Brandon, I've looked at lots of pictures of all the suggested shrubs and none look like the color (medium grape purple) but I've had fun and learned a lot while searching so all's not in vain. I emailed the Chamber of Commerce in Pigeon Forge asking if they'll get me in touch with someone who might know. May never hear from them and have to make another trip to PF. I guess I'll live quite well if I never find out but I'm sorta anal about things like this. Thanks for your help.

I'm not sure if you've ever been to Gatlinburg before, but if you haven't then you should probably expect to spend a day there. There are a lot of local shops plus that's where the aquarium is and you could ride the tram to go figure skating as well. You might even need more time depending on how much your kids and husband tolerate looking in the shops. I've gone to the area almost every year since I was a little girl. When I was younger, I wanted to stay in Pigeon Forge and ride go-carts and go to the arcades (that's where most of these type activities are), but my parents always wanted to spend time in Gatlinburg. Now as an adult, my husband and I like to spend most of our time in Gatlinburg, and maybe go to Pigeon Forge/Sevierville for a day. There are numerous things to do in both. You can take a scenic helicopter tour if you want (never done this myself). We like to take some time to drive through the Smokies on 441. You can drive up to Clingman's Dome and then hike the last little bit (maybe a mile-I can't remember) to the highest point in TN. It's a great view on a nice clear day. Also along 441, there are a lot of great pull outs to park and take some pics. Of course, as a child I used to hate these long car rides with my parents. For breakfast or lunch one day, you might want to try the Applebarn/Applewood? in Pigeon Forge/Sevierville. I think it is actually Sevierville, but the two really kind of run together. It has some little round donut type things that come with apple butter that are excellent. They come with most of the meals I think, but we always order an extra bag to take with us for the next day. In Pigeon Forge, there is the Dixie Stampede which is a show and dinner I think, but I've never been, so that's pretty much all I know about it. And then of course there's Dollywood. I don't know much about Cosby other than I've drove through it. I think it has some small shops and maybe a couple of places to sight see but I'm really not sure. If your family likes to hike, then there are a lot of trails to check out. It's good for some piece and quiet from all of the shops.

Nice batch of pigeons. Those birds would have a tough time in the city of Milwaukee. A number of years ago, pigeons were a problem for A. O. Smith, a manufacturer of frames for the Ford Ranger pickup truck. The welded and primed frames were stacked outside waiting for final finish coats and painting. Pigeon do-do was causing bad spots in the finish and promoted early spot corrosion on the finished truck. This was only one example. Others involved cleaning public buildings and repairing corrosion caused by the pigeons. Also, occasionally a peddestain got crapped on and if he was irate enough, he might complain to city hall. A common citizen might not carry much weight with city hall, but when the captains of industry and operators of various summer festivals complained, they took note. A.O. Smith had tried several deterrents; one that was partially effective was gas cannons that fired off on a random schedule, but the noise disturbed sleeping 2nd and 3rd shiftg workers and sleeping babies. The city fathers installed a few nesting pairs of perguine falcons - pigeons are one of their favorite prey. The idea was sold to the public as a conservtion measure to bring back these falcons from the brink of extintion. Owners of tall buildings downtown went along with the idea and provided nesting alcoves for the falcons. The result was highly successful for contriolling the pigeon population. We do have a few pigeon fanciers in the area, but they do not raise free fight birds in the city of Milwaukee. Breeders of racing pigeons locate their hutches outside the falcon nesting area. If they should race a bird through the city, they run a chance of loosing it.

DH and I are planning a one week trip to Asheville, NC and Pigeon Forge, TN in May. We need to be in PF on Thurs afternoon and Friday for a family event, but are open to ideas for the remainder of the time. Our interests include traditional music, southern folk art, southern food (DH), farm to table restaurants (me), moderate hiking. I’m open to any ideas for places to stay in Asheville, as well as restaurants and places of interest in the area. We’ll be renting a cabin in PF to be near family. Here are our thoughts about itinerary. Sat – Travel to Asheville Sunday – wander around Asheville including flea market (compromise with DH), folk art gallery, possible city hike? Monday – Biltmore Tuesday – Travel to PF, stop at Waynesville and Cherokee along the way. Weds/Thurs – Hiking, Dollywood, Gatlinburg? Thurs afternoon/Friday – Family event Saturday – WDVX Blue Plate Special in Knoxville, Travel home Thanks in advance for all comments and recommendations. Lisa