The Festival of Trees

 

If you want to get into the Christmas spirit early, visit the Festival of Trees in Gatlinburg. Running from November 24th until the 28th, the Festival of Trees displays dozens of ornately decorated Christmas trees. Located in the W. L. Mills Conference Center, visitors can enjoy this display for free. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit their website:http://www.eventsgatlinburg.com/event_detail.aspx?id=16

Local Art Galleries

Local art galleries are a great way to experience local culture and most of them have a minimum fee or no fee. Gatlinburg is home to several great local art galleries. Some of the best ones are listed below.

Alice Moore Gallery: an arts and crafts community in Gatlinburg.
To contact, call  (865) 436-0327. 

American Legacies: Gatlinburg log cabin art.
To contact, call  (865) 430-4301.

Appalachian Gallery and Frame
To contact, call  (865) 436-2477.

Beneath The Smokies: offers photography and work by Ken Jenkins, a nationally known photographer.
To contact, call (865) 436-3460.

Church Mouse Gallery: features fine art, prints, and pottery.
To contact, call  (865) 436-8988.

Aunt Mahalia’s Candies

For a sweet treat to satisfy any age, visit Aunt Mahalia’s Candies in Gatlinburg. The shop has been cooking up old fashion candies for over 50 years. Some of the most popular candies include fudge, chocolate, crunchy brittle, and other homemade assortments. Aunt Mahalia’s only uses the freshest, finest ingredients and has been using them since 1939. For more information, visit their website: http://www.auntmahalias.com/StoreFront.bok

Gatlinburg Winter Magic

From November 5 until February 28, visitors in Gatlinburg can experience mountain scenes and colorful winter displays along Hwy. 321. Located next to Parkway, River Road features an enhanced, romantic arched walkway with a pair of 40-foot swans and several ornate floral representations. Lights line the streets of Gatlinburg and invite people of all ages to come and see the beautiful landscape. Winter Magic also delivers quartets of holiday carolers and Winter Magic Tunes and Tales, where visitors can meet characters and storytellers, and listen to music. For more information, visit their website:http://www.gatlinburgwintermagic.com/

The Bead Experience: Shop and Classes

  Personal gifts are a great way to show someone that you care for them, and what better gift to give than a personal bracelet or necklace? The Bead Experience in Gatlinburg has all different kinds of beads as well as classes you can take to learn how to make certain types of jewelry. Once at the store, you can choose from Sterling Silver, Italian, High Quality, and Semi-Precious Gemstones. The shop also has a full line of tool. Some of their classes include Beginner Glass Blowing and Beginner Fusing. For a complete list of classes as well as more information about the store, visit their website:http://www.beadxp.com/

Country Tonite Theatre

If you’re bored of seeing the same old shows in the smokies, then give the Country Tonite Theatre in Pigeon Forge a try. Now in its 12th season, this high-energy production has received more awards than any other show in the smokies. The shows include singing, dancing, comedy, and gospel music. For more information, visit their website: http://www.countrytonitepf.com/

Sweet Fanny Adams Theater and Music Hall

If you are ready for a show, check out Sweet Fanny Adams Theater. It is the best place for live comedy and musical entertainment in the mountains, and it was named a National Historic Treasure by the city of Gatlinburg. For ticketing and show information, visit http://www.sweetfannyadams.com/.

All wineries offer free tours and wine tastings

Smoky Mountain Winery

Winery Square – Suite 2
450 Cherry Street
Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Tasting Room:   (865) 436-0584

Mountain Valley Vineyards
2174 Parkway
Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
(865) 453-6334

Hillside Winery, Inc.
229 Collier Drive
Sevierville, Tennessee 37862

(865) 908-8482

Apple Barn Winery
220 Apple Valley Road
Sevierville, Tennessee 37862
(865) 428-6850

The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball

The Great Smoky Mountain Salamander Ball was written by Lisa Horstman and the Great Smoky Mountains Natural History Association and published in April 1997.  It is a children’s book for ages 5-7 years old.  The book is about a young girl’s trip to the Smokies.  While camping with her family, she sneaks out of the tent and watches a salamander ball, but then is discovered by them.  This picture book will keep children intrigued.  The book is about $7.00 and can be purchased through the Great Smoky Mountains Association or other online book stores.

Apple Valley Farms

 

Apple Valley Farms makes you believe that comfort food is the way to go. Indulge in some thirst quenching apple cider, or warm yourself up with homemade apple pie. There is something for everyone in the quilt shop and country store, sure to please any sort of taste. Make this experience extraordinary with their unique gifts, crafts and assortment of the Smoky Mountain’s great southern cooking– a stray away from the typical tourist location. The next time you are traveling through Townsend and Pigeon Forge, stop into Apple Valley Farms to experience the laid-back family atmosphere.

 

For directions, menus and other information, visit http://www.tnvacation.com/vendors/apple_valley_farms_country_stores_and_cafe/