The cold weather most people are facing right now is unacceptable! Walking outside is almost like torture, and any movie or picture that depicts a beach makes us tear up a bit. While you can’t do anything to change the weather, you can do something to help cheer you up during this last month after such a long, cold winter! Studies have shown that even just planning a vacation can brighten up your mood and dig your mind out of the winter blues. Start planning a cabin trip to the Smoky Mountains where you can enjoy some relaxation and experience all the fun events scheduled for the summer of 2018!
Before booking the exact dates for your cabin, check out our list of summer events already in the books! You may end up planning your whole trip around a Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge event that you know everyone will love!
Dollywood’s Barbeque and Bluegrass
May 25-June 10, 2018
Along with the opening of a new ride this year, the Mountain Slidewinder, Dollywood will kick-off a 2-week celebration of two of the South’s favorite cultural staples: succulent smoked barbeque and harmonious Appalachian bluegrass music! In between spinning and flying down roller coaster tracks, pick up some rich, tasty barbeque to pull apart and enjoy while being serenaded by a slew of talented string players and heartwarming country harmony! Dollywood always has tons of shows, interactive rides, and delicious eats, but get a real taste of some Appalachian and Smoky Mountain culture during Dollywood’s Barbeque and Bluegrass!
Picnic Wine Trail
June 2, 2018
Never knew there was a Smoky Mountain wine country? The Rocky Top Wine Trail is open for FREE tastings and tours year-round, but on June 2, come out and celebrate the beginning of summer with a picnic and wine pairing! Three out of six of the participating wineries along the Rocky Top Wine Trail – Mountain Valley Winery, Hillside Winery, and Sugarland Cellars Winery – offer delicious picnic-style fare with the perfect wine pairing. Choose between 2 glasses of wine the winery has hand-selected for the ideal body, acidity, and taste to go along with your picnic treat. Once you have stopped by each of the three locations, picnickers will receive a free souvenir wine glass!
Dollywood Summer Lives Here Festival
June 17-August 6, 2018
Extended daylight means extended hours to ride roller coasters, play games, and enjoy delectable treats during the Summer Lives Here Festival at Dollywood! From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., guests to this Southern dreamland will experience unique shows only performed during the festival; one show last year was a lights and bubbles show like you have never seen before! Pull in to the Dreamland Drive-In and be dazzled by a musical blast from the past with some of the biggest songs from the ‘50s and ‘60s, performed by live performers and a quartet of musicians. Nightly fireworks shine bright against the dark skies to properly end your sublime summer day in Dollywood.
First Independence Day Parade (in the country!)
July 4, 2018 (Midnight)
At the stroke of midnight on the evening of July 3, Gatlinburg comes alive with patriotic spirit! There will be thousands of lights illuminating parade floats in honor of America’s armed forces, national pride, and flashy marching bands echoing down the streets of downtown Gatlinburg. You are totally allowed (and encouraged) to stake out a good spot along the sidewalks with lawn chairs and blankets. This year’s 43rd Annual First Independence Day Parade starts its march at the traffic light 1A, turns at traffic light 3 and parades the length of the Parkway through downtown to traffic light 10.
Smoky Mountain Songwriter’s Festival
August 13-22, 2018
For a week and a half, in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, the public can enjoy FREE live musical performances while talented amateur musicians of all levels get together to share, teach, and play! Surrounded by other musicians who love country, bluegrass, and the music that originated in the Smoky Mountain area, festival attendees have a unique opportunity to foster their talents along with attending classes to sharpen their skills. The atmosphere of Smoky Mountain Songwriter’s Festival continues to be extraordinary through its 7th year, as it is entirely volunteer managed and operated by those who recognize the power of music, fellowship, and education. So, whether you are attending song-writing workshops, bluegrass camp, or simply enjoying the sounds of plucking stringed instruments and soulful voices, this festival embodies the power of music found in the heart and history of the Smoky Mountains!
Your Summer Cabin
Picking out a Smoky Mountain cabin is fun, in and of itself. What kind of summer vacay will it be? A girls’ weekend in the mountains, a guys’ hunting and fishing trip, a family getaway to Pigeon Forge, or a romantic escape to Gatlinburg? From size to location, you could spend an hour or so, easily, perusing the large list of available listings. There are also a ton of awesome amenities to choose from, like spacious suites with direct porch access, indoor pools, and theater rooms! Rather have an experienced cabin specialist do the hard work for you? Easy, just call (866) 513-7885 to start planning!
