4 Seasons in Smoky Mountains by:Bob Foster
It's nearly impossible to get a family to agree on a vacation spot that pleases everybody
. Dad enjoys winter sports, while Mom thinks she'll be stuck inside the warm cabin for a week. Sister wants to go on nature hikes, while Brother wants to cheer on the football team. The Great Smoky Mountains are here to help! Whatever your holiday hopes, adventure, nature, shopping, and activities both indoors and out await you--all year round!Winter lovers flock to the mountains, and the Smokies are no exception. Opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, and other cold-weather sports abound in the Smokies. The moderately cold weather averages about 39.2 degrees farenheit in the peak season of the snow peaks. Most shops and attractions stay open during the winter months, although some adopt fewer operation hours. But the winter holiday season really gets going in late November to early December starting with the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community Holiday Arts & Crafts Show. The Gatlinburg Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade draws thousands of visitors' attention to the seasonal decorations and shopping adventures throughout the region. Most winter weekdays during the winter are peaceful in the Smokies, except for the bustling holiday season from late December through New Year's Day.
With melting snow and budding trees comes spring in the Smoky Mountains, and while chilly nights give way to cool days, amazing opportunities arise to witness the breathtaking bounty of nature. Beginning in March, wildflowers bloom, waterfalls cascade, and wildlife emerge from hibernation. Spring fever fully hits in March with the annual Holly and Shamrock Parade and the Smoky Mountain Springfest, which runs from March to June. April boasts Ribfest & Wings, the Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament, and the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimmige. The Gatlinburg Scottish Festival and Games is in May. Area parks adopt an abbreviated schedule during the spring, so check the hours before booking your trip.
But since most families take vacations during the Summertime when the kids are off of school, late June through early August are the busy times in the Smokies. Outdoor activities abound in the warm weather, and families make time for their time, this time. Theme parks are in full swing, and the lakes and rivers beg for whitewater rafters and flyfishermen. Don't let the occasional mid-afternoon shower deter you, the shops and outlet stores open for extended hours. Some summer festivals include June's Smoky Mountains Tale and Tunes, July's Midnight Independence Day Parade and Gatlinburg's Craft Fair.
Nature lovers, your patience will be rewarded with Autumn in the Great Smoky Mountians. It's impossible to describe the beauty of the fall foliage; it must be seen to be understood. The mountainsides awash in red, yellow, and orange make the fall leaf season (link) a worldwide tourist draw. September through October, depending on the elevation. Bring a sweater or a jacket for the cool autumn evenings as you cheer on the University of Tennesee football team. The towns take decoration to the next level for Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays. Events included the Smokey Mountain Market Festival, Winter Magic Cookoff, Chili Cookoff, Veterans' Day Celebration, and Festival of Trees.
To learn more about the Smokies, get some vacation tips, and maybe even a deal on cabins in Gatlinburg please visit our website at http://PatriotGetaways.com.
About the author
Born and raised in the Smoky Mountain region, Bob Foster became a passionate expert on this part of the country even as a child. Years later Bob turned that childhood passion and expertise into a profession when Bob became a general manager for the family business that specializes in rentals. 4 Safe Travel Tips in Indonesia 4 Safe Travel Tips In Indonesia 4 Reasons to Keep a Mobile Phone While Travelling! 4 Reasons for a Golf Holiday in South Africa 4 Reasons Why You Should Buy Travel Insurance 4 Reasons Why You Must Stay In The Holiday Rentals Tenerife 4 Reasons Why Tickle Me Elmo TMX Is A Must Buy This Christmas.- 4 Reasons Why Australia Is A Better Country To Live In Than The Uk 4 Reasons To Move To Australia 4 Reasons To Hire A Miami Limo 4 Profitable Poster Use During The Holidays 4 Points To Remember About Becoming A Travel Nurse 4 Points To Keep In Mind When Purchasing A Bikini For Summer 2010