives depth and meaning to each and every song, making the entire concert something to remember. You'll leave with your faith lifted and an attitude of worship that will positively impact your entire day. There's no better way to start your day in the Smokies!

Every morning, Tuesday through Sunday, at the Black Bear Jamboree Theater, you can participate in a fun and exciting show for the entire family. With eight Grammy Awards, five All American Music Awards and 27 Dove Awards, the Blackwoods give an outstanding performance. The Blackwood Quartet consists of the four gentlemen members of the Blackwood Family: Ron and RW Blackwood as well as Rick Fair and John Rulapaugh. This all-male group delivers a powerful testimony through song with each selection.The Blackwood Singers are made up of Shelley Layne Blackwood, RW Blackwood, Donna Blackwood and Rick Fair for a traditional gospel quartet sound.

The Blackwood Quartet and the Blackwood Singers entertain you as each member of your group enjoys a deliciously prepared plate of southern favorites. Your cup will runneth over with fluffy scrambled eggs, flavorful sausage, hickory-smoked bacon, crispy hash browns, fresh fruit cup, muffins and biscuits. Now that's enough to satisfy the heartiest of appetites! You get the breakfast show and meal for only $24.95 per adult.

Perhaps the Blackwood's website says it best, "When you hear all of this talent, and meet these wonderful and interesting people, you will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have experienced the ultimate group! Many groups claim it, but few actually attain it. They are an experience you will never forget." The Variety Show begins at 10:00 AM. It all happens at The Black Bear Jamboree Theater on Music Road in the heart of Pigeon Forge. This is only a short drive from nearby Gatlinburg and Sevierville, TN.

If you're headed to the Smoky Mountains anytime soon, make your plans now to have breakfast with the Blackwood's. You'll enjoy an intimate time with the entire family as they get to know you personally during and after the show!

Information courtesy of Stone Oak Web

More Details Surface on Titanic's Pigeon Forge Attraction

The keel is being laid for Titanic Pigeon Forge, a towering ship-shaped museum/attraction devoted to the world’s best-known ocean liner.

Christening of the 30,000-square-foot structure that will resemble the romantic cruise ship will be in the spring of 2010. It is a $25 million project of Cedar Bay Entertainment, which also is the parent company of the first Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson, Mo.

Titanic Pigeon Forge will open a little more than a year after the opening of another major tourism investment in Pigeon Forge, the $114 million Belle Island Village mixed-used development that will begin serving guests this winter.

“Home port” for Titanic Pigeon Forge is a 5.69-acre site on the Parkway near the Black Bear Jamboree, the Miracle Theater and WonderWorks on the north end of Pigeon Forge. The city is a gateway community to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and attracts more than 11 million visitors a year.

“Constant change and growth are Pigeon Forge’s greatest assets,” said John Joslyn, president of Cedar Bay Entertainment. “Visitors have always enjoyed many reasons to return to the area, and Titanic Pigeon Forge will easily become yet another reason to stop, shop and be entertained and enlightened.”

Joslyn’s interest in the Titanic began as a producer of television specials, and he has been to the bottom of the North Atlantic to see the actual Titanic while working on specials about the “unsinkable” vessel.

The attraction will display hundreds of priceless Titanic artifacts in 20 galleries on two decks that will also contain exact replicas of the “Grand Staircase,” a first-class suite, a third-class cabin and the Marconi wireless room. The bridge will offer interactive features similar to those of its Branson sister ship.

Each visitor will receive a boarding pass bearing the name of a real Titanic passenger or crew member and will be able to touch an iceberg, experience the chill of 28-degree water, sit in an actual life boat, “steer” the ship and send an SOS message.

“Titanic Pigeon Forge will be a welcome addition to our city’s list of quality attractions,” said Pigeon Forge City Manager Earlene Teaster, noting that it will complement Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, WonderWorks, Belle Island Village, more than a dozen theaters, the Old Mill, Walden’s Landing and several outlet shopping malls.

Citizens National Bank has taken a leadership role in financing with the support of USDA Rural Development. Bob Fleming, president of Idletime is the creative director of the project; Butler, Rosenbury & Partners, Inc. is the architectural and engineering firm; and Turner Construction Co. is the contractor.

Cedar Bay Entertainment is a privately owned entertainment and development company headquartered in Branson. Its Titanic attraction there opened in 2006 and welcomed more than a million guests in its first two years.

A Tennessee connection to the Titanic . . . Of the wealthy first-class American passengers on the Titanic, the Carter family had deep Tennessee roots. Billy and Lucile Carter were on board with their two children, Lucile, 14, and William, 11. The family was prominent in Philadelphia society and entertained lavishly at residences in Bryn Mawr, Pa., and Newport, R.I.

Lucile Polk Carter’s Southern lineage was rich with history. Her mother, Lou Ellen Hought Anderson, was born in 1844 in Clarksville, Tenn., where the family stayed until Lucile’s grandfather died in 1876. Her paternal grandfather, David Peale Polk, was the full third cousin of James K. Polk, the 11th president of the U.S., making her “Young Hickory’s” third cousin twice removed. To honor Lucile and her family’s Tennessee heritage, Titanic Tennessee will dedicate a first-class suite to the Polk-Carter family.

Information courtesy of Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism

Black Bear Jamboree Welcomes Live Reindeer, Santa to Christmas Show

The Black Bear Jamboree Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., has invited some very special guests to make its Christmas Spectacular show experience that much more special this holiday season.

Children and families will notice two very special visitors from the North Pole in front of the theater. Two live reindeer, an adult female and her baby female, will be in a viewing area at the theater through the end of the year. The mother reindeer is named “Branches” after her antlers, which are about three feet high with eight to ten points. The mother gave birth to the baby named “Charmed” in April 2008 and is almost 50 pounds, with one-foot high antlers and four points.

Because reindeer can swiftly toss their antlers around when touched, the public is not permitted to pet the animals for safety reasons. But viewing and photos are allowed. The theater meets all USDA licensing regulations to have the reindeer at the theater, and the animals will have a dedicated animal caretaker and proper home during their time at the Black Bear Jamboree Theater.

Another special guest from the North Pole is Santa Joe. He will greet patrons with a jolly “Ho, Ho, Ho” as they enter the theater and photo opportunities will be available. In addition, Santa will make an appearance during the Christmas Spectacular show, as well as read a holiday book about the elf Christopher Pop-in-Kins before the school matinee shows throughout December.

After seeing live reindeer and Santa Joe, visitors will see the “Black Bear Jamboree Christmas Spectacular Dinner and Show.” The dinner show experience begins with a three-course meal, accompanied by a pre-show of holiday music performed by the award-winning Black Bear Jamboree All-Star Band. The Country feast includes creamy vegetable soup, hickory-pit barbeque ribs, southern-style tender roasted chicken, seasoned green beans, farm-fresh seasoned potatoes, fresh buttery corn on the cob, hot golden brown rolls, unlimited beverages and a signature desert. Kid’s meals are available. Vegetarian lasagna is also available upon request.

The musical revue show features a large cast of actors, singers, dancers and musicians, collectively making more than 250 costume changes, set against theatrical enhancements, including extraordinary sets, colorful lasers, surround sound, state-of-the-art lighting, and black light special effects. There are more than 75 holiday music favorites included in the Christmas show medley score.

The holiday show tells the enchanting story of an innocent and playful little girl named Suzie who dreams of receiving play dolls for Christmas. The show opens at the North Pole with Santa and his elves loading toys onto his sleigh. But during Santa’s journey, the dolls for Suzie fall out of the sleigh and land in the Great Smoky Mountains on top of a hibernating-bear cave. Scenes include a New York City shopping spree, snow ball fights, sleigh rides, Santa and his elves at the North Pole, a down-home country Christmas, and the birth of baby Jesus.

And what about those hibernating bears? Well, we’ve got six of the animatronic variety featured in the show that aren’t too happy to be awakened by the doll characters. It’s easy for our talented cast to “win over” the family of good bears – Papa, Mama, and Baby bears – with their holiday songs, but the neighboring “grumpy” bears – Weezer, Gobo, and Big Ben are well … let’s just say they aren’t as easy to impress. But in the end, all the black bears learn about the true spirit of the holiday season.

David Fee, the show’s co-owner and president says, “The Black Bear Jamboree Christmas Spectacular Show has become a traditional holiday outing for area families. Every year, we see many repeat visitors who say it just doesn’t feel like Christmas until they come and see our show. It’s fun to see everyone get excited about the holidays as they hear the music, see the dancers and remember the true reason for the season.”

The Black Bear Jamboree Theater Christmas Spectacular Dinner and Show runs November 1 through January 3, 2009. Show times are 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. nightly, with additional 2:00 p.m. matinees on Tuesdays and Saturdays and everyday November 27–29 and December 26–31. Adult tickets are $39.95, plus tax. Seniors, age 55 and up, are $37.95, plus tax. Child tickets, for ages 3 through 11, are $14.95, plus tax. Children 2 and under are free with each paying adult. The Black Bear Jamboree Theater is located at 119 Music Road between traffic lights No. 0 and 1 on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Pigeon Forge Promises Beautiful Foliage, Exciting Entertainment During October

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is a scenic wonder during the month of October. Brilliantly decorated in autumn hues and harvest décor, this Smoky Mountain Town delivers not only home-grown hospitality and entertainment, but also several great ways to explore the outdoors. With the Great Smoky Mountain National Park right next door, Pigeon Forge is the perfect place to see a show, stroll through Dollywood and hike to a gorgeous overlook featuring trees ablaze in color. You really can do it all in Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge Shows offer a variety of options, but there are several shows that continue to be visitor favorites. Country Tonite, a production combining singing, dancing and pure showmanship, is the #1 show in the area. It delivers old country, new country and a little bit of gospel for good measure. Another top area show is Cirque de Chine. This spectacular show highlights the acrobatic abilities of its performers through segments featuring spine-bending moves, death-defying jumps and all around amazing feats of the human body. It’s a show the whole family will love to see again and again.

Three perennial Smoky Mountain favorites are The Comedy Barn, Black Bear Jamboree and Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show. These show staples round out the Pigeon Forge Must See Show List, and for good reason. The Comedy Barn Show is a hilarious round-up of comedy, magic, country and gospel and a little of the unexpected, such as ventriloquists and fire-eaters. The line-up creates one fast-paced variety show that will have you laughing ‘till the cows come home! Black Bear Jamboree is a unique show featuring the legends of the Black Bear of the Smoky Mountains. The farce-style set-up features a Hollywood crew trying to capitalize on the Black Bears of Tennessee, while the Bears and their friends foil their attempts over and over again. The hilarity ensues throughout the show, along with singing and dancing. Plus, there is a delicious feast consisting of the best of southern cooking is also served. The Blackwood Breakfast Show is a morning show featuring a mouth-watering southern breakfast and traditional gospel hits for your enjoyment. This variety show is a great way to start your day in Pigeon Forge.

After all of the excitement had at the shows, you’ll want a nice place to rest your head at night. Pigeon Forge Hotels offer a variety of options, so there’s sure to be something that fits your budget and your needs. The Hotel Pigeon Forge, Grand Resort Hotel, Governors Inn, All Season Suites, RiverStone Resort, Quality Inn – Dollywood Lane and EconoLodge Riverside are a few of the top sellers in Pigeon Forge. They all offer great rates and convenient locations.

Live 3D Attraction Coming to Black Bear Jamboree Theater

A new interactive attraction is coming to the Black Bear Jamboree Theater, and it features a talking goat! Hilda the Talking Goat combines live 3D animation, literary storytelling, and real-life acting into a new form of interactive technology. The new attraction is based on a character in the newly-released book, Cole Family Christmas, a true, tender, and wholly unforgettable tale of a coal miner’s family residing in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. The new attraction will be at the theater beginning Saturday, Oct. 4.

In the book, Hilda is the family’s pet goat. In the attraction, Hilda can identify and converse with individual audience members, respond to their reactions and create a spontaneous, one-of-a-kind live performance—all from a barn-themed stage set. Hilda was created using a combination of cutting-edge animation and ground-breaking technology, which allows the audience to become part of the show. Action and speech are rendered in real-time at feature quality and appear to be completely realistic. Each interaction is a totally unique experience.

The book’s publishing company, Next Chapter Press, asked 3DSite studio based in Topanga, Calif., to bring Hilda to life for this interactive attraction. The industry leader for creating real-time animation, the studio’s work is featured in leading theme parks around the world and in the Hollywood film industry.

Next Chapter Press released 60,000 copies of Cole Family Christmas in September 2008. The reading level of the book is appropriate for children in fourth through sixth grade to read on their own. However, this book is appropriate for the entire family to read together leading up to the holiday season.

The Black Bear Jamboree Theater will host co-authors Hazel Cole Kendle and Jennifer Liu Bryan during a book signing from 4:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4 in the theater lobby. The Cole Family Christmas book will be available in the theater’s gift shop through the end of this year.

The book’s corresponding 3D attraction has been featured at BookExpo America 2008 in Los Angeles and at the 2008 Atlanta Fall Gift and Home Furnishings Market. The Black Bear Jamboree in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. is the third location in the United States hosting the attraction.

Hilda in 3D will appear at the theater through Nov. 17. The attraction is part of the “Black Bear Christmas Spectacular Dinner and Show” theater experience which begins on Nov. 1 and runs through the end of the year.

Now in its seventh season, The Black Bear Jamboree Theater has entertained more than 2 million visitors. The theater is open year round with dinner shows at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. nightly (Sunday show times can vary). The Black Bear Jamboree Theater is located at 119 Music Road between traffic lights 0 and 1 on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge.

Information courtesy of Black Bear Jamboree

Pigeon Forge Shows Bring Variety, Music, Comedy to the Stage

Pigeon Forge is a town packed with entertainment, family activities and great outdoor fun. They are home to several shows, many of which bring southern hospitality and homegrown entertainers to the stage. There are several types of shows to choose from, including magic, comedy and music shows. To help visitors pick the best show for them, here is an overview of the Pigeon Forge Show Schedule.

Swing Time, a production that calls its home the Grand Majestic Theater, which is new to the Pigeon Forge parkway. The multi-million dollar production offers high energy dance numbers coupled with touching music from America’s past. Colonel Edwin Parker guides guests through a journey of the 1940’s, when music and dance were an expression of life, and moreover, and way to deal with the great changes taking place in the United States. Some of the melodic tunes featured during Swing Time include Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters.
The Comedy Barn Show, located at the Comedy Barn Theater on the parkway, is an award winning comedy variety show suitable for the whole family. The show features a little bit of everything, including magicians, jugglers, fire-eaters, live country and gospel music, ventriloquists and a few barnyard animals for good measure. It is a laugh-out-loud experience and will get any member of your family smiling.

Magic Beyond Belief is an amazing 2 hour journey into the world of Illusions. Located at the Magic Beyond Belief Theater on the Parkway, resident magician Terry Evanswood takes you to a place where reality ends and illusions begin. Evanswood has been performing in Pigeon Forge for 11 years, so he knows how to bring showmanship, talent and energy to a stage, as well as the ability to truly amaze his guests. The show features two Bengal tigers, mind-boggling tricks and disappearing acts that will have you believing in the world of magic.

The Miracle is another show that will leave you breathless. During the show, which is located at the Miracle Theater on the parkway, guests are witness to a fantastic musical recreation of the life of Christ told in epic proportions. The show features an enormous cast of singers, dancers and live animals that bring this story to life, as well as spectacular special effects. This show seeks to inspire and renew as guests witness the glory of The Miracle.

The Blackwood Breakfast Show is one the only Pigeon Forge Morning shows, and it combines a delicious breakfast with a very filling (entertainment- wise) show. Located at the Black Bear Jamboree Theater on Music Road, the show features traditional Gospel music from Tennessee’s most award-winning family. From the gospel notes to Patriotic finish, The Blackwood singers know how to put on a show. This is the place to be in the morning when you visit Pigeon Forge.

The Black Bear Jamboree Show is based on a Smoky Mountain legend which claims black bears have an annual secret gathering where they sing, dance and eat their favorite food. The Black Bear Jamboree show seeks to keep this legend alive. Featuring a country feast complete with chicken & ribs, no one will go away from this show hungry. Plus, there is great country, Broadway tunes, show tunes, patriotic numbers and gospel music to enjoy. The show is dressed to impress too, with over 300 gorgeous costumes, impressive sets and beautiful dancers.

The Florida Boys are the newest show to the Pigeon Forge scene, as their first show occurred on August 20th, 2008. Calling the Smoky Mountain Showplace home, The Florida Boys have brought southern gospel to Pigeon Forge. Their show, which features a quartet of singers, performs more than just southern gospel though. Western, Country and Pop selections are performed as well, with comedy and classic video clips interspersed for a truly amazing show. Although new to Pigeon Forge, the Florida Boys are seasoned performers who will undoubtedly become a Pigeon Forge favorite.

7 Ways to Save on your Pigeon Forge Vacation

The summer season has arrived, ushered in with warm weather days and endless play for children throughout the country. Many families choose this time of year to hit the open road and enjoy the always needed family vacation. Even though gas prices are high, and budgets are tight, there is still one vacation destination making it easy for families to get away together. The Smoky Mountains, home to both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, provide the perfect way for outdoor fun to combine with family entertainment, creating a one-stop, have-it-all type destination. So fill up the family car, stock your cooler with drinks and snacks and gear up for a vacation full of memories.

Here are 7 ways to save while visiting Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg:

1) Use the Trolley System. The Pigeon Forge Trolley system has over 100 stops throughout Pigeon Forge and the Parkway, including Dollywood. It’s a good way to see all of Pigeon Forge’s attractions and sights, without having to pay for gas. The Trolley fare is only 50 cents. Plus, there is a new addition, connecting Pigeon Forge to Gatlinburg, a convenient connection making both destinations easily accessible.

2) Cut corners by cutting into Pigeon Forge Coupons. Coupons for Pigeon Forge are available, as well as Coupons for Gatlinburg, for restaurants and shopping. A few of the restaurant coupons featured are Hard Rock Café, Great American Buffet, Alamo Steakhouse and Bennett’s Pit Bar-B-Que. The shopping coupons include discounts at Tanger Outlet, Belz Outlet, The Old Mill and Christmas Place.

3) Discover our Direct Deals page on our websites ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com. There are discount Pigeon Forge tickets and discount Gatlinburg attractions available, including deals on Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show, The Track, Ripley’s Museum, RainForest Adventures and Ober Gatlinburg.

4) Pigeon Forge Vacation Packages and Gatlinburg Vacation Packages are also great ways to save on your family getaway. On ReservePigeonForge.com and ReserveGatlinburg.com there are several discount packages available featuring Country Tonite, WonderWorks, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Tennessee Shindig.

5) Reserve a Dollywood Package. The 2008 Dollywood Adventure Packages allow guests to conveniently one-stop shop. Families can book their Dollywood Tickets, Splash Country Tickets and lodging all in place and one great price! Only Dollywood and ReserveDirect offer these great Dollywood deals!

6) Explore the Great Smoky Mountains! While in the area, discover the most visited National Park in America, the Great Smoky Mountains. Full of things to do for the whole family, take advantage of the hiking trails, waterfalls, scenic views and wildlife for a truly memorable experience. It’s a free and fun way to enjoy the outdoors and your family.

7) Take advantage of discount Pigeon Forge show tickets for children. Shows like Country Tonite, The Smith’s Show and Black Bear Jamboree are offering deals where children get in free with a paying adult! With prices like that, families can’t afford not to go!