By Jim Watson © 2008, All Rights Reserved

As Old Man Winter's snowy spell is finally broken, the Smoky Mountains begin to thaw and melt into a fresh, green playground for all to see. Buds on trees, blossoming flowers, longer days and warmer temps bring the world to this area for a taste of homegrown treats. This spring, bring your family and explore the country way of life we love!

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Easter Show

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community welcomes you with their Easter Arts & Crafts Show. Held at the Gatlinburg Convention Center the third weekend in March, this event is a popular attraction for those with an appreciation for artisan products.

As you make your way through the convention hall, you'll pass booth after booth of handmade crafts that pique your interest. What's even more impressive is that local craftsmen are on hand to demonstrate their skills for you. Watch as these talented individuals create one-of-a-kind jewelry, pottery, baskets, candles, leather, candy, ceramics, wearable fashions, art, quilts, woodcrafts, stained glass, plus much more.

Annual Quiltfest

Just down the road from Gatlinburg is the annual Quiltfest in Pigeon Forge. Vacation rentals in nearby towns give you ready access to all the events in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, including this amazing display of hand-spun beauty.

Whether you come to learn or compete, you'll be astonished at the homemade quilts you'll find during this festival. According to the MountainQuiltfest.com website, this event draws more than 20,000 quilting enthusiasts to enter more than a dozen categories. Youth quilting, wearable art, nontraditional and - of course - handmade quilts are all on display.

Prize money is awarded in amounts ranging from $50 to $4,000.

Instructors are also on hand daily to lead classes in developing your skills as an expert quilter.

Dollywood Festival of Nations

Planning to spend spring break in Pigeon Forge? Vacation rentals position you to take advantage of everything this area offers, including Dollywood. Beginning in March and lasting through May, Dollywood hosts the Festival of Nations.

Through a world of dance, you'll discover high-energy Irish step dancing, heart-pumping salsa dancing from Latin America, eye-catching moves from native Russia and more. Come enjoy the fancy footwork and then stay to take in all Dollywood has to offer.

The Dolly Parade

Each year, April brings forth fields of blooming flowers, but none as beautiful as the grand marshal of the Dolly Parade, Dolly Parton herself. With an estimated 50,000 in attendance annually, the Dolly Parade makes its way through the streets of Pigeon Forge. Vacation rentals fill up quickly during this time, so, if you and your family want to take part in all the fun, be sure to book well in advance.

The Dolly Parade offers everything you might expect from such a celebration, including beautiful floats, bands, entertainers of all types and local dignitaries.

Ribfest & Wings

If all this shopping and sightseeing is making you hungry, then you're in luck! Spring in the Smokies also means food… and lots of it! With a delicious array of recipes to try, you might just find yourself up to your eyeballs in ribs and wings!

Downtown Gatlinburg plays host to this annual event to be held April 17th. With live entertainment and plenty of children's activities, the entire family can have a lip-smacking good time.

With so much to do this spring in the Smokies, pack your family and head on up! The family-friendly environment and endless list of things to do make this the perfect place for kids of all ages.

Jim Watson is Owner of Timbercreek Cabins offering cabins near Gatlinburg. Vacation rentals are now available. Visit our rental cabins page today for a complete listing of cabins. Visit our website for the original article - Springtime in the Smokies.