Map Out a Nashville to Gatlinburg Getaway

It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!

Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.

1. Dollywood Harvest Festival

If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.

2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.

3. Wears Valley Fall Festival

The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.

No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!

Sometimes, the perfect vacation spot is closer than you think. If you call the Nashville area home, forget buying a plane ticket, and pack your car and drive to Gatlinburg instead. This Smoky Mountain city is home to breathtaking natural beauty and endless adventure. By driving from Nashville to your Bear Camp Cabin Rentals home in Gatlinburg, you can add a bit of extra fun to your getaway!

What You Need for the Perfect Tennessee Road Trip

Before setting off on your excursion across Tennessee, there are a few things you need to make sure you have. One is a car emergency kit, which should include a phone charger, jumper cables, road flares or reflectors, and a first aid kit. It’s also a good idea to have an atlas or printed directions, just in case you lose service. Also, pack a bag with your favorite road trip snacks and queue up a playlist with songs that you can’t help but sing along to.

Where to Stop on Your Drive

It takes around four hours to travel from Nashville to Gatlinburg. While this means you can easily reach your final destination in one day, you also have time to explore on your way there and back.

Before heading out of town, stop by The Morning Ritual or Elixr Coffee Roasters for a cup of coffee.
Take a little detour and visit Cedars of Lebanon State Park. This Tennessee state park has 10 miles worth of hiking trails.
Make a stop to explore charming Kingston. Found along the river, a focal point of town is Southwest Point Park and historic Fort Southwest Point.
As you make your way through Knoxville, stop at the Zoo Knoxville. The popular attraction is home to giraffes, red pandas, and a variety of monkeys.
Make a quick stop in Sevierville at the Wings of Wander Mural. Found on Main Street, the painting is the perfect backdrop for your Instagram post.

The five stops listed above are only a small sample of places to visit on your drive. We recommend giving yourself plenty of extra time to see what other fun you can come across.

Unwind in the Comfort of Your Gatlinburg Rental

There’s no better way to relax after driving from Nashville to Gatlinburg than by enjoying a quiet night in. Your vacation rental from Bear Camp Cabin Rentals has everything you could need or want from a home away from home. Our Gatlinburg cabins feature all the charm of a log cabin with the modern conveniences you’d expect from a luxury rental. This can include things like private pools, hot tubs, theater rooms, and more. Take your time browsing our inventory to find your perfect fit. For more information about our Gatlinburg vacation rentals or special offers, call 1-800-705-6346.