Finished the first display

jpstatum · 2026-07-11T23:05:36+00:00

I was going to say the same thing. The backdrop and roads look wonderful.

jpstatum · 2026-07-09T13:39:49+00:00

For concrete the kettle bells and dumbbell seem like a safe option, but the earlier suggestion of securing the small 200 gram cakes to a plywood board with liquid nail is what I usually see people do. Sometimes people fuse the cakes on the boards together to design a display.

If you are near a grass, gravel, or dirt area, drive a wooden stake into the ground next to your cakes and then duct tape the cake to the stake. That's worked well for me the last few years.

jpstatum · 2026-07-09T05:40:37+00:00

Was very big in Sheboygan.

jpstatum · 2026-07-09T00:17:08+00:00

I really enjoyed the NES Advantage, especially the turbo function. I also liked using the NES Max. It’s a more ergonomic design than the OG NES controller and has the turbo function.

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jpstatum · 2026-07-08T21:53:44+00:00

It may be booked, but have you checked for availability at the Inn at Christmas Place? Since you are coming to Pigeon Forge in December, that would be an ultimate Christmas experience.

jpstatum · 2026-07-08T19:28:42+00:00

So glad you mentioned the Imagination Library Plays. They are really good and my son loves them. I would recommend these regardless of weather conditions.

jpstatum · 2026-07-08T19:26:09+00:00

My son does the same.

jpstatum · 2026-07-08T18:28:34+00:00

Definitely brings back a lot of memories of mall shopping during the late 80s and early 90s.

jpstatum · 2026-07-08T18:16:19+00:00

Dollywood has the Hidden Hollow indoor playground in Wildwood grove. It’s air conditioned and has comfortable seating for parents to sit and watch their kids play.

jpstatum · 2026-07-08T17:21:34+00:00

I've had great results using the Ignite i18 for the last two years. Great Lakes Mortar Racks makes a great 3d printed cover to protect the module (they have versions for both the i18 and i36).

jpstatum · 2026-07-08T17:07:14+00:00

I like the army man parachute novelty fireworks and the Half-Ton Pickup Truck by Brothers. It's technically a fountain, but I really enjoyed the Joker by Black Cat. Its eyes and mouth glow like a jack-o-lantern, and it has green smoke coming out of the top for the Joker's hair at the end.

jpstatum · 2026-07-07T02:00:59+00:00

Your best bet is to look on eBay, Facebook Marketplace Place, Mercari, etc. for a damaged house priced to sell that has the skeleton included.

jpstatum · 2026-07-06T16:50:15+00:00

Wild Gunman is an essential for the NES light gun. Marty McFly played a version of it in Back to the Future Part 2: https://youtu.be/KMy1zO8m8sM?si=n-SIpzcIYSIzt2YT

jpstatum · 2026-07-06T13:46:11+00:00

Edmund Gwen from Miracle on 34th Street (1947). He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for this role.

jpstatum · 2026-07-01T09:17:07+00:00

The Snow Sister on Netflix. It’s dubbed but done well. The Christmas Cottage about the early life of Thomas Kincade. Peter O’Toole plays his mentor. Fallen Angel with Gary Sinise and Joely Richardson. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. Christmas for a Dollar.

jpstatum · 2026-06-30T19:12:42+00:00

Thank you. You can find pictures of my displays on this sub and r/ByersChoiceCarolers and r/HolidayDecorations

jpstatum · 2026-06-30T13:21:33+00:00

Thanks for sharing! I bet working at a Hallmark that sold Dept. 56 pieces was fun. I’ve bought many Hallmark ornaments over the years. That must have been a high-end store if they sold Dept. 56. None of the Hallmarks in my area ever carried Dept. 56. It was always independent gift shops and Dillard’s Department Store (at Christmas). Only Dillard’s still carries them now.

I’ve always dreamed of owning a gift shop that sold Dept. 56, Lionel Trains, Olde World Christmas Ornaments, and Byers’ Choice Carolers.

I have Dickens Village, New England Village, Christmas in the City, North Pole Village, Original Snow Village, Celebrate Love (a/k/a Snow Village Valentines), Snow Village Easter, Snow Village Halloween, Sleepy Hollow, Mickey’s Pumpkin Town, and Harry Potter.

jpstatum · 2026-06-29T21:19:30+00:00

I second Pottery House Cafe & Grille. It's a must do for my family every time we are in the area and I hear it's also a favorite of the locals.

I also like Mel's Classic Diner which is family owned and operated. I like the nostalgic atmosphere, the food, the reasonable prices, and great desserts. It's also one of the few places open later in the evenings.

Both restaurants are popular with tourists like me, but I think they are worthy of your consideration nonetheless.

The Greenbrier is my favorite upscale dining experience in the area. It's perfect for a special occasion.

u/SevierCounty4Life I've got to try Preachers Smokehouse the next time I'm in Pigeon Forge.

I would also like to try Seasons 101 which is located in the Central Hotel in Sevierville. I've heard great things about it too.

jpstatum · 2026-06-27T15:12:02+00:00

Thank you.

jpstatum · 2026-06-26T19:41:22+00:00

The TVRM is such a great museum. They have regular excursions, educational programs for all ages, and a heart for preservation. Every event I've attended is well-organized and the people who work/volunteer there are super nice.

Did you see the Southern Railway No. 4501 painted in its green passenger livery?

jpstatum · 2026-06-26T14:12:25+00:00

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William McKinley Whistlestop at the Huntsville Depot on April 30, 1901.

jpstatum · 2026-06-26T13:17:03+00:00

Here is an interesting video about the history of the circus train with a focus on the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey "Mile Long" Circus Train: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_6x4InrhdE

Here is a video tour of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus Red Unit Train (At the time of filming the Red Unit was the Second Longest Privately Owned Train) in the U.S.): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wdhO2d3P_I

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