Discover crafts and cuisine at Ribfest and Mountainfest in the Smoky Mountains
During the months of April and May, a trip to the Smoky Mountains will give you a truly southern experience. That’s when you’ll find festivals filled with delicious southern food, southern hospitality, and soulful southern music. Prepare your taste buds for a treat as local restaurants cook up some of their specialties. Listen to rock and roll, blues, and country music that won’t keep your feet still. And don’t forget the warm hospitality so famous in the south. If you’re looking for a great getaway, Gatlinburg is the place to be.
Ribfest and Wings Festival
How many ways can you grill a rib? Let’s see… there’s a dry marinade where the ribs are cooked with seasonings instead of barbecue sauce. Wet ribs that are cooked with sauce (mustard or tomato based). And then there are all the variations of dry seasonings or sauce ingredients, plus different methods of cooking the ribs. The possibilities are endless!
Wings are another favorite snack. However, the question with wings is how hot is too hot? They can start out mild and get so hot that a fire extinguisher is needed. Don’t you like the heat? You’ll also find dozens of different flavors, including teriyaki, cajun, and many more. However you like them, the Gatlinburg Ribfest and Wings Festival is the place to be. Imagine a block party in the Smoky Mountains with lots of delicious ribs and wings to munch on. That is exactly what this festival is about.
Around the end of April each year, people in Gatlinburg follow their noses to find the source of a truly wonderful smell. Numerous vendors set up shop on River Road and Ripley’s Aquarium and start churning out delicious ribs and wings. The incredible scent spreads for miles around. It’s enough to make you funny.
This is the perfect opportunity to try something different. Buy a bracelet for a small price that allows you to sample as many ribs and wings as you can hold. Don’t have a lot of time or are you worried about overdoing it? Just buy one or two samples at a time. Either way, your appetite is sure to be satisfied.
And the winner is…
Pay close attention while you eat. There are six different award categories for the best ribs and wings. Each person can cast their vote on their personal favorites. So while the delicious flavor will tempt you to devour your food, eat slowly enough to get a true sense of flavor. It may take a few tastes before you can name your choice for the People’s Choice Award. Take your time and enjoy the live entertainment that can be heard throughout the streets.
This is not an event for adults only. Children are also encouraged to attend and will enjoy face painting and other activities on offer.
Gatlinburg Mountain Party
May brings another memorable festival: Gatlinburg’s Mountainfest. Learn about the Appalachian way of life as you watch demonstrations by local artists. These artisans will show you the craftsmanship techniques that have been passed down in this area for generations.
Do French fries and onions sound good? How about beans and cornbread or fried green tomatoes? Those are just a few of the southern dishes you’ll find at Mountainfest. Local restaurants offer some of their delicious southern cuisine to festival goers.