As the world opens up to the reality that working from home is not just an option and that home can be from any home, not just your own private address, a winter vacation to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is becoming a popular addition to the vacation landscape.
Offering a slightly different type of adventure, one in which fireplaces may play starring roles and snow-capped mountains will create stunning photo opportunities, especially when you choose the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge areas as your winter vacation destination!
The Great Smoky Mountains are a sight to behold any time of year, but in the winter they are magical, enjoyed even more from the warmth of our Kaizen Properties homes and cabins. This guide to planning your perfect winter vacation to Tennessee will actually have you wishing the season would hurry up and arrive!
Sunrise Over the Mountains
Unless you’re an early riser, you probably won’t want to start every morning waking up to watch the sun rise over the Great Smoky Mountains, but if you don’t try to do it at least once you will be missing out on an experience that is unforgettable.
Our Kaizen Rentals sanctuaries are sure to provide the perfect spots for viewing and as you roll out of bed and throw on something warm and comfortable (early mornings can be a bit nippy in the winters!) the sight that awaits you will bring you joy. The sky as it cycles through a kaleidoscope of colors will begin to reveal the peaks of the mountains that stand tall in the background, offering at first dark silhouettes before finally evolving into the snow-capped peaks that stun with their presence.
After the sun has fully risen, visitors have the choice of climbing back between the warm linens topping their beds for a few more hours sleep or heading out to one of the local restaurants and diners that provide the good old fashioned Southern breakfasts you will soon crave!
A Taste of the Towns
Now that you have decided on staying awake, it is time to experience a taste of the town, either Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, both of which are close enough to your winter escape that you won’t have far to drive!
In Gatlinburg, Pancake Pantry, 628 Parkway, is always a popular choice, providing a menu filled with the sweetest breakfast treats in the country! Enjoy a menu filled with international pancake choices including Old Fashioned Buttermilk (American) Parisienne Crepes, Swedish Crepes, and for a unique choice, Caribbean Pancakes topped with bananas, coconut shavings, chopped nuts, and powdered sugar!
For our Kaizen guests in Pigeon Forge, Pancake Pantry isn’t that far away, but if you want to stick close to home, The Old Mill Restaurant, 164 Old Mills Avenue, offers a peek into the history of this area as well as a taste of the old South, especially when you order their Old Mill Biscuit Breakfast created with stone ground grits (ground at the mill) and homemade sausage gravy, and seasonal preserves created in their kitchens!
Winter Adventures
The winter adventures awaiting you in both towns are destined to be ones you wish never had to end! The Holly Dolly Christmas in the Smokies: A Sparkling Winterfest Celebration takes place at Dollywood December 10th through 15th, bringing a new appreciation of the beauty of Christmas.
If your visit happens to take place earlier in the month, Gatlinburg’s Fantasy of Light’s Christmas Parade on December 1st will make you believe in the spirit of Christmas once again. Shopping is always a good idea on vacation and The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, in Gatlinburg will encourage you to purchase gifts that are imaginative, exciting, and will be much loved!
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park provides stunning views as you take so many pictures that are worthy of framing, you may run out of wall space. Ober Mountain Ski Area and Amusement Park celebrates the season with ski slopes, an ice-skating rink, and snow tubing opportunities that are magical!
Ward off the cold with a creamy cup of hot chocolate at Mama’s Farmhouse in Pigeon Forge and finish off a day of exciting adventures with a hearty meal at Crystelle Creek Restaurant, also in Pigeon Forge.
Come Home to Kaizen Rentals
Your most magical moments, however, may be the ones you spend at home with Kaizen Rentals. Playing board games with the family as snow falls gently to the ground outside, a roaring fire adding romance and warmth to your getaway, and the peace and serenity of your surroundings feeding a need in your soul you were unaware needed fed.
These beautiful times will remind you of the importance of family time and as you relax and recharge with all the comforts of home, you may start planning your next season’s vacation to the great state of Tennessee! (It really does deserve to be seen in all the seasons!) Reserve your favorite winter hideaway today!
