Gatlinburg’s Taste of Autumn & Other Fall Events

With the summer season dwindling down, Gatlinburg, Tennessee is hard at work to make this one of its best fall seasons ever. Along with the rest of the magnificent Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg dons its multi-colored coat as nature’s annual premier event commences. This amazing backdrop along with many great activities makes Gatlinburg in the fall a special destination.

Gatlinburg welcomes this special season with its annual Taste of Autumn celebration. The Gatlinburg Convention Center is the site for this event featuring three hours of tasty food and drink samplings and live entertainment. This year’s event is to be held on Thursday, September 15 from 5-8 p.m.

For the price of admission, visitors enjoy unlimited amounts of prepared foods from several local establishments with an emphasis on seasonal favorites. Only those bringing their hungriest appetites will be admitted to ensure that not a bite of the delectable spread is missed! While event organizers have not yet announced the actual participants in this year’s celebration, here are some of the Gatlinburg area’s favorite and diverse restaurants which have attended in past years.

The Fox and Parrot Tavern brings a British flair to its dishes. Recipes from the United Kingdom make their way to the tables of this authentic pub style restaurant, and they do not disappoint. Fish and Chips anyone? The beers and ales are pretty special too! The sister location for The Fox and Parrot is the Wine A Little Wine and Tapas Bar featuring outstanding offerings from around the world.

Imagine what a restaurant named The Melting Pot might feature. Of course, they are the masters of fondue! From incredible creamy cheese choices to decadent dessert options including milk, dark and white chocolates, non-fondue lovers will surely be converted. Add this to the more traditional fare offered by this establishment, and you have pure perfection.

Anyone out there who doesn’t like barbequed foods needs only take a bite of a meal from Corky’s Ribs and BBQ. The dry rub and saucy treats tickle the palettes of all who try them. This is Memphis style barbeque at its best!

Wine, dine and be entertained at the Taste of Autumn event. Individual tickets are available for $25, but there are also options to purchase corporate tables for eight people or corporate V.I.P. packages which include meeting the event performers, priority seating and wine as well as private wait staff. The Gatlinburg community is all about giving back. In addition to being the kick-off event for the glorious fall season, all Taste of Autumn proceeds are donated to the United Way of Sevier County servicing the special needs of area residents.

So what happens in Gatlinburg in the fall after the Taste of Autumn affair? Get ready for a list of terrific activities sure to make everyone smile.

September through November is show time for the Great Smoky Mountains and a trip to the national park of the same name is an event in itself. Waves of color sweep the park with no two days that look the same because of the large variety of trees, timing of the leaf changes and various weather factors. The scenery of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg in the fall and winter truly takes one’s breath away.

No fall season would be complete without an Oktoberfest celebration. Ober Gatlinburg, the area’s sensational amusement park, is a wonderful host for this event. From September 23 to October 30, visitors join the performers dressed in traditional costumes in celebrating German foods, music and traditions. Delicious bratwurst, schnitzel, strudel and pretzels are just some of the foods available. Oktoberfest also includes an array of beers. German dances and songs are performed and yodeling contests are held.

Arts and crafts lovers flock to eastern Tennessee for the annual Gatlinburg’s Craftsmen’s Fair. For two weeks in October, over 200 crafters and artisans from across the country display their incredible talents and demonstrate their unique skills. This year’s fair will be held between October 6 and October 23 at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Live musical performers will also be on hand playing country and bluegrass favorites.

More handcrafted items are on display at the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts and Crafts Show. Between November 22 and November 27, local crafters offer their wares made with old-fashioned techniques. Exquisite gifts such as quilts, baskets and pottery can be found. Jewelers, painters and weavers showcase their remarkable skills.

The end of fall marks the beginning of comfort food season, and there is no better way to embrace it then enjoying a big bowl of chili. Gatlinburg’s annual Winter Magic Kick-Off and Chili Cook-off, to be held on November 9, is just the ticket. The streets of Gatlinburg are filled with vendor’s tents serving the most mouth-watering varieties of chili. There is something for everyone, ranging from mild to fire-breathing options, and for $10 visitors can try them all. Of course, no event of its kind would be complete without a cooking contest. Entrants vie for the coveted People’s Choice Award.

There is simply nothing like spending time in Gatlinburg, Tennessee during the autumn months. Gatlinburg in the fall is never disappointing! Because it can get busy during this time of the year, it’s recommended that you book your room now!