Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales

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!

Summer in downtown Gatlinburg from June 10th to July 29th for 2017!

One reason people come to the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg is to get a taste of the South and the "country". They want to get away from modern life for a bit - from constant surrounding technology, miles of concrete jungle and buildings in all directions, loud hip-hop, crime, drama and all the other pitfalls of coming from a heavily developed urban area - and come to an environment that's more in tune with the "old" ways.

Well, while we're definitely not New York City (or even Des Moines for that matter!), the Smokies aren't quite the frozen moment in time some people come here expecting. We've joined the modern world and try to offer a balanced experience for those who want to enjoy rural Appalachia and its culture while still having luxuries befitting a vacation.

However, one of the things we do to make that balance against the modern era is offer events like the upcoming Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales to bring back the ancient arts of storytellin' and mountain roots music and dance. It is a genuine, high-profile throwback and it's going on all Summer in downtown Gatlinburg from June 10th to July 29th for 2017!

From the Gatlinburg.com website:

"This popular seven-week event truly highlights one of Gatlinburg’s greatest assets in the walkability of the city and provides guests with an interactive, educational and entertaining experience the whole family can enjoy. [...] The collection of personalities and performers arrive nightly at 6 p.m. in the center of town. Visitors witness a magical transformation of sidewalk to stage as the characters disperse along the downtown Parkway for an evening of entertainment and storytelling."

That's right - characters. Professional entertainers and actors from our wonderful pool of trained local talent really get into costume and character to help bring their storytelling and music to life. The night sky fills with tall tales, funny stories, tragic pasts and more. The best part is that it's spread throughout the city and impossible to be charged money for. It's simply part of the Summer celebration Gatlinburg has installed for the season and it's waiting for you to come and see it!

Be sure to book your cabin in advance SEARCH HERE