As the leaves begin to change and the air begins to cool, the town of Gatlinburg begins to celebrate the harvest season. Cheerful scarecrows welcome shoppers, old and new. Pumpkins and baskets of mums and fall foliage line the streets and grace restaurant windows. The sunset hues of red, orange and yellow gradually paint the Great Smoky Mountains. It is a truly beautiful and happy time – a time to slow down and enjoy lovely days with friends and family.
Delicious food, homemade crafts, exquisite art, toe-tapping music and fun-filled events are just a few of the things the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival has to offer. Beginning in September and continuing through the end of October, visitors to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge will find events and activities such as:
Autumn Color in the Smokies, September 14th – November 7th
For more than 7 weeks each fall, the Great Smoky Mountains brighten with the colors of autumn. Leaves change from rich shades of green to reds, oranges and yellows. Check the National Park website for more information about the changing of the season.
Taste of Autumn, September 27th
Featuring some of the area’s most delicious foods, Gatlinburg’s Taste of Autumn is a great way to sample local treats and contribute to a great cause. With a $25 ticket, guests can try unlimited samples from participants such as: Calhoun’s Restaurant, Cherokee Grill, Knoxville Coca Cola, Gigi’s Cupcakes, Hard Rock Cafe, Fox & Parrot Tavern and much, much more! One hundred percent of the proceeds go to the 2012 United Way Sevier campaign.
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, October 11th – 28th
Held in the Gatlinburg Convention Center, the 37th Annual Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair will showcase the work of many talented artisans and craftspeople. Browse pottery, woodworking, oil painting and watercolor, leather goods, jewelry and more. The craftsmen will also be on hand to demonstrate their skills, sell their work and answer any questions.
Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival offers a little bit of something for everyone. Come to Gatlinburg, TN, for the amazing scenery and stay for the food, music, art and fun!