Bear-Varian Festival at Anakeesta Will Bring Brews, Food, and Views

Photo from the Anakeesta website

Fall is the (arguably?) prettiest time of the year to visit Gatlinburg. The leaves are awash in a color spectrum that floods the eyes with wonder. While the views are quite spectacular in nature, there are plenty of events for people to enjoy throughout the different attractions in town. Anakeesta is one such place that brings all the elements of fall into a bundle for everyone to consume with fascination and joy. Here is what’s just around the corner at this mountaintop theme park.

Not just a week or two festival, Anakeesta’s spans from September 9th through the end of October, so you have plenty of time to view the plethora of beauty in the Smokies combined with some relaxation in different forms.

Food options are plentiful and German-themed, as you might expect. Oktoberfest is celebrated traditionally at attractions in Gatlinburg, and Anakeesta does it just as well, if not better. They hire some high-quality chefs in their kitchens. Translation: Expect an elevated experience with these foods.

Their Bear-Varian dishes include the following items: Pork Schnitzel, a giant Turkey Leg, Soft Pretzels, Bratwurst, Kraut, and German Chocolate Cake Funnel Fries. You can find all of these at the different eateries on Anakeesta mountain. Wait, what was that last item! That last dessert is the most intriguing food item I have to see to believe. You know you want to try it!

With so many brews to choose from, you will be hard-pressed to deny what they have to offer, in addition to the delicious food options. You can purchase your very own VIP beer pass for $21.99, which allows you six eight-ounce pours from 5 different regional breweries : Gypsy Circus, Blackhorse Brewing, Tailgate Brewery, Highland Brewing, and Blackberry Farms. Sounds like a good sampling worth the experience of making a day of the fun!

Family fun is never NOT part of any visit to Anakeesta! During the festival, you can always find live music and a variety of consumable entertainment for all ages. Witches and scarecrows will help “repair” your mood, if it needs it, with a unique blend of showmanship that’s interactive with guests. Also, the Anakeesta band, “The Skeletones,” will be playing all the hits of the Halloween season you recognize. You won’t want to skip the entertainment, adding some flair to your visit!

You can spend an awesome day in the Smoky Mountains in the fall, but you can also make a day of the positively stunning perspectives seen from Anakeesta. The Anavista Tower, Treetop Skywalk, and the many seating chairs and benches throughout the Park give you unmatched views not seen at any other attraction in Gatlinburg. It’s moved me to tears, and I’ve never had something like that happen to me anywhere I’ve ever visited in my life. It was a transformational experience. Simply incredible, and it happened right here.

Will you be in Gatlinburg during this nearly eight-week stretch? If you are one of the many in this popular spot during the fall, I strongly endorse Anakeesta as part of any visit to the Smoky Mountains. Even if you’re staying in a cabin outside Pigeon Forge; even if you’re not a fan of Gatlinburg traffic. Don’t miss out!

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