Planning a winter trip to the Smoky Mountains? From moonshine tasting, to skiing at Ober Gatlinburg, your days are sure to be jam packed with things to do! When you stay at the Lodge at Five Oaks, you’ll have a warm and comfortable room with a luxurious bed to return to at the end of your day to ensure you’ll get the best night’s rest and be ready for another exciting day! Here are the top 4 things to do in the winter when you stay at our hotel near the Smoky Mountains.
1. Stop by Sugarland Cellars
There’s nothing like a sip of wine to keep you warm during the cold, winter months. Stop by Sugarland Cellars in Gatlinburg for a tour and complimentary wine tastings! Sugarland Cellars’ wines are made from regionally grown grapes right in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and by people who have been farming for generations, so you know they’ve got to be good! The winery also has a gift shop, so you can find the perfect wine-related souvenir to take back home!
2. Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is the perfect indoor attraction if you’re looking to avoid the winter weather. Keep warm while you explore unique exhibits throughout the aquarium. Get up-close-and-personal with some stingrays, interact with penguins, or ride out into Shark Lagoon in a glass-bottomed boat! There are plenty of unforgettable experiences throughout the best aquarium in the country. You and your family will love being able to have fun and not have to worry about the weather!
3. Shop at the Mountain Mall
Do you want to shop till you drop? Visit the Mountain Mall in Gatlinburg for a shopping excursion you won’t forget. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find it at the mall! It’s the best indoor shopping experience, so you won’t have to walk around in the cold searching for what you want. There is a variety of different shops throughout the mall, each with its own theme. Browse through handmade jewelry, find the perfect toy for your child to take home, or buy some homemade candy to satisfy your sweet tooth. The entire mall is decorated in a mountain theme, with cedar walls, to whiskey barrel trash cans. You definitely won’t want to miss out on the shopping trip of a lifetime!
4. Hike the Smokies
If you don’t mind the cold, plan a hike through the Smoky Mountains during your visit to the area. Hiking in cold weather is the best because you don’t have to worry about snakes, bugs or bears! There are numerous hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains that have breathtaking views, especially in the snow! Be careful not to slip though if you hike through snow and icy weather! One of the best trails to hike in the winter is the Alum Cave Trail. The water typically seen dripping off the cliff freezes, offering a beautiful view. The trail is a total of 5 miles and gives hikers an unforgettable experience!
You won’t want to miss spending your winter vacation in the Smoky Mountains. There are plenty of fun things for all family members to enjoy. Book your room at our hotel near the Smoky Mountains and get ready to make winter memories that’ll last a lifetime!
