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 the area in one night. On the other hand, if you are a first-time visitor or it has been a while since your last Smoky Mountain getaway, The Taste of Autumn is the perfect way to experience the top food and drinks of the area without scrolling for hours through reviews on Google. During your stay in one of our 300+ gorgeous Cabins For YOU lodgings, indulge in an incredible evening of food, fun, and live music while contributing to a great cause!
Entertainment
This year’s live music will be On The Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute! Featured on “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” on ASX TV, On The Border is hailed as some of the best old school rock and roll you can see live. Dance and sing to favorites like Take It Easy and Hotel California; it’s a free concert included in your ticket price along with all the delicious food you can eat! Check out On The Border’s music, videos, and more here.
Food and Beverage Vendors
With vendors constantly being added, the complete list won’t be available until closer to the week of the event; however, you can definitely count on many of the same restaurants and attractions making an appearance along with reputable up-and-comers! Last year’s event included mouthwatering barbeque from Brother Johnson & Sister BBQ, authentic British fish and chips from Fox and Parrot Tavern, and savory fried chicken from Mama’s Chicken Kitchen. This is just a sample platter; Taste of Autumn consistently hosts 25+ vendors from all over the Smoky Mountains to participate in this magical evening of music, dance, drinks, and delicious eats!
The Cause
Coming up on its 21st year, there has been over $180,000 raised by the Taste of Autumn and donated to the United Way of Sevier County.
This national non-profit has its roots in the value of communities who support their local health, education, and economy through working together within their own neighborhoods, shopping and dining districts, and parks. The United Way of Sevier County, while the area obviously provides ample money through tourism to The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has worked for over 3 decades to provide health programs, supportive youth organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts, and legal aid to low income families, child advocacy centers and shelters, and many other boundlessly important community support groups.
With your ticket purchase, you are not only treated to an incredibly fun night, you are directly contributing to the community that staffs all your Smoky Mountain favorites. From the local grocers who bag your vacation groceries for the cabin to the patrol men and women who keep the cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg safer, this benefit event directly supports the everyday Americans who call this beautiful tourist area home.
Not going to be in the Smoky Mountains during the Taste of Autumn? You can still donate to your favorite vacation destination through their website!
Date + Time + Tickets
The 21st Annual Taste of Autumn will be hosted by the Gatlinburg Convention Center, right off the Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg. On Thursday, September 12, the event will begin at 5:00 p.m. and continue until 8:00 p.m.
Tickets to the Taste of Autumn are $30 per person and kids 5 years old and younger are FREE! Your ticket gets you all the food you can eat, a live concert put on by On The Border, and the invaluable opportunity to contribute to the local community members!
Traveling to the Smokies for an exciting family reunion or couples’ retreat in a large group lodge? You can reserve an entire table for a party of 10 for $300 or make it a VIP package with your donation of $500 for 10 attendees which provides everyone in your party with a meet and greet with On The Border Ultimate Eagles Tribute, priority seating, and wine awaiting you on the table!
Kick off the most beautiful time of year in the Smoky Mountains with a smorgasbord of mouthwatering cuisines, flavorful local wines, and music that will get you out of your seat at this year’s Taste of Autumn. The best part: this event is just the beginning to the harvest time festivities in the Smokies, so, be sure to keep an eye on our blog! We will keep you up to date and help you plan your dream Smoky Mountain getaway once you see a festival or event you don’t want to miss!