March is a great month to visit the Smoky Mountains to enjoy the end of winter and the beginning of spring!
If you are planning a trip to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge this March, check out this list of top things to do around the area:
7. Visit Alcatraz East during Scout Appreciation Days
If you’re a registered scout, this month is a great time to visit the The Alcatraz East Crime Museum.
Alcatraz will be celebrating all registered scouts during its Scout Appreciation Days on March 6-7, 2021.
All registered scouts wearing a uniform, plus chaperones and any tagalongs, are invited to the museum for only $12 per person plus tax.
If you’re not a scout and still wish to visit this amazing true-crime museum, you can still save $2 by booking online.
6. Take a ‘Classic Hike’
On Tuesday, March 9, 2021, Classic Hikes of the Smokies will be inviting guests to learn about trails, history and park projects with a special hiking series.
This project is supported by Friends of the Smokies.
The adventure begins with a 4-mile Mingus Creek hike on March 9. Pre-registration is required, and space may be limited.
Editor’s Note: This particular event has sold out, but you can check out future events from this series here.
5. Celebrate the Irish at Anakeesta
Anakeesta is a beautiful theme park in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, and this year they are offering a way for Smoky Mountain visitors to be Irish for a day.
During the “Everyone is Irish” event, Anakeesta will feature green beer, Irish-themed cocktails, mint hot chocolate and special music by real-life bagpiper Kelly Shipe.
Anakeesta’s iconic restaurant, Cliff Top Bar, will feature specialties including including Guinness beef pie, fennel sausage, colcannon, fried leeks, brined corned beef, red potatoes and baby carrots.
Music may be dependent on weather. The celebration will take place on March 17 from 12-3 pm.
Book your tickets online ahead of time to reserve your spot and avoid waiting in an extra line upon arrival.
4. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Gatlinburg
If Anakeesta isn’t your Irish jam, the entire city of Gatlinburg will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with four days of Irish music, food and fireworks.
Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales will be performing on the streets nightly from 5-9 pm, and dancers will be performing a traditional Irish dance.
The city will be decorated in Shamrock green, and fireworks will shoot off at 10 pm on Friday evening in downtown Gatlinburg.
This free celebration takes place March 17-20.
Read Also: March 2021: Upcoming events in Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg
3. Visit The Island in Pigeon Forge
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, The Island in Pigeon Forge will be hosting live music with entertainment including The BorderCollies, The Crossjacks, The Tennessee Irish Dancers and Dropkick Murphys.
The Island will be decked out in green, and green beer will be on tap at Yeehaw.
The Island is free to visit.
This St. Patrick’s Day event will be on March 13 from 11 am-6 pm.
2. Sample some wine and cheese on the Tennessee Moonshine and Wine Tour
Once you’re tired of green beer, go on a tour featuring moonshine and wine from classic distilleries in Pigeon Forge.
On the Tennessee Moonshine and Wine tour, you will spend half your day learning about the history of moonshine and prohibition while tasting the best wine and moonshine Pigeon Forge has to offer.
Your guide will offer insider tips, and a free gift is also included.
Reserve your spot now by booking online. Limited spots are available. Tours are extra popular on holidays and tend to fill up quickly.
1. Go to Dollywood
This month marks the reopening of the Dollywood theme park!
Opening day will be on March 13, 2021.
There will be many exciting new features coming to Dollywood in 2021, including the return of the retracked Lightning Rod roller coaster, brand new dining options, a facelift for the classic chapel and much more.
Capacity is limited, so be sure to book reservations online before you go.
Read Also: Dollywood 2021: A sneak peek at 8 changes, new additions to the park
What are YOUR plans for March? Did we miss anything?
Let us know in the comments!