Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
Combine beautiful surroundings with craft shows, special events, great food and plenty of fun things to do during the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival and visitors are guaranteed a memorable trip to Gatlinburg this fall season.
Autumn in Gatlinburg is a special time of year. Set against the backdrop of mountains painted with brilliant autumn color, Gatlinburg is consistently recognized as one of the top places in the United States to see fall foliage. Downtown Gatlinburg follows suit, as the whole city is adorned with lavish fall decorations to kickoff Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival.
The 2016 Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival kicks off at Ober Gatlinburg in Bavarian style with the 7th annual OktOBERfest from Sept. 23 to Oct. 30. OktOBERfest features Bavarian-style food, indoor and outdoor bier gartens, music and live entertainment with multiple shows performed daily. Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram is a fan-favorite for transportation to OktOBERfest this time of year, providing visitors spectacular views of fall foliage spanning for miles across the Smoky Mountains.
For more information about Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival in Gatlinburg, visit www.gatlinburg.com, call (800) 588-1817 or download the official Gatlinburg app for information while in town.
Showcasing more than 200 booths of handmade arts and crafts created across the U.S. for generations, Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair opens Oct. 6 and runs more than two weeks through Oct. 23. A tradition spanning nearly 50 years, top artisans from around the United States come together every fall for Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair. Visitors can shop at the many booths and talk to working craftsmen while enjoying live country and bluegrass music at Gatlinburg Convention Center.
October is the month for haunts and haints as Ripley’s Haunted Adventure celebrates its 18th annual Fright Nights with a special “Movie Monster Madness” show. Each weekend, guests can expect no extra charge every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evening in October plus Halloween night.
May the best costume win at the Trick or Treat Kickoff Carnival on Oct. 31 at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Plaza. Local businesses will offer contests, costumed characters, inflatables and candy for all in attendance. Proceeds will go to United Way of Sevier County.
