What to do in Pigeon Forge/Sevierville/Gatlinburg during October? (Maryville: big house, wedding)

[jenijoy]

Hello everyone. I am getting married in P.F. this October. We live in Michigan but simply fell in love with this area and of course the mountains. So much so that we have decided to wed here. We have family and friends joining us for 4 days. They are also from out of state; some from Michigan, others from Florida and even more from Texas. Being that everyone is from out of town and they are going to have some time to check out the sights and sounds of the area, I thought I would offer them some suggestions.

Shawn and I loved the Ripley's Aquarium and the drive from Gatlinburg to Cherokee through the S. M. National Forest. We also loved the craft district.

Does anyone have any personal favorites they could share with me so we can share with others? Any Fall Festivals or anything like that? We visited when Winterfest began a couple of years ago and we were really impressed with the beauty of all the lights. Do these towns do anything for the celebration of the fall harvest?

[tancee]

Dollywood has their fall festival at that time. I just love it. There are great crafts and the food... oh my, is wonderful. They offer great fall dishes. You can still enjoy the rides as well. Also check out this link for events in the area. Events for entire Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Cherokee, Dillsboro, Helen Georgia

[jenijoy]

Thanks, tancee! I am surely going to recommend this to my guests.

[Beretta]

Take a 30 minute drive to Maryville for this: Foothills Fall Festival

Whatever you end up doing, welcome and I hope you have fun!

[AlisonL]

Send them on a drive through Cades Cove.

[tancee]

Oh, I love cades cove. Thats a good idea too. I hope you guys have a great time whatever you decide.

[BST]

Tickets to the Tennessee v Alabama football game. Almost as many people in Neyland Stadium as The Big House.

[ElizaB228]

Just plan it well. There is so much to do here that a week cant even cover it. We almost did our wedding here... but I knew some of the people wouldn't kick out the money to travel here...and I wanted them at the wedding so we did it back in Maryland where we were living at the time. Its a great place for a wedding !!

[arod0331]

Ah timing is everything since Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge are pretty much summer tourist places. I've been through there in January, it's like a ghost town then.
But I think you'll be in for a real treat since the leaves turn by then, the mountains are quite a sight during this time.

The Aquarium, Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum, Dollywood (if it's still open but kinda pricey $90 for 2 adult tickets) Cades Cove, Ober Gatlinburg, Klingman's Dome (bring a jacket even in the summertime) are always favorites.

[jenijoy]

I want to thank everyone for all of your help. The wedding and reception was beautiful and everyone had a great time. All of the suggestions were used and all of our guests really got an opportunity to take in the sites. Thanks again!

Jenijoy