8 Ways to Stay Toasty in the Smokies

stay-toasty-in-the-smokies

1.Go shopping at the Mountain Mall. If you’re looking for a way to get out and about without suffering the cold, try a shopping trip to the Mountain Mall. This INDOOR shopping mall located close to Pigeon Forge (in the city of Gatlinburg) features homemade candy, food, handmade jewelry, leather goods, hot sauces, quilts, toys, and so much more. Whatever you’re looking for—whether it’s an item on your Christmas shopping list or just a memento to take home—you’re sure to find it at the Mountain Mall.

2. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Also in Gatlinburg is the celebrated indoor attraction known as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. This aquarium is so much more than just a place to see fish. You can also go behind the scenes and play with penguins or splash with stingrays. And if you’re traveling with little ones, be sure to check out their kid-friendly exhibits and events, including sleepover opportunities and daytime tours. Get out of the cold and spend the day with some of the coolest creatures in the South at Ripley’s.

3.Sample some Tennessee moonshine. You know what they say about liquor warming up your insides. Put that theory to the ultimate test with some authentic, 100+ proof Smoky Mountain moonshine. Believe it or not, Pigeon Forge is home to several moonshine distilleries—including the Ole Smoky, the most visited distillery in America. With locations in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Ole Smoky Distillery is a great place to get out of the weather, sample local flavors, and listen to live bluegrass music during your wintertime retreat.

4.Ride the Aerial Tramway at Ober Gatlinburg. If you want to see the sights but it’s a little too cold to ride the chairlift, try the Aerial Tramway in Gatlinburg instead. This enclosed cable car is one of America’s largest, taking you on a 2.1-mile ride to the amusement park and ski area of Ober Gatlinburg. Once there, you’ll find plenty to do even if you don’t want to ski. There’s shopping, restaurants, an arcade, and more all waiting for you at the top of the Smoky Mountains.

5.Sip on a latte at the Pigeon Forge Deli & Coffee Shop. Rated the #1 coffee shop in Pigeon Forge, this locally owned joint is tucked away in a strip mall on E Wears Valley Road. While you can definitely warm up with a cup of their fresh-brewed coffee or a latte, we also recommend trying their fresh-made hot deli sandwiches. Menu favorites like their Grilled Cheese or toasted BLT are great choices on a cold winter day. Or try a hand-rolled pretzel. All their menu items are made with fresh bread and the best ingredients daily.

6.Laugh out loud at the Comedy Barn Theater. What better way to cure the winter blues than with a little laughter? And in Pigeon Forge, you’ll find big reasons to laugh at the Comedy Barn Theater, an award-winning family comedy/variety show. Enjoy live country and gospel music, magic, juggling, hilarious comedians, and new animal acts in this family-friendly show.

7.Soak in your outdoor hot tub. When you stay with Pigeon Forge Cabins, you’ll not only get a comfortable place to sleep, but also amazing amenities like outdoor hot tubs! A relaxing soak on the deck with views of the Smokies all around is a perfect way to warm up when the temperature drops. This is also a great way to relieve sore muscles after hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or walking around downtown. To pick out your Pigeon Forge cabin with an outdoor hot tub today, click here.

8.Curl up in front of the fireplace with friends. Another popular amenity you can enjoy during the winter months is a fireplace. Our cabins have gas, electric, or wood-burning fireplaces, depending on your preference. Click here to view all our Pigeon Forge cabins with fireplaces. Once you choose your favorite, book it early, and plan for a fun getaway with friends and family, making Pigeon Forge memories that will last for a lifetime.