In the weeks leading up to Christmas, children in Blount County wrote letters to Santa Claus for publication in the local newspaper. These letters, spanning the 1920s through the 1960s, record Christmas wishes and everyday life across the county.
The 1920s
In the 1920s, Blount County was still rural, and Christmas lists reflected everyday life. Children asked for dolls, wagons, beads, wristwatches and BB guns. Apples, oranges, nuts, candy and chocolates appear again and again, listed alongside toys. Coats and gloves appear without explanation. Most children asked for only a few things.
Some children were more imaginative. Sampson, 1921, requested a few firecrackers and torpedoes, claiming that he’d tried “ever since last year to be as good as [he] can.” Photo courtesy of Blount County Virtual Archives.
Late 1920s to 1930s
Letters to Santa from the late 1920s and 1930s. Photos courtesy of Blount County Virtual Archives.
As the county moved into the late 1920s and 1930s, many of the same items stayed on Christmas lists. Children continued asking for wagons, bicycles, marbles, balls and toy guns. Fruit and candy appear year after year. Some lists grew longer. Others stayed brief. Toys and practical items continue to appear together.
Late 1930s to 1940s
By the late 1930s, Christmas lists expanded again. Children asked for a wider range of toys, including trains, tool sets, horns, sparklers and balls. Fruit, nuts and candy rounded out longer lists.
Stanley and Jerry Kirby, 1938. The oldest brother butters up Santa, calling him “the best looking man in Maryville.” Photo courtesy of Blount County Virtual Archives.
As the decade turned and the 1940s began, lists tightened. Children still asked for dolls, balls and small toys, but requests became shorter and more exact.
Jo Ann, 1941, carefully itemized the price of each item she hoped to receive. Photo courtesy of Blount County Virtual Archives.
The 1950s
Letters to Santa from the 1950s. Photos courtesy of Blount County Virtual Archives.
By the 1950s, Christmas lists reflect a growing toy market. Children named specific gifts. Tiny Tears dolls are popular, along with doll buggies, doll furniture and playsets. Toy guns, cowboy and cowgirl outfits, tricycles, coloring books and crayons show up across multiple letters.
The 1960s
Letters to Santa from the 1960s. Photos courtesy of Blount County Virtual Archives.
By the 1960s, Christmas lists leaned into popular toys of the moment. Children asked for Thirsty Cry Baby dolls, skates, army men, helmets, periscopes and sleds. Some lists included jewelry and Bibles.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Feeling cooped up after the holidays? Kick off the New Year with fresh air and a fresh start. Here are five gentle ways to get outside on the Peaceful Side.
Dogwood Arts’ Art in Public Places brings outdoor sculptures to spots around Maryville and Alcoa, and several are easy to pair with a walk on the Maryville-Alcoa Greenway.
The greenway is a paved route that stretches nine miles, connecting Springbrook Park in Alcoa with Maryville’s Bicentennial Greenbelt and Sandy Springs Park. You can park, walk a short section and admire public art.
Look for these installations on or near the greenway:
“Archaeopteryx” (John Parker) near the Blount County Courthouse greenbelt
“Airstream” (David Sheldon) at Jack Green Park
“Lil Blue” (Nathan Pierce) near Vienna Coffee House
“Cathedral” (Ann Melanie) across from the Alcoa Municipal Building
For a peaceful river walk, head to the Townsend River Walk and Arboretum. The path runs along the Little River and stays close to town.
Keep an eye out for the fairy villages tucked along the trail and the Children’s Discovery Garden. If you want to add a short side trail, the Bluebell Trail features a footbridge and a Little River viewing platform with benches.
Scenic drives are a calm way to feel the Smokies in winter. You get the views and fresh air, without needing a big plan.
Cades Cove is a classic near Townsend. The 11-mile, one-way loop circles the valley and gives you access to historic sites, trailheads and wildlife viewing.
For panoramic mountain views, the Foothills Parkway is the best option. The Walland to Wears Valley section is 14.75 miles one-way. This is the newer section, completed in 2018, with 10 designated waysides and overlooks along the route.
Alternatively, the Chilhowee to Walland section is 16.6 miles one-way. It has more pull-offs overall, with 16 parking areas and 14 scenic overlooks.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
The Peaceful Side of the Smokies gets even quieter in the wintertime. If you like a slower pace and a little more breathing room, this is the season for you. Here are five reasons off-season trips feel easier.
There’s Less Traffic
Off-season days usually come with fewer cars on the road, which means less time sitting in traffic and more time actually doing what you came to do. Trailhead lots and popular park pull-offs are typically less crowded, too.
Overlooks Have More Space
Overlooks feel different when you can step out and take your time. In the off-season, you’re more likely to find pull-offs just for you, perfect for having a picnic, taking photos or stretching your legs.
Cades Cove is Calmer
Cades Cove is one of the park’s most beloved stops, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors a year. In peak season, the one-way Cades Cove Loop Road can move slowly. In the wintertime, you can fully take in the valley, historic buildings and mountain views.
Views Are Clearer
With the leaves down, sightlines open up in places you might not notice in summer. Roadsides, overlooks and even some trail sections can reveal views that are usually tucked behind foliage. It can make a familiar drive or hike feel brand new.
Lodging is easier to book
Off-season trips are often easier to plan on shorter notice. With more availability, it’s simpler to grab a last-minute room, extend your stay or adjust your dates without the same competition for weekends and holidays.
Lodging Deals and Winter Specials on the Peaceful Side
Some properties run winter rate specials or weekday perks for limited windows. Below are a few current deals to know about, as of January 2026. Be sure to read the fine print and confirm details before you book.
Dancing Bear Lodge’s Hibernation Special runs now through March 19 with reduced winter rates, complimentary breakfast from the Dancing Bean Coffee House or Apple Valley Cafe, and a custom gift for two. Book on their website using code HIBERNATE. Exclusions apply.
RT Lodge’s Winter Wellness Getaway is a weekday perk for winter stays. From now through February, guests who book a new Monday through Thursday stay receive a $50 spa credit toward appointments scheduled Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
To use it, mention the offer and provide your hotel confirmation number when booking your spa appointment at (865) 260-0260. Exclusions apply.
Townsend River Breeze Inn is running a winter special through March 15. Book one night and get the second night half off, or book two nights and get the third night free.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort’s Winter Wellness Retreat runs Friday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb. 1, with a full weekend of guided wellness activities, plus time to unwind with self-guided sauna sessions and the outdoor hot tub. The weekend includes early check-in at 2 p.m. Friday and late checkout at noon Sunday.
Retreat entry is $350 per person plus tax, and when booking, you’ll add both your retreat entry and accommodations to your cart. Use promo code WINTERWELLNESS at checkout to save 20% on your stay for the retreat dates only.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
Winter is coming and along with it, plenty of snow and cold weather. What goes great with lots of snow and fresh air better than going snow tubing? Not much, at least not when you visit the Smoky Mountains in the winter. This leads us to the next question, “Where can you go snow tubing in the Smokies?”
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in winter
Most people who come to this area come to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Just because it is winter here in this part of the nation doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. In fact, there are many spots you can go tubing in the park. One of the most popular seems to be Clingmans Dome. The “Dome” attracts snow lovers of all ages who bring their sleds and tubes here every winter. The Dome is very popular with the locals and once the snow sets in there tends to be plenty of tubing around all winter long. One thing to keep in mind is that just because an area looks like it might be perfect for tubing, there are potentially any number of obstacles buried in the snow, just waiting to grab your inner tube and cause a nasty accident that could result in serious injuries. Make sure you walk the area first or use an area that is well-known to be safe.
Tubing in the Smokies at Ober Gatlinburg
If you don’t feel comfortable with trying to find a safe place in the park to go tubing, that’s okay. Many of the locals agree that going to Ober Gatlinburg in the winter is the perfect alternative. Tubing here is one of the most popular winter activities with both locals and tourists alike. Each session lasts for 90 minutes, which gives your entire family plenty of time to enjoy tubing down the snow packed hill without ever having to climb back to the top of the mountain. Once you get to the bottom of the slide, you grab your tube and ride the “Magic Carpet,” which is an escalator that will take you all the way back to the top so that you can slide all the way down again. The slides are 400 feet long and to make sure everyone gets their turn, ten lanes are going at all times. Ober Gatlinburg is open from mid-November to the 1st of April each year with sessions typically starting at 9 a.m. and running every two hours until 7 p.m. Do keep in mind that some sessions may be canceled and that certain times of the day may be busier than others. This ride is safe for everyone over the age of three as little ones can ride with an adult. These are just some of the ways to take your family tubing in the Smokies. You can buy your tickets online for Ober Gatlinburg or wait until you arrive. You can also purchase advance tickets in the Tramway Mall or at the office. Be sure to come prepared for fun and bring the whole family with you. Make sure you bring your winter weather gear with you; it can get pretty chilly out there flying across the snow!
Whether a first-time visitor to the Smokies, or someone who has been returning for years, you already know it is a remarkably beautiful region. It is why millions of people head there every year, but you don’t have to limit your visits to the peak seasons. From late spring and into autumn, the region hosts many visitors who head out on the roads and trails to enjoy the stunning natural beauty that is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Yet, as winter arrives, the crowds thin and the park grows quieter than at any time of year. And that is precisely the reason to pay a visit during the winter months. Now, you might think it a bit unappealing to head into the woods if the snows are deep and the temperatures freezing, but you might be surprised at how amenable the parklands are to winter hikes. The Advantages of Winter Hiking in the Smokies Experts even point out that there are distinct advantages to choosing to hike in the winter. One such advantage is the absence of bugs! You won’t have to use any sort of repellents in the winter and can just enjoy the scenery. Another advantage is that the leaves have fallen and opened up views and vistas that you cannot enjoy at any other time of the year. While the leaves may help to keep you cool and create a wonderful sort of scenery in the warmer seasons, with their disappearance in the winter, it changes the entire experience of hiking. The temperatures are always cool and amenable to activity. You may even find you have to unzip or remove a layer as you make your way along the snow covered trails! And speaking of the snow cover, it is a wonderful way to begin learning about the native creatures of the forest. After all, they leave behind their footprints, quite clearly, in the snow and can help you to begin recognizing who has passed through the same trails you are hiking! Of course, the peace and quiet of a winter’s hike in the Smokies is also an advantage. Though it is great that so many people like to get out into the woods and explore this stunning destination, it is awfully nice to feel like you have it almost entirely to yourself! The Hikes to Consider Not all trails are suited to novice or even somewhat experienced hikers in the winter months. We suggest the following three easy hikes for their amazing winter beauty and predictable conditions:
Laurel Falls – If it is very cold, the falls freeze and create an unforgettable sight. The 1.3 mile trail is paved, so no extra-slippery conditions, and you’ll definitely want to use the wooden footbridge to take a few unforgettable photos.
Porter’s Creek – Easily reached by car, it is gentle and brings you past Fern Branch Falls, usually frozen in the winter months. This is a four-mile loop.
Schoolhouse Gap – Set near famous Cades Cove, it is where you will find a lot of local wildlife and can enjoy the scenery on this relatively flat and easy hike.
Remember to always check conditions and ensure roads are open, dress properly, and bring a camera! Winter hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is something you’ll want to photograph in order to capture some amazing memories.
Inspired by her own sober journey and the growing Non-Alcoholic (NA) movement, Lindsay Elsten created Daisy’s as a place where you don’t have to explain why you aren’t drinking. The menu boasts a variety of handcrafted mocktails, functional beverages, zero-proof spirits and NA beers and wines.
Around the holidays, office parties, family gatherings and New Year’s toasts tend to revolve around alcohol. Daisy’s offers a different kind of celebration with festive zero-proof cocktails. The Salty Grinch uses Lion’s Mane and ginger for a warming, slightly salty sip, while The Sweet Cindy layers classic winter flavors with ashwagandha and valerian root for a calmer, cozier night.
If you’d like to pair your mocktail with plans, Daisy’s has a full calendar of events this month.
From 7 to 10 p.m., sample a flight of mocktails, including a Rosemary Grapefruit Paloma, Elderberry Gin & Tonic and Mint Mojito with Lime. All options are vegan, gluten-free and low in calories.
Every Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., enjoy a generous brunch buffet with cozy favorites, seasonal dishes and Daisy’s soon-to-be-famous Bloody Mary “Meal,” plus spirit-free cocktails crafted to order.
From 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., enjoy an intimate holiday concert featuring cello and violin, festive zero-proof drinks and light bites. Tickets are $30 in advance or $40 at the door.
Starting at 3 p.m., wear your ugliest sweater to unlock 20% off any gift card purchase all day. Stick around for the 5 to 8 p.m. sweater contest, followed by a holiday movie and board games from 8 to 11 p.m.
From 5 to 7 p.m., husband-and-wife duo Tony and Mary Negron bring warm harmonies and acoustic soul to Daisy’s for an early evening of live music and good company.
Celebrate from 5 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. with hourly countdowns from 6 p.m. to midnight, table games and conversation, plus a $15 special that includes Southern-style cornbread, collard greens and a zero-proof toast.
Planning your own event? Daisy’s doubles as a mobile NA bar service. They offer alcohol-free bar packages for weddings and rehearsal dinners; corporate events and team-building; birthdays, showers, graduations and family gatherings; and community workshops and advocacy events. Learn more at www.daisysnabar.com.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
‘Tis the season for fun, snow, holiday lights, and, of course, shopping for that perfect gift for friends and family. Now imagine going out shopping under more than 5 million tiny sparkling holiday lights! If you can’t picture what this feels like, you need to head over to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville for the annual Winterfest. This year, the lights will keep shining on the holidays from when they were turned on early in November until the end of February. And, when you’ve had your fill of light displays, crowds, and bustle, do yourself and your family a favor, and make reservations to stay on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. Enjoy some uninterrupted quality family (or couple!) time each night after a busy day enjoying Winterfest. Every form of lodging imaginable is available. From amazing light displays to incredible holiday shows and so much more, the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration has something spectacular for everyone, no matter how young or old. Take a look at the many things there are to do as part of this year’s Winterfest.
So Much More to Do in the Smokies
Pile the kids in the car so you can get out there and enjoy the Winterfest Driving Tour of the Lights. Driving tour maps for the 3 main towns celebrating Winterfest can be found here: Sevierville, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. No matter how many times you have visited the Smokies, coming here for the holidays and the Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration is the perfect way to usher in the holidays and create amazing memories with family and friends! The Pigeon Forge light display, alone, features more than 5 million lights! Light displays feature trees, snowmen, Santa, forest animals, snowflakes, dancing fountains, rocking horses (and everything in between) and cover light posts, streets, bridges and the ground, all to spectacular effect.
What Else Besides the Driving Tour of Lights?
Complete your holidays with a trip to Dollywood for a Smoky Mountain Christmas. Christmas in Dollywood brings you over 4 million lights, plenty of rides to enjoy, holiday music playing throughout the park and the nightly Parade of Lights. This year sees the addition of “Dolly’s Parade of Many Colors,” with many new floats, songs, and specialty characters, as well as a stage production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” for the first time. Don’t pass up on the chance to visit the Old Mill District, to get to the Old Mill Square’s Holiday Open House; you must drive through the “covered bridge” constructed from thousands of miniature lights that takes you into one of the most “historic” areas of Pigeon Forge. Take the kids out to Christmas at the Smoky Mountain Opry where you might just get to catch Jolly Old St. Nick in the act of making a rooftop delivery. The theatre is decorated with numerous huge trees and thousands of tiny lights.
Don’t Forget to Take in Dolly Parton’s Christmas Stampede
Whoever said a stampede is no fun has never seen a stampede put on the way Dolly Parton does it. Talk about a place to take the kids for some magical memory-making time! The 60-foot tall Christmas tree is a sight to behold. Covered in colorful lights, sparkling ornaments, and ribbons from top to bottom with a twinkling star at the top, this is the perfect place to take pictures for your social media post or annual Christmas cards. Meanwhile, over at the Island in Pigeon Forge, they have put together all-new decorations and three new Christmas trees, the tallest of which stands 40-feet tall. Decorators used approximately 40,000-holiday ornaments, 500,000 lights, and more than 5,000 feet of garland to decorate the Island for the holidays. Santa and Mrs. Claus have a new workshop this year and will greet their guests while listening to the roving troupe of singers belting out Christmas carols.
Places to Stay in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies
While these activities are all a lot of fun, if you are coming in from out of town, don’t forget to choose a place to stay over on the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” where you and your family will find several great choices of more peaceful accommodations. From hotels like the pet-friendly Best Western Cades Cove, where you can enjoy a free breakfast buffet, to cabins such as the Chimney Tops Cabin where you and your significant other can enjoy a 2-bath, 1-bedroom rustic cabin, the options are endless. There are plenty of amazing places on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies to park your suitcases while you enjoy a great Smoky Mountain Christmas vacation with your loved ones.
It is fair to say that one of the best winter views you can enjoy while visiting the Smokies during the colder weather is the sight of your crackling fire roaring happily away in your cabin’s fireplace. Tucked into a cozy chair, surrounded by family or friends, and gazing out at the majestic winter landscape is probably one of the finest ways to relax and recharge this winter. However tempting it might be to spend your entire visit inside by the fire, you should also head out into the surroundings and enjoy the unprecedented beauty that is the Smokies in winter. There are frozen waterfalls that you can reach in your car, popular spots now free of summer crowds and blanketed in a peaceful drift of snow, and the mountains themselves, which look entirely different in the winter months. And if the idea of heading out in a car makes you think you might miss something, think again. CNN picked the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as one of the finest winter drives in the entire United States. So, just opting to pay a visit to the park can provide you with plenty of photo opportunities and show-stopping views.
Holiday Lights in the Smokies
From late November and until the turn of the New Year, the entire region is full of holiday lights. Known formally as Winterfest, it is a celebration of the season and between Sevierville, Townsend, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, there are more than five million little twinkle lights glimmering. There are self-guided driving tours to enjoy, walks through towns, parades, and so much more. Booking a visit in this period can offer some of the most amazing views imaginable. If you prefer all-natural views, consider some of these options:
Newfound Gap Road
Running from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, NC, the road has a wide array of spots to pull over and snap photos. It is busier in the summer months, and so a winter drive is super enjoyable because you can spend longer stretches at each stop, drive a more comfortable pace and really savor the scenery. If you are particularly hardy, the parking area for the Appalachian Trail access offers truly stunning sunrise photos, and at the northern end of the road, you get great views of the Little Pigeon River, and the Oconaluftee River at the southern end.
Cades Cove in the winter
Long noted as the most popular part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it is also a place where loads of local wildlife is frequently spotted – even in the winter months. The 11-mile loop is one of the most scenic and there are lots of spots to pull over. With the leaves down for the season, you can see a lot of the old homes, mills, barns and churches normally concealed from sight!
Frozen by winter’s chill, they can offer some of the most stunningly beautiful views you will ever see, and which are only possible thanks to the changing seasons. You might also want to head to Ober Gatlinburg to go to the top of the mountain, take a ride on the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, or enjoy the views from your own private cabin. Wherever you look, it is sure that the Smokies offer something appealing and beautiful to behold.
Sometimes, the best gifts don’t fit under the tree. They’re the memories you make with the people you love and the stories you’ll tell for years to come. Here are our favorite giftable experiences on the Peaceful Side.
Smoky Mountain Guides offers guided day hikes for all levels, small-group tours, guided backpacking trips, flatwater kayak tours and guided fly fishing in some of the most scenic corners of the Smokies. Their expert guides handle the logistics, while sharing local history and ecology along the way.
Turn it into a gift: Book an adventure they’ll love and tuck the confirmation into a new pair of hiking socks.
The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center is the perfect for anyone who loves local history and Appalachian culture. A membership unlocks unlimited museum admission, free entry to special events like Winter Heritage Fest, Kids Day and the Blue Ribbon Country Fair, plus select concerts, discounts and invitations to member-only happenings.
Turn it into a gift: Choose an Individual, Dual or Family membership and tuck the confirmation into a local history book.
Brooke Nix Medical Aesthetics in Maryville turns skincare into a relaxing treat. Guests can choose from a variety of facials and customize the experience with add-ons like a 20-minute face massage, hydration mask, eye and lip treatments, dry brushing, a scalp massage or a soothing hand treatment. It’s an excellent experience for that person who deserves a quiet hour to unwind.
Turn it into a gift: Pick up a gift card for a facial and include a note to choose their favorite add-on.
Pickleville Tennessee is East Tennessee’s new go-to spot for pickleball, with climate-controlled indoor courts, outdoor courts, a rooftop lounge and plenty of space to hang out between games. Whether they’re new to the sport or already a pro, it’s a great place to play a friendly match, join open play or take a lesson.
Turn it into a gift: Reserve a court for your crew and pair the confirmation with a new paddle.
Creative Spark Studio in Maryville is a DIY art studio where you can drop in for “Art Any Time” projects like string art, alcohol ink tiles, acrylic pours, rock painting, pottery painting and glass fusing, or sign up for a specialty class or workshop. It’s an all-skills-welcome space that makes it fun to try something new.
Turn it into a gift: Purchase a class or studio gift card and tuck it into a nice sketchbook.
Wild Laurel Golf Course in Townsend is a public 18-hole course tucked into a quiet valley on the Peaceful Side. The course is Audubon International Certified and uses environmentally sound practices, from native wildflower habitat for pollinators to reduced irrigation and water-quality protection. They also have a spacious tavern to unwind after your round.
Turn it into a gift: Book a tee time for 9 or 18 holes and pair the confirmation with a new hat.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend blends Smoky Mountain scenery with cozy comforts. Guests can choose from cabins, glamping tents, tiny homes, Airstreams and RV sites, all with easy access to the river, pool and hot tub, clubhouse and community firepits.
Turn it into a gift: Book a weekend camping trip and tuck the confirmation into a campfire mug.
RT Lodge in Maryville is a boutique lodge tucked into the Maryville College woods, and its on-site restaurant was recently recommended in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide to the American South. It serves a seasonal menu with Southern and Appalachian influences.
Turn it into a gift: Make a dinner reservation and tuck the confirmation into a card for a future evening.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
The state of Tennessee is known for many good things. The Grand Ole Opry and country music, Bluegrass music, barbecue and “hot chicken,” good old Davy Crockett (born in East Tennessee), Goo Goo Cluster candy, moon pies, and the stunning rolling hills and Smoky Mountains are part of Tennessee, as well. Mention the words whiskey, bourbon and moonshine, and most people know these belong to Tennessee, also. That means that anyone who is paying a visit has to take a sip or two, or three, of some of the region’s finest spirits. And if you are headed to Blount County, we suggest a visit to any of the following distilleries to warm you up from the inside! Most do taste-testing and some even have food pairings or full-blown restaurants attached, so go ahead and enjoy a few samples, eat a nice meal and take a few bottles home for holiday gifts or to get you through until your next visit to Tennessee. Old Forge Distillery is located at 170 Old Mill Ave in Pigeon Forge and is famous for its small batch spirits that include moonshine, bourbon and vodka. It takes its name from the town’s historic iron forges and is even located next to an old forge and mill. This brand is made with grains ground by the producer and it has won many awards for its signature 1830 Original Moonshine. The Sugarlands Distilling Co is located along 805 Pkwy in Gatlinburg and is known for its whiskey, moonshine and other spirits. Opened only in 2014, it promises to offer “a story in every jar” and includes a surprising number of award-winning concoctions. From a peppermint moonshine to seasonal specialties, it offers tastings of the latest offerings. Ole Smoky Holler rates as the most frequently visited distillery in the nation, and is home to the Ole Smoky brand with locations like the Ole Smoky Moonshine Barn at The Island in Pigeon Forge and the Barrelhouse in Gatlinburg. A $5 sample fee lets you enjoy a few varieties and there is usually music to entertain. Don’t forget to try the other famous stops, like Doc Collier Moonshine, too. Each stop has something unique and you’ll learn a lot about the history of Tennessee when you visit any one of these establishments to warm up and savor unique beverages.
Are you eager to experience The Smokies in every season? While the springtime is truly glorious and full of beautiful blooming trees, wildlife and lovely weather, the summer is tough to beat with its seemingly endless days of great conditions and nights of twinkling stars. Many would argue that the autumn is the best because of the weeks and weeks of foliage and the different harvest events. What about winter? There is actually just as much to see and do in the winter months as there is at any other time of year. We’ve listed our five favorite activities, and maybe a few extras! #1 Skiing Lots of people don’t realize that The Smokies are home to great skiing, particularly that at the Ober Gatlinburg. Close to the cities of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it is a year-round attraction with an alpine slide, ice skating, lots of restaurants, and activities for kids. Yet, the winter is when it really shines, offering skiing, snowboarding and tubing. You can even learn to ski here! #2 Hiking While most of us don’t like to head outside and into the wilderness during the cold of the winter months, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has some amazing hiking options open and available. In fact, it is one of the few times the park is nearly crowd-free so you can enjoy some stunning views and even trek into some of the waterfalls, frozen over for the season. Check with the park’s website for information about open trails and roads. NOTE: Cades Cove is usually open and winter is a great time to spot some local wildlife. #3 A Train Ride This sounds unusual, but the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad operates all of the way to January 1st and provides a lovely ride along the river and through the woods. In fact, you can even hop aboard the “Polar Express” and savor a holiday stop at the North Pole! Visit the railroad’s website for a full schedule. #4 Big Events From the Gatlinburg Winter Magic Trolley Ride of Lights to the Pigeon Forge Winterfest Driving Tour of Lights, there is a tone of Christmas activity beginning in November and lasting through the end of the year. Townsend has a Christmas Parade, a Reindeer Run and more. #5 The Peace It is impossible to argue that the area has an entirely different sort of peacefulness that settles over it along with winter’s snows. There are a lot of cozy cabins and chalets available in the mountain areas and down in the towns, and a stay booked at one of them can be an unforgettable experience. Imagine cozying up by your fireplace, gazing out at the snow-covered mountains and enjoying time with family, friends or just on your own during this remarkably peaceful time of the year. Of course, the many amazing restaurants, shows, parks and museums of the area remain open year-round, and are a reason to head here for the winter months. You can also warm up with a wine or whiskey sampling tour or spend your day shopping in the Arts and Crafts Community over at Gatlinburg or the different areas of the towns. There’s much to see and do, and winter is a great time of year in the Smokies.
On the Peaceful Side, winter date night doesn’t have to mean staying cooped up at home. From downtown dinner and cocktails to a heated sauna workout, these ideas make it easy to spend quality time together, no matter the forecast.
Classic Romantics – Downtown Maryville
Photo: Raven Steakhouse and Lounge
Start with dinner at Bella, a downtown spot with Italian-inspired house pastas and elevated entrees. If you want something memorable, order Pasta in the Wheel, tableside fettuccine flambéed in a Grana Padano cheese wheel.
Afterward, head to The Raven for a nightcap in the lounge. Order The Chosen Stave for a tableside cocktail, the Bottled Old Fashioned for a classic or Black Velvet Veil for an espresso boost.
Lodge Lovers – Townsend
Photo: Dancing Bear Lodge
Have a cozy overnight stay at Dancing Bear Lodge. Their Hibernation Special runs Jan. 4 through March 19 with reduced winter rates, complimentary breakfast from the Dancing Bean Coffee House or Apple Valley Cafe, and a custom gift for two.
During the day, bundle up for a walk on the Townsend Historical Trail. It’s paved and mostly flat, and you can turn around whenever you’re ready.
Bookworms – Downtown Maryville
Photo: Neighborly Books
Browse Neighborly Books and pick out a book for each other. Bring them along to Vienna Coffee Company and settle in with one of their February specials.
Bee Mine is sweet and floral with honey, brown sugar and lavender alongside espresso and milk. Cupid’s Crush is a strawberry smoothie with vanilla, mocha and a splash of cream, and Strawberry Snowflake is a strawberry and vanilla latte topped with cold foam or whipped cream.
Workout Partners – Alcoa
Photo: HOTWORX Alcoa, TN (Springbrook Farms)
Crank up the heat at HOTWORX, an infrared fitness studio with guided workouts inside a heated sauna. Book a session and follow the on-screen class, with options ranging from yoga and Pilates to strength-focused and cycling-style workouts.
Cool down with a vitamin-infused energy or protein drink from Louisville Nutrition.
Once you’ve wrapped up, have lunch at The Abbey. The restaurant is set inside a historic chapel, with a warm, old-world atmosphere. Then, go antiquing for the afternoon.
Start with dessert at the Capitol Theatre Ice Cream Parlor. Their menu leans into classics like sundaes and floats, with movie-themed touches.
Make a pit stop at Bigfoot Popcorn and pick out a couple flavors to share. Bigfoot Poop is their signature, made with chocolate and caramel. Ranch and Garlic Parmesan are popular savory options. Then, head home for a movie night.
Crafty Couples – Maryville
Photo: Creative Spark Studio
Take a class together at Creative Spark Studio. On Feb. 14, Blacksmithing Basics with Bryan covers beginner techniques like heating, hammering and bending metal while you shape a heart. All materials are provided, and the finished piece can be used as a pendant, keychain or ornament. Alternatively, on Feb. 19, create a heart-shaped gemstone pendant.
Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.
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