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For current Road Condtions on Hwy 441 from Cherokee to Gatlinburg, call (865)436-1200 and dial ext. 631 for Road Conditions or to visit the National Park Road Closure web page Click Here!

GATLINBURG: Smoky Mtn Romance

January 26, 2012

Click Here to Subscribe to our Blog by Email!Looking for a special way to spend Valentine’s with your sweetheart? Come to the Gatlinburg, the Gateway to the Smoky Mountains, and spend a fun-filled romantic week or just the weekend. Whether you are looking to pop the question, get married, or just canoodle, Gatlinburg is bound to have the perfect thing for you to do or see. Here are some of our favorites:

This bed is in "Above the Rest" at Winfield Heights!1. Rent a Cabin. Nothing says romance like a little log cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re looking for a rustic cabin with a wood-burning fireplace or the lap of luxury with all the amenities, Gatlinburg offers all the options you can imagine.

Want to soak in a hot tub with a view? Try Chipmunk Haven. Want to enjoy a roaring fire while snuggled into your king-size bed? Try the Above the Rest–one of the cabins at Winfield Heights.

Smoky Mountain Winery2. Winery Tours. Wine may not be the first thing that pops to mind when contemplating what to do in Gatlinburg, but Smoky Mountain Winery opened its doors in 1981. Take a free tour of the production facilities then follow it up with a free tasting of more than 20 available award-winning wines. Take a bottle home to remember your honeymoon, anniversary or romantic getaway weekend!

3. Ski Lodge. Love to ski? Ober Gatlinburg is a great destination for your winter skiing. Don’t ski? Give it a try in ski school. Nothing will bond the two of you like learning something new. And, if ski school doesn’t go well…you can always help nurse each other’s wounded pride.

Rent a Cabin with a View!4. Photography. When everyone has a digital camera, it is easy to forget about having professional portraits taken. Take the stress out of trying to find the perfect stranger walking by to take a picture of you and your honey on vacation. Gary Woods Photography offers location shoots. I love the composition in his outdoor portraits. Trust a professional and capture the memory for a lifetime.

Let It Snow!5. Snow Snow Snow! What happens if you were hoping for snow and don’t see any when you get here? Well, you have to find the snow. Snowfalls of an inch or more occur on average only one to five times per year in the valleys of the Great Smoky Mountains. In the high country, over five feet of snow falls most years. If the Newfound Gap Road has not been closed because of snow, a trip to Newfound Gap is your best bet for finding snow. Have fun and dress warm!

Have a Take Out picnic from Best Italian!6. Have a Picnic. No–I haven’t lost my mind. I know it is too cold for most of you to be traipsing into the woods with a blanket and picnic basket. I propose you picnic in your cabin. Rent a movie, start a fire, and order take out from one of Gatlinburg’s great eateries. I recommend a big Italian feast from Best Italian (pictured left) or create your own gourmet picnic of hummus, specialty cheeses, olives and breads from our local Food City. Bon appetite!

Take an Auto Tour of Wildflowers all year 'round!7. Auto-Touring. Too cold to hike? Hiking not your idea of romance? Take an auto-tour. Enjoy some of the Smoky Mountains greatest sites from the comfort of your car.

Some of my favorite Auto-Touring trails are the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Newfound Gap Road from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, and any section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fill up your tank and hit the open road.

Try out a cabin at Winfield Heights for a spa-like experience!8. Relax. Ready to get away from it all? Try spa services for the ultimate relaxing getaway. Whether you are looking for a pedicure and facial or a joint massage with aroma therapy, About You Salon offers a whole menu of services to suit your fancy.

Try their Signature Mountain Heritage Massage and 10% of the proceeds will go to Friends of the Smokies’ efforts to support the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Try the Pancake Pantry for Breakfast!9. Dining for Two. A romantic meal that you don’t have to shop for or cook is always a welcome relief for the cook in your family. Trust me on this one. Gatlinburg restaurants abound.

Whether you are looking for a great steak like those at the Alamo Steakhouse, a gourmet breakfast from the Pancake Pantry, or an indulgent lunch from the Haufbrau House, there is a little something for everyone. By the way, if you love Italian food, Gatlinburg does it well over and over. Check out our Best Italian Food post!

Going to the Chapel...10. Goin’ to the Chapel. Gatlinburg sees the second most weddings in the country each year (surprisingly just behind Las Vegas).

A simply ceremony at a cabin like Bear Path can help create a beautiful memory and a place to return for many years to come.

An elaborate wedding at one of the local chapels is easy to plan from afar. And, of course, you can always get married in the only Hard Rock Cafe in the world with a wedding chapel–the Hard Rock Gatlinburg.

Check out our Smoky Mountain Wedding post for more information.

ERA In The SmokiesThis blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Special Olympics Tennessee Winter Games

January 24, 2012

Special OlympicsOber Gatlinburg hosts the Special Olympics Tennessee Winter games every year! This year they will take place January 29-31!

“Over 140 athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete in Alpine Skiing & Snowboarding and Speed Skating in divisions based on age and ability. The traditional lighting of the Special Olympics flame will take place on Monday morning at 9:00 on top of Ober Gatlinburg. Award presentation will begin at 2:00 pm on Tuesday.”

For more information, visit Ober Gatlinburg’s Site or Special Olympics Tennessee’s Site.

ERA In The SmokiesThis blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

GATLINBURG: Your Place To Relax

January 19, 2012

Subscribe To A Day In The Smokies! Any time of year, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains are the perfect destination for a relaxing retreat! Whether it’s off-season or peak-season, it’s easier than you might think to find a myriad of ways to just sit back and relax. And with the crazy, fast pace of life these days, I’m sure we’d all love a chance to unwind.

Rent A CabinRent a Cabin
Whether you are just looking for a comfortable, private place to chill out after a fun-filled day, or a place to retreat from the world for a while, try renting a chalet or cabin. I would be perfectly happy to hole up in a cabin with some food-stocks, some movies, some books, my notebook, a pen, and my guitar. I know there are some of you out there besides me who really need to be by yourself every once in a while. A cabin is the answer!

Go Hiking!Go Hiking
In the Spring, Summer, and Fall hiking can lead you to beautiful views of creation, peaceful walks through the woods, and the tranquility you’ve been looking for. For those of you who can’t sit still, but need to let your mind rest, go on a hike. It’s the perfect way to think while moving! If it’s winter, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a trek through the Park. Try winter hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing! Experience a winter wonderland with evergreen plants, winter birds, gorgeous winter waterfalls, pristine snow, and more!

Visit Utopia Day SpaEnjoy Some Pampering
Visit a Day Spa, such as Utopia Day Spa or About You Salon & Day Spa, for everything from hair & nails to packages including massage, facial, body wrap, manicure & pedicure, shampoo & blow dry, make-up application, and lunch! Have someone come give you a massage at your cabin, or have gift baskets, flowers, romantic dinners and more delivered to your cabin, or even set up and ready when you arrive!

Some of Our Favorite Places to Eat Out!Go Out to Eat
Sometimes you just don’t have the energy to prepare your own food. For those times, just head out to one of our many restaurants. Whether your idea of relaxation and good food is a burger and fries, an organic cafe, or a sit down dinner, we’ve got plenty of options to choose from. We especially like our Italian food here, but that’s definitely not the limit! If you don’t want to prepare your own food, but still relish the idea of eating in the privacy of your cabin, simply order your food take-out and bring it back to your cabin with you!

Relax By a Mountain StreamRelax By A Creek
Here in Gatlinburg you don’t have to go far to find a creek! There is a creek that runs between the two sides of the road between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg! We have three chalets that sit on a creek: Dream’s Inn, River’s Edge, and Water’s Edge. Most of the hiking trails in the Park run beside a creek or cross a creek at at least one point. My personally favorite way to relax by the creek is to go to the Chimney Tops Picnic Area in the Park, rock hop my way out to the biggest rock I can find in the middle of the stream, and sit on it, reading, writing, thinking, or praying. Even if there are tons of people around, no worries, just close your eyes, or lay back and look at the sky or trees above you. The gentle roar of the mountain stream will drown out surrounding noises!

Visit a Historic ChapelVisit a Chapel
There are historic chapels all over this area, where anyone may enter, sit, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Whether you are looking to connect with God, or simply enjoy the tranquility of these historic and beautiful buildings, chapels are a great place to relax. You can find one at Dollywood, a few in Cades Cove, and various others in different areas of the Park. There are countless wedding chapels in the area, many of which I’m sure would be glad to let you come in and relax when they are not in use. Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Gatlinburg has a beautiful chapel where you can sit and meditate.

Retail TherapyRetail Therapy
I had a college roommate that frequently referred to her need for “retail therapy.” To her, going shopping was a way to have fun, ease the mind, and just loosen up! If this is you, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge have more than enough shopping to provide a full week’s worth of therapy! Come on down!

Time to Get Wet!Soak Up The Sun
I love to enjoy those sunny days by getting wet! Maybe you just like to lay out! We have several cabins with pool access. But even if you choose one that doesn’t, there are still community pools, Splash Country, Dollywood, white water rafting, and more! There’s no need to miss out!

ERA In The SmokiesThis blog is sponsored by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg. For more info. on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Gatlinburg Photo Contest- WINNER!

January 17, 2012

Subscribe to A Day In The Smokies

After receiving about 100 very nice photos of Gatlinburg, we managed to select a little more than 50 of the best ones as finalists. You can view all of these beautiful photos in our Facebook album! We had to narrow it a little more though, and we managed to select 8 of these to receive special honor:

3rd Runners Up

Photo by Ameroy Hunley

Photo by Ameroy Hunley

Photo by Ron & Sherri Heltsley

Photo by Ron & Sherri Heltsley

Photo By Sharon Long

Photo By Sharon Long

2nd Runners Up

Photo By Rick Spragg

Photo By Rick Spragg

Photo By Tanea Ricketts

Photo By Tanea Ricketts

1st Runners Up

Photo By Ron & Sherri Heltsley

Photo By Ron & Sherri Heltsley

Photo By Ameroy Hunley

Photo By Ameroy Hunley

1st Place Winner of a FREE 3 Night Stay!

Photo By Cody Young

Photo By Cody Young

Winter Hiking Safety!

January 17, 2012

Subscribe to A Day In The SmokiesWinter In The Smokies!I love hiking in winter! Why you may ask? Consider this:

  • Quiet, peaceful, often private trails
  • Icicles!
  • Animal tracks in the snow
  • Less sweating!
  • It’s the best cure for cabin fever!

If you decide to venture into the woods this time of year, make sure you are prepared! Here are some important things to bring and keep in mind!

To Wear:

Wool or Synthetic Clothing - (socks especially) Ever heard the expression “Cotton Kills”? When cotton gets wet, it gets cold! Wool (and many synthetics) on the other hand retain heat even when wet. Wool socks are the best for winter hiking, because odds are, if there is snow on the Capilene by Patagoniaground, your feet WILL get wet!

Layers - Even if you are not feeling all that cold, it is a good idea to bring layers. If you need to stop moving, (hopefully just for a snack break) your body temperature will drop and you will be happy to have something warm to put on. Remember to bring at least a hat, gloves and an extra sweater or long sleeve shirt. Also, wearing a pair of thermals under your pants will keep you a lot warmer. (remember – no cotton. try Patagonia’s Capilene bottoms)

Appropriate Footwear – Please don’t go hiking in your summer running shoes! Heavy duty winter hiking boots with sturdy soles are ideal. Waterproof GORE-TEX boots are best, but you can probably get by with aYakTrax warm pair of snow boots too.

YakTrax - YakTrax are similar to crampons which help you get a better grip on ice and packed snow. Unlike crampons, which make me think of hard-core mountain climbing, YakTrax are more for everyday use, including walking on icy steps and driveways. If you think the trail might be icy, it would be great to have a pair of these in your pack, just in case!

To Bring:

Get a Water Bottle!Water and Snacks - These are important all year round. You will stay a lot warmer if you are hydrated and have a healthy blood sugar level. Make sure you bring more water and snacks for longer hikes.

Trail Map – Again, something I ALWAYS have, no matter what time of year.

Trekking Poles – These are very helpful on icy trails!

Emergency Supplies – These may not be necessary for a 1/2 mile walk, but definitely bring these on longer hikes.

  • Headlamp or Flashlight – LED lights are best, as they last longer
  • Compass – Don’t rely on only a GPS.Bring your Pocket Knife!
  • Extra batteries – for your headlamp, flashlight or GPS
  • Emergency Shelter
  • Pocket knife or multi-tool
  • First-aid Kit
  • Matches and Firestarter

Safety Tips to Remember:

Never hike alone.

Tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return.

Winter daylight hours are shorter, so plan to hike earlier in the day and don’t get stuck in the dark!

Check the weather forecast before you go out.

Day Hikes Only!

All these tips are intended for short day-hikes. If you are thinking of doing something longer or a winter-camping trip, please do more research! Backpacking is a lot of fun, but it requires much more preparation and a permit from the Park.

ERA In The Smokies

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Smoky Mountain Must-Sees

January 12, 2012

Subscribe to A Day In The SmokiesWhenever our guests come to town, they always ask about the best parts of the National Park to visit. Here are some sights accessible from Newfound Gap Rd that the Park recommends.

Newfound GapNewfound Gap
Newfound Gap runs almost exactly through the center of the Park and offers gorgeous views at little pull-offs all along the way! If you don’t have much time or energy, but are eager to experience some great views of the Park, this may be the path for you!

Alum Cave Bluffs
The Alum Cave Bluffs are 100 feet high, and have been in the past, the source of alum, a compound sulfate used in munitions manufacturing, in medicines, and in setting cloth dyes. They were also supposedly a source of saltpeter for Civil War gunpowder. The Alum Cave Bluffs Trail begins at Newfound Gap Rd between the Newfound Gap and Chimney Tops overlooks, and is a popular destination for day hikers. The trail is pretty strenuous at the end. It is 2.5 miles to the Bluffs, and 5 miles to Mount Le Conte.

Andrews Bald
A bald is an open, unforested area on a mountain ridge. Naturalists can’t explain for sure how they happen, but it could be due to overgrazing or repeated fires set by humans. Andrews Bald is the easiest bald to reach in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is located 1.8 miles south of Clingman’s Dome, by hiking trail. It has beautiful view, and the open fields, containing mainly grass and flowering shrubs, make it a nice picnic spot!

Charlies BunionCharlies Bunion
This is one of my husband’s personal favorites! He loves the views and it is the perfect day hike for him. He does it in a morning usually. In 1925, a forest fire swept through this section of the Park and exposed the ridge now know as Charlies Bunion, opening up sweeping views of Mount LeConte and Greenbrier. This trail is 4 miles one way.

Cherokee Orchard Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
These roads include historical sites such as homesteads, cabins and a cemetery from a village that was home to about 24 families about 150 years ago! This is often hailed as a mini-Cades Cove, closer to Gatlinburg, a smaller loop, and usually less crowded, but still great for viewing wildlife and historic buildings! The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is closed in the winter.

Chimney Tops
In addition to the actual Chimney Tops Trail, the Chimney Tops picnic area, nearby, is in my opinion a destination of its own. It spreads along a beautiful mountain creek with tons of rocks to play on, and plenty of shallow spots to wade in! There are, of course, numerous picnic tables at which you can enjoy a meal. I have spent the whole day there before, reading, playing in the creek, and just generally relaxing and enjoying the lovely atmosphere! If you are interested in a little more action, continue down the road to the Chimney Tops Trail, and hike up to the Chimneys themselves on a strenuous four-mile round trip trail. This amazing rock formation is sheer pinnacles, looking somewhat like a couple of chimneys sticking up into the air. They said that when that blue mist rolls through the mountains, some of it goes in a cavity at the bottom of the formation and then rises out the open tops, looking very much like a smoking chimney!

Clingman's DomeClingman’s Dome
Clingman’s Dome is one of the most popular sites in the Smokies, and with good reason! It is the highest peak in the Smokies, at 6,643 feet, and though the top is covered with spruce and fir trees, there is an observation platform from which you can see a spectacular 360 degree view! The path to the observation platform is steep, but only a half-mile. Even the most out-of-shape person can make it! Just take frequent rests and bring plenty of water and a snack!

Mingus Mill
If you are interested in historical buildings, this is a great place to stop! One of two water-powered mills still in operation in the Park, from mid-April through October, a miller grinds corn and wheat to make cornmeal and flour. This attraction is wheelchair accessible.

Mount LeConte
Mount LeConte is considered one of the most beautiful mountain peaks to look at, and one of the most difficult to climb. It is a badge of honor to have climbed LeConte. I have a few friends who climb it at least a few times a year. My husband likes to go up there, and he usually ends up running most of the way down due to the steep grade! This is the third-highest peak in the Smokies, at 6,593 feet. Near the top, is LeConte Lodge, where some opt to stay the night and rest, and others stop for either a cool drink or a cup of hot cocoa or coffee, depending on the season. You will need to make reservations well in advance if you plan to stay at the Lodge overnight. There are no roads up to the Lodge, and all supplies are delivered by llama train! There are 5 different hiking trails on LeConte: Boulevard Trail via the Appalachian Trail starting at Newfound Gap. 16 miles round-trip; Alum Cave Trail at the Alum Cave parking lot on Newfound Gap Rd, 11 miles round-trip; Rainbow Falls Trail or Trillium Gap, each 13.4 miles round-trip; or Bull Head, 14.4 miles round-trip from Cherokee Orchard.

Mountain Farm MuseumMountain Farm Museum
Oconaluftee was settled around 1800, and is now home to Mountain Farm Museum, just a short walk from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. The Museum replicates a 19th-century farm, including a house, barn, corncrib, sorghum molasses mill and blacksmith shop. From the spring through October, there are costumed interpretive demonstrations.

ERA In The SmokiesThis blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Perfect Predators: Sharks!

January 11, 2012

Perfect Predators: SharksRipley’s Aquarium of the Smokies has a new exhibit, Perfect Predators: Sharks, for a limited time! This wonderful exhibit includes over 30 hands-on interactive displays. In honor of their new exhibit, extreme underwater cameraman Mark Rackley from the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week will be at the Aquarium tomorrow, January 12th at 6pm to help with a special presentation. Don’t miss your chance to join in the fun! Limited seating is available so call 888-240-1358.

Mark Rackley Productions“Mark has filmed deadly predators for over 20 years and specializes in underwater videography. His unique shots and his ability to hold his breath for over 5 minutes allows him to get ‘up close and personal’ with all his subjects.” To find out more about Mark Rackley and his amazing work, visit his website!

Below are some great pictures, provided by the aquarium, to give you an idea about their wonderful new exhibit!

Ripley's Shark ExhibitRipley's Shark Exhibit
Ripley's Shark ExhibitRipley's Shark Exhibit
Ripley's Shark ExhibitRipley's Shark Exhibit

ERA In The SmokiesThis blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

Titanic’s Ice Carving Competition

January 10, 2012

Enjoy Beautiful Ice Sculptures!Watch in amazement as professionals and amateurs alike carve beautiful, sparkling sculptures out of ice! This Saturday, January 14, from 9am to 3pm, Titanic Pigeon Forge will host its second annual Ice Carving Competition! This lovely event will be held in Titanic’s outdoor entertainment center and it’s free to drop by and enjoy the beauty! In last year’s Pro’s Division, 1st through 10th places were all awarded prizes ranging from $125 to $2,000. And in the Amateur Division prizes were awarded for 1st through 5th places from $100 to $500!

To get you excited about coming to enjoy this free event, we found a You Tube video of a previous Ice Carving Competition at the Titanic location in Branson, MO.

You Tube Video of Ice Sculpture Contest at Titanic Branson

Let’s Go Skiing!

January 5, 2012

Ski at Ober Gatlinburg!Cold weather is back in Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. And, the ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg are now open!

Ober Gatlinburg features nine trails serviced by two quad lifts, one double lift and one surface lift. The resort offers terrain for all abilities, from a beginner experiencing the joy of snow sports for the first time, to a seasoned expert hitting the moguls and terrain park. Ober Gatlinburg also has a popular snow tubing park, skiing and snowboarding equipment and clothing rentals, an ice skating rink, aerial tramway, restaurant and lounge, shops and more.

Ober Gatlinburg Named one of the top 10 Ski Destinations in the Country.Ober Gatlinburg was recently selected by AOL as one of the top 10 Ski Destinations in the country! It was selected based on its snow-making system, its tram that goes from downtown Gatlinburg, up to the resort, and the views of the Smoky Mountains!

Slopes are maintained with the latest in snow-grooming equipment to provide a smoother, more consistent surface creating enjoyable skiing conditions.

The Cabins of Winfield HeightsIf you are interested in renting a Gatlinburg cabin that is located close to the ski slopes at Ober Gatlinburg, check out:

The Cabins of Winfield Heights!


Don’t forget that snow tubing is a great option at Ober Gatlinburg! All tubing sessions are 1 hour and 45 minutes. Ticket sales are on a first-come, first- served basis and may sell out early. Must be at least 6 years old and 42″ tall to ride solo; children ages 3 – 5 must ride with an adult; children under 3 are not permitted to ride.

Let's go snow skiing at Ober Gatlinburg!

OBER GATLINBURG SLOPE STATISTICS

SUMMIT ELEVATION: 3300 feet BASE ELEVATION: 2700 feet VERTICAL DROP: 600 feet LONGEST RUN: 5000 feet # OF TRAILS 7 tree lined, 1 open SLOPE DIFFICULTY: SLOPE LENGTH VERTICAL DROP BEGINNER ......2 Runs  Alpine Way 2,600' 279'  Bear Run 3,200' 393' INTERMEDIATE ..4 Runs  Castle Run 1,100' 163'  Cub Way 1,800' 163' ADVANCED ......2 Runs  Grizzly 3,800' 556'  Mogul Ridge 300' 235' Ober Chute 4,400' 556'  Ski School (teaching area) LIFTS: QUAD - 2 DOUBLE - 1 SURFACE LIFT - 1 LIFT CAPACITY - 6000 people per/hour AVERAGE ANNUAL SNOWFALL - 35 inches SNOWMAKING - 100% snowmaking capabilities AVERAGE SEASON - Mid-December through Early-March NIGHT SKIING - all trails except Grizzly LESSONS - Smoky Mtn. Snow Sport School http://www.smokysnowsport.com SKI RENTALS - 1700 sets step-ins available at area SNOWBOARD RENTALS - 150 sets step-ins available at area ($300 deposit required) SKI SHOP - Swiss Outdoors Gear Shop at area DINING - Snack bars, Food Carts, Cafe, Restaurant and Lounge FIRST AID - operated by National Ski Patrol HOSPITAL - 15 miles TRAVEL - Gatlinburg - 10 minutes via Tram; Knoxville - 40 miles (1 hour) via I-40 east to Rt.66 to Rt. 441 south 

ERA In The SmokiesThis blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

What To Do In Winter!

January 5, 2012

Subscribe to A Day In The SmokiesWe had someone come in just the other day, who asked in exasperation, “What can we do here that’s actually open?!” She had seen several attractions on her way into town that were closed for renovations or closed for the winter, and she was concerned about finding things to do! There are several attractions here that close for the winter, but not to worry! There is still plenty to do here!

Take a Walk in the WoodsWinter Hiking

Icicles, frosty leaves, and frozen waterfalls! Hiking in the winter is beautiful! And there are fewer people on the trails, so you may have the woods to all to yourself. If you are nervous about hitting the trails alone or just want to learn some winter ecology, you can hire a guide from A Walk in the Woods to take you on a private or group hike in the Smokies.

Here are some trails that are still accessible even when most of the Park roads are closed:

Gatlinburg Trail - The trailhead is at the end of River Road in Gatlinburg and follows the river for 2 miles, ending at Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Cove Mountain Trail - This strenuous 11 mile trail can be accessed from Sugarlands Visitor Center, via Cataract Falls Trail.

Old Sugarlands Trail - Originally the first paved road to Newfound Gap, this easy 5 mile trail could be perfect for cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Access the trailhead across the street (441) from Sugarlands Visitor Center.

ClimbworksZip Lining
I have found at least one zipline place that is still open in the winter! Climbworks offer zipline tours Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10am and 1:30pm. Occasionally they do cancel tours if there’s bad weather, but even if it snows in the morning, if it stops with enough time for them to clear off their equipment, they can still run an afternoon session!

NOC's Great OutpostWall Climbing at NOC’s Great Outpost
NOC’s Great Outpost, here in Gatlinburg, offers an indoor climbing wall that is still open during the winter on Saturdays and Sundays! We even have coupons here in our office for a free wall-climb for 2 people at the Outpost!

Snow ZorbZorb
The amazing and unique Zorb ride is still open in the winter! Imagine the sensation of rolling down a snowy hill in a huge inflated plastic orb! What a thrill-ride!

Ober GatlinburgOber Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg offers skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating for all you winter sports lovers out there! If the roads are tricky because of winter weather, just ride the sky tram up from downtown Gatlinburg! And even when it doesn’t snow, Ober Gatlinburg has state-of-the-art snow-making equipment to make sure you can go skiing even on the sunnier days!

WonderworksWonderworks, The Wonders of Magic
Wonderworks is still open, and they have also recently added an exciting new indoor ropes course! Something which was previously only available to us in the summer is now available in the winter too! The Wonders of Magic Show is also still running for your entertainment and enjoyment!

Smith Family TheaterSmith Family Theater
The Smith Family Theater still has shows every day of the week throughout the winter! They offer their Smith Family Show about 4 times a week and their Blast From The Past Show about 3 times a week!

Comedy BarnComedy Barn
The Comedy Barn, one of the most successful and popular shows in town, is open year round! You’ll be rolling in the floor, you’ll be laughing so hard! This is the funniest show around, so don’t miss it!

Enjoy the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner FeudHatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud
The Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud contiues nearly every day throughout the winter and is great entertainment with a delicous home-style meal! Also, if you’d like a show with your breakfast, they offer the Country Jamboree Breakfast Show featuring The Blackwoods! If you can’t decide which to try, you can get a special deal and enjoy both shows!

MagicQuestMagiQuest
The MagiQuest interactive adventure is still open, and extremely popular! This is something great for kids, especially, which is another thing we get asked about constantly. But, I’ve heard quite a few adults enjoy it as well! So for all of us who are young at heart, head down to the MagiQuest attraction!

Ripley's Aquarium of the SmokiesRipley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
This marvelous aquarium is open 365 days a year! It is always filled with wonder and beauty! Make sure to get your tickets at our office to avoid standing in long lines!

Dixie StampedeDixie Stampede
Dixie Stampede takes about a week to do some tear-down and set-up after their holiday show ends on January 1st. But they are right back up with Friday and Saturday shows starting January 13, and one Sunday show on January 15. They add some weekday shows starting February 14, and are open every day of the week again starting in March! You can get discounted tickets for the Stampede here in our office!

ERA In The Smokies

This blog is sponsored in part by ERA In The Smokies Realty and Rentals located at 207 Parkway in Gatlinburg, TN. For more information on a Gatlinburg Cabin for your Smoky Mountain Vacation or all the reasons to move to the Smokies, call 1-800-309-0277. ERA In The Smokies is a leader in chalet and Log Cabin Rentals and Real Estate Sales in the Gatlinburg area.

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