Posted by Jon Hoffman in Things To Do
Peak foliage may be past, but fun fall activities are still in full swing here in the Tennessee Smokies. Visit now to enjoy time-honored traditions ranging from rousing patriotic events to food fairs and arts-and-crafts festivals.
We all count on the US military to keep our country safe and free. Here's your chance to honor these brave men and women – both vets and active duty – at the largest Veterans Day celebration in the entire Smoky Mountains.
Come to Ripley's Aquarium Plaza in downtown Gatlinburg between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on November 11 for:
... and more, all free and open to the public.
When temperatures dip, there's nothing like a steaming bowl of savory chili to warm up our hearts and our tummies. Hankering for a heaping helping of this hearty, heavenly food? Come to 576 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg between 5 and 8 p.m. on November 12 for the Gatlinburg Chili Cookoff presented by Bush's Chili Beans.
For just $10 per person, you can sample your pick of scrumptious homemade chilis, ranging from mild to wild, while you listen to live (free) entertainment and bask in the beauty of a Smoky Mountain evening.
Local chili chefs compete for coveted prizes, so they're at the top of their form. Taste and see for yourself!
Still hungry? Visit the Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend, Tennessee, on November 14 for the annual Food and Truck Festival. Nearly 40 food trucks will offer a wide assortment of mouthwatering Southern dishes in a gorgeous riverside setting with spectacular views of the Smokies. Park at the Smoky Mountain River Rat and hop aboard the shuttle to visit the venue anytime between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. It's the perfect family outing for a Saturday in November, so be sure to purchase your tickets online well ahead of time.
Love handcrafted products? Seeking distinctive Christmas gifts? Head to the Gatlinburg Convention Center (234 Historic Nature Trail, downtown Gatlinburg) between November 24 and 29 for the Great Smoky Thanksgiving Arts & Crafts Show.
Here you can browse scores of vendor booths showcasing original creations crafted by highly skilled artisans – including exquisite jewelry, handmade pottery, leatherworks, fiber art, wall hangings, copper works, landscape paintings, and more.
Nab those perfect holiday gifts for your hard-to-please friends and relatives... all crafted with love and skill by the world-renowned Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community
Mid-November may be the perfect time to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains. The fall-foliage "leaf-peepers" have mostly returned home. The Christmas crowds haven't arrived. That means the region's fabled trails are relatively free of congested tourist traffic.
What's more, since the trees are mostly bare, the mountain views go on forever. Be sure to bring your camera along to capture the stunning scenery.
Contact Volunteer Cabin Rentals now to book your Smoky Mountain vacation getaway in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area.
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