GATLINBURG

Dollywood’s Harvest Festival celebrates the beauty of fall in the Smokies with thousands of carved pumpkins, spirited performances from talented artists and the fun of Great Pumpkin LumiNights.

Gatlinburg is being nationally recognized as an ideal mountain destination in America.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – Wildlife officers say a Virginia woman has been charged after they say she fed a black bear while on vacation in Tennessee. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Association said Friday that a video posted on social media shows 21-year-old Kristin Hailee Farris hand-feeding what appeared to be watermelon, chocolate and other items to a black bear in Gatlinburg, Tennessee on Sept. 30. When the video was first released, wildlife officers quickly issued warnings that feeding bears is dangerous and could result in serious injuries. According to news reports, officers say Farris faces a Class B misdemeanor, which can result up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. “The overwhelming desire to have a close encounter with a black bear is strangely more powerful than common sense,” said Sevier County Wildlife Sgt.

An area in Tennessee that’s home to several popular resort cities will require people to wear masks in public places starting on Friday. The mayor of Sevier County issued an Executive Order on Tuesday that will require people in the county, as well as in the cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, to wear masks in public indoor spaces and businesses. According to the order, masks are required in all city incorporated areas, essentially all public places. WBIR reports that Sevier County continues to have one of the highest coronavirus case loads across East Tennessee and is now considered a COVID-19 ‘hot spot’ in the state. Private businesses can still impose stricter guidelines beyond the order, like requiring masks outdoors on private property, for example.

GATLINBURG, Tenn. – If you’re heading down to Gatlinburg, you’ll now be able to enjoy Christmas lights at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park. Starting Monday, the “Lights Over Gatlinburg” Winter Lights Spectacular at the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is on display. You can enjoy the gorgeous decorations across the SkyBridge. Through Dec. 15, if you bring a new, packaged toy to the SkyLift Park, you’ll receive $4 off your admission ticket when purchasing at the ticket window. “Lights Over Gatlinburg” runs from Monday through Jan. 31.