HOLIDAY MAGIC COMES ALIVE AT HISTORIC TAPOCO LODGE IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS OF NORTH CAROLINA

Historic Tapoco Lodge in the Great Smoky Mountain region of North Carolina takes the holidays to a whole other level, with thousands of twinkling lights, a majestic tree, and hundreds of decorations making the lodge a winter wonderland worthy of a Hallmark Christmas movie.  They have festive activities on tap – from a succulent Thanksgiving feast to visits and cocoa with Santa himself, to Sip & Paint Nights, to a very special Christmas dinner exclusively for guests of the lodge.

November 23 at 7 p.m. brings the traditional “Lighting of the Lodge.” There’s a countdown and then the lights are lit up for the first time. The effect is spectacular as the entire property is illuminated with a breathtaking display. Hot chocolate, hot cider, and freshly baked cookies are served, while Christmas music plays, filling everyone with the true holiday spirit. Lighting of the Lodge, November 23, 2024, 7pm sharp.

All are urged to book now for a scrumptious Thanksgiving repast at the Historic Tapoco Lodge. Dishes like Candied Ginger and Carrot Bisque and Red Skinned Mashed Potatoes with Brown Gravy will delight. A carving station with Hickory Smoked Spiral Ham and Smoked Turkey is on offer. The meal is complemented with Southern favorites like Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallow and Pecans, and Smoky Mountain Mac and Cheese. It’s all finished off with an assortment of desserts that will leave everyone satisfied. Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28, 2024. Seatings at 11am, 12:30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm. Reservations required. $65 per adult and $25 per child. Call 828.498.2800 to reserve.

Kids love to get up close and personal with Santa and every Saturday in December, Santa will be at the lodge to share stories and laughter with the little ones. Cozy hot beverages and freshly baked cookies will be served, while Santa spreads cheer and poses for photos that will become cherished memories to last a lifetime. Sips with Santa, Saturdays in December from 3-6pm.

Saturday evenings during the holiday season, grown up guests can experience “Sip & Paint.” Back by popular demand from last year, artist Melinda Donaldson teaches a class on painting while participants get to sample wines and paint their own canvas. It’s a great opportunity to make a meaningful gift for someone while enjoying fellowship and exploring creativity. Sip & Paint, Saturday, November 30; Saturday, December 14 and Saturday, December 28, 4:30 to 6:30pm. $50 for small canvas, $70 for a large one.

Tapoco Lodge will be hosting a very special Christmas Dinner in the Cheoah Dining Room for guests of the inn on Wednesday, December 25. Menu offerings include such traditional holiday fare such as Baked Brie with Cranberry Compote or Stuffed Mushrooms (1st course), Butternut Squash Soup or Winter Green Salad (2nd course), Glazed Ham with Pineapple & Cloves as the main entrée, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Almondine, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate, Classic Stuffing with Sage and Sausage, and Honey-Glazed Carrots as sides, and Buche de Noel (Yule Log Cake), Pecan Pie or  Classic Eggnog for dessert. Beverage options include Mulled Wine or a Hot Cocoa Bar. Dinner service is from 5pm to 7pm. $50 per adult and $25 per child. Available for lodge guests only.

For brunch service on Christmas Day, the regular breakfast menu will be available, along with a few festive menu items: Eggs Benedict with Salmon or Canadian Bacon ($25), Veal Chop & Mushroom Risotto with Sunny Side Up Eggs ($35) and Maple Bacon Pancakes ($22). Brunch will be served from 8am to 1pm and is available for lodge guests only.

ABOUT HISTORIC TAPOCO LODGE

Nestled amid the Great Smoky Mountains in the Nantahala National Forest, the Historic Tapoco Lodge encompasses 120 breathtaking acres running along the scenic Cheoah River. There are nine elegantly furnished rooms and suites in the main lodge and 18 cabin rooms on the property, all of which blend modern conveniences with history – the Lodge is on the National Register of Historic Places. Adventure is always available with 11 miles of private hiking trails, stargazing, birdwatching, and seasonal wildflower viewing on offer, among other activities, while guests can also relax in the hammock cove and in front of nightly bonfires (S’mores kits are available at guest services). Warm weather activities include tennis, pickleball, rafting, kayaking, fishing, and mountain biking. The Lodge is situated at the end of the Tail of the Dragon, an 11-mile mountain road famous for its staggering 318 curves and a favorite with motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts. Their private retreat facilities are also available, including rental of the historic Tin Can Theater. Two of the cabins are pet-friendly.