If you’ve ever been to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge in the Great Smoky Mountains, you know that flavorful food is a big deal. Between the pancake houses, chocolate shops, Southern-style restaurants, and quick bites, you can’t go a single block or make a full circle without finding something to nibble, savor, or scarf down. From chain restaurants to local cafes, the cuisines span the globe to offer something delicious for every taste.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are also known for their many events held throughout the year, from holiday celebrations and energetic festivals to competitive races and arts and crafts fairs. And in the fall, Gatlinburg blends the best of these two worlds — food and fun — to bring you the Taste of Autumn. For 2018, Gatlinburg’s 21st Annual Taste of Autumn will be held on Thursday, September 13, at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, offering top-notch tastes from area restaurants.
A Night Full of Food & Entertainment
Gatlinburg’s 2018 Taste of Autumn will bring even more fun to the Smokies this year with the ever-talented Abbey Road Live, a showstopping Beatles tribute band! With their name derived from the popular “Abbey Road” album, the 4 band members and talented musicians from Athens, Georgia, pride themselves in performing wholeheartedly for every live show, giving audiences not only a chance to hear favorite Beatles tunes in person but also a memorable music experience. The band’s devotion to the original sound and feeling behind each song (100 and counting) is awe-inspiring to say the least; these guys don’t simply play to a crowd but immerse themselves entirely in the Beatles spirit, pouring out an energetic vibe that will have you bobbing back and forth and singing merrily along.
Craving something with a little more Smoky Mountain flavor? Not to worry, Cannon Creek will be adding their Tennessee roots to the evening’s performance by kicking off the event with bluegrass jams. Pair something tasty to eat with a tap-worthy beat, and you’ve got a good time on your hands!
Ticket & Food Options at the 21st Annual Taste of Autumn
Tickets for the 21st Annual Taste of Autumn are just $30, and kids 5 and under are FREE. With your general admission ticket, you can browse around from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and enjoy samples from area restaurants (a handful of event participants are below), with desserts, savory bites, wine, and plenty of seasonal recipes!
2018 Gatlinburg Taste of Autumn Participants
- Vista Grill
- Dolly Parton’s Stampede
- Wine A Little
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Dick’s Last Resort
- The Fox and Parrot Tavern
- Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
- Land Shark Bar and Grill
- Texas Roadhouse
- Savannah Bee Company
- Cici’s Pizza
- PepsiCo
In addition to the general admission tickets available, you can reserve a table for 10 at $300 to elevate the tasting experience. Or you can go for the Corporate VIP Package for 10 at $500, which includes priority seating, an exclusive meet-and-greet with the evening’s talent, and quality vino at the table. No matter the level you choose, you and yours are sure to have a blast, tasting delectable Smoky Mountain dishes, treats, and one-of-a-kind creations in Gatlinburg!
Giving Back to the Community
Each year, Gatlinburg’s Taste of Autumn gives proceeds from the event to the United Way of Sevier County. That’s 20 years of giving back to the community — with another on the way! They’ve raised more than $180,000 because of this, providing an important service to the area. What better way to get a taste of the Smokies than with incredible food, awesome entertainment, and giving back!
Gatlinburg Convention Center
234 Historic Nature Trail
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
800.568.4748
Gatlinburg in the Fall
Fall is the perfect time to get away to the Great Smoky Mountains, with wonderful autumn weather, changing leaves, and fantastic mountain views. The weather is cool, the mountain air is crisp, and the local wildlife is still stirring. Take a scenic drive around Cades Cove, grab some light layers and go for a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, or go horseback riding and explore the great outdoors.
Of course, fall in Gatlinburg also means lots of festivals and fairs. Along with Gatlinburg’s Taste of Autumn, plan to check out live music at the Dollywood Harvest Festival, OktOBERfest at Ober, Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival, the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair, and so much more. Keep up with our Cabins for YOU blog to see what’s happening during your fall stay in Gatlinburg!
Best of all, watch the mountainside transform from vibrant greens to the rich colors of fall from your very own private Gatlinburg cabin! The leaves change to varying shades of red, gold, purple, and orange, painting a picturesque backdrop over the mountaintops that will put you in the mood for hot chocolate in a rocking chair, apple cider in front of the wood-burning fireplace, fried apple pies baked fresh in the fully equipped kitchen, and evening soaks in the hot tub with breathtaking sunset views overflowing with vibrant fall hues.
Gatlinburg was made for fun festivals, live music, fantastic food, relaxing cabin stays, and memorable times in autumn. So, snag a 2018 Gatlinburg Taste of Autumn ticket and plan your fall Smoky Mountain getaway with Cabins for YOU today!