The Smoky Mountains are known for their grandeur year-round. Winter brings a wonderland of snow and ice, summer is alive with lush green trees, and spring ushers in wildflowers and stirring wildlife. But fall…fall is the crown of the Great Smoky Mountains. It’s the time when the landscape completely transforms. The leaves on the trees begin to change, effectively painting the mountains with hues of gold, red, and orange. It’s one of the most popular times to visit the Smokies because of the scenery, but it’s also a favorite because of everything happening in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Fall festivals

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Celebrating national parks with the Hike 100 Challenge This year marks an important anniversary for the National Park Service—100 years! According to the National Park Service website, on August 25, 2016, the National Park Service Centennial will celebrate a full century of maintaining America’s national parks for community recreation, conservation, and historic preservation. When you visit Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, you’ll have one of those national parks right in your backyard. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the U.S. with more than 9 million visitors each year. This park features exciting activities for

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School’s out! And that means it’s time to plan your summer vacation, if you haven’t already. There are loads of summertime events in store in Gatlinburg for your family getaway. If you need some inspiration, check out upcoming activities and attractions like these: Gatlinburg Farmers Market The official kickoff for the Gatlinburg Farmers Market was May 14, and it will be open all summer (until September 17) on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Enjoy fresh-from-the-farm fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, local honey, prepared foods, baked goods, artisanal products, and even arts and crafts demonstrations at this eclectic market.

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Got plans for Memorial Day weekend this year? If not, be sure to plan for a long weekend in the Smoky Mountains, where you can enjoy the beauty of lush green trees and rolling rivers, popular attractions in the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and exciting events like the Shine, Wine & Dine event at Arrowmont! This year, the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, which is located just one mile from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, will be hosting its 6th annual Art & Wine Auction at the Shine, Wine & Dine event on

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Whether you’re a native to the South or just a fun-loving visitor, you’ve got to make plans to attend the Gatlinburg Beans & Cornbread Festival in 2016! This exciting beans ‘n cornbread competition offers the best of Southern culture and cuisine. Enjoy Smoky Mountain music that will take you all the back to the “good ole days” as well as a unique display of antique engines at this Gatlinburg event. And, of course, come hungry; you’ll have the chance to try a wide selection of delicious beans and cornbread! Below we’ve answered all your questions about the Beans & Cornbread

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This May, make your plans to attend the festival where rich cultural history meets good family fun! We’re talking about East Tennessee’s premier celebration of Scottish culture and history, the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games. Founded in 1981, the festival was originally known as the Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games, and it remains one of the oldest and best Scottish festivals in the United States. It's a truly unique and fun event filled with music, food, drink, game, and more. The Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games is an event for people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. No

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No, we’re not talking about the Hulk. We’re talking about going green for Earth Week in the Smokies! Each year the mountain town of Gatlinburg celebrates the earth with its week-long Earth Week festivities. From special events for kids to a nighttime race through the streets of Gatlinburg, Earth Week has something for everyone to enjoy! This year, Earth Week will be Monday, April 18, 2016, through Saturday, April 23, 2016. Be sure to plan your Smoky Mountain visit during that time so you don’t miss out on all the games, crafts, and outdoor activities in store. This is a

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Redbud trees dot the landscape. Forsythia and rhododendron have begun to bloom. Dogwood-lined roads wait to greet you as you drive down a winding mountain road. Finally—spring has sprung in the Smokies! Although every season has something to offer when you visit the Smoky Mountains, springtime has its own special appeal. With wildflowers blooming around every bend, you won’t find a better place to experience the colors, beauty, and warmth of spring. This year, be sure to plan your springtime getaway to the Smokies during the month of April, when you can enjoy everything the Smoky Mountains have to offer

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Tennessee Special Olympics Winter Games 2016 Every year, an excited group of special athletes gear up for the exciting annual competition, the Tenneessee Special Olympics Winter Games! This January marks the 31st year for the games at Ober Gatlinburg. Bring your group to cheer on the contestants and witness all the action during your 2016 winter vacation to the Smokies. For those who would like to know a little more about the Special Olympics, see our FAQs below. We’ve tried to answer all your top questions about this event, and we’re looking forward to seeing you on the sidelines at

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Upcoming Winter Events in the Smokies With the holidays are behind us, that doesn’t mean you’ve run out of ways to have fun in the Smoky Mountains this winter. There are still plenty of fun-filled activities on the calendar for January and February. So pack your bags and get ready for some good times with friends and family this winter in the Smokies! Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games January 31–February 2, 2016 Head to Ober Gatlinburg for the traditional Opening Ceremonies of the 31st Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games from 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m. on January 31. The public

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