Smoky Mountain Wine Fest

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

The Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest will be held at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts on Saturday April 9th from 1pm - 6pm.

Wineries for the event will come from all over Tennessee! Visitors age 21 and older can purchase a ticket ($20 in advance and $25 at the gate) and receive a wristband for sampling and a branded wine glass. The wineries will provide wine samples of 1 oz at a time to everyone with a wristband. Guests will be able to purchase bottles of Tennessee wine to take home as well as wine related merchandise.

Spring is near!  Looking for something interesting to do in the Smokies in April?  The Smoky Mountain Wine Fest is approaching.  At the event you will be able to learn about the process of making wine and tips on wine pairing. Purchase of wine from local wineries as well as small plates provided by local restaraunts.  Also, it's a good cause! Part of the proceeds of this event will be going to Gatlinburg Hospitality Association Scholarship Fund and Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts.  

The Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest will be held at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts on Saturday April 11th from 1pm - 6pm.

Tickets are $20 for the Wine Fest alone or for $55 you will get to sample all the amazing food with the Gatlinburg Winefest & Wine, Dine & Art Crawl Combo.

Spend the day or spend the whole weekend.  If you're wanting to stay the night look to Bear Camp Cabin Rentals for a relaxing evening.

Participating wineries include:  Apple Barn Winery, Beans Creek Winery, Cades Cove Cellars, Eagle Springs Winery, Goodwater Vineyards, Grinder’s Switch Winery, Hillside Winery, Keg Springs Winery, Mountain Valley Winery, Paris Winery, Reedy Creek, Sugarland Cellars, Sumner Crest Winery, & Tennessee Valley and Amber Falls Winery & Cellars.

Sanctioned by the Tennessee Wineries Association, the highly successful wine festival will feature 18 + wineries from across Tennessee providing samples of their labels along with small dish fare from the best restaurants in the Smoky Mountains. And be sure to not be too far from the action with a fantastic stay with Bear Camp Cabin’s Vacation Rentals. When you stay with Bear Camp you get the best amenities in the Smoky Mountains.