Smoky Mountain SpringFest
Five Reasons to Plan Your Spring Getaway to Gatlinburg
Smoky Mountain SpringFest
Mar. 12 - June 2, 2013
Gatlinburg, TN
Held each year in Gatlinburg, the Smoky Mountain SpringFest is a three-month-long celebration of spring. Spring is a beautiful time to visit Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The flowers bloom in vivid colors, the trees shimmer with new green leaves and the snow melts from the peaks of the Smoky Mountains and cascades in rivers and waterfalls down to the lowlands. Smoky Mountain SpringFest begins in mid-March and runs to June each year. The following are some of the highlights for the upcoming SpringFest.
Easter Arts & Crafts Show
Easter Sunrise Service
Free tram rides to the top of the mountain are available to visitors who wish to attend Ober Gatlinburg's annual Easter Sunrise Service. Set alongside the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the rising sun, this free service begins at 6:30 a.m. though the tram begins service at 5:45 a.m. and runs in 15 minute intervals. The Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant at the top of the mountain offers a breakfast buffet that morning from 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
Ribfest & Wings
Rib and wing experts from all over the Southeast gather in Gatlinburg in April to showcase their barbecue. Secret sauces and special rubs are the best kept secrets at this festival, but there are plenty of barbecued delights for sharing. The festival is held downtown and includes free entertainment and live music.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
The Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage takes place in April. Hikers, nature lovers or just those who want to have fun outdoors will flock to the Smokies for five days of hiking tours, demonstrations, lectures and workshops. This program is hosted by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Gatlinburg Garden Club and the University of Tennessee Botany Department. All ages and activity levels can participate.
Dolly's Homecoming Parade
The annual Dolly's Homecoming Parade happens in May. Marching bands, entertainers, floats, balloons, horses, baton twirlers and other parade regalia gather to welcome Dolly home to Pigeon Forge. Miss Dolly Parton herself will be sitting atop the final float. Come early to stake out your turf along the parade route as more than 50,000 people will line the road to watch this very popular parade which begins at 6 p.m.
Spring is a special time in the Smoky Mountains, and the Smoky Mountain SpringFest is the perfect time to visit the area. Many events during SpringFest draw thousands of visitors who quickly clog up available hotel space. Consider vacation rentals for a comfortable private home or condo during your stay so that you can enjoy all the events without all the hassles.
photo credit: alicia.pimental