Spring Guide to Gatlinburg

Good weather and good times are synonymous here in Gatlinburg and this couldn’t be truer during our spring festival season. Trip-worthy events like Gatlinburg’s Winefest Weekend bring hundreds of wine lovers to the world-renowned campus of Arrowmont’s School of Arts and Crafts, while Ober Gatlinburg’s MayFest welcomes spring with a family-friendly celebration, complete with free kid's games and traditional Maypole dance. Anakeesta’s Spring Celebration makes the most of the great outdoors with everything from scenic garden walks to family photo-ops with their new 12-foot long topiary couch. Gatlinburg’s 75th Anniversary, Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage and Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament are just a few more fests that should also be on your radar. Discover a full list here.

As a destination surrounded by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg offers no shortage of ways to get outside and enjoy the flourishing spring landscape. Whether you're taking in panoramic views at one of the area's many overlooks or wildflower spotting in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the beauty of nature is everywhere you look. Take your vacation up a notch with fun activities like our nighttime 5K, Running With the Bears, or zip, scale and bike your way to the ultimate outdoor adventure at CLIMB Works. For a more leisurely way to enjoy the great outdoors, book a guided fly-fishing outing with Fly Fishing in the Smokies or Smoky Mountain Angler or saddle up for a serene trail ride at the nearby Sugarlands Riding Stables.

For one weekend every spring, Hands-on Gatlinburg highlights the craftsmanship of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community and offers visitors the chance to learn from artists in a variety of mediums. Classes are limited in space so that participants can learn one-on-one with an expert artist. Classes are open to all skill levels – making it the perfect experiential outing for every member of your party.

For those who love a little retail therapy, Gatlinburg’s many quaint boutiques and galleries offer a great chance to collect one-of-a-kind souvenirs or pick up handcrafted items you can’t get at home. The journey to these unique shops is half the fun as you weave your way through the charming alleyways of retail hot-spots like the Village and the Marketplace, or venture to new stores like Southern Style Market. Gatlinburg’s easy, walkable downtown is an ideal situation for a leisurely shopper looking to explore, with plenty of coffee shops and casual eateries to steal into for some refreshment and a quick rest.

Gatlinburg has always been a magnet for crafters: from broom makers to potters and creatives of all disciplines. Gatlinburg’s robust arts culture is a direct reflection of the town’s craftsmen heritage, and there’s no better place to shop for beautiful handiworks than at the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. Spend the afternoon exploring and chatting with artists in their studios, while discovering works not found anywhere else. For those who can’t get enough of arts and crafts, Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community’s annual Easter Craft Show is a shopping mecca for those looking for that elusive treasure. Watch live demonstrations while scoring original items made by artists across the U.S. Whether you're browsing or buying, exploring Gatlinburg’s retail scene is one of the best ways to experience the city while enjoying its beautiful spring season.

Just as there’s always something new going on in Gatlinburg, there is also always something new to taste. Make room in your schedule - and your stomach–for delicious new eateries like Ruby Sunshine and the Greenbrier Restaurant. Ruby’s corned beef Benedict and Greenbrier’s dry-aged sirloin are sure to be crowd-pleasing favorites, no matter where you fall on the culinary spectrum. For breakfast, hit up any of Gatlinburg's world-famous pancake houses, or make your way to the Village to start your day with a delicious Donut Friar donut. Discover a full list of Gatlinburg restaurants and eateries here.

Visit Gatlinburg this spring and share your experiences on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.