As Spring continues to bloom across the Great Smoky Mountains of NC, Easter weekend (April 18th-20th) brings numerous opportunities to celebrate the season with family and friends. From accommodations of all types to special events throughout the region, here’s your guide to Easter festivities in the Smokies.
Share an Easter Meal
The Easter Sunday Buffet at Hazel’s at Fontana Village, with an impressively delightful brunch menu, offers a delicious way to treat the family on Sunday, April 20th, from 9AM-2PM. Preview the menu online and try to distract yourself while you wait for the day to partake in this sumptuous spread.
Share a Dance
Here’s an entertaining way to distract the whole crew until buffet time – the Spring Thang Music Festival at Lands Creek Log Cabins in Bryson City, NC. Enjoy free live music on Friday night, April 18th, and starting again on Saturday afternoon, April 19th, with food trucks on site to keep you fueled and dancing. With rental cabins on the ridgeline, creekside, and in the woods, your ideal overnight adventure awaits. Accommodations, free live music, and springtime fun all in one location? Please and thank you!
Another live music opportunity, on Saturday April 19th at the Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville, NC. The 4-piece band Gnarly Fingers has been mesmerizing audiences with their 3 and 4-part harmonies for the past 19 years. You’ll hear covers of some of the absolute musical legends and “eclectic acoustic” versions of some of the greatest songwriters.
Share a Whitewater Adventure
Your timing couldn’t be better to visit the Great Smoky Mountains on April 19th, when you can experience the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) for their annual kickoff of the “Adventure Season” with the Spring Fling. They promise high water, live music, boat and paddle fun, and an artisan market. Whether you’re a boater or not, this will be a great day at the NOC in one of the most beautiful places to welcome back the Spring.
Share Time with the Kids
In Waynesville, NC, at Winchester Creek Farm on Saturday, April 19th, take your littles for a true Easter treat. Egg hunts, goodie bags, and visits from the Easter Bunny will delight kids of all ages. If your kiddos are on the older side and need more than just an egg hunt, consider the Smoky Mountain Sk8wa, where they can enjoy both Easter egg hunting and roller skating.
Share an Experience
After working up a hunger with all the fun in Haywood County, Cataloochee Ranch in neighboring Maggie Valley is serving up an Easter brunch from 10AM-1:30PM on Sunday, April 20th. High Country at the Switchback is a world-class restaurant where Appalachian favorites are influenced by French techniques. Make your reservations now to secure your spot.
Spring weather creates a beautiful backdrop for the Dillsboro Easter Hat Parade on Saturday, April 19th. Make your way to Front Street in Dillsboro, NC, in Jackson County for this charming event. Plan for lots of kids’ activities, meet and greet the Easter bunny, enjoy yummy treats, and participate in a HUGE Easter egg hunt at Monteith Park. Of course, you’ll also see plenty of creative Easter hats brightening the streets throughout the celebration.
Photos by Tim Umphreys, Gabe Pierce on Unsplash.