5 Tips for Planning a Winter Family Reunion in a Large Gatlinburg Cabin
It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!
Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.
1. Dollywood Harvest Festival
If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.
2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair
In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.
3. Wears Valley Fall Festival
The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.
No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!
Just a day’s drive from over 60% of the nation’s population, the city of Gatlinburg is the perfect place to hold a family reunion. During the earliest months of the year, the Great Smoky Mountains are transformed into a winter wonderland with breathtaking natural beauty and numerous festivals. With room for up to 18 people under one roof, one of our large Gatlinburg cabins is ideal for a family get together in the Smokies. Bear Camp Cabins has put together five great tips for planning your reunion this winter:
1. Choose the Right Dates
Planning a family reunion can be tricky, as you have to find a time that works for everyone. Some people will have to schedule time off from work, while others might have kids who are in school. You may have to make quite a few phone calls and send lots of emails to pinpoint the best possible dates for the event. If you are able to rent a cabin for a week or two, even busy family members may be able to attend for at least part of the time. The winter months are a great time to take a vacation in the Smokies because it is not as crowded as the spring or summer.
2. Select the Right Sized Cabin
Here at Bear Camp, we can accommodate families of virtually any size. For a reunion with lots of people, you may want to choose one of our spacious four bedroom cabins or five bedroom cabins in Gatlinburg. These large cabins provide all of the amenities you need and incredible views of the mountains. If you have a very large family, you could also rent two or more cabins that are near each other.
3. Cook Some Large Family Meals
One of the advantages of staying in a cabin is having access to a fully equipped kitchens. You will probably want to go out to eat sometimes, but you should plan at least one big meal for your family reunion. You can gather the ingredients in nearby stores and cook the same way you could at home. If your group has several cooks or bakers, they can collaborate to create a feast that everyone will enjoy. This is a great opportunity to make your favorite family recipes!
4. Plan Fun Activities
There is always something fun to do in Gatlinburg during the winter months! If you have some skiers and snowboarders in your family, you can’t beat a trip to Ober Gatlinburg. As one of the Southeast’s premiere ski resorts, Ober offers nine ski slopes for visitors of all abilities. If you are looking for more outdoor fun, be sure to visit the world famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park for some winter hiking and sightseeing. The park is open all year round and admission is always free. Families looking for indoor activities can enjoy a plethora of dinner theaters, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in downtown Gatlinburg, and a variety of excellent restaurants. Don't forget, there are Bear Camp's Free Attraction Tickets that you can use!
5. Enjoy Some Time in Your Cabin
While there is plenty to do in the area, you should plan to spend plenty of time in your large Gatlinburg cabin. When you choose a cabin with amenities such as a fireplace, satellite TV, and a game room, it might be hard to convince your family members to leave! To start planning your winter vacation, send us a message via the Bear Camp Cabins Contact page or give us a call today: 1-800-705-6346.
