Gatlinburg Events: Introducing Fireside Chats at Our Gatlinburg Hotels

We are so excited to introduce an exciting new series of events at our Oaktenn properties in the Smoky Mountains! If you are interested in free events that provide personal and unique information about Great Smoky Mountains National Park, then you won’t want to miss out on these Gatlinburg events. Keep reading to get all the details on the Fireside Chats at our Gatlinburg hotels.

Exciting Event in Gatlinburg: Fireside Chats 

Our Gatlinburg hotel on the river and our sister hotels are hosting educational and entertaining fireside chats once a month. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the Smoky Mountains, their history, and personal accounts of time spent in the national park. Here are 3 main things you need to know about these upcoming Gatlinburg events:

1. Duration: Each fireside chat will be approximately an hour long, with each event featuring different topics about the Smokies and, potentially, special guest speakers. (Keep reading to find out who the guest speaker is for our first  fireside chat at the end of March!)

2. Where: Guests from any Oaktenn property are welcome to attend our fireside chats! Our Smoky Mountain hotels include The Lodge at Five Oaks in Sevierville, and The Appy Lodge, Old Creek Lodge, and The Bearskin Lodge in Gatlinburg. 

3. When: Our fireside chats will occur weather permitting, due to the outdoor venue. Dates and times are subject to change. Read on for a list of the current schedule for these Gatlinburg events:

Fireside Chats Schedule of Events

Mark your calendars for the following fireside chats at our Gatlinburg hotels, and stay tuned for more updates and speaker announcements as they become available! 

• Friday, March 22, 2024 at 6 PM (Bearskin Lodge)
• Friday, May 17, 2024 at 7:30 PM (Appy Lodge)
• Friday, June 21, 2024 (Time & Location TBD)
• Friday, July 19, 2024 (Time & Location TBD)
• Friday, August 16, 2024 (Time & Location TBD)
• Friday, September 20, 2024 (Time & Location TBD)
• Friday, October 18, 2024 (Time & Location TBD)

Guest Speaker for March 22nd Fireside Chat: Author and Hiker Jeff Alt

The Bearskin Lodge welcomed Jeff Alt to our first fireside chat on Friday, March 22nd. He is an author, speaker, camping expert, and experienced hiker. Jeff has written 8 award-winning books, hiked the entire 2,160-mile Appalachian Trail, as well as many other incredible trails around the world, and is a talented and inspiring speaker. Jeff has even filmed a Ted Talk, and he currently travels all over to speak at a variety of conferences, seminars, and events. Guests were thrilled to listen to him talk about his experience hiking the Appalachian Trail! 

Guest Speaker for May 17th Fireside Chat: A Guide from A Walk in the Woods

On May 17th at 7:30 PM, The Appy Lodge will welcome a guide from A Walk in the Woods for a fireside chat. A Walk in the Woods is an award-winning tour guide service that's goal is to make your time exploring the Smoky Mountains the best part of your vacation. This special fireside chat is geared toward youth, so bring the kids along for a fun and educational experience!

We hope you will make plans to attend one or more of these upcoming Gatlinburg events. Want to learn more about exciting things going on in Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and the Smokies? Check out our events calendar and start planning your next trip!