I-40 and Cades Cove Loop Road

Roads Reopened!

We're happy to inform you that two major roads are now open through the Smokies.

The Cades Cove Loop Road that goes to and through Townsend in Blount County is now fully available to the general public. This means visitors can get to and from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park/Cades Cove area and see what millions of people come every year to see: A national treasure.

I-40 is also open again! Both east-bound lanes and one west-bound lane are open where Tennessee meets North Carolina. One west-bound lane is still closed, but this should make it much easier to get in and around.

If you've been waiting to get to the Tennessee side of the mountains, now's the time! It's still just before the summer rush and there's plenty to do and see here! The roads are open, so come on by!

In the news for Gatlinburg this April, 2010.

The Wildflower Pilgrimage! April 21-25! Nothing short of the cornerstone of Spring for the city and THE major natural exhibit and event for the Smokies, this is a major tradition for our neck of the woods dating back longer than before most of us were born, and as such, it attracts a huge number of visitors who come as yearly as possible!

And with a huge turn-out dictating they must give the audience something to see, you can expect 4 solid days of everything Flora and Fauna of the Smokies. Lectures, guest speakers, exhibits, walks, hikes, stuff for the kids and more than can be detailed here. Heck, most of the time people come back year after year so they can do the things they missed out on the years before!

That said, you shouldn't miss out on any of it! Make your plans to stay with Highlands so you can stay close to the action on April 21-25th!

In other news...

The Ripley's Aquarium in the Smokies turns 10 years old in just a short period of time, and to commemorate it, Ripley's is building a brand new 4,000 sq.ft. Penguin exhibit!

Penguins?

In the Smokies?

From Africa?????

Apparently, yes. Black-footed African Penguins are the brand new guests of honor for the Smokies at the Ripleys Aquarium! Come see them play in their underwater crawl tube, gliding across aquatic surfaces, swimming under glass floors and more!

Take some time out of your Spring schedule to see the new Penguins at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies!

25 Years of Dollywood

As soon as the gates open on March 27th, 2010, the flood begins. Thousands and thousands of eager guests who have been waiting for the perennial Festival of the Nations since as early as last year, quickly fill the park to see all the many new additions and familiar traditions Dollywood brings year after year.

This year, Festival of the Nations features "DRUM!" culminating Aboriginal, Black, Celtic and Acadian cultures into an exhilirating performance of music and dance and more. "Invaders" is an island-steel ensemble performing the sound of Trinidad. Atahualpa returns for another great year of South American music and Imagine returns too after a popular, grand performance from last year's Festival of the Nations.

Another thing to look forward to is the advent of Adventure Mountain for 2010. It's a new section of park designed as an outdoor obstacle course and even those who don't like to play outside will have a hard time staying away!

Finally, 2010 makes it the 25th year Dollywood has been entertaining families here in the Smokies. 25 years hasn't gone by unnoticed and we hope for Dollywood to stay open another 25 years at least! Stay tuned to see what Dollywood might be thinking for celebrating its 25th year in business!

While the snow has been had a major and somewhat polarized (no pun intended) effect on the Smokies this winter, we're wildly anticipating the return of Spring, warmer weather, and the color Green throughout the mountains!

Spring Break is starting soon, and there's plenty to see and do in Gatlinburg during the time. Plenty of chances to relax too, as Highlands overlooks the city of Gatlinburg with access to the downtown area within 10-12 minutes, but still far enough away that the traffic and noise to guarantee some well-earned rest and recuperation.

Another great incentive to take advantage of for the Spring Break is the 4 Nights deal for all condos.

4 Nights for 1 Bedroom - $328.50
4 Nights for 2 Bedrooms - $396.00
4 Nights for 3 Bedrooms - $508.50

Discounts are good until June 15th (!) and you need to call 877-877-1377 to reserve your condo.

We look forward to seeing you this Spring!

The Coming Spring

Gatlinburg's sleepy season is about to come to wake up here soon with a slew of special events that should make Mid-March a really exciting time to come visit the Sevier County section of the Smokies!

Santa Clause is coming back to town. Last year, the city of Gatlinburg sponsored a new Santa Clause convention and hosted a Holly and Shamrock Parade featuring 15-20 minutes of Elves and Leprechauns and other figures that were so popular, Gatlinburg decided to do it again for 2010. The parade is on the afternoon of March 13th.

The rest of the convention will be held at the W.L. Mills Convention Center in downtown Gatlinburg. From March 13-16, the Celebrate Santa event opens the convention doors to the general public. If you're planning on a vacation with small children, this would be a great surprise for them.

And between the 26th and 28th, we have the Gatlinburg ScreenFest, a returning film festival event that will showcase many of the visual talents we have in this area and nearby areas. You can look for more details on http://www.gatlinburgscreenfest.com/.

At the end of March, the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community will be having their Easter Arts and Crafts Community Show at W.L. Mills Convention Center from March 31-April 3 in 2010. You don't want to miss it!

Downtown Gatlinburg is just 7-12 minutes from Highlands Condos, depending on traffic. If you decide to go out to these events, go early and get a spot before the rest of the traffic sets in.

We look forward to having you visit us in the coming Spring! See ya soon!

Cathy's Babysitting Service

30+ years experience

Available to come and sit at your house, room or condo.

Available during the day or night!

From 6 months of age and up.

Rates start at $50.00 minimum for 2 hours and $5.00 for each additional child.

References:

Cindy Werner 865-436-3547 (W) Owner of Highlands Condos

Marilyn England 865-654-1056 (C) Owner of Brass Lantern and Best Italian

Lynn Hamilton 865-805-4034 (C)

Judy Philips 865-436-3748 (H) Pi Phi Elementary School

Cell phone 865-805-4818

New Monthly Rates

Good News for those of you who can't get enough of The Great Smoky Mountains!

You've stayed in luxury here for a few days or a whole week before, but how would you like to stay for whole MONTHS in that same luxury?

Right now, Highlands Condos is offering monthly rates for January, February and March 2010 for their One Bedroom condos for $999.00! Includes weekly cleaning! Great for company perks!


Visit our website at www.highlandscondos.com and take a good look at the amenities and luxury and view you will get to have all to yourself for whole MONTHS if need be. The winter of Gatlinburg is as good a time as any to slow down and unwind, and if you want a deep sabbatical for relaxation, contact us about our monthly rates!

Hope to hear from you soon!