The peak time for fall colors in the Smokies is usually the first or second week in October, and it is looking to be around that same time this year. Currently, we are starting to see a slight color change in the higher elevations. Also, with the amount of rain we have been recieving over the past week, the moisture may speed up the changing of the fall colors. Stay tuned, we will keep you updated on the fall color progress throughout the season with weekly updates.
The fall colors will soon be in full force! With the temperature drop over the past week in Southwest Colorado, we are sure to see some drastic fall changes in the next couple of weeks. There are plenty of great things to do in Durango to enjoy the beautiful colors and explore Colorado. Take a train ride through the San Juan Mountains, check out the Mesa Verde National Park, take a camping trip, hiking adventure, or a bike ride through the mountains. Whatever your preference, get out there and enjoy the fall air and beautiful golden aspens before it's too late!
The San Juan Skyway is a great way to enjoy the fall colors, it has been called "The Most Beautiful Drive in America" Looping through the beautiful San Juan Mountains, this 236-mile route takes you through the San Juan, Uncompahgre, Wilson and Sneffels mountain ranges. The route passes through the towns of Durango, Silverton, Ouray, Ridgway, Telluride, Rico, Dolores, Cortez and Mancos.
A Taste of Autumn will be held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center on September 24th. This great event will benefit the United Way of Sevier County, and for only a $25 entry fee attendees can enjoy unlimited sampling from local restaurant vendors and live entertainment! All the proceeds will go to the United Way Sevier County campaign! There will also be a live auction to compliment the fundraising festivities.
The Mountain Life Festival at the Mountain Farm Museum will be happening this weekend, September 19, from 10am to 4pm. Since this year is the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the park, the event will highlight Appalachian folkways and pay tribute to the many families who lived on lands that would later become the National Park. The centerpiece of the event is the sorghum syrup demonstration, this will be much like the way they made the syrup a hundred or more years ago, using a horse-powered cane mill and a wood-fired cooker.
Other activities will include hearth cooking, apple butter and apple cider making, blacksmithing, lye soap making, food preservation, broom making, quilting and chair bottoming. Artifacts and historic photos will also be on display and bluegrass music will be the entertainment.
All activities are free and open to the public, the Mountain Farm Museum if located two miles north of
Cherokee, NC. For more information please call the visitor center at (828) 497-1904.
The Craftsmen's Fair is one of the Southeast's most popular events! Whether you're interested in art, crafts, or music, you will find over 200 booths featuring some of the nation's finest work. Artisans and craftspeople are on-hand to demonstrate their skill, answer questions and offer their unique art for sale. There will also be live bluegrass and country music!
Dennis Lee and Band will be performing October 8-16, and Keith Longbotham and Band will be performing October 17-25.
The fair is taking place at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, and admission will be $6.00.