New Mountain Mile Mall

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.

For decades, one of Pigeon Forge's claims to fame was being an outlet center shopper's paradise in the Southeast with quite a few outlet shops, strips and malls. One of those malls that was a favorite for visitors and locals alike was the Belz Mall on Teaster Lane with its unique look, design and memorable selection of stores. Writing on it is somewhat like writing a thesis on consumer nostalgia with Kay*Bee Toys, Foozles Books, Vitamin World, Movies 4 Sale, Music 4 Less, TCBY Yogurt and more that occupied it in its heyday. Sadly, all good things must come to an end and the Belz Mall, let's come right out and say it, had been in decline for more than 10 YEARS. Probably the slowest attraction decline we'd seen in the area for a generation.

And just as all good things come to an end, all things are eventually reborn new into the world with great potential ahead of it. Enter the Mountain Mile Mall in Pigeon Forge, a new development and undertaking that will replace the previous property from the ground up. From their website:

"The Mountain Mile & Tower Shops is an unprecedented development project which will completely reshape the retail, restaurant, lodging, and attraction scene of Pigeon Forge and the region. With over 1 mile of road frontage and 174+ acres in total, this will be a project of national significance. It is located along Teaster Lane and Jake Thomas Blvd in the heart of Pigeon Forge, surrounded by the $22.5 million Cal Ripken Experience baseball tournament park, the $42 million Leconte (convention) Center, and “The Island”, a 300,000 sq. ft. hotel/restaurant/retail destination including Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville and Paula Deen’s Kitchen…all just minutes from Dollywood!"

Indeed, this will be an impressive project that will further conglomerate and link together several noteworthy attractions together - Mountain Mile, The Island, LeConte Conference Center, the Old Mill, The Track and the Cal Ripken Baseball Field among potentially some others.

Construction is only yet beginning (which is tearing down the old mall building), but we have much to expect already. This includes:

* Shops, obviously.

* Sports bar.

* Gastropub.

* Arcade.

* Bowling Alley.

And the big item being touted currently is the "Mountain Monster", which will be a 200-foot tall tower that will occupy several rides of some form. Not much is known or said about it beyond that, but with recent excellent developments that have taken place in the county over the last few years, we have great confidence it will be something to truly behold!

Keep up to date on Mountain Mile news CLICK HERE