Hello, spring! And hello to spring Smoky Mountain vacations! Spring is one of the best times to come experience the beauty of the Smokies and everything the area has to offer. From spring hikes with views of gorgeous wildflowers to spring events and festivals, there is never a dull moment. If you're unsure of where to start when making your plans, we have you covered. We’ve put together a Smoky Mountains in the spring vacation itinerary to help guarantee you have the best time:
Where to Stay in the Smoky Mountains in the Spring
Of course, the best place to stay when you visit the Smokies in the spring is in a cabin! We have a great selection of cabins in the Smoky Mountains for any type of vacation, from a romantic getaway for two to a family reunion. When you stay in a cabin, you’ll have access to a variety of great amenities, from stunning mountain views to relaxing hot tubs. Some cabins have luxury amenities like game rooms, movie theaters, and private indoor pools! You can choose a secluded cabin for the ultimate privacy, or a cabin that’s just minutes away from all the action in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Wherever you choose to stay, one thing is for sure: you won’t be disappointed in your choice to stay in a cabin!
There are some great spring cabin specials happening too! Take a look at our Smoky Mountain cabin deals before booking your stay to save money on your vacation.
Things to Do During Spring
There are plenty of fun things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the spring! From enjoying the beautiful weather outside to exciting festivals and events, you’ll have so many options for what to do on your spring vacation. We’ve picked our top 3 things that need to be on your spring vacation itinerary:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Your visit to the Smokies wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! During the spring, wildlife can be seen more often and gorgeous spring wildflowers start to bloom. With over 1,600 flowering plants in the Smokies, people travel from all over the country to see the incredible display of wildflowers in the spring. We recommend going for a hike along Porters Creek Trail or to Gregory Bald for the best views of them! It’s also a great time of year to take a scenic drive through Cades Cove or along the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. There are so many great spring hikes and scenic drives for you to experience while you’re in town!
Dollywood
During the spring, Dollywood holds its annual Flower and Food Festival. This festival allows visitors to experience the beauty, color, and flavors of spring in the Smokies. There are more than 50,000 flowers throughout the park, as well as blooming sculptures, garden-fresh dining options, and a spring concert series. During the festival, you can also enjoy all your other favorite parts of the park, from the thrilling rides to the world-famous cinnamon bread.
Pigeon Forge Car Shows
Pigeon Forge car show season kicks off in the Smoky Mountains in the spring! If you're around the Parkway, you'll be able to catch a glimpse of all kinds of unforgettable vehicles from a variety of eras. The most popular car show this time of the year is the Spring Rod Run in April, held at the LeConte Center. Whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking for something new and fun to do, attending a car show is always a good time. Ponies in the Smokies and the Corvette Expo are just a couple of the additional spring car shows in Pigeon Forge.
Places to Eat During Spring
One of the best parts about visiting the area is trying all the delicious restaurants! From popular, world-famous restaurants to hidden gems the locals suggest, you’ll have so many choices for where to dine while you’re here. To help you decide, we’ve picked our top choice for each meal of the day!
Pancake Pantry
Your spring vacation wouldn’t be complete without spending one morning at the Pancake Pantry. It’s Tennessee’s first pancake specialty restaurant and a can’t-miss spot. Don’t let the line turn you away; it moves quickly! For breakfast, choose from 24 different kinds of pancakes, waffles, farm fresh eggs, golden butter-fried hash browns, and so much more. Nothing beats the Old Fashioned Buttermilk Pancakes, but if you’re looking for something new, try the Caribbean Pancakes, which come with sliced bananas, chopped nuts and coconut, and sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Pottery House Cafe
For lunch, you have to try the Old Mill Pottery House Cafe. Many people choose to dine at the famous Old Mill Restaurant, but right nearby you have this spot that the locals love! For lunch, enjoy freshly made sandwiches, salads, and hearty entrees that are all served on dishes made at Pigeon River Pottery next door. This spot is famous for its signature quiche plates, signature sandwiches, and homemade desserts. Plus, spring is the perfect time to dine on the outdoor patio by the fountain!
Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant
For a delicious dinner of the best Southern comfort food in the Smokies, head to the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant at the Apple Barn. This spot is famous for its apple fritters with homemade apple butter that are served with every meal, along with a glass of Applewood Julep. As Sevierville’s oldest restaurant, it deserves a spot on your Smoky Mountains in the spring vacation itinerary. We recommend one of the Farmhouse Special Dinners, which include your choice of entree with a choice of soup or salad, mashed potatoes, one additional side, and dessert. Visitors love the Applewood Famous Southern Fried Chicken, Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings, and Momma’s Country Meatloaf! While you’re at the Apple Barn, plan a visit to the cider mill, ice cream shop, winery, or Christmas and candle shop.
Experience the Smoky Mountains in the Spring
Now that you know the top things that need to be on your Smoky Mountains in the spring vacation itinerary, you’re ready to start planning your spring trip! Start by taking a look at our selection of cabins in the Smokies, then get ready for an exciting spring Smoky Mountain vacation!
