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Quiet & Cozy Smoky Mountain Cabins – The Perfect Winter Retreat
Welcome to the New Bar at the Bear

When you dream of a Smoky Mountain getaway, it’s easy to picture the greenery and wildflower blossoms of Spring through Cades Cove, swimming or tubing down the Little River during the hot Summer months, or the incredible range of colors offered on the Foothills Parkway in the Fall…But, what about Winter in the Great Smoky Mountains?

Every season in the Great Smoky Mountains is majestic in it’s own right, and Winter is no different!

Dancing Bear Bar at the Bear

So, what do WE love about wintertime in the Smokies and Peaceful Townsend, TN? Here are our top 5 reasons to visit Dancing Bear Lodge and the Great Smoky Mountains in the colder months:

1. The weather outside may be frightful, but your cozy cabin will be SO delightful!

We realize Winter weather may not always be the most ideal, but at Dancing Bear Lodge, we ensure you can make the best of it! Our 1 and 2 bedroom cabins are perfectly equipped to keep you cozy regardless of the weather outside. Enjoy cocktails outside in your private hot tub, relax in the oversized jacuzzi tub with a glass of wine and a good book, or snuggle up with that special someone on the couch while you listen to the crackle of the wood-burning fireplace.

With House-Made Granola, yogurt, fresh fruit, and juice, our Hiker’s Breakfast allows you to enjoy a healthy breakfast or snack without leaving your cabin. Take advantage of our HIBERNATION Special and receive a s’mores kit to make s’mores in your wood-burning fireplace! Let our friendly reservationists help you choose the perfect Cabin Add-Ons to make your stay extra special. With options like fresh chocolate covered strawberries from the Bistro or beautiful red roses from a local florist, we are happy to help you plan your romantic Winter getaway, and it will all be waiting you for in your cabin when you arrive! Like we said…it will be SO delightful!

Matt Burk

2. Off-Season? We like to call it…Quiet Season.

While many would refer to the Winter months in the Smokies as the off-season, we prefer to appreciate the calmness that they bring and call it the Quiet Season. Inherently, everything seems to slow down as the weather gets colder. With less visitors to the area, Winter is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty our Smoky Mountains have to offer while avoiding the crowds and even saving a little money! That’s right, rates in the Winter months tend to be lower in the area for lodging and attractions. While some attractions and activities close for Winter, we promise there is no shortage of exciting things to do in the area all year and our staff is happy to help point you in the right direction.

3. Winter Adventure Awaits You! Anticipate the Adventure…

We know the idea of a Winter hike can seem daunting, but don’t let that deter you! With proper planning and preparation, a Winter hike in the Great Smoky Mountains can be enchanting. The cold weather may leave the trees barren, but this attributes to increased visibility on any Smoky Mountain Hike. This increased visibility allows hikers to enjoy mountain views from lower elevations, view wildlife deeper in the woods, and find interesting plant and fungus life that may normally be covered with greenery in the warmer months.

Need help preparing for a Winter adventure? That’s what we’re here for! After booking your cabin, let our Activities Desk help you plan a suitable Smoky Mountain adventure. From there, our friendly Smoky Mountain Outdoor Center staff can help outfit you for any type of expedition. SMOC is located on property in Apple Valley Mountain Village and carries your favorite outdoor brands like the North Face, Patagonia, Kavu, Chaco, and more! Whether you’re an avid hiker or just a beginner, we can’t wait to help you Anticipate the Adventure!

4. Let our Spirits Warm You!

From moonshine tours and wine tastings, to our very own Bar at the Bear, the Smoky Mountains are rich with spirits! Spend a day exploring the local distilleries and wineries throughout the area, or take a walk from your cabin to the Appalachian Bistro to experience our new Bar at the Bear. Curated by our General Manager and Certified Sommelier Matt Burk, our extensive drink menu offers something for everyone. With an attention to detail that can only be achieved by bartenders that truly have a passion for their craft, our cocktails are sure to delight even the most discerning of bar guests.

Bar Black and White

5. Enjoy the best of Townsend…All in one place!

While we can’t help but recommend an adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains while you visit, we realize some travelers prefer to keep it simple, and at Dancing Bear Lodge and Apple Valley Mountain Village , you can do just that!

Relax in your cozy cabin at Dancing Bear Lodge, enjoy elevated Appalachian cuisine at our Appalachian Bistro and unique drinks from our Bar at the Bear, take a leisurely hike on one of our private trails, or borrow a bike from our Bike Barn to ride around the property. Explore Apple Valley Mountain Village, where you will find our General Store, Apple Valley Cafe, SMOC, and the Dancing Bean Coffee House. The General Store has a wide variety of Smoky Mountain souvenirs, a cozy room dedicated to beautiful quilts, small-batch fudge, and more! Stop by Apple Valley for a hot breakfast between 9am-11am or for great lunch options like burgers and BBQ. In addition to famous outdoor brands, SMOC also features local maps and literature to help guide you through the Smoky Mountains. And last but not least, you will want to start every day at the Dancing Bean Coffee House where you can enjoy house-roasted coffee, coffee cocktails, and warm pastries.

Forget those Winter Blues and start planning your Winter Retreat to Dancing Bear Lodge and the Great Smoky Mountains and experience the beauty of the Quiet Season!