It's hard not to think of Spring returning to the Smokies - largely because it's already here.

Although unofficially so, the season has definitely started here in Pigeon Forge. The temperatures are peaking in the 70s, blue sky and sunshine and even some of the flowers and trees are blooming already! The emerald glow of the Smokies won't be far behind and the return to a healthy stream of special events like the Festival of the Nations.

Here's a quick look at what's coming up.

The 18th Annual "A Mountain Quiltfest"
3/14/12-3/17/12

The city of Pigeon Forge hosts a very popular festival in which over 20,000 visitors participate in many classes and seminars, and view some of the most gorgeous quilts in the country. www.mountainquiltfest.com

ClausFest Parade
3/17/12

Gatlinburg's Spring Parade is back on for 2012. The Clausfest parade features, get ready for this, all your favorite Christmas and St. Patrick's Day icons marching together in a grand fashion down the main street of downtown Gatlinburg. It's a sight worth coming to see. www.clausfest.org

Dollywood "Festival Of the Nations"
3/24/12-4/30/12

Dollywood opens it's gates once again to the tune of world music as Festival of the Nations returns to captivate visitors to the Smokies. Groups from Ireland, South America, Africa, Germany and more will be coming and coming back to entertain us here in the Smokies. www.dollywood.com

Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show
4/5/12-4/7/12

Imagine if the Arts and Crafts Community of Gatlinburg, with dozens of other independent artists and artisans from whole states away gathered in one huge building in downtown Gatlinburg and you have the setting for the Great Smoky Easter Arts and Crafts Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. www.gatlinburgcrafts.com.

Make your reservations today and enjoy either of these special events, or come early and enjoy the Springtime glory of the Smokies without the Springtime traffic. We'll be posting more information on Special Events and Dollywood as they become available. Make your reservation at www.greenvalleypigeonforge.com