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Category: Blog
Enjoy a Driving Tour of Cades Cove with the Family
Heading out into the wilderness seems simple, but it can be complicated – especially when the whole family, with everyone’s disparate ages and tastes, is heading out together. The teenagers in the group want to tackle a challenging trail, while the older and younger crowds are looking for something that’s a little slower-paced. Grandparents and grandchildren may need stroller and walker accessibility, and some members of the family would just as soon be lounging on the back of a pontoon boat, waiting for the fish to bite. How can you keep everyone together?
Take Everyone on a Drive Through Cades Cove
Anyone coming to the Blount County sections of Great Smoky Mountains National Park who hasn’t heard of Cades Cove is sure to get the scoop eventually. It’s well-known for good reason. The Cove is a broad, green, lush mountain valley in the middle of the Smokies, and one of its most popular destinations.
Cades Cove also includes an 11-mile loop road that circles the Cove in one direction and is open to tourists year-round. Bicyclists and hikers can enjoy it traffic-free every Wednesday and Saturday morning before 10 AM; otherwise it’s “open season” for motorists on driving tours. Taking everyone on a driving tour is a great way to keep the family connected – you’re all in the same car (or caravan!), and you can listen to the music of your choice and chat about the scenery as you cruise past.
What You Might See in Cades Cove
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Cades Cove are famous for wildlife viewing, including white tail deer, coyote, elk, fox, and black bears, as well as groundhogs, turkeys, raccoons, and skunks (be careful!). That’s not all – the loop road has a rich history, as well.
As you drive along the loop road, you can see (or park and walk to) buildings like churches, a working grist mill, log houses, and other buildings from the 19th century that have been restored since being originally built by the area’s first migrants from Europe. Numerous trails are also accessible from the road, so you – or just the more active members of your party – can park and walk off the beaten path for a closer look at some Tennessee wilderness.
Get More Details at the Visitor Center
When planning your drive of the Cades Cove loop road, make sure to dedicate at least 2 to 4 hours for the experience, especially during the summer and fall seasons when traffic can be heavy. Cades Cove is accessible from Laurel Creek Road year-round, and Parson Branch Road or Rich Mountain Road during the warmer months.
Cades Cove also includes a Visitor Center halfway around the loop that features restrooms and a bookstore, as well as trail maps and guides that provide more information on the history of the trail and of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Open every day but Christmas, it’s there to provide visitors with a more educational, immersive, safe and fun Smokies experience.
Enjoy a Peaceful Getaway to Whispering River Resort
Is there anything more relaxing than a winding river on a warm summer’s day? If there is, visitors to Whispering River Resort will be too chilled out to go searching for it. Boasting thousands of feet of access to the Little River, Walland, Tennessee’s Whispering River Resort connects visitors to the beautiful natural environment of the “quiet side of the Smokies.”
Tents, RVs, and Cabin Renters All Welcome
One of the unique things about the Whispering River Resort is how well it accommodates different kinds of vacationers. Looking for the perfect site to pitch your tent? Whispering River has tent sites with water access, clean, modern bathrooms, hot showers, coin laundry, and a general store.
Need space for your RV? Pull-through, pull-in, and back-in RV sites with hook-ups are available, and RV campers, of course, have access to the same facilities and amenities that tent campers do. However, what if you’re traveling without your own lodging? What then?
Whispering River Resort also has three cabins, 2 that are perfect for couples or small families, and 1 that lets the whole gang get together. The Treehouse sleeps up to 4, and includes an indoor Jacuzzi and outdoor hot tub, kitchen, DVD player and TV, and all of it right up on the riverbank. The Otter House cabin includes all the same amenities, plus a charcoal grill and central A/C. The Lodge sleeps up to 10, and includes a fireplace, large-screen satellite TV, DVD, hot tub, claw-foot bathtub in the master bedroom, and game room with pool table.
Activities at Whispering River
Not sure what to do while you’re there? It may be because there’s so much to choose from. With convenient river access, this is a great chance to go kayaking, tubing, or fishing. Whispering River also has a playground and a horseshoe pit, volleyball, a pool and a hot tub, and great walking trails along their half-mile of Little River access. Everyone gets access to free WiFi to stay connected, and even “best friends” can join in the fun (pets are allowed at the RV and tent campsites).
All This, and it’s Convenient!
People come to the Smokies region for lots of reasons. Maybe it’s the famous Dollywood amusement park, home to rides, shows, festivals, events, and – oh yeah – a massive water park. Well, it, as well as the sights and sounds of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, are just a 30-minute drive away. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Tuckaleechee Caverns are even closer, and perfect if you want to focus on the natural beauty that the Smokies are famous for.
A meeting room, club room, and an event center is also available, so if you’re excited to show your coworkers the best of the region and are looking for a place to host your company retreat or seminar, this could be it. Give your crew a shout – it’s time to book your vacation at Whispering River Resort.
Enjoy a Picnic Lunch at Spruce Flats Falls
Looking for a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch while you are in the Townsend, TN area? The 1.9-mile hike to the Spruce Flats Falls may be just what you are looking for. The trail is moderate and may be challenging for smaller children, but older kids and adults should have no problem. Along the way, you will encounter some steep, rocky sections of trail, especially as you reach the end of the trail at the falls.
What to Expect on Your Trip to the Spruce Flats Falls
While this is one of the less commonly hiked trails, the journey is more than worth the effort. The trailhead begins as the Great Smoky Mountain Institute. You need to park on the right side to find the trailhead. The trail to Spruce Flats Falls branches off of the Buckeye Trail, but your journey starts on the Lumber Ridge Trail. You have to look for the sign that says “Falls Trail” as you won’t find the trail listed on any maps.
The trail to the Falls tends to be like most in the area with more than its fair share of roots, rocks, and foot traps. You must keep an eye out as you go unless, of course, you want to twist an ankle. At one point, you have to cross Bull Branch and then do your best log walking trick across a log with steps cut into it. Once you cross the log, it’s just a short trip down to the bottom of the Spruce Flats Falls.
Although the trail might not show up on maps, the falls are relatively popular among waterfall enthusiasts and nature photographers. Not only is the early morning light the perfect time to view the falls, it is also the perfect time to take awe-inspiring photographs.
The Spruce Flats Falls
The Spruce Flats Falls drop 30 feet over four stages into the pond below. The pool is the perfect place for a cool refreshing swim after the hike down to it on a hot summer day. This is also the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing family picnic. There is plenty of shade in which to relax and then take an afternoon dip in the pool below the falls before heading back out. Just remember, if you pack it in, pack it out: don’t leave your mess behind, including your kids!
While the trail to the falls may be a little steep in places for some families, those of you who like to “backpack” your littlest ones should have no problem. With so much shade and a good sunblock, your kids can hang out and play to their heart’s content. There are a number of smaller pools that are perfect for letting the kids wade in and chase salamanders under a watchful eye.
Although Spruce Flats Falls is not one of the better-known waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains, it is quite beautiful and well worth making a day hike out of your journey. Pack a tasty picnic, take the family, and make the most out of getting back to nature.
Enjoy a Romantic Weekend on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Blount County is the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Throughout the county, you will find cozy cabins, romantic lodges, and magnificent hotels for your stay. No matter how you look at it, Blount County makes the perfect place for a romantic weekend just for the two of you.
Your Weekend Starts with a Romantic Cabin
Blount County is home to a number of honeymoon and romantic getaway cabins. Many are bed & breakfasts; some offer dinners, as well. Imagine waking up in the morning to the sun shining through the window of your room, a view of the misty mountains in the distance, the sound of birds in trees, and the smell of fresh-brewed coffee coming up from the dining room. This is how spending a romantic weekend in Blount County should start.
Continue your morning with a romantic horseback ride along the many trails scattered throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. There are several stables in the area; some offer you the option to take a picnic lunch and stop for a romantic meal in the shade by a waterfall. Whether you are an experienced rider or have never been on a horse before, your guide will work with you until you are comfortable.
Once your ride is over, why not head over to the local winery for a little wine tasting and a tour of the vineyards? To bring your first day here to an end, there are a number of excellent restaurants in Maryville, Townsend, and surrounding communities to try out. Take a stroll through downtown Maryville before returning to your cabin or room for the night.
On Your Next Day
Why not be a little more adventurous on the second day of your weekend? There are several high-flying ziplines to try out. Imagine soaring high above the treetops laughing all the way down. The view from up here is spectacular, just ask any bird you meet along the way.
You can, of course, take the short hike out to Spruce Flat Falls; the hike is easy, and the falls at the end are more than worth the hike. The beauty here never stops: finish up your day with a picnic at Cades Cove before packing the car and heading back home.
When you want a quiet, charming place for your next romantic weekend, try Blount County. The entire area is home to some of the most romantic scenery in the country. The views are beautiful, the locals are incredible, and there is no shortage of fun and romantic activities to enjoy during your stay here.
Enjoy Mountain Music on the Pickin' Porch at Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop
There’s more to the Smokies than just industry and the great outdoors. Cultural traditions brought to the Smokies by different waves of immigrants and frontier settlers have taken on lives of their own in the mountain hollows that dot the region, and they continue to provide great entertainment to locals and visitors alike.
In particular, the music of Appalachia and the Smokies has its own rich history, one that’s kept alive today in Blount County and especially at the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop. Read on to learn more about it, as well as how you can get a taste of it for yourself right in Blount County.
Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop Dates Back to the 18th Century
Immigrants from Ireland and what is now called the United Kingdom first settled in the mountain foothills of the southeastern U.S. in the late 18th century, bringing their traditional ballads and dance music (typically fast-paced violin or “fiddle” music) with them. Here, these traditions intersected with others, like banjo-playing, which came up from farther down South. Banjo playing was actually first documented in Knoxville in 1798, so it’s been a part of the region’s legacy for quite some time.
The dulcimer was also a major part of this tradition. Interestingly enough, although the first Appalachian dulcimer was played by Scots-Irish immigrants, there’s no record of anything like the dulcimer in Scotland or Ireland. The instrument itself seems to be a true Southern original, much like the Wood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop.
Visit Wood-N-Strings to See Dulcimers in Action
Anyone is welcome to come down to Wood-N-Strings in Townsend, Tennessee, which is not a just a shop, but a destination in its own right for fans of the region’s traditional music. The shop offers CDs and books about traditional music, as well as different kinds of dulcimers and other instruments like banjos, lap harps, and even some steel drums. Owners Mike and Connie Clemmer are happy to introduce anyone interested to the virtues of the dulcimer and the joy of playing an instrument that’s relatively easy to learn, and yet provides tremendous satisfaction to both players and audiences.
Check Out the Pickin’ Porch
If it’s summertime, it’s pickin’ time at Wood-N-Strings. Connie and Mike Clemmer play host to local and traveling musicians on their Pickin’ Porch at Wood-N-Strings every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday at 7 PM, from May through September. Bring your lawn chairs and relax at their woodsy riverside location, while musicians share their talents and commitment to preserving tradition just for the love of it.
When winter rolls around, that doesn’t mean there’s no pickin’ left to enjoy. TheWood-N-Strings Dulcimer Shop has a section of the website dedicated to sharing videos from past Pickin’ Porch evenings, so you can still listen to old and new favorites long after the camping chairs have been folded up for the season.
Enjoy the Quiet and Visit the Smokies in the Off-Season for a Stress-Free Vacation
In all honesty, it can be said that there is not a bad or wrong time to visit the Smokies. You can find a long list of indoor and outdoor activities at any time of year, and just paying a visit to a woodland cabin and enjoying a crackling fire may be all you need for the best experience. Yet, if you are eager to see and do the many things available in the region, it might be wise to book your visit in what might be called the “off-season.”
The Off-Season in the Smokies
As a year-round destination, the Smokies don’t have an official off-season, but do have times of peak travel and quieter, less busy times. Once the winter holidays have come and gone and true winter settles over the mountains, the region seems to quiet down a bit. While you won’t be able to enjoy the amazingly verdant rolling hills, or the saturated hues of autumn, there is still an amazing amount of natural beauty during the winter season in the Smokies.
Keep in mind that even during the wintery off-season there will be times when visitation spikes and peaks again. Holidays like Valentine’s Day or any winter breaks from school may lead to a revival of heavier visitation, and many weekends remain quite busy all year.
Technically, the lowest level of visitation comes from later January and throughout February, and that would be a great time to go ahead and book your stay. You’ll find vacancies in the different cabins or cottages as well as the resorts and hotels, along with all of the B&Bs or even home rentals.
Is It Worth an Off-Season Visit?
Naturally, you will want to know if you can still experience the major attractions if it is the off season, and the answer is a resounding “yes.” The larger towns like Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have all of the usual activities and options (with the exception of Dollywood, which shuts down for January and February). Some stores or restaurants may shorten their hours, but still remain active, and the different stage shows may limit their numbers of performances, but still do their popular shows.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park remains open, though some roads and trails have to shut down due to inclement weather. Yet, you can enjoy an amazingly unrestricted, peaceful and stress-free drive through Cades Cove or wonderful Newfound Gap, and if you hit the trails, you’ll find frozen waterfalls and wonderfully peaceful conditions.
And, on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, in towns like Maryville, Townsend and Alcoa, the winter is a wonderful time to visit. You can enjoy special events like the Winter Heritage Festival in late January in Townsend, and many of the breweries, distilleries and antique shops are the perfect indoor remedy for for cold weather (including this Tennessee Winter Beer Fest on February 16th).
Benefits of Off-Season Visits
If you need any further reasons to consider the Smokies as an ideal off-season destination, just consider that you’ll enjoy fewer crowds wherever you go, no lines or waiting at restaurants and popular attractions, better rates on rentals and cabins, and scenery that you will not enjoy at any other time of year.
Every season is a good season to visit the Smokies, but if stress-free and ultimately peaceful is your goal, go during the tranquil off-season this winter!
Enjoy These Spring Break Ideas in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
Springtime on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies means a riot of color and crisp mountain air as the over 1,500 varieties of local flowering fauna burst into bloom. Many believe spring to be the best time of year to visit Smoky Mountain National Park and the surrounding areas. It’s also the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a quieter spring break far from the partying crowds, noise, and the aftermath. If you are looking for a place to bring the whole family, the Smoky Mountains in the Townsend and Maryville, TN area offers plenty of fun affordable things to do in a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, for everyone in the family.
Hike It or Bike It
There are plenty of trails running deep into the Smokies for you to hike or ride your bicycle on. For example, there is a two-mile hike that takes you to Abrams Falls, where you can cross the footbridge and enjoy the beautiful beach sitting at the base of the falls. For the more adventurous, there is the 11-mile trail running around the peaceful valley that incorporates Cades Cove. This trail takes you between two 5, 000-foot mountain peaks and is excellent for experienced hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
Go Deep into the Caverns
Often referred to as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” the incredible Tuckaleechee Caverns are only twenty minutes by car from Cades Cove. The one thing that makes these caverns so amazing is the huge rooms with vaulted ceilings. The “Big” room is longer than a football field (that’s over 100 yards). The formations are spectacular including the famous “Silver Falls.” The caverns open on Mar 15, just in time for spring break and are free to kids under four years of age.
Grab a Bite to Eat
Whether you just need a snack or it’s time to feed your family a complete meal, there are plenty of places to eat in Townsend, Maryville, and the surrounding areas. You can find everything from “good ole down-home” Tennessee cooking to fine dining in the area. Of course, you can always pack a picnic and hike back to Abrams Falls and eat your meal sitting on the beach.
Do a Little Shopping
One of the best things about spending your spring break on the peaceful side of the Smokies is being able to enjoy the great outdoors. But this doesn’t mean you can’t get in a little shopping in the many antique stores in Townsend including the Antique Outlet Mall. There are treasures to be found in many of the various country stores in town.
Experience a Group Camp Adventure at Eagle Rock in Maryville, TN
Eagle Rock is the brainchild of a group of dedicated volunteers who spent many years bringing teens on retreats to part of East Tennessee. They found that everyone enjoyed the fellowship, the camaraderie and the chance to enjoy sharing their life changing experiences with Jesus Christ. In time, the land was purchased to establish Eagle Rock Camp with a lodge, bunkhouses, an outdoor amphitheater, and more. But this is just the beginning. If you are looking for some summer fun, take a look at these amazing activities and then be sure to book your stay early, as spaces go fast.
The Rope Course
This is a state-of-the-art high ropes course with several elements. The design requires you to make use of multiple maneuvering skills and techniques to traverse the entire course. The ropes range in height from 20 to 45 feet off the ground and take you through the beautiful woods giving you a spectacular view of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Rock Climbing/ Rappelling
These are two of the most sought-after activities. Eagle Rock’s 45-foot cliff rock face is rated as having some of the best rappelling and rock climbing is the southeastern United States. Under the careful tutelage of great instructors, campers here learn about self-confidence while at the same time learning about the spiritual analogies of trusting others even when they don’t quite understand.
Creative Arts
Whether you are a crayon and coloring book artist or the next Picasso, campers have the opportunity to explore their creativity through various activities like painting and photography. This gives each camper a chance to explore their talents at their own pace.
Paintball
Eagle Rock first introduced paintball back in 2010 and it quickly became one of the most popular activities offered. Participants take part in a number of activities with a range of goals, but they must learn to work as a team if they want to reach the ultimate goal.
Canoeing
There is no better way to enjoy the trip from Chilhowee Lake to the base of the Abrams Falls, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, than by canoe. This is one of the most peaceful activities offered and includes a five-mile hike, swimming, searching for arrowheads, and more.
Hiking
Campers will find a nice variety of trails of varying difficulties. They include short 30-minute strolls all the way up to 5-mile treks. There are so many places to go, such as the Abrams Falls, the old Gold Mine Trail, a bat cave and more. Each hike comes with a fresh supply of Great Smoky Mountains, fresh air and amazing scenery.
Tubing
Nothing could be more fun on a hot summer day than floating on the cold waters of the Little River. Campers can do this as a solo activity or as the perfect end to a long bike trek or hike. The ride lasts a full hour going through mostly calm waters. There are a few mild rapids on the way down that are sure to add a little excitement to the journey.
From amazing activities to home-cooked meals and the chance to get closer to God and nature, Eagle Rock Camp has so much to offer. Their vision has been to give everyone of all ages the chance to meet Jesus Christ for the first time or to see him in a new and life-changing way. More than this, Eagle Rock is a Christian Missions organization and serves a community of like-minded Christian churches, groups, individuals, and ministries. Be sure to book your reservations now for this summer, as spaces are filling quickly.
Experience Small Town Charm: Take a Driving Tour of the Towns of the Smokies
Driving through the peaceful side of the Smokies in Eastern Tennessee will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country: mountainsides covered in deep forests, and meadows awash with a riot of wildflowers in full bloom during the spring and summer. Your drive will also take you through several picturesque towns along the way. Each of these towns can trace its history to further back than most can remember, but all are still bustling hamlets with lots to see on your way through.
Maryville
Located in the foothills of the Smokies, Maryville offers those who live here a chance to get away from the noisy confines of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Maryville is the county seat and has the advantage of being the “Gateway to the Smokies.” With a little diversion, you can stop by the Sam Houston Schoolhouse, Maryville College, or take a cruise into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Be sure you stop by the Blue Goose Farm and Vineyards and visit their sampling room.
Alcoa
Named after the Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA, now “Arconic”) in the early 20th century, the town of Alcoa is home to one of the largest aluminum smelting operations in the south. If you plan to cruise through town, don’t forget to stop in at Hot Rod’s 50’s Diner or the Texas Roadhouse for a meal.
Townsend
Townsend is only a short drive from Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, and a drive through will take you past several museums dedicated to preserving Appalachian culture. Visit the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum, look at the vintage steam locomotives and browse the museum. Stop in at Wood-n-Strings Dulcimer shop, browse the selection of handcrafted wood instruments, and you may even hear a few of the locals striking up a tune.
Friendsville
Friendsville is a tiny town of fewer than one thousand people founded by a group of Quakers who moved to the area from New Garden, NC. Today, the town continues its quiet life and is very popular with many retirees. The town sits on either side of the W. Lamar Alexander Hwy and offers the Whispering Cove Marina, a marina and restaurant on Fort Loudon Reservoir. The rest of the town is mostly single-family homes that go by as you pass through.
Louisville
The town of Louisville sits in the perfect location, close to Fort Loudon Reservoir, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and several neighboring towns like Alcoa and Knoxville. Like many of the small towns in the area, most of the town is given over to single-family homes and small businesses. However, the reservoir plays a large part in finding things to do with fishing, boating, waterskiing and more. The town is a blend of old homes — many of which date back to the 19th century — and large, new, luxury homes built by those who commute from here into Knoxville.
Rockford
Cruising through Rockford on Hwy 33 will take you past the Egwani Farms Golf Course on your way back on the other side of this small town of less than 1,000. If you are looking for a quiet place to live, you can’t beat Rockford, but if you are passing through and need a meal, you will find a great selection of friendly locally-owned restaurants in nearby Maryville.
One thing to keep in mind is that despite these towns being wonderful to visit, families live here, too. During your driving tour, even though you’re supposed to be looking at the sights, make sure keep a close eye on the road, as well, to protect and respect the towns’ citizens.
Experience the Holiday Season Starts in the Smoky Mountains
We have to agree with the old song, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year. The smell of peppermint, pine, and sugar cookies seems to permeate everything, there are holiday lights and songs cascading throughout the stores, and if you are headed to the Smokies, it is when the area has some really dynamic holiday events.
Winter Fest in Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is fun and fantastic to visit at any time of the year, but imagine it draped in more than five million holiday lights. This is exactly what happens every winter, when the town is transformed into an authentic winter wonderland. Their Winterfest begins in early November and runs all of the way through February (proving that the season is the best time of the year!)
And while a town glittering with millions of twinkle lights is more than enough for most, the decorations are just the beginning. There are lots of different shows and events throughout the period, too. For instance, Dollywood has a Smoky Mountain Christmas with all kinds of activities, parades and fun. The Old Mill Square sets up a covered bridge and creates a magical spot in a historic setting. The Smoky Mountain Opry also dolls itself up for the season and if you are there around Thanksgiving, you can experience the region’s opening celebrations and fireworks display!
The Island at Pigeon Forge becomes a major Christmas destination and features a half a million lights of its own on display in the trees and Santa’s workshop. There is a Dinner Show, and of course, the amazing Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights running from early November to the end of February.
Winter Magic in Gatlinburg
Not to be outdone by its neighbor, Gatlinburg has its Winter Magic events that run from November through February, as well. The town is draped with millions of light and eco-friendly visitors will appreciate that every single display and decoration is now environmentally friendly!
The displays include LED lights and feature all kinds of themes and figures. You can enjoy the display from your car or book yourself some seats on the far more comfortable Gatlinburg Trolley Ride of Lights. You enjoy a guided tour through the entire display in town and remain cozy and warm throughout.
Keep in mind that there is more than the lights and special events. There is also the amazing natural scenery, and since the park is open throughout the year, a winter day hike or a drive through spots like Cades Cove and other beautiful routes could be a good way to kick off your holiday visit.
Don’t forget that Ober Gatlinburg is a premiere ski destination, and the famous Village in Gatlinburg is a wonderful Christmas destination. And at the end of the day, a stay in one of the cozy cabins throughout the region could add that perfect touch of magic. After all, you can sit by the fire, gaze out at the views, and savor the twinkling stars above the twinkling lights in the towns below!
Experience the Magic of Dollywood at Christmas Time
Dollywood is known as one of the finest and most family-friendly destinations in the country. A theme park, it is also a cultural institution that introduces millions of visitors to many different elements of the Smokies region and the people who have lived there for centuries. Yet, for all of the amazing entertainment, food and activity that happens there throughout the year, it becomes an entirely enchanted spot at Christmas.
In fact, it is fair to say that Dollywood actually glows when the season comes around, and from November through January of every year, it becomes a perfect spot to bring kids of all ages.
The Main Christmas Events at Dollywood
The entire park takes on a winter wonderland appearance for the season, and visitors can enjoy:
- Parade of Many Colors
- Award-Winning Shows
- Visits with Rudolph and Friends
- Entertainment
- Seasonal Dining
And illuminating all of this is more than four million holiday lights. In fact, beginning in 2018, the Dollywood park has a brand-new themed area along with the more familiar scenes and landscapes. Known as Glacier Ridge Wonder, it has a 50-foot video motion Christmas tree that turns the plaza into a symphony of lights. There is a stunning Northern Lights display, with an unbelievable “aurora borealis” effect, and there is also an all-new winter wonderland that brings the North Pole to Tennessee.
The Songs of Christmas
Entertainment options include the famous Christmas in the Smokies stage show that is a holiday tradition in Dollywood. The park also has a presentation of It’s a Wonderful Life based on the famous film, a version of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, and limited musical performances that include the Appalachian Christmas, a Southern Gospel show, performances by The Mistle Tones, and a presentation of O’ Holy Night. The daily Parade of Many Colors also includes musical performances along with stunning light displays and floats.
And to ensure that kids (or kids at heart) truly enjoy every moment spent at Dollywood, there are many family-friendly activities that include meetups with Santa, Rudolph and more.
There are also the park’s award-winning seasonal foods and treats that will satisfy even the most discerning (i.e. picky) eaters. From southern specialties at Aunt Granny’s Restaurant to new takes on old classics at the Front Porch, and from the treats at Miss Lillian’s Smokehouse to the Appalachian specialties at Granny Ogle’s Ham ‘n’ Beans, there are many delicious ways to experience a new holiday dining tradition.
Other eateries at Dollywood include Red’s Drive-In, Frannie’s Famous Fried Chicken food truck, Victoria’s Pizza, Lumber Jack’s Pizza, the Big Skillet, the wonderful snacks at the Grist Mill, Dogs N Taters, Crossroad’s Funnel Cakes, the Grandstand Café and the amazing Sweet Shoppe and Candy Kitchen. Grab some additional goodies from Spotlight Bakery or just step in to look at one of their 25-pound apple pies.
And if you want to share some worship time with the kids, Dollywood has its charming Smoky Mountain Christmas Chapel, which is an authentic country church beautifully decorated for the season!
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