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Red Skelton Tribute Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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My time with Brian before the show

My time with Brian before the show

Every once in a while you come across an entertainment opportunity that really tugs at your heart. Sher and I attended such a show at Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Red Skelton Tribute show is the work of Brian Hoffman. He presents Red Skelton just as he was during the heyday of Skelton’s TV shows on CBS so many years ago.

Hoffman had a ten year run in Las Vegas but moved to Pigeon Forge a couple of years ago. I was able to talk with Brian before the show, and I asked him what prompted the move to Tennessee. He responded simply: “Divine intervention.” This set the stage for my learning about Brian and his calm and gentle demeanor. He explained that he loves putting on shows that are funny and filled with clean and clever comedy just as Red Skelton always performed.

He thoroughly loves presenting Red Skelton not only as a trip down memory lane for us baby boomers, but also as an education for the younger generation who have never heard of Red Skelton. Brian chuckled when he said that the younger generation includes youngsters including those in their late thirties!

An ad you won't see today

An ad you won’t see today

Gertrude and Heathcliff

Gertrude and Heathcliff

The entertainment begins with a 30 minute pre-show presentation in slide show format. Accompanied by vintage songs from the 50’s and 60’s you are treated to a montage of pictures from days gone by. All your old favorite autos are pictured. There is a series of photos of movie stars from those days. Ed Wynn, Humphrey Bogart, The Marx Brothers, Audrey Hepburn and Hopalong Cassidy are but a few of those dispayed. Old toys, cereals, games and even ads are shown, all getting you ready for the show.

Brian Hoffman as Red Skelton

Brian Hoffman as Red Skelton

Clem Kadiddlehopper

Clem Kadiddlehopper

Brian starts his performance as Red Skelton doing standup. It is remarkable how much he looks, acts and sounds like Skelton. His unobtrusive interaction with the crowd in the intimate Starlight Theater is a big part of the show. Everyone feels at ease and at home during the patter. You will have a huge grin on your face between those outbursts of the laughter that keeps on coming.

During the show you will be treated to several of the many characters that Skelton made famous during his career. Hoffman nails each one of them perfectly. Remember the pair of seagulls named Gertrude and Heathcliff? They apperar often during the show. You will appreciate Clem Kadiddlehopper in his coat of many colors. The act is vibrant and energetic as Hoffman switches back and forth from routine to routine.

Becoming Freddie the Freeloader

Becoming Freddie the Freeloader

Freddie the Freeloader

Freddie the Freeloader

Hoffamn changes into the Freddie the Freeloader character is a very unique way. He sits with his back to the audience and delivers a beautiful monologue as he applies the makeup for the transformation to Freddie.

During the final portion of the show you will be treated to Skelton’s famous reading and interpretation of the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag. This heart warming finale will make you think, bring a tear to your eye and reinforce that you made the right decision to see Brian Hoffman as Red Skelton.

I know there are lots of great entertainment choices in Pigeon Forge, but do yourself and your family a favor and make sure that this show is on your list. Here is the Red Skelton Tribute website.

Brian Hoffman as Red Skelton as Freddie the Freeloader

Brian Hoffman as Red Skelton as Freddie the Freeloader

Happy Days Diner in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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20160309_182245Sher and I were looking for a place to grab a bite to eat one evening before a show when we were in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Happy Days Diner caught our eye with its nostalgic 50’s and 60’s look.

What a cool diner! The inside takes you right back to the good old days. The counter seating is something you rfarely see anymore. The tables and chairs are brushed aluminum with red trim. The pictures on the walls hearken back to the days of Elvis, hot rods and cruising the strip on a Friday night.

 

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20160309_175127The menu is just what you would expect at a vintage diner. The selection of burgers is extensive. Of course you can get fries onion rings and all the trimmings. Appetizers are great for sharing or can be a meal in themseves. Milk shakes, sundaes and banana splits add to the culinary delights available. The menu items are named after the characters from the Happy Days TV show. Have a Fonzy burger.

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I ordered a classic cheeseburger and fries. Sher enjoyed the potato skins (without the bacon). Pricing is reasonable, the service is great and fast, and the manager even came to our table and offered to turn on the lights in the large back dining room.

The Happy Days Diner is located on Pigeon Forge’s main drag right next to the Comedy Barn. We attended the show after we ate. You can read about our fun time at the Comedy Barn here.

The Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

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Steve Curry on guitar with Katie Anne in background

Steve Curry on guitar with Katie Anne in background

Want an evening of good clean family fun? Well go no further than the Comedy Barn in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This show has been running for decades and for good reason. Not only is the comedy literally side-spitting, but the music, singing and dancing are also top quality.

The best way to describe this fun filled event is to tag it a comedy variety show. The musicians are top notch. The band includes Steve Curry, Clyde Foley Cummins, Ron Jeffrey and Buddy Cline. They provide music for the acts and also perform some classic bluegrass numbers.

The comedy segments will have you howling  with laughter and nearly in tears. Look out for Danny Devaney. What he does with ping pong balls, a plexiglass sheet and audience members is a sight to behold. Danny comes out on stage a second time and once again blows you away when he drags four guys up on stage and uses them with four five gallon buckets. You have to see it to believe it.

Harry Edenburn as "Harley Worthit"

Harry Edenburn as “Harley Worthit”

Ventriloquist Steve Knowles with help from the crowd

Ventriloquist Steve Knowles with help from the crowd

“Harley Worthit” (get it?) is the character stage name of veteran comedian Harry Edenburn. “Harley” brings a unique brand of comedy to the Comedy Barn. One liners follow one liner so fast you can hardly recover from your laughing to hear the next joke. When he performs his second set his costume is, ah, unique. Think striped tights, leopard skin mini skirt, flowered shower cap and white underwear for a shirt. Yep, it is quite a visual. His second act is as funny as his costume.

Venriloquist Steve Knowels will amaze you with his skill at throwing his voice. He stands center stage without the typical dummy on his hip. He throws his voice all over the auditorium and you’ll laugh your head off. Steve’s second act features his famous talking dog. Get ready: this is a real live dog that works with Steve. Oh, Steve also brings a couple of guys up to be his dummies. See the picture.

Rounding out the cast are two spirited dancers. Katie Waltman and Katie Anne Smith really know how to clog/tap. Their energy is amazing and wow can they dance! These two beauties add a spark of excitement whenever they are on stage.

The Comedy Barn should be on your list of must see shows in Pigeon Forge. Take the whole family for an energetic laugh filled night out on the town. Go straight to the Comedy Barn website for all showtimes, ticket information and directions.

Grand Patriotic Finale

Grand Patriotic Finale

Danny in rare form

Danny in rare form

Katie and Katie-Anne with Danny on stilts

Dolly Parton Dixie Stampede at Pigeon Forge

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Mountain Ruckus in the Dixie Belle Saloon

Mountain Ruckus in the Dixie Belle Saloon

The Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is one of the most popular events in the Great Smoky Mountains. Sher and I found out why when we spent the evening at the Stampede.

Touted as the most visited dinner show, your evening’s entertainment is really two shows in one. You start out in the Dixie Belle Saloon. Starting about 50 minutes before the Dixie Stamede show you will be treated to a great trio of musicians known as Mountain Ruckus. Playing your favorite bluegrass songs with a touch of gospel these guys have played with Dolly Parton in the past. Grab a bucket of popcorn and a cool non-alcoholic drink and enjoy this fabuous, professional quality music.

When it is time to move to the arena you leave the Saloon and are directed to your seats. The seating consists of rows of long tables, all of which offer great views of the arena. Once seated your server pours your drink in a Mason jar. Yes, a real mason jar! Keep in mind that your meal is served item by item while the show runs. You will be fed well. Soup and bisquit, whole small baked chicken, pork chop, half a potato and corn on the cob. No silverware provided (or needed) makes for a fun dining experience. Your server will bring you a warm moist towel when you are finished for hand cleaning. Dessert is a large apple turnover. Sher ordered the vegetarian meal with veggies, pasta, the potato and corn.

In the arena

In the arena

The set with changing video screen.

The arena is a sight to behold. One end is formed to look like a rocky mountain cliff complete with a huge video screen across the top. This serves as the entrance for the perfromers as well as the changing of the scenery for each act. The show starts with the host on horse back setting up the friendly competition for the night. The arena crowd is divided in the “north” and the “south”. Part of the show is a series of contests between the performers.

The skills of the riders are amazing. One gal stands with a foot on two different horses as she perfroms her tricks. She has remarkable balance. Her horses are not spooked by the pyrotechnics and flames, including a large circle of fire that she jumps through. Other trick riders will take your breath away.

The production is professional with dynamic sets that even drop from the ceiling of the arena. The costumes are magnificent and the musical numbers will have you tapping your feet. You’ll see a herd of buffalo, wagon trains, an eye popping Native American number complete with a flying performer. The north vs. south events all showcase equestrian skills. Ever seen pigs racing? You will at the Dixie Stampede. It is hard to describe in words this full evening event. But rest assured this Pigeon Forge attraction has earned its name as the most visited dinner show in the area. Plan you visit and make reservations at the Dixie Stampede website. You’ll have a great time.

"King" ready to perform in the Dixie Stampede

“King” ready to perform in the Dixie Stampede

Washington State Cascade mountain range

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Beautiful mountain stream

The Cascade Range in Washington is one of the features of the Pacfic Northwest that draws tons of folks each and every year . The Mt Baker-Snoqualimie National Forest offers a tremendous varitey of recreation and nature loving opportunities.

We have family in the Seattle area. When visiting we always try to allow for some time up in the mountains. The Mountain Loop Drive gives you some fantastic scenery, incredible photo ops and a chance to enjoy the lush forests of the mountains.

Roads turn to gravel but are very well maintained. Of course the season does make a difference, as winter snows can be very intense to say the least.

 

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Snow melt and waterfalls on Big 4 Mountain

Snow Melt and waterfalls on Big 4 Mountain

We could visit Boothill Graveyard in Tombstone

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IMG_3915After being disappointed with the town of Tombstone (see article here) I decided to see if we could park at the lot next to the Boothill Graveyard. Boothill is now on the National Register of Historic places. According to a plaque the graveyard was restored by Tombstone residents in the 1920’s.

The final resting place of some of Tombstone’s most colorful people is well maintained now. All of the graves look pretty much the same: a pile of rocks and simple wood markers. A few graves have fencing. The entrance to the graveyard is through a souvenir shop. They request a $3 “donation” for a flyer with the grave locations marked.

This was an interesting attraction. The graveyard is portrayed as being authentic, however you have to wonder about the spacing of the graves. The spacing is almost too perfect. The sayings on some of the graves are pretty humorous.

We were able to park in the lot, however any rig over 25′ will not be able to park here. I was able to find a spot and back in ok.IMG_3928

           

Sunset over the Sonoran desert

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We took a drive to the Tucson Mountain District of the Saguaro National Park one evening. It was a visual delight to watch the desert turn from the bright sunlight of the day into the subdued lighting of dusk followed by yet another night.

One by one the cacti lose the sun's warmth

One by one the cacti lose the sun’s warmth

Shadows begin to lengthen

Shadows begin to lengthen

A beautiful blaze of the day's last light

A beautiful blaze of the day’s last light

Dusk arrives

Dusk arrives

Northwest Michigan’s Best Bear Lodge & Campground

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Matt and Carrie Bearup

Matt and Carrie Bearup

We found a marvelous campground in the middle of northwestern Michigan after we had finished a large festival nearby. The Best Bear Lodge and Campground is a work in progress that is already gaining a reputation as a favorite spot to stay. Nestled on ten acres of beautiful woodland, this resort is located south of Travis City and north of Baldwin.

Right now there are seven pull through water/electric sites, tent camping, one cabin and a four room lodge/motel. The cabin has two sets of bunk beds, TV, fridge and coffee pot. Bring your own linens to the cabin. The lodge rooms are outfitted with full kitchens, bath, TV and includes daily room service. The TV service is satellite with 200 channels. Seperate rest rooms are sparkling clean as are the coin operated showers.

Our home for a few days

Our home for a few days

A beautiful setting

A beautiful setting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That is the overview. Here is the scoop: This place is one of the most peaceful, beautiful and nice parks you will ever find. The pull through sites offer plenty of room to run out your slides and/or awning. Between the sites there is a buffer with native oak, pine and other foliage giving the sense of privacy so often missing at most RV parks. Free pumpouts let you leave your sewer hose stowed. Bagged ice and cheap firewood is available.

We used our Verizon Jetpack for internet hookup. It went in and out, as did our phone service. This is not a good Verizon service area. The campground offers an ATT jetpack rental for a strong internet connection if you so desire.

Owners Carrie and Matt Bearup are just delightful hosts. They make you feel like family and will do anything to make your stay more comfortable. They know the area and can provide all you need to know about the hiking, ATV and snowmobile trails of the area. This area of the state is famous for the year round recreation opportunities.

The lodge building

The lodge building

The 1st of the cabins

The 1st of the cabins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional lodge rooms, cabins and RV sites are planned and will include 28 pulll through sites. The pads will be grass with paved roads for easy access to large rigs with towed vehicles or trailers. Right now the newly cleared and level sites are dirt as is the road. The sandy soil is well drained so mud is not a problem.

The $25 rate for an RV site is very reasonable and the best in the area. Be sure to visit the Best Bear Lodge website for all the information about this great campground. We will be back.