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This section is dedicated to you, our readers! Feel free to reply to this email with any of your fun stories from your vacation in Pigeon Forge. Send us photos, memories, travel tips, anything that you would like to tell us about your experience in the Smokies. Every week we will highlight reader's comments in this article. Thanks for all the feedback. We love to hear from you!

This week's question, "When you book your trip to the Smokies do you stick to a 'favorite' or try out new lodging options?"

Last week's question, "When visiting Pigeon Forge, what is your lodging of choice, cabins or hotels?"

Janet writes, "I prefer staying in hotels. The Inn at Christmas Place is awesome. I have never had that much special treatment before. They really want to please their guests!"

Vickie says, "My choice of lodging is both. If there is  something special like a car show going on in Pigeon Forge I like to stay on the main strip so you can walk to all the happenings. But most of the time I love to stay in a cabin back up in the woods, not the ones that sit side by side. I like to set out on the porch and rock away my stress while listening to nothing but the birds, frogs, and other creatures." 

Frank and Sharon say, "The only way to go is stay in a cabin. We stayed in a cabin rented from Autumn Ridge Rentals the first time down, which was in '98. Absolutely loved it. We would get in the hot tub every morning, have our coffee and watch the sun come up over the mtns.  What a sight that was.  There is no other way to stay but in the cabins in the mtns." 

April 25 - 29: The 62nd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is an annual five-day event in Great Smoky Mountains National Park consisting of a variety of wildflower, fauna, and natural history walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars. Most programs are located outdoors in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park areas, while indoor classes and seminars are also held in various venues throughout Gatlinburg. Join us by registering for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smokies on April 25-28, 2012.

April 26: Gatlinburg Ribfest and Wings - Purchase an armband to sample the great ribs and wings all night! At the end of the night judges will award prizes to the best ribs or wings in seven categories. All vendors are competing for the "People's Choice Award" which is chosen by you. This festival isn't just ribs and wings though...It is full of live entertainment. Come on out for some Smoky Mountain Fun!

April 26 - May 5: The 8th Annual Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair - will be held at The Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge. Join us for great music and fellowship.

April 27: Fiesta-Val - Band and Chorus Competition, Spectators Welcome - FREE at Music Road Convention Center 

May 3 - 5: Yellow Mustang Car Show - located at The Inn at Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge. Call 1-888-465-9644 for additional info 

May 4 - 5: Spring Festival and Old Timers Day - located in Townsend, TN. Join us for our springtime celebration of bluegrass music (concerts and jam sessions), clogging, arts and crafts, BBQ, Appalachian skills demonstrations, storytelling, wildflower walks, and the beauty of the Smokies in the springtime. 

May 4 - 6: Birdwatching in the Smokies - What could be better than a weekend of birdwatching in the Smoky Mountains! Discover the many bird species of the Southern Appalachian Mountains while we focus on their specific adaptations and distributions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Educational and fun for all!

May 5: Fifth Annual Gatlinburg Gateway Triathlon - at the Gatlinburg Community Center at 8:15 a.m. Awards will be given. Call (865)436-4990 

May 5: Cinco de Mayo Festival - Cinco de Mayo Festival - A major Hispanic celebration in downtown Gatlinburg taking place in front of Ripley's Aquarium. This educational festival will be both fun and colorful. Come out and hear Latin music, participate in activities, and enjoy an evening of celebration. 

May 5: Off the Wall - 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A fine art & craft sale to benefit the Dr. Robert F. Thomas Foundation and featuring original works from 40+ local and regional artists working in oils, watercolors, pastels, acrylics, jewelry, pottery, fiber art, photography and more. For information, call (865) 446-9628 

May 9 - 11: Southeastern Pedal Car and Toy Show - located at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center - Portell Restorations will be available for your parts needs. Call 1-800-223-6707 

May 11: 27th Annual Dolly's Homecoming Parade - 6:00 p.m. marks the 27th annual Dolly Parade. This Dolly Parade kicks off Pigeon Forge Springfest with Sevier County's favorite daughter, Dolly Parton, as its grand marshal leading the celebration. 

May 12: Shrine FunFest Parade - on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, TN - Route to be announced. 9:00 a.m. start time.   

May 12: Birdwatching at Cades Cove - What could be better than a weekend of birdwatching in the Smoky Mountains! Discover the many bird species of the Southern Appalachian Mountains while we focus on their specific adaptations and distributions in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Educational and fun for all!