A Busy Fall In The Smokies
Posted by Leif Palmer in Smoky Mountains
Thanks to cooler temperatures, gorgeous weather and the transformation of foliage, autumn is one of the most popular seasons in the Great Smoky Mountains. Visitation to the area dips a little after Labor Day but then comes back in full force from late September into early November. As a result, there's always a dramatic increase in the number of special events and happenings in the communities of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.
This week, we present an overview of just some of the things that are going on around the Smokies in the upcoming week. From music, to crafts to outdoor events, you're sure to find something in the next few days that you and your family might enjoy taking part in.
On Saturday, September 27, the Old Mill in Pigeon Forge hosts its annual Heritage Day event. The one-day celebration is a throwback to simpler times and features quilt demonstrations, a petting zoo, kids' train rides, basket making, a farmers' market and much more. It's designed to give guests a glimpse of what life in the Smokies was like in the 1800s. You can even try your hand at making lye soap or apple butter. The day includes free tours of the historic Old Mill, which has been operating on the shores of the Little Pigeon River since the 1830s.
Also kicking off on Saturday and running through October 25 is the Annual Pigeon Forge Rotary Craft Festival. Taking place under a giant tent at Pigeon Forge's Patriot Park, the event features talented crafts people from around the region, demonstrating their skills in the areas of woodworking, stained glass, Native American items, home décor and more. Daily hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and admission is by donation only. Proceeds benefit a variety of charities, including Sevier Food Ministries, Boys & Girls Clubs and House of Hope as well as various scholarship funds and civic projects.
For a great way to get out in nature and enjoy the beautiful weather we've been having, you might want to check out the semiannual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament. More than 20 miles of area streams will be stocked with more than 10,000 trout in preparation for this event, which is great for adults and kids, both local and visiting. Ten thousand dollars in cash and prizes is up for grabs at this competition, which takes place this Saturday and Sunday. Contact Rocky Top Outfitters in Pigeon Forge for more information.
Other events taking place in the near future include Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Children's Whoadeo (9/27), Teacher Appreciation Days at The Tomb & Magiquest (9/28-10/12), Mountain Fest at the Inn at Christmas Place (9/28-10/5) and Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Senior Day (9/30).
If you plan to visit the Smokies in the next month or so, you'll want to browse our selection of cabins in Tennessee. From one-bedroom cottages to sprawling five-bedroom lodges.
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About Leif Palmer
Leif Palmer loves residing in the Smoky Mountains. He is an avid outdoorsman: rowing for exercise on the lake, trail hiking, and free climbing rocks in the mountains. He indulges his arty side by periodically beating up pieces of marble by sculpting. He is always frustrated by his inability to sink long putts, and hates his curly hair (but his wife loves it). Leif has been known to muster enough courage to change a diaper, and hopes his son will become a chip off the old block.
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