Gatlinurg Winter Blues

Just because the holidays are over and winter is here for a while does not mean that you should hibernate – or even hide in your Gatlinburg cabin rental. No matter what the season, there is always plenty to see and do in Gatlinburg, TN.   There are so many great events coming up that you will want to go ahead and  book your luxury cabin rental to prepare for all of the fun times ahead.  Not sure when to come?  Check out the schedule below to see what is in store for the upcoming weeks:

Scion Snow Tour: Ever wanted to ride with pro snowboarders? This is your chance! Grab your gear and head to OberGatlinburg for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Held on January 28 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., you can meet your favorite snowboarders, dance to a live DJ and have the chance to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes. Kick it with your friends and family at the after-party which will be held at the Smoky Mountain Brewery.

Tennessee Winter Special Olympics: Each year the town of Gatlinburg is honored to host the annual winter Special Olympics Games. Held at OberGatlinburg from January 29 to 31, you do not need  a special invitation to cheer on the athletes. Watch these amazing athletes tackle a variety of winter sports including ice skating, skiing and snowboarding.

Titanic Museum: While this museum is open all year long, there is a lot going on during the winter months. Take in an ice carving competition, sign up for a chance to win a trip to Ireland or even sign up for a vow renewal ceremony anytime during February. Located just a short drive from your cabin, this Pigeon Forge museum is a must-see stop on your trip to Gatlinburg.

Sevierville Winterfest: Just like in Gatlinburg, TN, neighboring Sevierville offers locals and visitors alike the chance to take in fun winter activities. Take in live music while you shop, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, sign up for a hayride or just spend all day shopping. Since it is a quick drive frmo the Elk Springs Resort, it is easy to fit in a trip to Severville while you are staying in teh Great Smoky Moutnains.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: If you love the outdoors and aren’t afraid of some snow, the GSMNP is just hte place for you. Park offices are open all year long offering vistotors just like you a chance to explore the park whenever you want. Most park offices are staffed by rangers and park personnel from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter, so be sure to visit during those hours if you have any questions. Visit the Oconaluftee center to learn about the Native American culture in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Sugarlands Visitor Center to watch a short movie about the park or the Cades Cove Visitor center to see an actual water mill in action.

Premier property owners select Elk Springs Resort as their Gatlinburg Rental Property Manager.  Of course, nothing beats staying inside and cuddling up to a warm fire, a mug of hot cocoa and classic movies on TV. Whatever puts a smile on your face this winter, we hope you will find some time to visit us at the Elk Springs Resort.

Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram (with permission and courtesy of Dean Brown Photography)

If you could be sitting here with me right now, you would see soft fluffy now drifting down from the sky. It is beautiful the way that the mountains look covered in a fine dusting of snow. While the winter has been fairly warm so far, the folks here in Gatlinburg are gearing up for a winter full of skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and so much more. If you are ready to embrace your inner snow bunny then it is time to book a luxury cabin rental at the Elk Springs Resort.

Gatlinburg features a variety of fun winter activities that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. Just a short drive away from your cabin is OberGatlinburg, the crown jewel of winter sports in the Great Smoky Mountains. The folks at OberGatlinburg spend all year waiting for the first snow to arrive. Of course, they always have their snow-making machines in place for warmer months like we have been experiencing recently. With nine trails to choose from, you can easily spend all weekend enjoying everything that OberGatlinburg has to offer.

Just getting to Ober is a ton of fun. You will need to ride the skylift all the way up, giving you a beautiful view of Gatlinburg and the surrounding mountains. Once you are at the top you can strap on skis, a snowboard or a pair of ice skates. Don’t have any of your own? Don’t worry, you can rent them for a good price on top of the mountain. When you need to get warm or want to take a break from outdoor activities you can wander inside for some more fun. Take in a ride on the carousel, challenge your kids to some arcade games and then grab some lunch with hot chocolate. With so much to see and do you may find yourself visiting OberGatlinburg the following day.

Tickets are sold based on the time that you want to hit the slopes. Choose from the Day Session that runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Twilight session from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Night Session from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. or the Combo Session that lasts from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. If you are planning on hitting the slopes for two days in a row, save some money by purchasing the Two-Session Tickets. In addition to equipment rental you can also arrange for a ski or snowboard lesson while you are visiting Gatlinburg. Just call ahead to check on times and rates to secure a spot.  If you own a vacation rental in Gatlinburg and are looking for a Gatlinburg property manager then you may want to consider Elk Springs Resort to handle your important asset.

After a long day of rolling around in the snow, a night in at your luxury Gatlinburg cabin is just what you need. While every season is beautiful at the Elk Springs Resort, winter is extra-special because you get to feel so cozy in your very own luxury cabin rental. Unlike other cabin rental companies that offer just the basics, we allow you to get away from it all without having to give “it” all up. Enjoy access to free high-speed Internet, bubbling hot tubs, a full kitchen, flat screen TVs, gaming systems and much more.

So what are you waiting for? Call or email our main office to reserve your favorite cabin at the Elk Springs Resort.

Travel over 3,000 feet from 21 stories high at over 60 mph!  That’s dollywoods newest roller coaster named “Wild Eagle”.  Details were recently released and the new coaster is targetted to open in March 2012.

This unique roller coaster features riders sitting suspended on the outside of the track.

Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area - Copyright Dean Brown Photography

If thinking about a unique vacation, the Smoky Mountains can be a new adventure and option that is a little off the beaten path. Unlike big cities or coastal destinations with crowded beaches, Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains bring a tourist and family to the natural American mountain ranges of Tennessee and the classic South.

The Gatlinburg, Tennessee, area provides access to five different mountain ranges for daily exploration. These include:

• Grapeyard Ridge
• Le Conte and Sugarland Mountains in the south area
• Cove Mountain, and
• Big Ridge.

Gatlinburg vacation cabin rentals offered by Elk Springs Resort in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, are one example of a great way to enjoy the surrounding region in comfort and traditional lodging accommodations. Crafted with expert woodworking carpentry, each of the cabins come complete with comfortable leisure furniture, electronic amenities including large-screen televisions, wide bay windows for viewing the outside environment, and comfortable fireplaces inside and outside for enjoying crackling fire-heated evenings.

Accommodations come in a variety of choices ranging from one-bedroom economy cabins to large group six-bedroom options. Additionally, for even larger groups or separation the resort also offers condos and honeymoon suites for a unique marriage memory.

If a trip gets a little too sedate at the cabin area or in nature, there is plenty to do in Gatlinburg itself as well. This includes plenty of fishing, wine tasting, restaurants, scenic drives, shopping, and even helicopter tours of the larger regional area.

Planning a Smoky Mountain trip first depends on choosing the time of year for a visit. For first-timers with young family, the late spring and summer may be the best time. This avoids the challenge of dealing with the cold elements and snow during the winter months.

For those flying in, the closest international airports include Charlotte/Douglas International Airport or Nashville International Airport. From there a tourist needs to catch a regional flight to McGhee Tyson Airport where there is direct service as well from several major markets. Alternatively, one can rent a car from either of the airports, but the drive will be between 150 to 180 miles to Gatlinburg. Reservations can be made with Elk Springs Resort by phone or Internet and reserved with a credit card, but choice times should be arranged early to avoid any disappointments. If driving in during winter months, visitors should arrange to have chains for car tires since some of the regional roads will go through mountain area and icy conditions.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee, has a lot to offer the first-time visitor and Elk Springs Resort cabins can make a great landing base for daily adventures and trips. If you’re looking for a domestic vacation that provide memories of a very different vacation, Gatlinburg mountain cabins and the Smoky Mountains can provide that experience.

Another popular amenity, and we’re not suprised, are outdoor firepits.  Recently 2 of our vacation cabins added firepits including mountain memories and one of our newer cabins, Creeksong, features an outdoor firepit area as well.  Creeksong has over 300 feet of frontage on Birds creeks.  You can take a shot at catching some trout or maybe just sit and soak your feet in the creek that runs through out the back of the property.Gatlinburg Cabin with outdoor firepitMoonstruck is a new 1 bedroom cabin that is the ultimate in luxury cabin getaways.   The cabin features 4 fireplaces (1 outdoor and 1 in the shower!) as well as a 55″ 3D high definition TV.   It’s truly an amazing vacation cabin in Gatlinburg.  Some of the other impressive amenities include a sauna, porch swing and outdoor eating area.  But perhaps its the mountain views or the upgraded bedding.   We’ve had so many guests not believe that the pictures and amenity list on this luxury cabin are actually real or reflective of the actual cabin.   But once they arrive they quickly find out that is even better in person.  Our biggest complaint  – “we couldn’t stay longer”.  If moonstruck sounds like a good fit, you will definitely want to consider our 1 bedroom cabins in Gatlinburg

Cabins with theater rooms are also increasing in popularity and we have lead the charge in building the best quality theater rooms.   They are great because they offer a great space to gather no matter the age or interest.  You can always find a movie to keep everyone happy.  If not….then you have your whole vacation to use the theater room and everyone can easily take turns.   And when you are in the cabin watching movies you are not downtown Gatlinburg spending money on attractions.

For our 3rd straight year we’ve been awarded a 5 star rating by tripadvisor.com and for our 2nd straight year we’re ranked the #1 vacation cabin company in Gatlinburg out of over 60 lodging options.   We’re proud of this achievement and will continue to provide the customer service and quality vacation cabins to maintain this ranking.

Are you planning a trip to Gatlinburg, TN this winter? While many of our guests love visiting us during the spring, winter and fall, there are those that cannot get enough of the Elk Springs Resort Gatlinburg chalet rentals during the winter. There is something magical about secluding yourself away from it all in a gorgeous cabin that has everything you need at home but nestled into the Great SMoky Mountains. If you are looking for a special getaway to just relax with yoru loved ones, look no further than our getaway cabin resort.

Take, for example, Cherokee Charm, a 3 bedroom luxury cabin. As one of our newest cabins, we are proud to say that this is certain to be a crowd-pleaser in no time. It offers multiple flat-screen TVs and a home theater room that is certain to make any movie buff squeal with delight. When it gets chilly outside, you can curl up in front of one of the two fireplaces or jump into the hot tub. We personally recommend the hot tub becasue it allows you to be outside even on teh coldest of nights. Nothing beats a view of the mountain sky while sokaing your waery bones in bubbling warm water.

Bringing the whole family along? Don’t worry about getting snowed in and having nothing to do! The Firefly Lodge has everything that adults need to relax, like a hot tub and flat-screen TVs, with tons of games for the kids. Challenge your children to a game of air hockey, pool, Xbox 360 or the Wii. As with all of the cabins at the Elk Springs Resort, there is always access to free Wi-Fi that is fast and easy to connect to.

Snowy days make for romantic getaways for couples in Galtinburg. The Elk Spring Resort features several one-bedroom cabins that are perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries and babymoons. A cabin like Mountain Elegance allows you to stay inside all weekend without feeling bored. Even though the downtown area of Gatlinburg is just a short drive away, you may find yourself tempted to stay at your luxury cabin rental all weekend. Mountain Elegance offesr one-of-a kind views of Mt. LeConte, one of the higest elevations in the Great Smoky Mountains. Nothing says romance like sequestering yourself in a Gatlinburg chalet rental away for the weekend and treating one another to plenty of sweet moments together.

Gatlinburg Christmas

Carols fill the air, mistletoe is strung about and people just cannot seem to stop smiling in our quaint little town of Gatlinburg, TN. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Chanukah or Kwanzaa, this is a special time of year in the Great Smoky Mountains. As 2011 winds to a close, you may find yourself overwhelmed with holiday parties, gift shopping and planning New Year’s Eve celebrations. Why not take a weekend away in a Gatlinburg cabin rental to the mountains to recharge your battery and prepare for all of the wonderful festivities that are yet to come?

No matter what time of year you choose to visit the Gatlinburg cabin rentals at Elk Springs Resort, you are certain to be transported to a place of relaxation. Our luxury cabin rentals ensure that you can sit back, relax and take in the natural beauty of the mountains while having all of the modern luxuries that you are accustomed to. While every season is magical here, winter is especially beautiful. From the porch of your cabin rental you can gaze across the wintry skies of the Great Smoky Mountains and breathe in the crisp, invigorating air that comes each year at this time.

While you may be tempted to spend your entire vacation indoors – we often find ourselves doing just that! – there is plenty to see and doing in Gatlinburg during December. During the day you can stroll along the Parkway and work on your long holiday list. Pick up an authentic cowboy hat at the Cowboy Way, a new rod at the Smoky Mountain Angler and a necklace at Lavi’s Jewelry, all on the same day! Want to stay active all weekend? Take the tram up to OberGatlinburg and spend the day skiing, ice skating and goofing around in the snow.

Want a truly unique mountain experience? Head on over to Dollywood to take part in a Smoky Mountain Christmas. Known for her outgoing personality and incredible vocal skills, Dolly Parton is also dedicated to sharing her love of Christmas with adoring fans. There are seasonal shows that will entertain everyone in your family, dinners with Santa Claus, ice skating events and a 4-D showing of the classic Christmas tale The Polar Express.

Just because it gets dark earlier during the winter doesn’t mean the fun has to end sooner. Once the sun goes down the Parkway is illuminated by millions of LED lights. Children and adults alike adore the light display that is shown every night during December in Gatlinburg. Take a hayride around town while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate from Jordan’s Village Creamery.

Don’t feel like venturing outside during your pre-holiday madness vacation? We recommend that you load up on all of the groceries you will need at Food City, rent some movies, grab a few magazines and sequester yourself for the whole weekend. While we aren’t medical experts, we believe that a weekend away at the Elk Springs Resort is just what your body needs to prepare for the upcoming holidays.

Have questions about your stay at the Elk Springs Resort? Don’t hesitate to contact us via email, snail mail or by phone.

As one of the most beautiful places in North America, the Great Smoky Mountains attracts millions of people annually to the region. The mountains form the border between Tennessee and North Carolina, are a subrange of the great Appalachian Mountains, and are home to the Elk Springs Resort. There is simply nothing like a sunrise over the Smokies, and there is no better place to observe it than from your own Smoky Mountain Cabin rental. At the Elk Springs Resort, we offer you immaculate cabins with all modern amenities, nestled deep in the heart of the natural splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains.

Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental

Situated just next door to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you are never too far away from all of the hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and skiing that you crave on holiday. With over 9 million visitors per year, the park is always busy and packed with people from around the world. While you don’t need to be a avid hiker, camper or nature enthusiast to enjoy the GSMNP, you might quickly become one after your visit here. The park offers dozens of programs designed for nature enthusiasts of all knowledge levels and ages, making your visit as special and informative as you want it to be. Take delight in the hardwood forests surrounding you, elk and white-tailed deer grazing for food and those other wily creatures – park rangers- who make it all possible.

Of course, you don’t have to leave your luxury cabin rental to experience the majestic beauty of the Smokies. All of our cabins have an incredible view of the mountains, complete with all of the special treats you deserve on holiday: hot tubs, flat screen TVs, full kitchens, comfy beds and even home theater rooms. However, we recommend spending an entire night sitting out on the porch, in a rocking chair, gazing out at the stars over the mountains. Add a glass of wine or a hot cup of cocoa complete with marshmallows, and you have a blissful evening set in the Great Smoky Mountains.

To book your much-needed vacation today, contact us via email or by phone at the main office. We can’t wait to book you into the cabin of your dreams.

This Friday you can help the locals ring in the holidays with the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade. This is the 36th year that the parade has rung in good tidings along the major streets of our quaint mountain town. The Fantasy of Lights parades begins sharp at 7:30 p.m. so you will want to arrive early to secure a spot. Since this is one of the most anticipated events of the year, the sidewalks will be packed with friends, neighbors and families gathering together to participate in the fun.

The parade will be led by the grand marshalls better known as Sharky and Sharkette of Ripley’s Aquarium. In addition to characters from all of the Ripley’s enterprises that are located in Gatlinburg, you will be able to see the famous Weinermobile thanks to participation with Oscar Meyer. Marching bands from around the southeast will liven the parade route with cheery renditions of your holiday favorites. In addition to over a hundred parade participants there will be huge helium balloon characters that are certain to delight all the kids in the crowd, both young and old.

Before you take in the parade, get your holiday spirits high with a visit to the Winter Wonderland at the Carousel. The jolly old man himself will be present at the Lucinda Ogle Cabin Restoration Project to give out autographs and have secrets whispered in his ears. What is normally an ordinary round building at traffic light #3 will be transformed into a gorgeous vision of a winter wonderland. This project is a collaboration between the Gatlinburg Garden Club and several high school students that are donating their time and effort.

In addition to the building decorations, another team of students will be working hard in the kitchen to prepare for the big day. Students from a local culinary school will be whipping up bevies of scrumptious treats to sell at the winter wonderland. Proceeds from the sales will go to benefit  the restoration. There is no greater way to experience Gatlinburg then to interact with the locals and contribute to a great cause. If you are bringing kids along with you to Gatlinburg this weekend, you will not want to miss out on Santa’s appearance before the parade.

Don’t be blue when the fun ends Friday night: Gatlinburg will only be starting off the holiday season! There is so much to see and do in and around your luxury cabin rental that will help you get ready for your own holidays.   We suggest checking out one of our 2 bedroom Gatlinburg cabins for you next visit as they are truly unique and a great value.  You can take care of Christmas shopping, enjoy some winter sports at OberGatlinburg, even sing some carols out on the porch of your luxury cabin rental. Whatever the holidays mean to you, celebrate them with us at the Elk Springs Resort.

Have questions about your next stay? Don’t hesitate to call or email us at the main office.

Gatlinburg Cabin

Everybody loves to save money, especially when they are traveling to Gatlinburg, TN. Did you know that you can get a discount when you stay during the week at the Elk Springs Resort? Depending on the season and availability, we would be happy to offer you a discount. While most of our guests visit us on weekends and during the holidays, we love to keep our cabins occupied during the week as well.

Cabins in Gatlinburg

Are you just dying for a holiday and are able to slip away fro work for a few days? Then we recommend a peaceful yet exciting vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg. Now that we are deep into fall, you can enjoy everything that the Smokies has to offer during this cooler season. Right now the leaves are the height of their beauty, representing a vast array of reds, pinks, oranges, yellows and browns.

There is nothing more breathtaking than hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the fall. The weather is a little chilly, keeping you cool during an invigorating hike. We recommend Clingman’s Dome, the Alum Cave Bluffs and the Chimney Tops trail for some incredible views. Bring a picnic lunch in your backpack and don’t forget your camera. You will want to remember that view for the rest of your life. There are tons of family-friendly trails as well, making fall hiking a fun activity for kids and adults alike.

Of course, you don’t have to do anything at all during your mid-week vacation at the cabins in Gatlinburg at Elk Springs Resort. Some of our repeat guests visit us throughout the year in order to get away from it all – work, school and other obligations. When you are sitting on your balcony in a rocking chair, overlooking the majestic mountains, it will be hard to think about your life back home. Just allow yourself to drift away and completely relax. We admit, we even find ourselves doing it once in a while! There is something about the cool, crisp mountain air, especially during the fall, that can both invigorate and sooth the senses. ]

While no two cabins are alike, they share the same amenities. We find that families with kids get a real kick out of the Mountain Laurel cabin which features a hot tub, pool table, air hockey table, blue ray player with free Netflix, as well as a jacuzzi tub w/fireplace. Couples searching for a few days away often request Smoky Mountain Romance or Magic Moments, both of which offer seclusion and tranquility. With so many cabins to choose from, our customers’ most common complaint is that they hate picking just one to stay in! That is why some of our guests will try out a new cabin each time they stay at the Elk Springs Resort.

So what are you waiting for? If your inbox is overflowing, the kids are bouncing off the walls and even your dog is getting restless (we also offer pet-friendly cabins!), it is time to think about getting away for a few days. While you don’t have to visit us during the week, it is a great time to save some cash and avoid the crowds downtown.

Have questions about your next stay? Don’t hesitate to call our main office or shoot us an email. We look forward to seeing you at the resort.