Eco-Friendly Resort - Wilderness at the Smokies

There's a green business on the block making waves and depending on the guest(s), the establishment promises a fun-filled family excursion or relaxing vacation getaway. Wilderness at the Smokies (located in Sevierville, Tennessee) offers a mixture of upscale amenities and rustic mountain charm nestled in a luxurious setting. As travelers come from near and wide to visit the resort, I'm wondering just how many people know about the waterland's commitment to preserving the environment and providing a more earth-friendly experience. The Amazing Texlon Roof The Wilderness at the Smokies waterparks have been attracting guests of all ages to the resort. Surrounded by live tropical flora, the appeal of a suntan in the wintertime, and entertaining water attractions, the indoor waterpark transports you into a different realm of fun. Just some of the excitement to look forward to includes tube slides, surf rider, wave pool, and multi-leveled water play feature. Interestingly, upon entering the Wild WaterDome, the atmosphere is comparable to a perfect summer day – even in the winter season. Thanks to the see-through Texlon roof placed over the waterpark, natural sunlight and UV rays pour into the 60,000 square-foot complex. Because of this roof, guests can work on their tan all year-round, real plants grow indoors, and the resort enjoys reduced energy consumption. The Texlon roof not only enhances the overall experience of guests, but also:

• Lowers electric consumption by foregoing artificial lighting during the day
• Uses 300 to 400 less therms of natural gas per day to heat the indoor waterpark
• Has a built-in ventilation system that circulates more air in the summer months
• Reduces the resort's need for air conditioning

Accommodations The Stone Hill Lodge provides easy access to the Sevierville Event Center and Salamander Springs outdoor waterpark. Choose one of more than 240 hotel accommodations and enjoy natural upscale furnishings with a 'mountain-modern' décor and access to luxurious amenities, such as flat screen televisions, refrigerators, and microwaves. Connected to the Wild WaterDome indoor waterpark and Lake Wilderness outdoor waterpark, there are more than 400 rooms found at the Smokies River Lodge, including one- and two-bedroom suites, balcony access, fireplaces, sofa sleepers, and fully furnished kitchens. For large traveling families, the River Lodge offers a suite that accommodates up to 15 people. Keep in mind that all rooms at the Stone Hill Lodge and Smokies River Lodge provide unlimited access to resort waterparks and amenities. Have Fun with Ripley's or... During your stay at the Wilderness, take the time to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies or one of the other fascinating Ripley's attractions (Believe it or Not Museum, Haunted Adventure, Moving Theater, Davy Crockett Mini-Golf, Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini-Golf, and Marvelous Mirror Maze). While staying at the resort, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. You could test out the treadmills and weight machine at the onsite Fitness Center, get competitive at the Arcade, or enjoy a round of golf at Eagle's Landing. Soak in the 1,000-foot Magnolia Grove Hot Tub. Browse the retail shops for a perfect souvenir. When hungry, dine at the Hidden Trails restaurant or the Thirsty Miner Grill. Other Eco-Friendly Features As a member of the Green Hotels Association, Wilderness at the Smokies goes beyond their earth-friendly waterpark features and supports an array of green features and practices found throughout the rest of the resort, including:

• Tinted windows in guest rooms reduce energy consumption
• Motion-sensing towel dispensers reduce paper usage
• Energy Star rated appliances and kitchen equipment
• Energy-saving compact florescent lighting
• State-of-the-art key-controlled occupancy sensors turn on lights and HVAC system to save electricity

For more information on the Wilderness at the Smokies resort or to make reservations, visit www.wildernessatthesmokies.com or call 1-800-867-WILD (9453). Photo Credits: Wilderness at the Smokies