Great Smoky Mountains Parkway shopping in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Townsend, Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. http://parkwayshopping.com Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:23:16 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://parkwayshopping.com/images/M_images/poweredby.png http://parkwayshopping.com Great Smoky Mountains Parkway shopping in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville and Townsend, Tennessee near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. http://parkwayshopping.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=13&Itemid=2 Two hundred years ago the Smoky Mountain area wasn't a destination for very many people. The Smokies were a rugged threatening place and best avoided during journeys. The wildlife including bears, mountain lions and snakes were to be feared as much as the terrain. Crossing the mountains was no easy chore. Areas around the Smokies were settled easily enough, but a few hardy souls delved into this wilderness to make a home. What kind of person would risk life and limb to live in this hellacious country? Articles - Local Mon, 21 Nov 2005 21:50:36 +0100 http://parkwayshopping.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=2 In the late 1800s many prominent ladies and gentlemen came to the Smoky Mountain area to enjoy the luxurious and beautiful surroundings of the Montvale Springs Hotel, known far and wide simply as Montvale. The hotel's main attraction was the healing effects of the sulfurous spring located nearby and the many leisure activities provided for the guests by the hotel operators. A day's activities included croquet, fine dining, hiking, hunting small game, a lush garden, music, and socials. Unorganized pastimes included chatting about the day's events in rocking chairs on the front porch and time spent in the hotel library. Articles - Local Mon, 21 Nov 2005 22:12:38 +0100