New Years Eve at The Island

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 a lot of people, 2016 has likely been the wildest and most difficult year of the decade or even the millennium. The election, the weather, the stock markets, the news... it's been a long time since things had been this "interesting" in America, so if you're looking to have a big, awesome party to put 2016 to rest and start the new year off with a literal bang, The Island in Pigeon Forge is where you want to go!

The Island, for those who haven't been there yet or had a chance to discover it, is a town center and attraction complex in Pigeon Forge between the main parkway and Teaster Lane. It's where people of all ages can go, meet up, play, have a beer, connect to the rest of town, do some gift shopping and even enjoy special events like the one we're about to tell you about.

At 8:00PM on December 31st, the already near-constant party at The Island shifts into 4th gear with the New Year's Eve bash. There will be live entertainment with a concert by Fairview Union, a midnight ball drop, lights, water displays from the center fountain and more. At the stroke of 12:00AM, we close the old year out and start the new year with a literal bang as fireworks explode overhead. It will be an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

And that doesn't even count the list of already available fun things to do and explore onsite. Take a look at this:

* The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel (yes, that huge ferris wheel you see in the background as you drive through Pigeon Forge).

* The Islands Rope Course

* The Island Mirror Maze

* 7D Dark Ride Adventure

* Arcade City

* The Escape Game

* Thunderdome

* Paula Deen's Family Kitchen

* Mellow Mushroom

* Margaritaville

* Timberwood Grill

* Ole Smoky Moonshine

* Buckboard Too!

* Cosmic Pen

* Doc's Magic Shop

* Kryptonite Character Store

Yes, that could be you and your family/group having the time of your lives as you trickle down the last hours of 2016. Where else in the Smokies could you ride an absolutely huge, lit-up ferris wheel after eating Pomme Fries or pepperoni pretzels, sample some Smoky Mountain Moonshine while the fountain just outside plays a complex water choreography, shop for magic, comic book gifts and puzzles before challenging an escape game and adventuring through the seventh dimension - just to kill some time before the fireworks explode overhead without ever having to get back into your car until it’s time to go? Nowhere, that’s where!

Bring the whole family out for a New Year's they'll never forget in Pigeon Forge! See more on The Island