Mt. LeConte Looms over Gatlinburg © William Britten use with permission only

It’s New Year’s Eve!  Last weekend’s big snow has melted a bit, but it’s still very festive here in Gatlinburg, and the Smoky Mountains still have plenty of snow in the higher elevations.  The picture above was taken from the observation deck of the Space Needle, looking out over the Park Vista Hotel towards Mt. LeConte.

Tonight is Gatlinburg’s 23rd Annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop and fireworks extravaganza. Thousands will gather near stoplight number 8 to watch the ball drop from the Space Needle and to celebrate the new year with a fireworks display.

I will not be among those thousands in downtown Gburg!  Sarah and I plan to settle into a more quiet cantina over in Pigeon Forge and listen to our favorite local band, New Rain.

Happy New Year everyone!

Winter Fun in Gatlinburg © William Britten use with permission only