Smoky Mountain Strong

the documentary

Smoky Mountain Strong

The week of Thanksgiving 2016 was full of news reports on a wildfire in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. As we all feasted on delicious food and gave thanks it was unknown that in just a few days all would change. The sun would set on November 28, 2016 in Gatlinburg with news reports of the park wildfire breaching the city limits, as the hours past reality of this historical moment came to life. Lisa Bingham, at her home in Farragut was frantically attempting to reach her cousin that lived directly in the reported fire area. She was not alone as most of the areas neighboring Gatlinburg were left to watch and wait the fate of this beloved mountain town.

The sun would rise the following day with 14 lives lost and over 2700 structures destroyed. Lisa's joy in the survival of her family turned into determination to share the incredible story of the Gatlinburg Wildfires.

Over the next months, SMOKY MOUNTAIN STRONG came to life telling the stories of survival, faith, hope and recovery. The Bingham Group premiered a 30-minute excerpt of the documentary at the Knoxville Film Festival in 2017, winning multiple awards. The greatest of these awards was the overwhelming positive reviews and appreciation from actual survivors.

"Please tell more of the story, tell them to come back to Gatlinburg, tell more" were repeated by many wildfire survivors at the premiere. It appeared healing for some residents to tell their stories. “Smoky Mountain Strong” was chosen to open the Governor's Conference on Tourism held in Gatlinburg this year with rave reviews from all attendees. While the wildfire is an historical event of great sadness, the days following are equally significant as the strength of East Tennessee has shown to be stronger than any force of nature. We feature Gatlinburg and encourage all to visit Gatlinburg. It is still the place you always loved! LINK

Photo By: Mark VanDyke

Michele Canney

Michele Canney, Marketing Director for Anakeesta, never expected the day the Gatlinburg fires began to end in a flight on foot down a steep hill behind her three-bedroom house. Despite a thick layer of smoke at her office in Gatlinburg that morning, she, like many others that day, never anticipated the flames would expand to Gatlinburg and certainly not that they would reach her own home.

At first, Michele and her family opted to stay within the comforting walls of their own home—keep the doors closed, towels under the doors, block out the smoke. Stay inside and stay safe. But as the night progressed, they began to suspect something was very wrong. High winds made their house feel like it was literally rocking. Through communications with friends who lived near them, television and social media, they discovered the fires were spreading quickly. Finally, the fire department warned that a fire

had broken out right down the street from them, and they knew it was time to leave.

Michele and her family—her husband, son, and two dogs—piled into their car with the intent to leave but were soon blocked by a tree that was on fire in the middle of the road. So they turned around, came back to the house. According to Michele, her first thought was a bleak one: “So this is where I’m gonna die.”

Behind their house was a very steep hill, and with no road to travel down, it seemed to be the only option. Her son said, We are going down the hill. The family raced down the hill even as the fire was zooming up

the mountainside. They hitched a ride with a neighbor whose name they didn’t know but were once again blocked by a downed tree. Down Loop Road they continued on foot, down to Baskins Creek as trees fell and power lines snapped to the ground around them. They eventually made it to the Parkway where friends were waiting for them, but the journey was long and harrowing.

Despite the horror and devastation of that evening, however, Michele is able to look back with gratitude knowing that she and her family made it out safe and sound. From this tragedy also came a sense of closeness to the community for Michele.

“I feel such an outpouring of compassion and warmth and kindness from the people of Gatlinburg. I just feel so privileged and honored to be a part of that.”

the documentary marketing director for anakeesta

Anakeesta Joins the Gatlinburg Family One of Gatlinburg’s newest attractions, Anakeesta is a truly magical experience for guests of all ages. The adventure begins as you soar to the top of Anakeesta mountain from Downtown Gatlinburg on a 14-minute ride in either a quad chair or 6-person gondola cabin. Once at the top, you can experience Anakeesta’s whimsical treehouse village, which features local crafts, retail opportunities and dining. You can take a stroll through their canopy walk, which has 16 hanging bridges more than 40 to 60 feet in the air. If you are looking for a little more of a thrill, enjoy a race through the trees on their dual-racing zip lines, or speed through the forest on their new single rail mountain coaster. Younger guests will enjoy the Treehouse Village playground. The most priceless experience of all, however, are the stunning views of Mt. LeConte and Downtown Gatlinburg. Anakeesta is sure to become a favorite of visitors from all over the world, a place to create magical memories that will last for years to come.

Enter Anakeesta via the scenic Chondola. Choose

This scenic ride takes you up 600’ to the summit of

and enjoy the spectacular views from above. This unique

The Anakeesta Chondola is the first of its kind to be built in the United States!

to ride in an open air 4-person chair with safety bar or select an enclosed gondola cabin with seating for 6.

Anakeesta Mountain where you will enter the whimsical Firefly Village. Soar above the City of Gatlinburg

fixed-grip transportation system has 104 quad chairs and eight 6-person gondola cabins.

At the top of Anakeesta Mountain, you enter a one-of-a-kind family destination—our magical Firefly Village, built among the treetops in the heart of the Smokies. Experience the enchantment of the forest at the whimsical Catching Fireflies boutique featuring a unique line of children’s clothing, costumes, plush and toys designed to ignite a child’s imagination and wonder of nature. Discover unique jewelry, melodious wind chimes, garden art, home goods and women’s apparel. Our fairy gardens will delight all ages.

Children of all ages will love playing in the trees in this whimsically themed treehouse village interconnected by multiple bridges of varying challenge. Trek along a log walk to an elevated bird nest to learn about how an American Goldfinch cultivates its home, navigate a plank walk to a maze encapsulated by a house in the trees, and crawl through a tube net to a climbing adventure within the walls of nature.

Zip through the treetops on Anakeesta’s two unique ziplines. Stretching high over the forest floor, each zip is over 1,000 feet in length and will give you beautiful views of the Smokies while zipping right next to friends or family. Along the way you’ll be able to test your courage at our two challenge stations where you’ll rappel off our platforms and enjoy a controlled 60 foot descent to a cushioned platform below. Zipline guests

Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature on our scenic Tree Canopy Walk. Experience what it feels like to be a bird in the canopy as you stroll 40’ – 60’ above the forest floor along a series of 16 connected sky bridges suspended in the trees.

Everyone will discover treasure at the Anakeesta Gem Mining Company. Just like Pearl used to make! Enjoy a slice of our famous pies or assortment of mouthwatering baked goods. Save room for a scoop of creamy hand-dipped ice cream by Bluebell; cones, milk shakes and sundaes. You’ll step back to Gatlinburg in the 1940’s when visiting Pearl’s Pie in the Sky!

return to the summit by riding the Chondola from the mid-station.

The Castle

At an estimated cost of over $12,000,000, the 32,000 square foot 6-story Smoky Mountain Castle was built in the 1960’s as a private residence for a mysterious Southern businessman and his wife. The castle was strategically placed high above Gatlinburg so it would have the absolute best views in the Smokies. This iconic mansion has also been the subject of mystery and intrigue since the moment its construction first

began and has been the centerpiece of numerous books, articles and television segments – mostly relating to its (formerly) secretive nature.

For the past few years the castle served as a place where politicians, business leaders, celebrities, authors, artists and musicians regularly gather to chill out, laugh, have a great time.

On November 28, 2016 the phone call came just in time to alert the staff present to evacuate immediately. There was no time to collect belongings or secure the property, they only had mere minutes. The fire swept up the mountain consuming the mansion that towered above Gatlinburg. Today the ruins are as mysterious as the mansion was in it’s days of glory. The 2.2 acres are currently for sale at $650,000.

at graystone heights

A lifelong citizen of Gatlinburg, Ryan DeSear, General Manager of Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, had never seen anything quite like the terrible fires that ripped through his hometown in November of 2016.

Ripley’s closed their doors to the public at 6:30pm on November 28th. As Ryan headed home, the wind was just starting to pick up, but when a huge gust of wind knocked the power out, the devastation on the mountainside was suddenly apparent. Suddenly they could see that the whole mountain behind their house, only eight miles from the aquarium itself, was on fire.

At around 7:30, Ryan went back to the aquarium to check on the building and said it was like he’d imagine a volcano would look. “I’ve never seen a volcano in action, but there’s a fire on the mountain, and then you just see a big fireball blitz off and explode a mile from the actual fire. It was just fireballs

Ryan DeSear

going everywhere.” Greystone Lodge behind the aquarium ignited and burned, and soon after, the folks at the aquarium were urged to evacuate as the fire made its way down the hill.

It took Ryan and his family until 11:30 that night to reach a hotel in Pigeon Forge, but he did not sleep. He spent the night watching the weather cam at the aquarium, which had spun around to face the building rather than outwards toward the city. He spent the night making sure that his business, the livelihood for himself and so many others in the Gatlinburg area, did not go up in flames.

Fortunately, the aquarium survived the fires, and according to Ryan, he never felt better as a human being than he did in the days that followed. While it was an incredibly trying time, it was impossible not to feel good about people. Gatlinburg experienced no looting—nothing but a deluge of love. There were so many toys and clothing items donated that Ryan claims they could have clothed the entire county three times over.

The sense of pride in his hometown and his people has truly been overwhelming.

And not only did the people provide for those in need—Ripley’s itself was integral in helping its own affected employees get back on their feet again. Thirty-three of their staff members lost their homes either during or following the fire. Ripley’s told Ryan to do whatever needed to be done, and after just 11 days, they had all 33 people placed in housing with their first and last month’s rent paid, utilities taken care of and everything paid for.

“I’ve never been more proud to work for Ripley’s than I was during that time.” -Ryan DeSear.

The green neon is the Aquarium the night of the fire. The Castle and Graystone Heights is burning behind the Aquarium.

the documentary general manager ripley’s aquarium

Several pets were lost or abandoned during the fire. Ripley’s workers helped to rescue these animals.

The Historic Gatlinburg Inn

The Historic Gatlinburg Inn has long been a second home for folks from all walks of life and enjoys a rich and storied past. Frequent guests have included Liberace and Lady Bird Johnson, and it has inspired both filmmakers and songwriters. Back in the 1930s, Rel Maples, Sr. built the Inn on a family patch of land that had been used for growing corn. Over the years, the Inn was host to a variety of local staples, such as the chamber of commerce, the local newspaper, the town’s first bank, first dentist and

even the offices of the City of Gatlinburg. Following World War II, the popularity of the Smokies increased significantly, and the Inn became a favorite place to visit for many famous leaders in business, government and the entertainment world. At its heart, however, the Inn was and still remains a family-friendly establishment with touches of its original history throughout. Conveniently located off the Parkway, the Historic Gatlinburg Inn is a must-stay location for those visiting the Gatlinburg area.

Rocky Top

Celebrates 50 Years

One simply cannot live in (or, during football season, visit) Tennessee and not be familiar with the state’s most famous song. “Rocky Top” was penned in 1967 by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant at none other than the Historic Gatlinburg Inn (Room 388, to be precise). Since then, the song has been recorded by dozens of artists in a variety of musical genres and is now one of Ten nessee’s ten official state songs. Thousands of voices still join together at Neyland Stadium to belt out the famous words, proclaiming Tennessee “home sweet home.” Happy 50th birthday, “Rocky Top”!

The fire of November 28th spared the landmark Gatlinburg Inn.

As a University of Tennessee Forestry Major, Bruce McCamish found a place to peacefully study at the Dupont Springs Fire Tower in Sevierville. It would be the first thought on his mind years later as he was awakened to news of the Gatlinburg Wildfires. Around 2am, he arrived and climbed the steps of the 70-foot tower with his camera gear and brother in tow. “It’s so much worse than I realized” he thought upon seeing the burning landscape around him.

Bruce received his first camera at 8 years of age and since graduating from college has become a well respected, experienced photographer with an impressive portfolio. His claim to fame is being able to tell a story in pictures through the lens of emotion. He had no idea as he braced between the waves of 60 mph winds, the world was about to see this incredible story via his iconic photographs.

Just a week prior, Bruce was close to Gatlinburg covering a forest fire in Walland, TN, sharing on Facebook the seriousness of

Bruce McCamish

the drought and requesting prayers for all affected. He wrote “I am a native of these hills so my heart weeps knowing human lives were/are in peril not to mention living creatures of the forest”. Now, standing in the tower with the powerful winds only allowing 6-8 seconds of photographing at a time, the tears flowed.

The world would learn of this historical wildfire from a photo taken at a second location, a parking lot close to Dollywood.

With the rain finally falling, Bruce captured Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort as the fire glowed behind. The rain, while not a downpour, was the saving grace Bruce noted “the fire was right there, racing in from all sides of Pigeon Forge, the rain saved it”. In a matter of a few hours, images posted on Facebook went viral, national news organizations shared them and interview requests flooded in to hear directly from the photographer.

This story is one Bruce McCamish wishes never had to be told. In the past year he has refused all monetary offers for use of his iconic images. As he reflected on the images captured in those early morning hours of November 29, 2016 “There were tears shed at each shutter click capturing this catastrophe, it was difficult”. He continues to document the cleanup and recovery.

the documentary photogapher

Historic Arts and Crafts Community Celebrates 80th Annivesary

Gatlinburg’s beloved Arts & Crafts Community, an 8-mile loop featuring a variety of skilled craftsmen and artisans, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. Shops in the area are open year-round and feature original pieces of pottery, baskets, jewelry, artwork, photography and so much more. There are over 100 artists and craftsmen eager to display their wares, with many offering in-person demonstrations. The community began around 1937 when local craftsmen began opening their homes and workshops to visitors after years of working the streets of downtown Gatlinburg. That welcoming attitude and friendly spirit continues even now, 80 years later. The Arts & Crafts Community is an experience perfect for families and art lovers alike.

For over 50 years, the 97.5-ton of stone on the University of Tennessee campus has served as a message board for marriage proposals, political opinions and iconic VOL messages. On December 1, 2016, just days after the wildfires raged into Gatlinburg, the message was simple... “Pray for Gatlinburg”.

Initial reports stated that Ober Gatlinburg was destroyed by the November 2016 Wildfires. Kate Barido, Sales & Marketing Director for the only ski resort in Tennessee reflected on the night, days following and past year....

"We had people on property through the night, immediately we made contact with the agencies and news groups to correct this misinformation. Our primary concern was to locate our employees to make sure they were safe, clothed, housed and paid".

"The impressive first responders, police force, fire fighters, city workers and school employees managed to get our community functioning as quickly as possibly restoring a “new normal” and also restoring our faith in teamwork and the true meaning of community".

Kate Barido

We are the only Ski Area in Tennessee, as the southern-most ski slope in the United States, it is a convenient stop for winter fun.

Events are scheduled all the time to give you access to the slopes. Bonus: College Night and Ladies’ Night offer great discounts. We also give discounts to active and veteran military as well as free passes for children under 5 with a parent or guardian.

We have hosted the Special Olym pics Tennessee Winter Games for 33 years. We are proud to participate in this wonderful organization. This fantastic event is something we look forward to all year.

We are open during all holidays. Make new traditions with your family by plan ning a visit during a holiday for a festive change of pace.

We feel incredibly grateful that our Downtown Office, Amusement Park, and the Trams and all of the Tram Towers were NOT affected by the 2016 Wildfires. We are so fortunate that we are still able to contribute to local tourism.

Our Trams are Swiss Built by a company called Von Roll. Trams actually provide one of the safest means of transportation available, and ours provide some of the most breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains possible. Each ride takes approximately 10 minutes and is a unique experience.

The Trams mean more accessibility - since Gatlinburg is in the valley, driving condi tions are typically more stable throughout the winter. Getting up the mountain can be dangerous, and the Tram offers a much safer, not to mention beautiful, solution.

You can spend all day at Ober’s many activities. Families love spending extended periods of time on all the attractions, even if winter sports are not your thing. There is fun available at Ober Gatlinburg all year round. If our facilities are open, ice skating, the arcade, a full service restaurant and bar, shopping and our carousel are available. The Alpine Slide, Ski Mountain Coaster, Maze, Chair Swing and Scenic Lift are open any day the weather permits.

Snow is not artificial - it is machine made and there’s a difference! We are proud of our Snow Making system which is one of the most advanced systems in the world. Water droplets freeze as they fall through the cold air that the machines generate. The water droplets are frozen to create a “puff” of snow treated with a protein called “Snowmax” that allow it to last longer than natural snow flakes.

the documentary marketing director for Ober Gatlinburg

15 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT OBER GATLINBURG

The animals in our wildlife encounter are rescued and unfortunately are no longer able to survive in the wild. They are given the best life we can give them and are well fed, and well taken care of. One of the bears is even a retired movie star! He was featured in several commercials. These days, though, he enjoys lounging by his pond.

Skiers and Snow Boarders from novice to expert can enjoy the slopes. With 10 Trails and multiple lifts, there are plenty of places to explore, and Mogul Ridge is a challenge for even the avid skiers and boarders. Families who are new to skiing can also take advantage of the Gatlinburg Snowsports Center group and individual lessons. After School Weekday Programs are available for beginner and intermediate students. They offer fantastic rates that provide lift tickets, equipment and helmet rentals, and lessons as a package. Don’t forget, in January, we celebrate “Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month.”

You don’t have to be a skier to enjoy Ober, though. 4/5 people are not skiing, which means they are spending their time on the mountain enjoying the many other activities.

Even if you are not into the “attractions” of Ober, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and appreciate nature and the unique views of the Smokies. There are also opportunities to connect with your spiritual side with services held on the mountain.

OktOBERfest is Legit! Ober Gatlinburg just finished celebrating Oktoberfest. Every year from Mid September to the end of October, Bavarian-Style Cuisine takes over the Seasons of Ober Resaurant, as well as an Oompah Band in authentic costume, and Bier Garden featuring specialty Oktoberfest beer and foods.

The Back In Blue Rail Jam event means the start of the winter sports season! We can’t wait to get tubing, skiing, snowboarding and winter merriment underway!

Salt and Pepper Museum

The sound of sirens got louder and closer as an ambulance or police car came up the narrow road just off East Parkway in Gatlinburg. The Ludden Family was settled down For the night, staying indoors due to the heavy smoke, when they heard yelling next door as first responders were demanding immediate evacuation. There was no time for collecting any personal items, the wildfire was already blazing behind the neighbor’s house.

The Ludden Family lived just up the road from the family business, The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is a museum dedicated to the most basic household item: the salt and pepper shaker. “We have 20,000 sets currently in the collection” said Andrea, “ with a sister museum in Spain”. Her late mother, also named Andrea, had moved to

the area with the specific intention of sharing and growing her collection. Daughter Andrea continues her mother’s dream while also traveling with her father sharing their artistic jewelry collection.

The very close-knit Ludden family did not have time to consider the museum or heir looms within their home as Andrea gathered her father Rolf, brother Alex and family dog in the desperate fleeing from the wildfire. Their home would be lost in the fire but graciously the museum was spared. “We returned to find debris with about two feet of ashes” recounted Andrea, “it was in the ashes I found the Smokey Bear glass shaker, it survived and we did too”.

The media attention following the wildfire was nothing new to this family as the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum has been featured on the Food Network and the famous Saturday Evening Post, just to name a few. Sharing their story has been a healing process in the past year for Andrea, however, she really hopes the first responders that saved her family will read their story so they might have a chance to meet them.

Plan a trip to Gatlinburg and visit the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum located at 461 Brookside Village Way in Winery Square. This quirky museum featuring salt & pepper shakers from various eras and a variety of materials is a must see in the Smokies. They are open Monday - Saturday 10am - 2pm and Sunday 12 - 4pm.

The Gatlinburg Sky Lift, which opened in the 1950s, is one of the oldest attractions in the Smoky Mountains. The popular attraction is located directly across the street from Ripley’s Believe It or Not in downtown Gatlinburg. This vintage chairlift transports visitors to the top of Crocket Mountain for an amazing panoramic view.

Randy Watson

The Gatlinburg Sky Lift has been a favorite attraction on the Parkway since it was built back in 1954. On the day of the fires, sales stopped around 12:30pm due to the heavy smoke blanketing the once pristine mountain views. Hours later, the fire came across Crockett Mountain, consuming the shop at the top of the lift and destroying the terminal.

According to Randy Watson, general manager of the Sky Lift, once the smoke

had cleared and they were able to assess the damage, they immediately went to the drawing board to figure out what to do. They brought in the world’s largest lift manufacturer, Doppelmayr, to help with constructing a new lift. In the midst of great loss, they were able to find a blessing in that 12 of the Sky Lift’s own staff, three of whom had lost everything, were able to pitch in and help the Doppelmayr workers with the rebuilding process.

On May 26, 2017, the Gatlinburg Sky Lift Reopened to the Public.

According to Watson, they still “have the beautiful view that God put out there for us to enjoy.” As with so many other area businesses, Randy and the Sky Lift staff proved they were “Gatlinburg Strong” by dusting off the ashes and returning to business stronger than ever.

the documentary general manager gatlinburg sky lift

The rocking chair by definition is an ordinary chair set atop rockers to provide relaxation while it moves back and forth. One could only imagine the countless hours of relaxation provided by rocking chairs, however no one would imagine the role a single rocking chair would have following the Gatlinburg Wildfires of 2016.

At the end of World War II, the newly incorporated town of Gatlinburg was starting to buzz again. The McLean Family often journeyed from Knoxville to take in the magnificence of the mountains and the people making this promising place unique. In 1945 with a dream to open a hotel, the McLean family purchased 180 mountainside acres. The family granted 80 of those acres to the National Park providing a roadway which is today the Gatlinburg Bypass. There were many developments to those purchased acres with the most infamous 26.6 acres gaining life in 2005 with a creekside pavilion, five buildings and numerous rocking chairs.

With generations of love for these Mountains it was an exciting time for Buddy McLean, his brother James and longtime friend & designer, Jeanie Johnson as they embarked on sharing these mountains with the world. The quest to merge past with present took them to the research the ElkmontCommunity of the Great Smoky Mountains and the great camps of the Adirondack Mountains in New York. Just like the back and forth of a rocking chair, those great camps mixed a back in time enjoyment of getting away in the outdoors with the forward time enjoyment of luxurious bedding, fine dining and social prominence.

The labor of love that began in 2003 was realized as the Adirondack style met Southern Charm in 2005 at the opening of The Lodge at Buckberry Creek.

The first year, The Lodge at Buckberry Creek welcomed guests to 44 well appointed, luxury suites inviting them to embrace the natural surroundings. Guests enjoyed walking to the Creekside pavilion along the hiking trail, relaxing in a rocking chair while gazing at the breathtaking view of Mt. LeConte and ending the day with exquisitely prepared fine dining. Attention to detail was given each suite, extensive training to every staff member, from the moment a guest pulled onto the property it was purposed to meet their every need.

Their mission accomplished and recognized as the year closed with the prestigious AAA 4-Diamond being awarded to these good stewards of mountain legacy. Buddy

reflected on this moment stating it was”an Overwhelming Acceptance of Our Vision”.

The Lodge at Buckberry Creek was the first in Gatlinburg to receive this award and have achieved it annually since 2005.

A McLean Family Picnic along the banks of Buckberry Creek,

and Victor H. McLean Jr. (indirectly in front - second from right),

McLean. Its breathtaking scenery and wildlife inspired the McLean

of

to purchase several hundred acres adjacent to the park’s mountainous land. The intent was to build a family home to serve as a summer retreat, but this special sanctuary has evolved into something much more.

Members of the family have enjoyed the sights, sounds, and allure of the property for over 60 years, but have always desired to share the natural beauty of their mountain paradise with others.

1930. Victor H. McLean Sr. (second from right)

grandfather and father of Buddy and James

family

Knoxville

That vision grew to The Lodge at Buckberry Creek becoming the premier resort of Gatlinburg hosting events for the National Park Service and their dignitaries. They welcomed 2nd Century Park Commissioners; Sandra Day O’Connor and Howard Baker during the anniversary of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There would be many national, local & state dignitaries as well as numerous celebrities enjoying the Lodge, but the most special to Buddy, Jeanie and James was the opportunity to host Casting for Recovery, a joint effort with 25 volunteers to grant 14 ladies a weekend of Buckberry, Fly Fishing and the Great Smoky Mountains during a difficult time in their life. The Lodge was the first in the state to host this special event and continued the tradition for 10 years. Buddy said,” It was an honor to be a small part”. The ladies enjoyed sitting in the rocking chairs by the fire making s’mores, learning to cast a fly rod on the front lawn and embracing the history of the memorabilia within the main lodge.

Each day at the Lodge at Buckberry Creek was a continuation of the legacy birthed in 1945. Seventy-one years of McLean family heritage, twelve years of welcoming the world to sit in a rocking chair at this mountain paradise would all change in one hour of time. At approx. 8 pm on Monday, November 28, 2016 the fire that started over a week prior in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park reached the Lodge at Buckberry Creek in Gatlinburg. With hurricane force winds reaching 90 miles per hour, the fire storm engulfed the property. The decisive actions of Event Manager Ellie Morgan and Executive Chef Jason Milanich resulted in the safe evacuation of all guests and staff. The priceless family heirlooms, historical memorabilia and buildings were consumed to ashes.

In the days following the wildfire it would become known that one building survived, the lodging building known

as “The Woods”. Buddy McLean, Janet McLean and Jeanie Johnson made the trek to inspect the property. As they walked the remains of the buildings, now just ashes, they glanced at Mt. LeConte noting the famous view had remained. In the distance they could see a single rocking chair with a simple burnt scar on the leg. The fire burned so hot it consumed all in its path, but this rocking chair remained. The rocking chair was in a favorite spot for guests to gather, it is easy to imagine that every guest had either sat or stood by that rocking chair. Buddy took a seat and began to rock as the weight of what had occurred was taking a physical toll. In that moment of reflection the rocking chair took him back to where it all started and forward to embracing hope with each rocking motion. The survival of the rocking chair meant that the past could not be erased, hope was restored and the future was inspired.

As the world around Gatlinburg learned of the devastation at The Lodge at Buckberry Creek, the outpouring of love, support and hope for the future became louder than the media of the wildfire event. Countless emails, messages and hand written letters of support, love and memories were received. Within 48 hours, Casting for Recovery called to pledge a fundraiser for Buckberry staff support. Over 10,000 social media messages made it clear the mission of the McLean Family was accomplished and appreciated, the true mountain gem would have to shine again!

Buddy McLean

the documentary the lodge at buckberry creek

The Woods at Buckberry Lodge re-opened for lodging in June 2017. It was the only structure on the property to survive the Gatlinburg Wildfire. Each well appointed suite offers rustic luxury, modern amenities and balconies to enjoy the outstanding views. Visit www.buckberrylodge.com for more information or inquiry@buckberrylodge.com for reservations.

Although the rebuild would take time to organize, Buddy, Jeanie and James knew they had one building to offer guests. With much consideration given to respecting the past, present and future the journey to open the surviving building began with the cleaning of debris, painting of the foundations remaining from lost structures and construction of a fence around a new gathering place for the rocking chairs. It was a great task cleaning the accommodations and repairing the landscaping but in June 2017, the first building constructed on the property so many years ago reopened. Since the opening, guests have been embracing the opportunity with each other and nature found while lodging at The Woods at Buckberry Lodge. “They are back, not full capacity but we had a relaxing week, we will be back” noted a repeat guest on the service, views and accommodations being just as they remembered. “Rocking chair, rocking babies, rock-a –bye, rock of ages side by side will be together always”. In the

time since the wildfire those lyrics give song to the legacy of The Lodge at Buckberry Creek. The rocking chair invites you to take a seat, embrace the surroundings, rock a little and rise with a smile. For years those chairs rocked guests as they made s’mores, talked about adventures of the day, and made new friends. The rocking chair, a symbol that memories could not be erased but would carry on through the ages as generations share the memories of yesterday and the possibilities of tomorrow while they rock together gazing at the magnificent mountains. The opportunity to see the Buckberry Rocking Chair and the amazing view of Mt. Leconte awaits at the The Lodge at Buckberry Creek. The surviving building “The Woods” is open for lodging reservations. Contact 865-430-8030 or inquiries@buckberrylodge.com for details. While you’re there take a seat in the rocking chair and smile knowing though the ashes of life’s worst burn you will rise, no matter the scar or number of times you are rocked, there will always be the rise.

“OUR GREATEST REWARDS WERE FROM OUR GUESTS AND FRIENDS WHO CAME BACK YEAR AFTER YEAR

AFTER SEASON. PEOPLE CAME AS GUESTS BUT USUALLY LEFT AS FRIENDS.”

AND SEASON

The Owners of The Lodge At Buckberry Creek.

28th Annual Pigeon Forge Winterfest

Draped in more than 5 million lights, Pigeon Forge creates a winter wonderland for locals and guests alike to enjoy during the city's annual Winterfest celebration. The lights of Winterfest shine from early November through the end of February.

From winter light displays to captivating holiday shows and so much more, here are just a few of the fun ways you can experience the delightful Winterfest Celebration.

Visit Dollywood to see more than 4 million lights shine during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, when the park is filled with holiday music, plenty of rides, a nightly Parade of Lights and much more to celebrate the season. Dollywood recently announced the addition of Dolly's Parade of Many Colors, featuring new floats, specialty characters and songs. The park also adds a new show to its entertainment lineup with the stage production It's a Wonderful Life.

Old Mill Square features a light display depicting its own version of a covered bridge, one made of thousands of twinkling lights that lead to one of the most historic areas of Pigeon Forge. The Smoky Mountain Opry is decked out for the holiday season with giant trees, wreaths and more, all covered with sparkling lights. You might even catch Old Saint Nick making a rooftop delivery.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede pulls out all the stops when it comes to decorating for the holidays. One of the highlights is their 60-foot-tall tree, adorned with colorful lights, ribbons and sparkling ornaments from the very bottom to the twinkling star on top. Another must-see is The Island in Pigeon Forge with all new decorations including approximately 40,000 ornaments, half a million lights and more than 5,000 feet of garland. Guests are treated to three new Christmas trees, including one that stands 40 feet tall and allows guests to walk through. Santa and Mrs. Claus greet guests at their new workshop while roving carolers fill the air with Christmas music.

Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Adventures puts a new spin on the holidays with an all-new Christmas dinner and show. This year, it is Christmas in Timber Ridge and the competition is on to see which lumber camp family is the best at growing and supplying the best Christmas trees in all the land.

And the best way to take in the beauty and splendor of all the light displays throughout Pigeon Forge is on the Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, which begins at the north end of the Parkway.

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