Say Hello to Autumn at the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
By Shelia Ogle © 2012, All Rights Reserved
There’s nothing like a change of seasons to refresh and
exhilarate you. With the heat of summer behind us, it’s time to
enjoy the crisp, cool morning air and vibrant colors of autumn,
and there is no better place to kick off the season than the
Great Smoky Mountains.
Ancient Tradition Meets Modern Family Fun
Harvest festivals have their roots in ancient times. Originally,
it was a time to offer thanks for the bounty of the crops.
Today’s festivals offer a blend of tradition and modern family
fun for an unforgettable event everyone in your family will
enjoy.
The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival begins in mid September and
continues through October with concerts, fairs, and other special
events. You’ll experience the best that Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge,
and the surrounding areas have to offer, no matter when you
arrive.
Get a head start on your Christmas shopping when you pick up a
few one-of-a-kind gifts from local artists. The arts-and-crafts
community of Gatlinburg is famous for its incredible treasures,
including handcrafted quilts, beautifully turned wood bowls,
stunning paintings, and handmade jewelry. Many of the skills
these talented artisans posses are passed down from generation to
generation, making the art they produce a tangible piece of
history you will enjoy for years to come.
Any time is a great time for shopping in the Smokies, but if you
plan your trip between October 11 and October 28, 2012, be sure
to head to the Gatlinburg Craftsman’s Fair. More than 200 artists
bring their finest work to show during this juried event. Not
only will you be able to purchase, but you’ll have a chance to
watch the artisans work their magic.
There’s plenty of exciting entertainment during the Harvest
Festival as well. Local musicians perform regularly in area
venues, giving you a taste of down-home bluegrass, gospel, and
country and western music.
The Fall Heritage Festival and Old Timers’ Day in Townsend starts
September 28 and offers your family the opportunity to see what
life was like for the area’s early settlers. You’ll learn to make
apple butter, watch a blacksmith at work, and get a feel for the
art and science of beekeeping. And if you have young children,
you won’t want to miss the antique tractor show, featuring
beautifully restored farm equipment guaranteed to delight every
boy – and maybe even the girls.
Of course, no trip to the Smoky Mountains is complete without
spending some time simply enjoying the view. As the days grow
shorter and the air turns crisp, the trees respond by putting on
a show of their own. Brilliant oranges, yellows, and reds blanket
the mountains, providing truly stunning views everywhere you
look. Be sure to bring your camera along, because you’ll want to
capture the amazing beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains in
autumn.
Now that the dog days of summer are behind us, and the holiday
season is coming up fast, why not take a few days to enjoy the
cool air and crisp scent of autumn in the Smoky Mountains? The
Harvest Festival is a perfect excuse to pack up the kids for a
weekend away, and with all the activities available, you’re sure
to find something for everyone to enjoy.
Planning your visit? Contact Heartland Rentals today for a wide
selection of Gatlinburg cabin rentals in all sizes and prices.
Click to http://www.HeartlandRentals.com for info and
reservations.
