Smoky Mountains Spring: Catch the Fever
Whether you’ve been coming to Gatlinburg for many years, or you’re a first time visitor, you simply must visit the Smoky Mountains Spring season. Spring time in the Smokies means new life, blooms on the trees and wildlife coming out of hibernation. The town of Gatlinburg holds their annual Springfest for three months as a celebration of warmer weather and the beauty of the season in the mountains. Spring in Gatlinburg also means that there is nearly always some special activity going on like a food festival, a fishing tournament or an arts and crafts presentation.
Where Should You Stay?
When visiting, a Gatlinburg hotel in downtown is a good lodging option for those who want to be close to the action. You can literally park your car when you get there and walk everywhere, or take the trolley, and never have to drive until you’re ready to leave. When staying in town you may find a place with a private balcony overlooking a peaceful mountain stream. What a beautiful view to wake up to each morning.
What to Do
When visiting Gatlinburg, most people enjoy spending time in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In the spring, the park is really a must-see attraction. There are hiking trails available for those who aren’t experienced hikers, maybe you want just a casual stroll through the woods? Also the park is filled with advanced trails for those who enjoy a challenge. Driving through Cades Cove allows visitors to get a glimpse of what life was like when the area was settled. In the Smoky Mountains Spring season, the cove is alive with new life. You may see a mother bear and her cubs, a flock of turkeys and will most definitely see deer in the many fields. A spring picnic near one of the many streams will allow the kids to get out and run around to expend some of that endless energy. There are several markets at the entrance of the park in Gatlinburg where you can pick up anything you’d need for a family picnic.
The town of Gatlinburg is fun for kids and adults alike. There are arcades, mini golf courses and many restaurants. You can have everything from seafood to fondue. Local restaurants as well as nationally known favorites are available. The town decorates for spring with potted flowers throughout the sidewalks and shopping areas. And the warmer weather allows for the enjoyment of all the outdoor activities. Once the sun sets, it’s wonderful to take a stroll down the parkway to see the sights at night. Stop off for a piece of fudge, a candy apple or ice cream at one of the many dessert options. And don’t forget to pick up a box of locally made candy to take home with you.
A Smoky Mountains Spring is a great time for festivities. If you’re in town for Easter weekend, there is an arts and crafts fest as well as Easter Service at Ober Gatlinburg. April has a variety of options including a trout tournament that is fun for both children and adults. Both visitors and local residents have a great time catching trout in the mountain streams. There is also a wine fest in April where wine lovers can sample locally made wines as well as food from some of the local restaurants. Earth Week festivities and a clean up of the area are a great way for the kids to get outside and do something to help the environment. There is also an Earth Day 5k for all the runners who are visiting. If you’re into food, there is a beans and cornbread cook-off in May. During the cook-off visitors can try beans and cornbread, a traditional mountain favorite, prepared by different locals.
Gatlinburg holds a special place in the hearts of those who’ve visited before. It’s likely that first timers will leave feeling that same connection to the mountains and wonderful local people who make the place so special. When visiting in the Smoky Mountains Spring season, you’ll be able to experience the beauty of the mountains waking from their winter sleep. The trees and flowers are in bloom, the animals are waking from hibernation and there is a sense of new life everywhere. There is something for everyone in Gatlinburg, whether you enjoy shopping, local crafts, wineries or the outdoors. Visitors should also try to make time in their vacation to visit The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is, after all, the reason the area is so popular today. Visit Gatlinburg in the spring this year. Whether it’s your first visit or your 100th, you’ll have a great time in the mountains.
