Fall Enchantment at the Smoky Mountain Festival in Gatlinburg

From September 1st to August 31st, you can experience the charm of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge in the full swing of the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. This celebration of fall is one of the most enchanting times that you can visit the area. The beautiful fall foliage with its vibrant oranges, yellows, and reds combined with the fantastic Smoky Mountains makes for an unforgettable vacation experience. In addition to the wonderful scenery, the area comes to life with arts and crafts vendors selling their wares, adorable decorations, and tours of the Arrowmount School of Arts and Crafts. You won’t want to miss Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge during Autumn!

Don’t just enjoy the scenery from afar while you’re in the area, go and be in the middle of it with the 1 Hour Smoky Mountains Horseback Ride. Enjoy the crisp, fall air while you ride and get a closer look at the amazing colors of the leaves. This tour is great for beginners who don’t have any experience with horseback riding. It will be a relaxing ride at comfortable speeds throughout the entire activity.

The peace and tranquility you experience during your horseback ride will have you wanting to spend more time out in nature. You can have another wonderful outdoors experience with the Smoky Mountain Picnic and Romantic Carriage Rides.  Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch out in the country with your significant other, friends, or family before relaxing and taking in gorgeous scenery on a carriage ride. The cozy carriage ride is a wonderful way to cuddle up or talk with those you love.

Let Springfest Put a Spring in Your Step in Gatlinburg, TN

When Springfest comes to Gatlinburg, TN the city bursts into bloom. From March 15th to June 5th, the city is filled with flowering plants, shrubs, and floral arrangements. Springfest isn’t just about the flowers though, it is also a cultural festival in which artisans come to display their creations to the public for sale and for show.  There will also be live music performed in the streets to entertain and delight both the citizens of Gatlinburg and the visitors. 

Don’t forget the other great things Gatlinburg has to offer in the excitement over Springfest. Gatlinburg also offers great entertainment with activities like the Gatlinburg Sky Lift. A panoramic view of downtown Gatlinburg would be amazing at any time but it will be especially amazing during Springfest as it will provide an excellent view of all the activities in town. The sky lift will also offer views of the mountainous region around Gatlinburg that are sure to be unforgettable. 

While you’re in Gatlinburg make sure you really get a taste of the great outdoors with an adventure like the Nantahala River Rafting Tour. On the river rafting tour, you’ll get to experience the scenery of the area as well as the exhilaration of some rapids. If you’d prefer not to get wet, then another great outdoors activity is the Parrot Mountain and Tropical Bird Sanctuary. See exotic birds and even feed some of them. It’s a great treat for the whole family.

Gatlinburg’s Festival of Nations Brings World Culture to the Heart of America!

This March 27 through April 26, the sights and sounds of the world will converge in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area with Dollywood’s Festival of Nations! Throughout the month-long celebration of world culture, guests will be treated to a wide variety of activities and performances with the following acts already scheduled:

• DRUM! – A 20-person group of dancers, musicians and singers who combine a variety of world sounds for a menagerie of entertainment
• Invaders – Ensemble orchestra presented traditional sounds from Trinidad and Tobago
• Jallmay – Offers Peruvian rhythms ranging from traditional to current pop fads
• Atahualpa – Provides a native Incan feel complete with traditional instrumentation
• Imaginé presented by Le Grand Cirque – As always, the world of Cirque will amaze with its multi-cultural, fantastical performance
• Keona – An instrumental duo from Switzerland that is noted for its use of the hang drum
• Zambia Vocal Group – An a capella group that features members from a variety of tribes throughout Africa

Those interested in being a part of Dollywood’s Festival of Nations are encouraged to secure tickets and begin browsing lodging options throughout the Smoky Mountains region, and experience world travel right in the heart of the United States!

Check Out the Smoky Mountains’ Newest Attraction

Looking to add the excitement of visiting a brand new attraction in the Smoky Mountains on your next trip to the Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge area? One of the newest attractions in the area, the ZORB, hails from New Zealand and is one of the most unique activities you can enjoy in the area.

If you liked rolling down hills as a child, this activity is perfect for you! The ZORB features a huge inflatable ball that you will roll down an 820 foot hill in. The globe is approximately 11 feet tall, and up to three riders can ride in it at one time. The ZORB also has the ZYDRO option, which is a wet and wild activity that is available even in the middle of winter. This ride option includes you, the globe, and five gallons of water (cold in the summer, warm in the winter) rolling down the hill. Kids as young as eight can enjoy this attraction, making the ZORB an activity that the whole family can enjoy. A perfect escape from the boredom of winter or a fun addition to your summer vacation in the Smoky Mountains, ZORB is the new must-do activity in the area.

Looking for other ideas for fun winter diversions? Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have many options open year round with indoor fun for all ages. At the Guinness World of Records Museum in Gatlinburg, you will see a unique collection of exhibits, artifacts, and more from the record-breaking history of the Guinness World Records. This museum contains a replica of Noah’s Ark, Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” boat, and a view of the original Batmobile. With so many fascinating exhibits, the Guinness World of Records Museum is the perfect way to spend a fun afternoon in Gatlinburg.

For another interactive activity sure to keep kids entertained, check out WonderWorks in Pigeon Forge. This engaging attraction is known as an “amusement park for the mind” and features multiple exhibits and stations that allow for interaction, creativity, and a true hands-on experience. Here you can experience how an earthquake feels, what lying on a bed of nails feels like, and what it is like to land a space shuttle. With exhibits to appeal to any age group, WonderWorks is sure to be an attraction that pleases everyone in your family.

Start Your New Year Right in Gatlinburg

If you do not already have plans for how you are going to ring in the New Year, spending the weekend in Gatlinburg is a sure bet for a fantastic vacation. Because the New Year falls on a Friday this year, you have the perfect opportunity for a long weekend of relaxation after the busyness of the holidays.

To make planning your vacation in Gatlinburg easy, we have a pre-built New Year’s package for you. The Celebrating New Year’s In The Smokies vacation package already comes with lodging, shows, and dinners for your convenience. With this package, you will have four days and three nights to enjoy everything that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have to offer for the New Year’s holiday. 

This package is full of great Gatlinburg activities and shows, including the Smith Family Theater, Country Tonite, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. In addition, you can experience the lights of the area on the guided Winterfest Light Tour. This package also includes dinner each night. One of the dinners will be at Dolly Parton’s famous Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show. In addition, you will enjoy a New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner, which will make your holiday extra-special. 

With country music, delicious food, and the convenience of a pre-planned vacation, the Celebrating New Year’s In The Smokies package is the perfect vacation option for anyone looking to get away and celebrate the beginning of 2010. Whether traveling with your family or booking a romantic vacation for two, you will be sure to have a great time on this vacation.

Make Plans to Celebrate Fall at the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival

Due to Gatlinburg’s position at the foot of the Smoky Mountains, it is an especially beautiful place to visit in the fall. Thousands of visitors come each year to enjoy the cool autumn temperatures and vivid fall foliage. The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival is an annual event that draws visitors each year to celebrate the fall season Gatlinburg.

This year’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival will take place September 18 to October 31, with events taking place throughout Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. During this festival, Gatlinburg is transformed into a landscape of orange, yellow, gold, purple, red, and all the shades of fall. Storefronts are decorated in the vivid colors, and everywhere you look carries some tribute to the fall season.

This festival also celebrates the history of craftsmanship in the Smokies. The Gatlinburg Craftsman’s Fair will take place October 8 through 25 and features hundreds of area craftsman, woodworkers, leather artists, and other artisans who have come to share their skills and products. The fair takes place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.

There is no better time to visit Gatlinburg than this season. Cool evenings are perfect for strolling in the shopping and entertainment area in Gatlinburg before or after catching a show. For select dates in September and October, guests to the Gatlinburg area can catch the T.G. Sheppard Show at the Smith Family Theater. T.G. Sheppard is a legendary country performer who has been entertaining audiences since 1975 with his classic take on country music. Due to the limited availability of this show, be sure to plan ahead and reserve your tickets well in advance.

Other fun activity ideas for fall in Gatlinburg include stopping by the Dollywood amusement park, which is getting into the spirit of the season with its Gospel and Harvest Festival that offers fun for the whole family. Also, what better way to enjoy the cool weather and beautiful scenery with the one you love than with a romantic carriage ride? The Smoky Mountain Picnic and Romantic Carriage Rides offer several ride options for you and your sweetheart that include a horse-drawn carriage ride

Celebrate with Dollywood During the Uplifting National Gospel & Harvest Celebration

This October 2 – 31, the natural wonder of the Smoky Mountains will be coupled with the graceful beauty of hymns as the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration returns to Dollywood theme park. Throughout the nearly month long festival, numerous nationally known acts including The Isaacs, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Riders in the Sky, The Kingsmen and more will bring praise to the already inviting setting that is Dollywood. Aside from daily concerts, the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration will also bring a variety of artisans and craftsmen to the park to work their trades; showcase Rusty’s Chuckwagon, offering Dutch oven demonstrations and campfire cooking; and host the Woodcarving Showcase & Competition (October 2 – 4).

Those from out of town that interested in attending the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration can find a variety of lodging options in the Gatlinburg – Pigeon Forge area online.

Of course, those visiting Dollywood for the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration will still find all of the traditional attractions and activities that Dollywood is noted for. Whether your perfect day at the park includes exploring Mystery Mine and braving Timber Tower, playing with the kids in the Dreamland Forest Treehouse and watching them ride the Busy Bees, settling in to live performances such as Dreamland Drive-In and Country Crossroads, or enjoying traditional Smoky Mountains cuisine at Granny Ogle’s Ham n’ Beans or Miss Lillian’s Chicken House, there is something for one and all at Dollywood!

Start Planning Your Fall Vacation in the Smoky Mountains

Summer will soon be coming to a close, and as the days begin to shorten and grow cooler, the Smoky Mountains come alive with vibrant fall colors. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN are popular fall vacation destinations, and now is the time to start planning a fall trip to the area to make sure you get the best lodging and activities for your time there.

The Dollywood & Pigeon Forge Vacation Package is an excellent choice for your fall vacation. This package is customizable and includes lodging in Pigeon Forge, tickets to Dollywood, and one activity of your choice. You can select how many nights lodging you want and select your hotel or cabin from our selection. Then, you can choose an activity of your choice from our selection. Options include the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram, a meal at the Hard Rock Cafe, and Wonderworks, which are highly popular area attractions. This package provides a great overall Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge experience that you can customize.

A hotel in Gatlinburg will place you close to many attractions, but a cabin in the Smoky Mountains would be a better choice for a fall vacation. With a cabin, you will get to experience a rustic stay in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, with beautiful fall foliage available any direction you look. Two excellent cabin options are the Smoky Getaways Cabin and the Hickory Mist Luxury Cabin Rentals. Whether bringing the whole family along to enjoy the scenery or wanting a cozy and private location for a romantic retreat, you will find that a cabin is a great choice for your trip. Although the cabins are outside of town, they are still relatively close to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the entrance to Smoky Mountain National Park.

There is no better way to experience the breathtaking fall scenery than with an aerial tram ride. The Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram will take you on a relaxing ride from downtown Gatlinburg up to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort. The aerial tram features windows on all sides, which allows for uninterrupted panoramic views of the area. Once at the top, you can enjoy the activities at the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort or just take in the view of the Smoky Mountains.

Plan a Summer Adventure in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Adventures await in the great outdoors and the Smoky Mountains that surround Gatlinburg, Tennessee! With the wide variety of outdoor attractions the area offers, you will be sure to find the perfect activity with the appropriate skill level for everyone in your group. Whether planning a group retreat or some quality family time, exploring the outdoors together offers a bonding experience like none other. Check out the ideas below, and don’t forget to pack the sunscreen!

River rafting provides a fun experience unparalleled by other river activities. Experience the thrill of rushing rapids on the Pigeon River Rafting experience. The river features Class III rapids which are appropriate for both novice and experienced rafters. Your experience includes two hours on the river with an experienced guide that will show you the best way to raft and make sure you have an unforgettable time. The river experience begins in Hartford, Tennessee, and transportation is provided from Gatlinburg. The rafting center also features a volleyball court, gift and souvenir shops, and showers. The Pigeon River Rafting experience is a great way to enjoy the beautiful Tennessee outdoors and summer sun.

For a unique exploration experience, the Waterfall Jeep Tour is an ideal choice. This experience takes place by the Nantahala River in North Carolina. It is a two-hour guided tour in a Jeep that features a clear Plexiglas roof to make for optimal viewing. The tour takes you through the area mountains to the various beautiful natural waterfalls in the area, giving you ample time for picture taking, while your knowledgeable guide provides information about the sights and area. Snacks are included as well as any needed equipment. The Jeep can hold up to passengers, making it perfect for smaller groups and families.

For a relaxing activity, try the 1 Hour Horseback Ride in nearby Walland, Tennessee. This experience is perfect for novices as the horses are gentle and friendly and the terrain is mostly flat. However, if you are an experienced rider, you can choose an advanced tour. During your ride, you will explore around the base of the Smoky Mountains with the chance to see area wildlife as well as the beautiful scenery. An experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead the way and provide pertinent background information. Getting to the stables does require a short drive from Gatlinburg, but you will find that the experience is well worth it.

Celebrate America in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee are the perfect destinations for July 4th weekend. With special festivals, fun activities, and the shows and shops that can be found in Gatlinburg all year, you will have an exciting and patriotic time in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge when you visit on Independence Day.

The Midnight Independence Day Parade in Downtown Gatlinburg gives you an opportunity to celebrate America before anyone else. This midnight extravaganza annually draws crowds of over 100,000 people. The parade honors all five branches of the armed forces as well as containing entertaining performers, balloons, music, and more. Food vendors are also on hand ready to provide a midnight snack. This midnight parade is definitely a unique and festive way to celebrate July 4th.

If vibrant fireworks are your favorite part of the holiday, then the 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza at Smokies Park in Sevierville, TN is perfect for you. A great family-friendly event, you will enjoy watching the sky light up with dazzling displays of fireworks. Located close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this celebration is a great way to spend July 4th evening.

In Pigeon Forge, the Annual Patriot Festival at Patriot Park is a great family-friendly event. With a variety of food vendors, a performance by the Pigeon Forge Community Chorus, and a salute to veterans and members of the armed forces, this event is sure to provide a patriotic celebration. The festival culminates with a fantastic fireworks show over the beautiful Smoky Mountains.

Another fun and unique July 4th event is the annual River Raft Regatta at the Christus Gardens in Gatlinburg. Perfect for all ages, this race includes all kinds of floating entries, including floating rocks, rubber ducks, and one-of-a-kind boats. The race ends at the Aquarium Bridge in Gatlinburg. Sure to provide a memorable experience, the River Raft Regatta is a great way to spend part of your July 4th day.

Whatever your choice for your July 4th vacation, these Gatlinburg area events are sure to provide a memorable weekend filled with patriotic and fun celebrations.

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