Escape from your hideaway in the mountains and hit the slopes at the nation’s largest artificial skiing surface of Ober Gatlinburg.

Ober was named a “Top Ten Ski Destination in the U.S.” by AOL Travel thanks to its 9 trails, snow makers, amusement park and aerial tram from downtown. It’s easy to see why the slopes in Tennessee are an attractive way to spend the day for those snuggled up in cabins in the Smokies.

Visit the website for a full list of open trails, snowmaking, and weather report before you head out to enjoy the wintry weather. http://www.obergatlinburg.com/

Ripley’s has been open for more than 90 years and is promoted as a family attraction which would be perfect for the cold weather months. The 500 plus artifacts and attractions from around the world will surely occupy your family and children for a whole day of fun and exploration.

Visit the museum’s website for $1 off admission coupons and information on all the adventures waiting for you and your family in the cold winter months in Gatlinburg, TN. http://gatlinburg.ripleys.com/#

Gatlinburg Overlook is an amazing four bedroom cabin situated above Gatlinburg, TN. Just a short distance up into the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg Overlook is a few minutes’ drive to area attractions such as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and the downtown area.

With loads of space, warm wood finishes throughout and a gourmet kitchen, Gatlinburg Overlook gives you a vacation retreat with style and functionality. A stacked stone gas fireplace in the great room invites you to enjoy the warmth on a chilly evening while gazing at the glittering city lights. The spacious game room complete with pool table, comfortable seating and HDTV is the perfect setting for watching your favorite movie or game any time of the year.

This Smoky Mountain cabin has all the amenities to make your vacation one of the best including four large master suites. Each bedroom offers deck access, a jetted tub for two and beautiful views of the mountains and city lights. Gatlinburg Overlook is sure to please even those with the most discriminating taste.

From a recent Gatlinburg Overlook guest on Flip Key:

“Wonderful Mountain Retreat
We had several family members share the cabin with us. It was spacious enough to allow everyone to have their own private room and bathroom. The view from the balcony is stunning. We always use Jackson Mountain Homes when choosing a cabin and will continue to do so.”

From a Simply Unforgettable guest on Flip Key:

“Exactly what we were looking for.

This little cabin was exactly what we were looking for. It felt secluded even though it was in a neighborhood. We felt like we were in the middle of the woods but we were still very close to town! The best part is we were able to bring our dog so she could enjoy being on vacation with us. The cabin was neat and clean, great furnishings, it had plenty of linens and amenities including an outdoor hot tub, indoor jetted tub, pool table, fireplace and satellite TV.”

For more information on Running Bear and other Gatlinburg cabin rentals, visit Jackson Mountain Homes.

Relax in front of the stone gas fireplace on a winter’s evening, or challenge your companions to a game of pool. Kick back and watch premium movie channels on the 40″ HD LCD TV in the living room or the 32″ HD LCD TV in the bedroom, watch a movie on the BluRay player, keep in contact with unlimited domestic long distance and surf the internet (bring your computer!) from anywhere in the cabin with high speed wireless internet access. With its tasteful decor, beautiful wood finishes and outstanding amenities, Peace of Mind promises to be a wonderful beginning to the perfect getaway.

When the winter days get to you, warm yourself up with some delicious hot chocolate. Here is a recipe for try hot chocolate mix that you can store and prepare whenever you like.

8 quarts powdered milk

1-pound Nestlé’s Quick

1-pound confectioner’s sugar

8 ounces coffee creamer, powdered

Mix together and store in covered container. Use 1/4 cup and add hot water for each mug.

From a recent Above it All guest on Flip Key:

“Fabulous House.Above It All is a beautifully furnished, well stocked house that was perfect for a family vacation! There was plenty of room for everyone in the group to have their own space. The house was immaculate. The homes are close together in Black Bear Falls which made visiting with our extended family in another home easy.”

There are just a few days left in your vacation from work and school, and before you head back you should take a day to relax in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. A great place to take an individual or group shot photo is by the old style entrance signs as you enter the park from any direction. They are uniform in appearance, and pictures are a great way to remember your day of activities. This is a fun way to start a new tradition, every year when you visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park you can take your picture by the entrance signs to show how you and the park change year to year.