Living in Gatlinburg 18 Months: A Cold, Snowy January

January was our 18th month as Gatlinburg residents. We more than survived the bitter cold, snowy elements, and took advantage of some great deals, while still enjoying the "longest" month of the year.

We’re coming up on the halfway point of our second year as Gatlinburg residents. It’s still crazy to think about. Time flies, but when you’re enjoying life, it doesn’t feel like you’re wasting it. Sure, there are moments during a typical day when I feel like I could accomplish more, but what good would that do in the long run? The next day is what’s important. You have to learn to scratch any regrets of the previous 24 hours, and strive to live and fight another day. Here’s how the month of January transpired for us—our 18th month in Gatlinburg.

January was a cold month in Gatlinburg; in fact, weather in all parts of the eastern U.S. were feeling the chill… and the snow. Yes, Gatlinburg had two measurable snow events in this month, surpassing last year’s single occurrence in the middle of January 2024. I remember last year’s snowfall vividly, as I was giddy with excitement to witness and capture the tourist town frosted in a magical powdery white.