February in the Smokies offers cabin deals, outdoor adventures on the ski slopes and the hiking trails of the national park, and cozy times in the cabin, especially with Valentine’s Day looming large and the scenic mountains covered in white. And the winter festive lights are still on for a while longer yet, and events continue, as always to break out with live music, great food and fun for all ages.
Image courtesy of Ober Mountain
The Winterfest and Winter Magic lights stay on through February 22 in Gatlinburg, and through February 16 in Pigeon Forge and Sevierville. Fun events through the month include the Tennessee Winter Beer Fest in Townsend on February 24, the 3-day Chuck Wagon Cookoff in Pigeon Forge on February 28 – March 2, and Pancake Week in Gatlinburg, February 21-28.
Check out the Tennessee Songwriters Week, with live music from all genres, and stories from Tennessee-native songwriters. These are qualifying rounds, taking part in numerous towns across Tennessee, and passing through Pigeon Forge on January 27 (Puckett’s Restaurant) and January 31 (Hard Rock Cafe), as well as Sevierville on February 2 at The Pines Downtown.
The ski slopes are the big event this time of year of course, and Ober Mountain is wide open with trails open for all skill levels. Also the Tubing slope is open for no-skills downhill sliding fun for all ages (be sure to call ahead or book online, because this is hugely popular with everyone in town, locals and visitors alike). Drive up or take the famous Aerial Tramway to the ski resort, and check the Slope Report and the webcams for the latest news, as well as the resort’s Facebook page.
There’s also the year-round outdoor tubing slope in Pigeon Forge at Rowdy Bear’s Smoky Mountain Snowpark, offering a 500-ft downhill slope, with a conveyor ride back to the top off the hill. And you can find INDOOR snow all year, also in Pigeon Forge, at Pigeon Forge Snow, in a comfortable temperature with lots of amenities on hand.
Some of the best hiking can happen in winter, when the crowds are gone and the tree foliage opens up new panoramas. Temperatures here are not too sever in winter, and dressed appropriately, you can find a lot of magic on the many Winter Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Romance in the Smoky Mountains
February is the month for romance, and Valentine’s Day is the headliner of course for couples to enjoy their romantic getaways in the Smokies. Many venues throughout the area celebrate the entire month of February for couples
Also on the mountain top above Gatlinburg, including Anakeesta and the SkyPark, as Anakeesta offers long weekends of its Astra Lumina lights, and the SkyPark calls all of February the month for lovers with its Love In the Air light displays. The Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge always refits the ship each February for its traditional Sweetheart Month all month. Long a favorite for wedding ceremonies, the Titanic has a special appeal for those in love and making memories.
In the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, Gatlinburg offers its Sweet Week, with sweet confections and giveaways at numerous venues. And the famous Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg is offering several Valentine’s Day couples workshops among the many classes held for all skill levels.
Cabin living meanwhile through the month of February is snug and luxurious – even more so in one of our many cabins with an indoor heated swimming pool – add that to the hot tub and the heart-shaped Jacuzzi, and winter becomes fun.
Cabins in the Smoky Mountains are a good option in February, with numerous specials and last-minute deals happening – always keep an eye on the Specials page or call us 24/7 at 855-91-SMOKY). And check our romance packages to make that romantic getaway extra special. Valentine’s Day is that magical moment that many people choose to propose marriage (and then fix the date to come back in May to get married, or October during the fall colors).
So those are the highlights of February in the Smokies, with multiple festivities around every corner, that we didn’t include. Spring time is not quite here yet, in February, but it’s coming soon, and that’ll be the story for next month. Stay tuned!
Image courtesy of Tennessee Songwriters Week
Check our Gatlinburg cabins, Pigeon Forge cabins and our Wears Valley cabins for your best place to stay in the Smokies.
