Latest news with #Springfest
Style Blueprint
2 days ago
- Style Blueprint
Cheap Things to Do in Gatlinburg, TN
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit Dubbed 'the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,' Gatlinburg, TN, is known for its scenic beauty, cozy cabins, and small-town charm — but you don't need an over-the-top budget to experience it. Whether you're looking for outdoor fun or just need a change of pace, this Southern town offers unforgettable moments that won't drain your wallet. From free attractions to a few insider money-saving tips, here's how to make the most of your next Smoky Mountain getaway! Pro Tips for Planning As you begin to map out your adventures, exploring the Deals page on Gatlinburg's website is a great place to start. The extensive list highlights discounts available at local restaurants, hotels, and attractions, making planning a breeze. You'll also want to peruse Gatlinburg's calendar of free events. Annual favorites include the Fourth of July Midnight Parade & Fireworks, Springfest, Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales, and the Gatlinburg Farmers' Market. Embrace the Great Outdoors It's no secret that Gatlinburg offers some of the most breathtaking mountain views in the country. While Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a small parking fee for visits longer than 15 minutes, entry to the park is still completely free. Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail offers trailheads to not one, but two cascading waterfalls. If you're looking for a hike that's more on the challenging side, take the 5.4-mile loop to Rainbow Falls. While it includes a steep ascent, you're rewarded with spectacular views — the highest single-drop waterfall in the park, standing 80 feet tall. Meanwhile, the Trillium Gap Trail leads to Grotto Falls, a 25-foot waterfall that invites you to walk behind the falls for a one-of-a-kind perspective. It's the perfect spot to find a moment of serene escape. Pin Cades Cove is another must-visit location within the park. Ideal for a scenic afternoon drive, the 11-mile loop includes panoramic mountain views. Plus, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife sightings. If you want to explore Cades Cove on foot, take the five-mile round-trip journey to Abrams Falls. The moderately challenging hike leads to a 20-foot waterfall. Ride the Gatlinburg Trolley A convenient (and completely free!) way to explore the city, the Gatlinburg Trolley operates 365 days a year. With an easy hop-on, hop-off system, the trolley stops at some of Gatlinburg's most notable attractions, including Ripley's Believe It or Not!, Anakeesta, and Gatlinburg SkyPark. SB Tip: View routes and stop locations in real time using the Gatlinburg Trolley locator. Pin Take A Stroll Along The Parkway Once you hop off the trolley in Gatlinburg's bustling Downtown Parkway, stroll along the streets for some window shopping (or actual shopping if your budget allows!). Popular shops include The Silver Tree, Zi Olive, and Smoky Mountain Soaps. More than just a place to browse boutiques and soak in even more mountain views, this vibrant area of town also offers plenty of photo ops, thanks to its handful of colorful street murals and statues. Pin If you've worked up an appetite, the Parkway is also home to plenty of budget-friendly eateries, whether you need a quick bite or a full-on meal. Standouts include the Sun Diner and Blue Moose Burger & Wings. And, for a sweet treat, don't forget to stop by The Donut Friar. Affordable Adventures If you want to explore some of Gatlinburg's top attractions, we've got some insider tips on how to save on admission. Anakeesta visitors receive a discount when they purchase advance tickets online — prices start at $34.99 for adults and $22.99 for children. Your ticket includes unlimited 'chondola' rides, plus access to Vista Gardens, the TreeTop Skywalk, the AnaVista Observation Tower, and more. Similarly, you'll save money if you purchase your SkyPark tickets at least three days in advance. As one of the most visited attractions in Gatlinburg, the park is home to the longest pedestrian bridge in the U.S. The famous SkyBridge stands 140 feet above ground and is 680 feet long. SB Tip: Many attractions offer combo packages, which can include discounted rates at local restaurants, retail shops, or other experiences. Be sure to ask an attraction ticket counter employee for more information. Pin This article is sponsored by the Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau. About the Author Brianna Goebel Brianna is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.
Miami Herald
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Miami Herald
Nick Cannon gets award from HBCU student he helped pay off loans
Nick Cannon recently had a powerful full-circle moment at Howard University, where he was honored for giving back to the HBCU community in a major way. The media mogul, actor, and proud Howard alum received the Humanitarian Award during the Bison Choice Awards-part of the school's "Made in the Mecca" Springfest celebration. The surprise came with an even deeper meaning: the award was presented by Christian Kornegay, better known as CDK On The Mic. Back in 2021, Nick Cannon used his daytime talk show platform to pay off CDK's remaining tuition balance at North Carolina A&T, helping the young HBCU student continue his journey without the burden of student debt. That gesture sparked national headlines and showed Cannon's commitment to supporting HBCUs and their students beyond lip service. Now, just a few years later, CDK is thriving in the entertainment industry and returned to his alma mater to recognize Cannon for his generosity and continued investment in the next generation. The exchange captured the true essence of HBCU culture-community, legacy, and reaching back to lift others up. Nick Cannon's ties to HBCUs run deep. He earned his degree from Howard University in 2020 and even served as a virtual commencement speaker. His actions have consistently reflected his belief in the value of HBCU education and the students who power these institutions. As student loan debt continues to burden many young Black scholars, moments like this highlight the lasting impact of support, especially when it comes from within the HBCU world. Nick Cannon's gift was bigger than money-it was about belief, empowerment, and legacy. And thanks to his generosity, one HBCU student has gone from getting something from the star to now honoring the man who helped make it possible. The post Nick Cannon gets award from HBCU student he helped pay off loans appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Massive Snake Mistaken for Stick Spooks Beachgoers by Slithering Through the Surf
One woman's beach trip went viral after she documented a huge snake slithering on the Ocean City, Md., beaches. Roxanne Flanagan posted a video to Facebook on Saturday, April 26, of an Eastern Hognose snake emerging out of the Atlantic Ocean. Flanagan told WMAR that she and her co-worker, Tiffany Redman, took their children to Ocean City for Springfest. But while on the Maryland beach, Flanagan's 7-year-old daughter yelled that she saw a snake near the fishing pier, north of the Ocean City Inlet. "I told her, it's probably just a stick, but I walked over and it was moving," Flanagan recalled. She then told her children to move back and give the reptile space. 'It was slithering probably for a few good minutes,' Flanagan said, noting that the snake was also pushed by the waves as it slithered across the sand. "At first, I thought they saw a shark," Redman told CBS News."But I was never expecting them to see a snake." Related: Massive Snake Spotted in Pittsburgh Park Has Been Identified as 'Harmless Species' Although the snake was 'chasing people,' Redman said it was the highlight of the kids' weekend for sure. "My daughter, Divinity, I hope it doesn't scare her to go back to Ocean City because I would like for them to enjoy the sand and building sandcastles, so hopefully we don't see any more snakes on the beach," Flanagan told CBS News. "All the years I've been going to Ocean City, I would have never thought that there were snakes in the water,' she said. "But now I'm worried about snakes." 'I'll still go to the beach, but I'll be extra cautious,' she confessed to The Baltimore Banner. Related: State Officials Urge Caution After 'Rare' Sea Snake 'More Venomous Than a Cobra' Washes Up on Hawaii Beach Ocean City Animal Control responded to a call about the snake, and they relocated the animal. Flanagan's husband Frederick was shocked when he learned about his family's reptilian run-in. "I was like, 'Oh my goodness, are you serious?' She showed me pictures and videos. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and of course, I hear my kids in the background freaking out,' he told CBS News. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'This is a native species that likes habitats with sandy soil, so it would not be unusual for it to be found on the beach,' Gregg Bortz, a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, said, per The Baltimore Banner. Dan Dembiec, the vice president of animal care operations at the National Aquarium, said Maryland is 'designed perfectly' for the species due to the close proximity to water. He added that the animals aren't dangerous to the public, but advised people to just 'let them be.' 'The best advice always with snakes is, step back and watch them,' Dembiec said. 'They won't attack you. They don't eat people.' Read the original article on People
CBS News
29-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Viral video shows large snake on Maryland beach
A Maryland woman's video of a large snake slithering on the beach in Ocean City is giving a lot of people the creeps. The video, which went viral with more than 4,000 shares on Facebook, shows what appears to be an eastern hognose snake gliding across the sand and in the ocean. "All the years I've been going to Ocean City, I would have never thought that there were snakes in the water, said Roxanne Flanagan, who took the video. "But now I'm worried about snakes." Flanagan and her co-workers from Brooklyn Park Dental visited Ocean City with their children for Springfest when their children spotted the snake and screamed. "At first, I thought they saw a shark," said Tiffany Redman, a dental hygienist at Brooklyn Park Dental. "But I was never expecting them to see a snake." "I told my kids to back up so they wouldn't get bit," Flanagan added. Flanagan's husband, Dr. Frederick Flanagan, who was back at the office, was shocked when he learned of the discovery. "I was like, 'Oh my goodness, are you serious?' She showed me pictures and videos. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and of course, I hear my kids in the background freaking out." How did the snake end up on the beach? According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, based on the photos shared, the snake appears to be an eastern hognose snake, which is a native species that likes habitats with sandy soil, so it would not be unusual for it to be found on the beach. The species does not present any danger to the public. "It was slithering all around the sand, chasing people," Roxanne Flanagan said. According to the Maryland Zoo, eastern hognose snakes may lift their heads like cobras and lunge at attackers when threatened, but their venom is harmless to humans. There are no snakes in the Atlantic, so the snake was probably looking for mussels or snails to eat. "It was the highlight of the kids' weekend for sure," Redman said. "My daughter, Divinity, I hope it doesn't scare her to go back to Ocean City because I would like for them to enjoy the sand and building sandcastles, so hopefully we don't see any more snakes on the beach," Roxanne Flanagan said.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet Mermaid Tasha at Museum of Ocean City to learn all about mermaid history and culture
Make a splash on International Mermaid Day with the Eastern Shore's very own Mermaid Tasha. The new Museum of Ocean City, located mere steps from the historic Boardwalk at 217 South Baltimore Ave., is set to host special guest Mermaid Tasha on March 29 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. During the event, Mermaid Tasha will read from her book "Mermaid Tasha's Mission." Participants will also have the chance to see a puppet show about the history and legends of mermaids. Tickets are $15 per child. With each ticket purchase, participants will receive a special, hand-crafted mermaid tail blanket, according to Children under the age of 1 and adults do not require a paid ticket, and thus will not receive a mermaid tail blanket. This program is designed for children 10 and under. OCEAN CITY'S NEWEST MUSEUM: Ocean City to get grand new museum on Boardwalk soon: Take a look inside the restored bank Tasha Haight is a PADI Mermaid Instructor Trainer and the owner of Mermaid Tasha LLC. Haight, who can frequently be found swimming at hotels and waterparks across the Eastern Shore, first became a mermaid in 2009. She has been mermaiding professionally since 2017. ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SPRINGFEST: Ocean City's 2025 Springfest: All to know about live music, transportation & floral garden MARYLAND WOMAN OF THE YEAR: True trailblazer: Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw is Maryland Woman of the Year 2025 Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@ This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City's new museum hosting Mermaid Tasha. Here's how to meet her
