Fall Festivities Abound in the Great Smoky Mountains

One of the best (and busiest!) times to visit theto 9 PM until December 1, 2007.
Great Smoky Mountains is during the month ofIn addition, fall is the perfect time to drive through
October - the peak season for fall foliage whenthe 8-5-mile loop that comprises the Great
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park comesSmoky Arts & Crafts Community, which contains
alive with a brilliant blaze of red, orange and yellownumerous studios, shops and galleries. Founded in
leaves, as well as fresh, crisp mountain air. Some1937, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts
of the best fall colors can be viewed alongCommunity has evolved into the country's largest
Newfound Gap Road, the scenic 32-mile stretchorganization of independent artisans. Mountain
of U.S. 441 that winds the the Great Smokycrafts that can be purchased here include
Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg,woodcarving, pottery, quilting, painting, weaving,
Tennessee, to Cherokee, North Carolina.candlemaking, broommaking and more. The Great
An abundance of festivals and special events alsoSmoky Arts & Crafts Community lies just 3 miles
take place throughout the Smokies during thefrom downtown Gatlinburg on U.S. 321 North.
autumn months. For example, the SmokyThe fall traveler can choose from either resorts,
Mountain Harvest Festival, which runs untilhotels and motels convenient to downtown
October 31, 2007, features live entertainment,Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, or rustic cabins and
old-fashioned hayrides, local crafts and more.chalets nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Dollywood's National Gospel & HarvestMost cabins provide spectacular views, along with
Celebration, which takes place from October 5 tosuch amenities as bubbling hot tubs, fully equipped
November 3, 2007, offers the best in Southernkitchens, vaulted ceilings, outdoor decks and
gospel music, along with the talents of more thanwood-burning fireplaces.
100 craftspeople. Named as one of the "Top 20"With great weather, colorful foliage, a multitude
Events in the Southeastern United States" by theof lively festivals and a diversity of
Southeast Tourism Society, the 32nd-annualaccommodation choices, the Great Smoky
Gatlinburg Craftsmen's Fair (October 11-28, 2007)Mountains provide the perfect fall vacation
boasts over 200 talented artists and craftspeopledestination," said Kyle Collins, Director of
in the areas of pottery, woodworking,Interactive Marketing for "And by purchasing
broommaking, stained glass, basketmaking anddiscount vacation packages, hotels and attraction
more. Old-fashioned Hayrides departtickets online, you and you family can enjoy
approximately every 45 minutes from thesubstantial savings on your fall getaway to the
Mountain Mall at Traffic Light #6 in downtownSmokies.
Gatlinburg Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM