As the first hints of yellow and red begin to creep through the Smoky Mountain forestry and the cool morning air lingers just a little longer, it’s time to make your way to the Smokies for our favorite time of year: fall! Beyond the famous fall foliage, autumn ignites a 12-week season of festivals, harvest time décor, events in the Smoky Mountains. Kicking off the season with the area’s longest running benefit event is the 21st Annual Taste of Autumn 2019 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Frequent visitors can revisit all their favorite Smoky Mountain cuisines and discover newcomers to

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Stop. What do you hear this very moment? Perhaps someone is talking in the next room, the kids are laughing, birds are chirping, a tree branch is brushing against the window, the dog is snoring, a storm is brewing, or a plane is flying overhead. Now, listen to what’s happening around you. Everything sounds more intense and in depth, right? Listening should never be taken for granted and always be appreciated. Sounds are surrounding the planet right now, webbing with each other to connect us all. Hence, the creation of World Listening Day in 2010. Annually celebrated on July 18,

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Rooting for the underdog, cheering for your favorite athlete, or winning first prize yourself…sound familiar? Sporting events run rampant in the Great Smoky Mountains, from fighting, fishing, and swishing to homeruns, dance numbers, and finish lines! Whatever your sport fever, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have something for you to enjoy, whether you’re playing or watching. No matter the time of year, sporting events are always being held and supported in the Smokies. When you next visit the area with family, friends, coworkers, or teammates, be sure to check out the sport scene and plan to attend or participate in exciting

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Fire dances and balloons float as you sit back on the lush green grass and take in the colorful sunset with giant lanterns (aka hot air balloons) in the sky at the 3rd annual Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival in Townsend, Tennessee! Bring family, friends, and even your precious pups to this exciting and whimsical event in the Great Smoky Mountains on Saturday, August 17, 2019. Along with live music, family-friendly activities, local craft demos, plus a food truck court, beer tent, and wine tasting, pro balloonists will launch a brilliant show as their hot air balloons light

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Fireworks sizzle and pop across the star-filled sky in celebration of our nation’s independence on the 4th of July! While you could attend the same local event, friend’s party, or at-home festivities, why not change things up this year for an extra memorable holiday experience? The Great Smoky Mountains is the perfect place to liven up this Independence Day with 4 fantastic ways to celebrate: a top parade, river regatta, patriotic festival, and a cabin cookout plus pool party! #1 | First Independence Day Parade in the Nation Kicking the 4th of July party off promptly at midnight in Gatlinburg,

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Arriving in the Great Smoky Mountains is a memorable experience all its own. The sheer beauty hand painted by Mother Nature will stop you in your singalong tracks, put a halt on all conversation, and cause everyone to ooh and aah. Once you’ve emerged into the famed TN cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you’ll be eager to hit the streets for shopping sprees, delectable meals, and exciting adventures. And while attractions, restaurants, and boutiques certainly provide plenty to do, what’s more fun than attending a lively local event? Book your cabin, pack your bags, and get ready for good

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Spice up this Cinco de Mayo in the Great Smoky Mountains, with authentic Mexican cuisine and beer plus souvenir tees, exciting downtown entertainment, and a cabin party! This holiday deserves to be celebrated in style, and Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are excellent cities brimming with top Mexican restaurants and fun activities for all ages. Add a memorable cabin stay into the mix, and you’ll open a whole new playing field of celebration possibility, with traditional Mexican meals made in the fully equipped kitchen, catchy mariachi tunes on the back deck with mountain views, tequila shots in the rec room, and

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When you think of the Smokies, your mind may first land upon moonshine. From the toe-tapping sounds of live music and samples at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Holler in downtown Gatlinburg to the Sugarlands Distillery – and everything in between – moonshine is a big part of the culture in the Great Smoky Mountains. But for the 21-and-over crowd, it doesn’t stop at moonshine! In fact, wine is another important part of the Smokies, with local wineries and awesome events held throughout the year! One of the most popular events is the Smoky Mountain Wine Weekend, presented by Courtyard by

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Wildlife stirs and stretches, mountain peaks meet the sun’s gaze, and crystal waters begin to flow once more as spring awakens the Great Smoky Mountains…and the Easter Bunny! Hip-hop-happening events are just around the corner in the Smokies, featuring a mountaintop worship service, skillfully crafted trinkets for sale, and everyone’s favorite spring character. From celebrating at sunrise and purchasing one-of-a-kind souvenirs to hunting for egg treasures and playing at your dream cabin, make this Easter (April 21, 2019) the best one yet — with friends and family in the Smokies! While we, of course, wrote this blog to help YOU

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Zooming right around the corner is the 2019 Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run, one of the biggest car shows in the nation! Tune up your hot rod, give her a good shine, hit the road, and attend this 3-day, car-tastic event in the Smokies, April 11-13 (Thursday – Saturday). With an $8,000 cash giveaway, awards all around, swap meets, and official merchandise, car enthusiasts will have a blast! Whether you’re looking to ramp up your car collection, snag the part you’ve been forever searching for, or spend quality time with like-minded motorheads, the Pigeon Forge Spring Rod Run is for

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