Celebrate the Music and Scenery of the Smokies

Springtime in the Appalachians brings extraordinary beauty as the area awakens from its winter freeze. But in addition to the spectacular sights surrounding the Gatlinburg area, you can also experience some mystical sounds of the mountains as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park hosts its sixth annual "Music of the Mountains" festival on Saturday, April 10.

The day-long festival features a wide spectrum of old-time, traditional, and bluegrass music performers. It is truly a celebration of the culture and the musical traditions found in the southern Appalachian Mountains while showcasing the evolution of that music.

This year's festival features a series of free performances by various artists during the day at the Park's Sugarlands Visitor Center followed by a special evening performance headlined by local performer Jimbo Whaley and his band Greenbrier at W. L. Mills Conference Center.

For additional details on the Gatlinburg area and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visit www.GatlinburgVacationStore.com. You'll also find discount hotel and resort accommodations in Gatlinburg as well as discount Gatlinburg attraction and show tickets.

Another spring favorite in the Great Smoky Mountains is the 60th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage scheduled to run April 21-25, 2010.

Whether you area serious botanist or simply a weekend gardener, you can share your love of flowers while enjoying unprecedented access to some of the nation's leading botanical experts and Appalachian wildlife authorities.

The event features seminars, guided tours and an opportunity for everyone to expand their skills and knowledge of the amazing flora and fauna of the Great Smoky Mountains.

There are more than 150 programs scheduled, including a wide array of instructional walks and guided hikes, each tailored to individual walking skill ability. Plus there are demonstrations with guest lecturers and tours showcasing the abundant variety of native wildflowers, plants, ferns, mosses, trees, shrubs, birds, reptiles, amphibians and more.

For more information about these special events, visit http://www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org/ or go to http://www.GatlinburgVacationStore for details on discount Gatlinburg vacation packages and more.