Even for those of us who enjoy breaking out our favorite scarves and mittens, it usually doesn’t take long for the cold sweater weather to get really old! By mid-January, we’re counting down to the first day of spring, ready for longer days, green trees, and warm sunshine on our faces.
This year, as you plan your springtime getaway, forget fighting the traffic to Florida. Instead, plan for a one-of-a-kind spring break in the Smokies! With dozens of springtime activities you’ll find only in the Great Smoky Mountains, you are sure to have a memorable vacation. For some inspiration as you make your plans, here are five family-friendly events you’ll find only in the Smokies this spring:
1. Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show — March 31-April 4, 2015
Join hundreds of guests at the Gatlinburg Convention Center this spring for the crowd-pleasing Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show. At the show, members of the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community display their handmade gifts and offer demonstrations of their artistry. These unique products are available for purchase, so be sure not to miss the chance to take home your very own handcrafted treasure from the Smokies!
2. Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament — April 4-5, 2015
For an experience you’ll find only the Smokies, plan to participate in the 16th Annual Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament in 2015! This event is open to adults and children alike and offers thousands of dollars in prizes to winners in several categories.
3. Easter Sunrise at Ober — April 5, 2015
Hosted by the Gatlinburg Ministerial Association, Easter Sunrise at Ober will soon become your family’s favorite Easter tradition! Free tram rides, beginning at 5:45 a.m. on Easter morning, will be offered by Ober Gatlinburg for those who would like to attend. The Sunrise Service, led by local pastors, will begin at 6:30 a.m. And be sure to hang around after the service to enjoy a breakfast buffet at the Ober Gatlinburg Restaurant starting at 7:15 a.m.
4. Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage — April 21, 2015
Since 1951, the Great Smoky Mountain Association has presented for the public the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. With more than 150 programs, including various instructional walks and guided hikes, anyone with a green thumb can enjoy viewing and learning about the more than 1,300 wildflowers and 100 species of trees native to the Smokies. A one-of-a-kind educational experience for the whole family, this is the perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors together!
5. Earth Day Festival — April 23, 2015
Gatlinburg joins the campaign to “go green” with the one-day event Earth Day Festival! Located in Mynatt Park, the festival begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 7 p.m. Bring the whole family to enjoy music, free crafts, good food, child-friendly activities and games, and so much more! Best of all, proceeds from the festival will help the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation continue to care and provide for the local community.