Magic, Music & Nature: The Great Smokies With Your Grandchild

Activity note: Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).

Afternoon: Program Registration: 4:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.

Dinner: At the hotel.

Evening: Orientation. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the program theme, the up-to-date daily schedule and any changes, discuss safety guidelines, emergency procedures, roles and responsibilities, and answer any questions you may have. We will review COVID-19 protocols and will adhere to applicable requirements and guidelines throughout the program. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/current conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a trolley. Walking at the theater.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: An expert will join us for an introduction to Appalachian folklore, folk music, and instruments. We will learn about the history of music, see and hear unique instruments, and songs of the mountains. We’ll then have time to make our own musical instruments and maybe learn a chord or two.

Lunch: At the hotel.

Afternoon: Next, we will take part in a storytelling and team building exercise. Later in the afternoon, we’ll board a motorcoach with our Group Leader and ride to the Country Tonite Theater. We will meet with the director for a lecture followed by a behind-the-scenes exploration led by theater staff. We’ll then ride to a local restaurant for dinner.

Dinner: At a restaurant near the theater.

Evening: Running since 1997, the “Country Tonite” show has been voted “best show in the Smokies” for many years. The updated show features new production numbers, new lighting effects, new comedy and new costumes. We will enjoy a variety of comedy, country music, gospel, contemporary hits, and patriotic music performed by talented singers, dancers, and instrumentalists.

Activity note: Getting on/off a trolley or shuttle bus; approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking up to 3 miles throughout the day, standing and sitting.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We’ll board a trolley or shuttle bus and ride to the nearby Dollywood Theme Park. With an expert, we’ll have an introduction to the park, its history, and what it has to offer. Dollywood’s mix of activities vary by season. It might be watching master craftsmen in traditional Appalachian crafts, enjoying shows and performances from country and bluegrass to gospel and rock-and-roll, nature shows, amusement park rides, and more.

Lunch: We will have vouchers provided to choose what we like from the many different offerings.

Afternoon: We’ll continue to explore Dollywood’s mix of activities that vary by season. You can watch master craftsmen in traditional Appalachian crafts, enjoy fun entertainment and shows — from country to bluegrass, rock ‘n’ roll and gospel music — as well as exciting amusement park rides and attractions. With our Group Leader, we’ll take the trolley and get back to the hotel at 4:00 p.m. with time to freshen up and relax before dinner. Those who would like to stay on at Dollywood and return independently are welcome to take a later trolley back; the park closes at 10:00 p.m. The Group Leader will be happy to answer any questions.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions and give directions.

Evening: At leisure.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach or trolley; approximately 1 hour total riding time. Walking and standing during field trips; uneven, unpaved ground, some stairs.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will enjoy a lecture at the hotel with the owners of the Iris Theater, who will talk about the power of illusion and maybe even teach everyone a trick. Accompanied by our Group Leader, we’ll ride to the Rainforest Adventures Zoo, an interactive adventure with over 130 species and 600 animals. We’ll spend time with the zookeeper, learn about the animals, have a Q&A session, and then have time to explore the exhibits at our leisure. Following our visit we continue to Gatlinburg for lunch.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Sevierville.

Afternoon: We’ll return to Pigeon Forge to explore the Titanic Museum. While impressive, this two-story construction is only half the size of the ship that became the most famous shipwreck in history. As we enter, we will each receive a boarding ticket with the name of an actual passenger or crew member. Then, we’ll get a feeling for what it was like to be on that fateful voyage in 1912 as we explore recreations of key places on the ship. Grandkids will have a scavenger hunt through the bridge, passenger cabins, and the beautiful Grand Staircase.

Dinner: In Pigeon Forge.

Evening: This evening, we’ll ride to the Iris Theater in Gatlinburg to enjoy the “Impossibilities - Magic, Mind-Reading, and Mayhem!” show in the Iris Theater starring Chris Collins and Erik Dobell.

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 38 miles roundtrip, approximately 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking up to 3 miles, standing during field trips; trails, dirt, uneven surfaces.

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: We will board our coach with our Group Leader for a trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. As the “peak” of the entire 2,100-plus-mile Appalachian chain, the Smokies offer the greatest variety of trees and plants, and the highest concentration of high peaks. We begin by exploring the Sugarlands Area with a short hike to Cataract Falls, the old time cemetery, and the Sugarlands Visitor Center. From here we travel through the beautiful Little River Gorge to Elkmont, and old logging camp and to “Daisytown,” the resorted summer resort of the more affluent residents of the era.

Lunch: A boxed lunch is included today at the Metcalf Bottoms area of the park, situated on the banks of the Little River.

Afternoon: Following lunch, we’ll travel via motorcoach to Townsend, Tennessee, which is described as the peaceful side of the Smokies. Here the emphasis is on nature and the great outdoors. As we make our way back to the hotel, we will meander through the mountain cove area known as Wears Valley, which is surrounded by mountains on three sides. This area was originally home to Wears Fort and offered protection from the Cherokee Indians.

Dinner: At Pirates Voyage, Dolly Parton’s newest dinner show. As we dine, we’ll watch the show featuring Captain Blackbeard, pirates, mermaids, tropical birds, animal performers, and more.

Evening: Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening will be at leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: At the hotel. This concludes our program.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!