Smoky Mountains: 3 Ways to Spend New Year's Eve in the Smoky Mountains

There’s nothing quite like a cozy cabin getaway in November. The air is crisp, the trees are bursting with color, and the Smoky Mountains make the perfect backdrop for a relaxing retreat. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or a quiet escape with friends, here’s how to make the most of your cozy cabin stay this fall.

1. Settle In and Get Cozy

Start by creating that classic cabin atmosphere. Light a fire in the fireplace, curl up with a blanket, and enjoy a good book or conversation by the glow. Make use of the cabin’s amenities, play a round of pool or board games, watch a movie on the big screen, or soak in the private hot tub while taking in the cool autumn air. With a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor grill, you can cook up a hearty dinner and enjoy your meal on the deck surrounded by the beauty of fall.

2. Explore the Great Outdoors

When you’re ready to venture outside, take advantage of the season’s stunning scenery. Drive along scenic routes like Cades Cove Loop Road or the Blue Ridge Parkway for breathtaking views of fall foliage. Go for a hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just start early to avoid crowds. You can also visit a local pumpkin patch, explore Gatlinburg’s charming downtown, or stop by the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival for crafts and seasonal fun.

3. Plan Ahead for a Perfect Trip

November is a busy month in the Smokies, so book your cabin and activities early. For a quieter experience, try visiting midweek instead of the weekend. And don’t forget to plan your meals and stock up on groceries before you arrive so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying your autumn escape.

If you're ready to take the plunge or are just interested in where you should stay this fall click here for the best autumn cabins around.

There is no better place to ring in 2015 than East Tennessee! With so much going on in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, it can be hard to decide what to do on the big night. To help you make the most of your time in the area, we have put together three great options for spending New Year’s Eve in the Smoky Mountains:

(See Also: Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort Opens for the Season)

1. The Gatlinburg Ball Drop and Fireworks Show

Celebrate New Year’s by attending the 27th Annual Ball Drop and Fireworks Show in Gatlinburg! This exciting event will take place around the 400 foot Gatlinburg Space Needle, located at the intersection of Historic Nature Trail and the Parkway, where the ball drop will count down the final moments of 2014. At midnight, the sky will erupt with a beautiful fireworks display launched from the top of the Space Needle. The fireworks are choreographed with special music, and the Space Needle’s rhythmic LED lights add to the stunning celebration.

There are plenty of restaurants and attractions situated within walking distance of the Space Needle, making it the perfect area to spend New Year’s Eve. Many of the local restaurants and businesses are featuring celebration specials, so it’s easy to spend the whole night in downtown Gatlinburg. For more information about the city’s New Year’s festivities, contact the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-588-1817.

2. The Island’s New Year’s Eve Party in Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge will host their 2nd Annual New Year’s Eve Party, which is scheduled to feature live entertainment from Joe the Show, Fairview Union, and The Live Rock N Roll Theater. In addition, there will be a variety of children’s activities, a countdown to midnight, and a fireworks display!

The music starts at 6 p.m., while the New Year’s Eve party runs from 8 p.m. to midnight. Admission to the party is completely free. The Island in Pigeon Forge is located at 131 Island Drive, just off the Pigeon Forge Parkway. Come out early on New Year’s Eve to visit the many stores, restaurants, and attractions that the entire family will enjoy. The Island in Pigeon Forge features over 60 retail shops, a tempting selection of popular restaurants and eateries, and attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, a towering 200 foot tall Ferris wheel!

3. A Celebration in Your Smoky Mountain Cabin

Whether celebrating New Year’s Eve in the Smoky Mountains as a couple or with the entire family, you can’t go wrong spending the big night in a cabin. The vacation rentals at Bear Camp have everything you need to welcome in 2015!

Book a one bedroom cabin in Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge with that special someone and enjoy a romantic New Year’s Eve with a candlelight dinner and a soak in one of our heart shaped Jacuzzi tubs. Families and groups can party the night away in style at one of Bear Camp’s 2 to 5 bedroom cabins, many of which feature hot tubs, fireplaces, game rooms and big screen televisions. Bear Camp Cabin Rentals even has pet friendly cabins so you can bring your four legged friend to the celebration. Regardless of your choice, our cabins each feature fully equipped kitchens so that you can cook up plenty of snacks as you prepare welcome 2015.

We look forward to celebrating New Year’s Eve with you in the Great Smoky Mountains! To make your plans with us, visit the Bear Camp Cabins Contact page or give our vacation specialists a call today.