This area of the Great Smoky Mountains has plenty of fun things to do even when its’ our rainy season. This is great to know because our time for vacation and relaxation are important to all of us. Recently the bulk of the Southeast U.S. has been mired in a lengthy rain pattern. On one hand it has helped to erase the previous several year drought by bringing lakes and water sources back to normal levels. However, for doing outside activities it can be a little challenging. For this reason, I wanted to focus on some indoor activities that make our area enjoyable even it its’ raining outside. We are in the beginning of the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival which runs from September 18th- October 31st. This festival is centered around Gatlinburg. It gives visitors an in-depth look into the history of our area through it’s arts and crafts. Vacationers can explore and purchase items from a vast Southern Appalachian Heritage of craftsmanship that continues today in areas of the Smokies. Many of these crafts can be viewed in the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community. Established in 1937 this is the largest group of independent crafts people in North America. The shops and galleries that make up this artisan community are located in roughly an 8 mile loop on the northeast side of Gatlinburg. Vistors can enjoy this unique area during business hours year round.
The world-renowned Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, open since 1945, offers courses to students as well as tours of various collections in their galleries throughout the year in Gatlinburg. October 8th- October 25th of this year is the 34th Annual Fall Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair downtown at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. This offers a variety of crafts people in one location demonstrating skills and offering their creations for sale.
Another indoor event is “A Taste of Autumn”. This food-oriented activity will be held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center on Thursday, September 24th. It features sampling from some of this area’s fine restaurants and businesses. Participation allows you to benefit the United Way of Sevier County with the entire $25.00 entry fee. This will be the 12th year for people to enjoy live entertainment while they sample tasty treats and benefit local charities in Sevier County.
As you can see, even rainy weather can’t dampen the fun here in the Smokies. Our location often gets less extremes of weather than other areas. If you are entertaining buying or selling real estate in Sevier County’s Smokies, contact me at The Jason White Team for professional local knowledge of our real estate market. We have the expertise to help you sell or buy property in the Smokies.