When it comes to celebrating Independence Day, there is no better place to be than in the Smoky Mountains! With everything from wonderful parades to spectacular fireworks displays, you will find it all just minutes from the Oak Tree Lodge! Here are the top 4 ways to celebrate the Fourth of July while staying at our Sevierville hotel:
1. Attend the First Independence Day in the Nation
Be a part of the first Independence Day in the nation by heading down the Parkway to downtown Gatlinburg at midnight on Thursday, July 3rd! This exciting parade has kicked off the holiday for 43 years and starts at 12:01 a.m. on July 4th. The parade route stretches for over a mile, starting at Baskins Creek Bypass on East Parkway, turning south onto Parkway at traffic light #3 and running the entire stretch of downtown to traffic light #10 at Ski Mountain Road. It is recommended that parade goers arrive early on Tuesday in order to secure the best viewing areas along the parade route!
2. Enjoy the Fireworks Display at the Patriot Festival
Another great way to celebrate the Fourth of July near our Sevierville hotel is at the Patriot Festival! This festival takes place at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge and features a full day of activities including live music, a free Kid’s Karnival and food vendors. The highlight of the festival is a dazzling fireworks display at 9:45 p.m. that will light up the sky with red, white and blue! You are welcome to bring your blankets and lawn chairs to Patriot Park, but note that umbrellas and coolers are not permitted.
3. Participate in the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta
One of the most unique ways to celebrate the Fourth of July is by participating in the Gatlinburg River Raft Regatta in Gatlinburg! This Independence Day tradition is Gatlinburg’s most thrilling contest of the summer as unmanned floatables race along the Little Pigeon River toward the finish line! Anyone can participate in this event, and you can even enter a rented rubber duck into the competition for just $1! Contestants may start registering their floatable at 10 a.m. at the race starting line at the Christ in the Smokies bridge. The race starts promptly at noon and ends once all of the floatables have crossed the finish line at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
4. Swim in Our Refreshing Indoor and Outdoor Pools
Since Independence Day takes place in the peak of the summer season, one of the best ways to celebrate is with a dip in the refreshing swimming pools at our Sevierville hotel! Our outdoor pool feels delightful on a warm summer afternoon and features some fun water elements that your kids will love! If you prefer to stay out of the sun, head to our lovely indoor pool area for a swim. This is also a great place to hang out if rainy weather has spoiled your outdoor plans for the day!
Check out all of the rooms at our Sevierville hotel today to make your plans to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Smoky Mountains! We hope to see you soon at the Oak Tree Lodge!
