Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Spring Delights All Ages

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Gatlinburg rolls out the welcome mat for spring with events dedicated to the art of enjoying the finer things in life and celebrating its Appalachian culinary history during Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Spring.

Trout fishermen flock to Gatlinburg for the 18th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament April 1-2.

The 2017 “Hands On Gatlinburg” Arts & Crafts Weekend April 7-9 provides arts and crafts lovers the opportunity to own a beautifully crafted piece of artwork made with their very own hands. More than 15 studios throughout the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community host more than 40 different workshops, providing guests the chance to learn how to make their favorite crafts from the professionals themselves. An abundance of do-it-yourself style classwork are offered: from knitting to pastels, painting, jewelry-making, watercolor, weaving, pottery, crochet, woodworking, soap-making and much more.

Gatlinburg’s Smoky Mountain Wine Fest Weekend is the perfect event for any couple looking for a weekend to unwind, or even a girlfriend getaway. Take in a broad sampling of Tennessee wine 1-6 p.m. Saturday, April 8 at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Sanctioned by the Tennessee Wineries Association, the event features 17 wineries from across the State of Tennessee and eight food vendors with pairings. Workshops will also be offered.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore what lies on the banks of the trout-filled streams at the 67th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage April 11-16 with more than 150 different programs to explore the flowers, plants and wildlife of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

Gatlinburg celebrates Earth Week April 17-21 with an opportunity to get outdoors for a week of fun, educational events designed to raise awareness of easy-to-adopt green practices. Spur Clean-Up on Tuesday, April 18 is a great way for adults and children to see firsthand the benefits of keeping litter out of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Earth Day 5K Run/Walk on Friday, April 21 gives runners a chance to trek through downtown Gatlinburg at night. The pinnacle of the week is the Earth Day Festival on Thursday, April 20 located on the Parkway in Downtown Gatlinburg. Everyone is invited for free and fun educational activities, food, games and entertainment.

Gatlinburg celebrates its Appalachian culinary history Thursday, May 11 with the festive, fun-filled Gatlinburg Beans and Cornbread Festival presented by Bush Brothers & Company in downtown Gatlinburg near Traffic Light #3. The cook off would not be complete without foot-stompin’ mountain music, antique engines and lots of beans and cornbread for tasting. Visitors can sample all the different recipes while supplies are available.

For a complete list of spring events and to purchase event tickets, visit www.gatlinburg.com/events or call 800- 588-1817. 

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