Smoky Mountain Attractions: 5 Tips for Traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains with Children
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!
Kids can be a lot of fun while you’re on vacation, but it can also be a lot of work for mom and dad. Keeping kids satisfied and happy while you’re out and about in the Smoky Mountains can be easy if you just follow these 5 tips:
1. Bring New Toys
Even though the scenery is new, kids love having new toys to play with and new books to read. Pack a few new things for your trip and take them out when you need your little one to be patient. These new toys can also help keep him or her busy while you’re cooking dinner or enjoying time in one of the beautiful cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge.
2. Pack Extra Clothes
All kids make messes, and that’s okay! Just make sure you are prepared for sudden spills or messy moments by packing a few extra outfits. It helps to keep extra clothes with you while you travel to and from each of the Pigeon Forge attractions.
3. Make Sure You Have Snacks in Your Bag
So many parents forget to pack snacks in their bags. The easiest way to make sure your little one is happy is to be sure to have a snack or two in your purse or backpack.
4. Try to Stick to the Normal Routine
As difficult as this may sound, young children need the structure of a scheduled routine. If your little one normally goes to bed at 7 p.m., do your best to make sure their 7 p.m. bedtime doesn’t change. Older kids can adjust to a different sleeping pattern, but young children need the scheduled sleep to remain constant, even on vacation. If you would normally eat dinner at 5 p.m., make sure those hours stay similar as well. If you change the schedule too much, you’ll wind up with a fussy child.
5. Plan for Extra Time
One of the great things about vacationing to the Smoky Mountains is that you can relax in the comfort of one of our cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge. Don’t worry if you’re running a little late to get from one attraction to the next. Spend time resting and enjoying the Smokies. If you plan to take a hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, be sure to allow for extra hiking time for the kids. There are many family-friendly hikes in the national park, so be sure to choose hikes that are easy enough for everyone in your group.
To start planning your vacation to Pigeon Forge, you can contact us at (800) 705-6346 to speak with one of our vacation specialists. We look forward to helping you make your family vacation special.
Photo Credit: daylmer
