Planning an Anniversary Trip in the Mountains

CoupleWondering what to do for your next anniversary? Plan a mountain trip! Nothing says romance quite like a mountain retreat in a cozy cabin. And while this spring might not be the best time to go on a trip, what with COVID-19, but it is the perfect time to plan one. 

Here are our tips to help you plan an amazing mountain getaway. 

Rent a cabin

CabinWhen you’re looking through all of the different types of accommodations available for your retreat, consider renting a cabin. Hunkering down in an authentic, private living space is one of the best ways to both feel at home and get the full mountain experience. 

You can find rentals to suit any type of vibe you’re looking for at It’s Cabin Time. Our properties offer a range of amenities from rustic to luxury. Plus, because we are a book-direct site, you will get personal attention to ensure that you have the best possible holiday.

Consider an off season visit

Adirondacks[Browse cabins near the Adirondack Mountains]

Factor your anniversary date into your location planning process so that you can avoid the crowds. For instance, if your anniversary falls in the four months between June and September, you may want to avoid the Rocky Mountains as it will be in the midst of peak travel season. 

Plan for downtime

Smokies[Browse cabins near the Great Smoky Mountains]

Sometimes less is more—especially on an anniversary trip where your main focus is on each other. When you need some rest, or if the weather is bad one day, be prepared to have some fun off the trails. Here are a few ideas.

If you want to enjoy the scenery even in your downtime, try doing a paint and sip; open up a bottle of wine to split while you and your partner paint the view from your cabin. Then later that night, cook a nice meal together either indoors or outside over a campfire.

Beartooth Mountains[Browse cabins near Yellowstone and Glacier National Park]

It’s always exciting to discover a new part of the world with the one you love. Happy vacationing, and happy anniversary! #ItsCabinTime

A Unique Adirondacks Vacation Experience at Otter Creek Lodge

The Adirondacks in upstate New York are one of America’s oldest vacation destinations. Otter Creek Lodge, built under the pines on 100 private acres overlooking a small lake, carries on that tradition with a truly unique retreat experience abundant in natural beauty and quiet reflection.

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The lodge was crafted in 1990 in an old-fashioned style that pays homage to the original Adirondacks “great camps.” The location is nothing short of idyllic, with designated parklands that segue into a web of state trails accessible by foot as well as by bike, ski, horseback or snowmobile — hundreds of miles of scenic pathways that lead into and through the heart of the Adirondacks.

Otter Creek Lodge itself is a generous 8,000-square-foot vacation home with 12 bedrooms and 10 baths, providing comfortable accommodations for up to 24 guests. This location is ideal for large-group getaways such as class or family reunions, corporate retreats, club trips or wedding parties, offering plenty to do and see onsite and conveniently sheltered from distant neighbors and towns. The lodge is open during all seasons for private functions and overlooks 800 feat of lake frontage with a wide, sandy beach.

The interior of the lodge is decorated in the traditional Adirondack style with a light-colored wood paneling and simple furniture. Guests can relax in the open great room, settling into the leather sofas and armchairs gathered around the oversized stone hearth for a drink and a hearty conversation. The spacious social areas are complete with a wet bar, entertainment center and pool room, allowing large groups to spread out and mingle. The ground-level floor plan also includes two additional sitting rooms and a large screened-in porch with a stunning view of the private lake, an open-air deck, a commercial kitchen (there is a caterer on staff) and a dining room with elbow room for 24.

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Sleeping quarters at Otter Creek Lodge are designed to make the most of the bedrooms views and provide maximum privacy for guests. The upper-level guest rooms include two king suites, four queen suites, and a pair of rooms with a full bed in one side and two singles in the other adjoined by a shared bath. The main floor is home to adjoined rooms with two single beds in each and a shared bathroom; and the lower level has two queen bedrooms and a final full bath.

While the lodge itself is perfectly lovely, it’s really the location and grounds that draw visitors from all over to relax at the lake’s edge beneath the still trees and enjoy the fresh air of the famous Adirondacks. This unique 24-person lodge enjoys exclusive access to a 100-acre wood with a 20-acre lake and a clean, sandy swimming shore — the lodge even provides two complimentary canoes and a raft.

Possibly the biggest draw for visitors to Otter Creek Lodge is the property’s unique equestrian accommodations and vast trail system. The grounds are equipped with a stable that can house up to 18 visiting horses. Guests can stall their own mounts and enjoy access to 65 miles of scenic pathways on the adjacent Otter Creek Horse Trails system. These beautiful nature trails skirt the edge of the lake and lead past several other ponds and lakes for a truly unique and relaxing journey. Amateur botanists and wildflower enthusiasts will especially appreciate the unique ecosystem that thrives at the property’s Little Plunky Pond and the surrounding bog.

During your visit, make the most of the landscape by engaging in the local hunting and fishing scene — the Otter Creek Horse Trail System offers access to Cleveland Lake, Payne Lake, Little Otter Lake and Pitcher Pond — all of which are stocked each year with rainbow and brown trout by the state of New York. These fishing holes and the bass-filled nearby Parson’s Pond are low-traffic hotspots for landing the catch of the day. The lodge grounds also serve as seasonal private hunting grounds for whitetail deer, coyote, fox, pheasant and bear. Contact the lodge owners for information about licenses and guide services.

Other unique day trips in the area include the historic Almanzo Wilder House featured in the Little House on the Prairie book series; the Adirondack Museum of park history; and of course downtown Croghan, with its old-world nostalgia and unique shopping and dining experiences.

Everyone — and their horse — is having a great time this season at Otter Creek Lodge.

Contact the owners and start planning your stay!

Gatlinburg Cabins in the Mountains for the Holidays

Gatlinburg, TN cabins are the best destination for Christmas in the mountains.

Gatlinburg, TN is full of family winter fun and entertainment in the Smoky Mountains with a ski resort, amusement parks, an aquarium, museums, art galleries, shopping, restaurants, and of course – Dollywood in nearby Pigeon Forge. Finding that perfect Gatlinburg cabin rental for the Christmas/New Year holidays just got easier with RentTennesseeCabins.com. Our website has 160 vacation home rentals in the Gatlinburg area. Many of the rentals are seasonally decorated for the holidays. All you have to bring is your family and favorite celebrations. Create an exciting destination family holiday experience with all the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains surrounding you.

UntitledTake a ride on the Dollywood Express

Check out some of our larger vacation homes rentals available through Jackson Mountain HomesThe Pine Tree Lodge is a stunning 8- bedroom/8-bath, 3-story luxury log vacation home that sleeps up to 36 guests. Plan your next Christmas family reunion in the Smoky Mountains at this lovely retreat. The home theater, fireplaces, three covered decks, two hot tubs, and lower level game room with pool table and arcade games provide abundant entertainment options.

Untitled2Sleep up to 36 guests in The Pine Tree Lodge

The huge kitchen has double refrigerators, stoves/ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers to whip up crowd-pleasing meals. No need to try and book reservations at a restaurant. Bring your own favorite Christmas DVDs to watch together on Christmas day along with your favorite breakfast makings. You’ll have one grand Christmas morning together in this vacation rental with amazing amenities!

Untitled3You can cook for a crowd in The Pine Tree Lodge’s kitchen

If you want to get out and about on the town, the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts 8-mile Loop offers unique stores displaying 100 artisan-created gifts for last minute Christmas shopping. The Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area and Amusement Park has a variety of winter sports suitable for all members of the family. Choose from downhill skiing, snow tubing, snowboarding, ice skating, and ice bumper cars for a thrilling winter outdoor adventure at this ski area with aerial tramway. Young children can explore the cubbies snow zone and pick out a favorite pony to ride on the classic indoor carousel.

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Shop in downtown Gatlinburg’s unique venues

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Take a ride on the Ober Gatlinburg Tramway

Need a bit smaller Gatlinburg Family Christmas cabin rental? We have over 60 rentals that have 3+ bedrooms. The Eastwood Cabin available through Pioneer Vacation Rentals is a 4-bedroom/3-bath, three-level home that sleeps up to 10 guests. This Smoky Mountain cabin rental with spectacular mountain views from the covered deck is also pet friendly. Can’t you see your family gathering together in the beautiful pine log living room with a fire in the stacked stone wood-burning fireplace on Christmas morning? A master suite with a Jacuzzi tub and a game room with pool table are some of the cabin’s special amenities. Stretch out in the amazing 4+ person hot tub on the covered deck and take in the views.

Untitled6Sleep in the mountain quiet of The Eastwood Cabin’s master bedroom

Untitled-replacementSoak in The Eastwood Cabin’s 4-person hot tub with breathtaking views

You are just a short drive to Dollywood where you can take the whole family and experience the Dollywood Christmas festival. Stroll along the spacious grounds with its dazzling lights, holiday decorations, and special seasonal music. Your visit will certainly get everyone in the holiday mood.

Thinking about surprising that special someone with a white Christmas in the mountains? Our website has over 50 affordable Gatlinburg area cabin rentals with 1-2 bedrooms for $200/night or less. The sweet Cozy Gatlinburg Cabin available through Hunter’s Vacation Rentals is a romantic 1-bedroom cabin with a see-through fireplace in the bedroom, patio hot tub, and bathroom Jacuzzi tub. Take the $5 Trolley Ride of Lights through downtown Gatlinburg and watch the twinkling of all the beautiful Christmas lights and special displays. Check the Gatlinburg Winter Events Calendar for holiday craft shows, caroling, parades, and other special holiday activities. Your destination Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive, and why not give your loved one a gift of a new experience together?

Untitled8Book a romantic getaway at The Cozy Gatlinburg Cabin near the Arts & Craft Loop

Chalet Village has over 69 cabin rentals to choose from that will sleep 1-19 guests, depending on your needs. This resort specializes in a wide range of cabin accommodations. Some cabins are pet-friendly too. You can’t go wrong here with a variety of luxury cabins with hot tubs, game rooms, and decks galore along with those amazing Smoky Mountain views.

The 917 Our Mountain Dream Chalet is a 3-bedroom/3-bath home that sleeps 6. Each bedroom has a walkout to one of the decks with breathtaking views of wooded mountains. Christmas in front of the living room’s gas fireplace with a wall of windows letting in views of the outside winter wonderland will be simply delightful. Chalet Village’s website allows you select a listing of cabins decorated for Christmas and pet-friendly options so you can find that special Christmas cabin to fit your family’s needs.

Untitled9Share Christmas morning in the Our Mountain Dream Chalet living room

A stay at one of Chalet Village’s rentals also includes a free pass to the resort’s many amenities. The Village has three clubhouses with exercise equipment and game rooms. There are rental banquet/meeting rooms in some of the clubhouses where you host your own private meal or gathering. In the summer time you can also enjoy their outdoor pools, tennis courts, and other outside recreation. It’s not too early to start planning that amazing summer vacation in Gatlinburg! You’ll also have great hiking and fishing in the Smoky Mountains to add to your summer entertainment list.

Driving or flying? The McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS) in Alcoa, TN, is located about 12 miles from Knoxville, TN. It is approximately a 70-minute drive from the McGhee-Tyson Airport to Gatlinburg. If you are renting a car, many of the property managers recommend a four-wheel drive vehicle during the winter or cars equipped with chains. You can rent a vehicle from most major car rental agencies at the airport terminal.

So much to do, so much to see, and what great cabin rentals available for your stay packed with amazing views and amenities. And some are already decorated for the holidays! Make unique memories with your family and friends during a Gatlinburg winter or summer destination vacation. Capture that group photo gathered on the deck with the Smoky Mountains as your backdrop. Now there’s a moment to cherish.

By Julia Riley,
Member Services Manager
julia@jmcreativegroup.com

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It’s not just about going to Yellowstone National Park, it’s about the drive getting there.

We often think about what the fastest route to our destination may be, whether it is by plane, train or automobile. What if you could have both? Our new ranch cabin in Montana provides an escape from the crowded tourist areas, nestled in between the Tobacco Root Mountains and the Jefferson River. Think about it. People travel to Montana for the rugged outdoors, not the wild nightlife. Our new cabin listing is Silver Star, Montana (sounds dreamy, right)? Enjoy many outdoor opportunities such as world class trout fishing, mountain biking, skiing, and more. The thrill is everywhere. Want to learn the basics of roping in animals? Enjoy the roping clinics in nearby Twin Bridges.

Channel your inner Lewis and Clarke personas and go on an expedition around the Beaverhead National Forest. Abundant wildlife opportunities are here so be sure to pack your camera. The Lewis and Clarke Caverns are a must see in the area if you can manage a moderate trek to the caverns. This tour is highly rated and lasts about 2 hours.

Lewis and Clarke Caverns

The Tobacco Mountains provide refuge and hot springs for those that love to see the wide vast landscape on a mountain. These mountains are mostly gently for great hiking and biking. One of the warmest hot springs is in the Tobacco Root mountains named Barkell Hot Springs at over 160 degrees.

Tobacco Root Cabin

Your cabin in Silver Star is a log cabin built by the owner, Chip. This classic log cabin in Montana is perfect for your weekend mountain getaway or a chance to see the land of the wild west on your adventure to Yellowstone National Park. This cabin sleeps 6 comfortably. It is located right on the creek for the best trout fishing in the area. Don’t be surprised if you look out and see a moose or a deer on our ranch, our neighbors are friendly! In the evening, enjoy a blanket of stars and a bottle of wine. If it is chilly ( the rental is open year round for snowmobiling and skiing in Montana) then cozy up by the fireplace. Enjoy majestic views of mountains all the way from your Silver Star cabin to Yellowstone National Park. The drive itself is a little over 2.5 hours but totally worth it for your next Montana Cabin Vacation. 

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View photos, reviews, rates and more here

To view other Montana Cabin Rentals, please click here.

The cooler side of Montana: 3 towns you had no idea you wanted to visit

Summer is winding down slowly. The crisp cool evening air is going to settle in soon over the vast landscape of Montana. Don’t let cooler temps and shorter days slow you down! Make the most out of fall! Here are some suggestions for your next fall getaway:

Bannack State Park

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Bannack is a well preserved ghost town, a tribute to the gold mine rush. Over 50 buildings line the street with tours operating daily. Every July, they hold an annual reenactment of the previous life the town once saw. Capture the spectacular fall changing of the leaves, fall fishing and wildlife viewing. Over the vast land the Big Hole River is one of the most beautiful rivers to fly fish in. Dillon Vacation Retreat

Yellowstone River

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For a unique fall getaway, try Livingston, Montana. The backdrop of the movie A River Runs Through it, this stunning landscape is coupled by talented artists, chefs, and musicians. This creates a one of kid talented area. Enjoy life entertainment, museums, river recreation, fly fishing and more. Yellowstone River Vacation Rentals 

Glacier Country

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Many festivals are hosted here such as the bluegrass festival, the Darby rodeo, Logger days and more. Enjoy a unique history of Glacier Country with museums and cultural attractions such as the Darby Trail of Discovery. This will eventually link all to all towns for bicyclists, runners and cross country skiers. Glacier Country Vacation Rentals

Everybody wants a little Catskills paradise

Right at the foothills of the Catskills Mountains in New York and only two hours away from New York City is a cabin so inviting, you will make plans to return to again and again.

clear water cabin

Clear Water Cabin is fully furnished and sleeps up to 15 with 3 bathrooms perfectly placed on 8 private lakefront acres giving you and your pets plenty of room to roam. The floor to ceiling windows and the little extras placed around the home will make you feel comfortable. Cozy up by the fireplace or play a game of pool in the rec room (we mean full sized basement) and prepare to sit back and relax in the beautifully decorated home.

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Even the New York Times calls the Catskills one of the top places to go in the world, ranking among locations such as Milan, Portugal, Mexico, the Caribbean, and more. Take in a relaxing spa or yoga session at the Arnold House, or watch acts such as Kid Rock, Def Leppard, Train, The Fray, Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw and Lady Gaga at Bethel Woods, previously a Woodstock location and a now renowned cultural experience. Enjoy a drink at the Catskills brewery or Prohibition Distillery or check out the Dundas Castle. For anglers, this is truly a dream come true as Roscoe has 5 world class trout streams and plenty of spring fed lakes in the area.

With limited availability in the coming summer months, it is wise to book far enough in advance to get your desired dates. This amazing rental is a great deal for multiple couples looking for a private lakefront getaway close to action but far enough away to renew the spirit. Enjoy your next Catskills premier destination, to see more pictures and send the owner an email, click here.

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