Summer Orr

Fun Ways to Celebrate Christmas 2019 in the Smokies

December 4, 2019 By Summer Orr

Since it’s the most “wonderful time of the year” we’re bringing you some wonderful ways to have fun in the Smoky Mountains this Christmas! These activities are guaranteed to get you in a holly, jolly good mood!

SEE THE LIGHTS

It wouldn’t be Christmas time without Christmas lights! One of the best places to go see them is at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Festival which runs from November 9 – January 4. Guests can explore the park and see more than four million holiday lights! Just bring a jacket and be sure to bundle up!

Maybe the cold isn’t your thing? That’s okay! You can still see the lights thanks to Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland. This is a drive-through Christmas light display that’s been synchronized to music for a truly mesmerizing show of color and sound. So load up the car and plan your trip! This Christmas Wonderland runs from November 15 – January 5.

TAKE IN THE SHOWS

These Christmas-themed shows will help you get into the spirit of the season! If you’re looking for food and fun, try one of these family-friendly dinner shows! We recommend Christmas at Dolly Parton’s Stampede or the Hatfield & McCoy Christmas Dinner Disaster for good food and good laughs.

Or if that’s not your cup of tea, there’s always Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry! At this show you can expect to see flying sugar plum fairies, an appearance from Jolly ol’ Saint Nick, and the area’s largest living nativity.

ENJOY THE SNOW

If it doesn’t feel like Christmas without snow, then visiting Ober Gatlinburg will make you oh-so-happy! They offer skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, and ice skating! Ski and snowboard season starts in early-mid December and can last into March. If snow tubing is more your thing, then you’re in luck! It’s available starting the Saturday before Thanksgiving and goes through March 31.

With so many fun activities, you’re sure to find something for everyone. So start planning your trip to the Smokies today to enjoy this Christmas season!

Links:

Dollywood: https://www.dollywood.com/themepark/Festivals/Smoky-Mountain-Christmas

Shadrack’s: http://shadrackchristmas.com/sevierville

Stampede: https://dpstampede.com/pigeon-forge/christmas-show

Hatfield & McCoy: https://hatfieldmccoydinnerfeud.com/hatfields-mccoys-christmas-dinner-show/

Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry: https://smokymtnopry.com/

Ober Gatlinburg: https://obergatlinburg.com/winter/

Best Cast Iron Recipes for Thanksgiving

November 18, 2019 By Summer Orr

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and as you’re busy making your grocery lists and prepping for this celebratory time of year…we thought we’d do some of the heavy lifting for you! We’ve searched the world wide web for the best recipes that can all be made with one of your favorite cooking tools: the cast iron skillet!

APPETIZER

Appetizers are such a fun and easy way to make a special occasion even more special. Try one out this holiday season and see how your guests gobble it up!

This Baked Fontina Cheese Dip from KitchMe is a great starter that every cheese lover is sure to enjoy! You can pair it with a crunchy baguette or chips. Bonus: this crowd-pleaser can be ready in just 20 minutes!

SIDES

While the turkey may be the big star at Thanksgiving, it wouldn’t be nearly as delicious without sides to complement it! We’ve rounded up three new favorites to add to your recipe book!

Would it really be Thanksgiving if some kind of bread wasn’t involved? (We don’t think so!) And this Brown Butter Cornbread is sure to please even your pickiest eater. With over 1,000 reviews it still kept its 5-star rating. Amazing!
Trying to go a little healthier this year? Then this Zucchini and Yellow Squash recipe from Mel’s Kitchen Café could be just the thing you’re looking for! You’ll love the freshness this brings to your Thanksgiving table.
Who doesn’t love potatoes?! Instead of going for classic mashed potatoes, put a spin on it this holiday season with these Hasselback Potatoes. They’re loaded up with parmesan and roasted garlic for lots of flavor!

DESSERT

You didn’t think we’d leave you without a dessert option, did you? Here in the South, we take our piemaking very seriously and Thanksgiving is the perfect time to share one of our favorite recipes!

This classic Apple Pie from AllRecipes tastes just like what your Grandma would make! It features Granny Smith apples and a whole lotta sweetness. It’s the perfect ending to a Thanksgiving meal!

With these recipes and your trusty cast iron skillet in hand, you’ll be ready for Thanksgiving in no time!

Smoky Mountain Cabin: “Bear Heaven”

November 6, 2019 By Summer Orr

Looking for the perfect mountain hideaway? Then our “Bear Heaven” Log Cabin (#4087) may be just the escape you need!

This 5-bedroom, 4-bathroom log cabin comfortably sleeps 16! It’s the perfect spot for big family gatherings, group reunions, or a retreat rental. You’ll be able to enjoy all the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains with all the comforts of home.

Our wooded lodge comes with a fully equipped kitchen on the main level and a kitchenette on the lower level. You’ll also have your own washer/dryer and access to free wireless internet. Not to mention three beautiful gas fireplaces perfect for those cool autumn evenings.

But what really sets this space apart is the outdoor living spaces. You’ll have your own seasonal pool and year-round hot tub. Not a water bug? We got you covered! There are multiple open air and screened-in porches for you to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors.

And when you’re not busy with lodge life, there’s still plenty to do since we’re conveniently located less than 5 minutes away from Tanger Outlets, where you can shop at over 100 brand-name outlet stores. Or you can visit any of the restaurants, attractions, parks, and shows all within a short driving distance.

When you’re done exploring the city, our rustic lodge and friendly staff will be happy to welcome you back! Are you ready to book your heavenly retreat? Then check our availability for the “Bear Heaven” lodge here. When you do, you’ll be able to see pictures, take a virtual tour, view rates, and gets lots of other details. We can’t wait for you to experience all Hidden Mountain Resort has to offer!

Winterfest Special: 2020

November 1, 2019 By Summer Orr

Whether you stay cozy in your cabin or venture into the sparkling wonderland of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, we hope to see you this winter in the Smokies!

Enjoy these seasonal rates for stays January 2- May 23, 2020!

Sunday-Thursday: 25% off

Friday- Saturday: 15% off

Call us at 865-453-9850 or Book Online with Discount Code: SNOW

*Some cabins are excluded and restrictions apply. 2-night minimum. Some holidays and weekends excluded. Cannot be combined with other offers. Applies to new reservations only.

Smoky Mountain Cabin: “Angels Among Us”

October 18, 2019 By Summer Orr

Looking for a heavenly escape? Then our “Angels Among Us” cabin may be just the getaway you need! This 4-bedroom, 4-bathroom charmer sleeps up to 10 guests. A few highlighted amenities include: ping-pong table, foosball table, hot tub, hammock, and beautiful screened porches. With a convenient location at Hidden Mountain Resort at Apple Valley, this Smoky Mountain vacation rental cabin is the perfect destination for your family gathering, friend reunion, or group retreat!

See More Information and Book This Cabin HERE!

We look forward to seeing you soon in the Smokies!

Favorite Fall Hikes in the Smokies!

October 8, 2019 By Summer Orr

Are you dreaming of pumpkin spice lattes, hayrides, fall boots, and crisp autumn air? Well, there’s no better place to experience all Autumn has to offer than in the Smoky Mountains! Explore breathtaking views as the leaves change from shades of green to sunny yellows, vibrant oranges, and bold reds.

With almost 900 miles of hiking trails available, it’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular ways to take in all the beautiful fall foliage. So we’re giving you the inside scoop and sharing three of our favorite hikes!

Laurel Falls- This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains and for good reason! Not only do you get to experience first-hand our lovely mountains, but there’s also an 80-foot waterfall at the end of the trail. Bonus: it’s one of the shortest hiking options (only 2.6 miles round-trip!) and is considered fairly easy.
Abrams Falls- This trail is nestled right in the heart of Cades Cove and offers both mountain and waterfall views. While Laurel Falls is considered a beginner-friendly trail, Abrams Falls is classified as “moderate.” It’s also a bit longer of a hike at 5.2 miles round-trip.
Gregory Bald- Feeling daring? Then this 11.3-mile round-trip hike may be for you! It’s the longest and most difficult of the hikes we’ve listed but the views make it absolutely worthwhile.

A few extra notes for October hiking in the Smokies:

Plan extra travel time and consider an early hike. October is one of the busiest months in the Smokies with everyone hitting the roads and trails to glimpse the autumn rainbow. When planning, pad your schedule with some extra time in case you find yourself in traffic on the way to or from the trail.
Wear solid shoes. From hiking sandals to hiking boots to even a solid pair of sneakers, your feet will thank you! There are plenty of outfitters located in the area, and they will be happy to make sure you have the appropriate gear for your journey. Try Uncle Lem’s Outfitters in Pigeon Forge or The Day Hiker or Nantahala Outdoor Center in Gatlinburg.
Carry plenty of water! Even the short trails will have you appreciating your effort. Trail Mix and nourishing snacks are always a good idea, also.
Need help selecting a trail? Sugarlands Visitor Center at the entrance to the park is a must-see, stop, shop, and visit! The rangers working here are friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the Great Smoky Mountains!
Remember, there is no cell service in much of the Smokies! Make sure that you leave your itinerary with someone at home. While hiking, you can preserve your mobile battery by switching your phone to airplane mode. This stops your phone from constantly searching for a signal but still allows you to take photos of your journey!

No matter which trail you choose, you’re guaranteed to have fun and enjoy gorgeous scenery and views! Happy Hiking, Friends!

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