Bear's Eye View

Bear’s Eye View has so much going for it, you could have a spectacular vacation without ever leaving the 2,540-square-foot lodge. But in addition to boasting a home theater, a pool table, a hot tub, air hockey and a multi-game arcade, the four-bedroom home is also just five minutes from the attractions of downtown Gatlinburg.

In the main floor’s great room, a double-height wall of windows looks out onto the Great Smoky Mountains. Whether you’re on one of the plush sofas watching a game on the 60-inch flat-screen TV, nestled in an armchair by the stacked-stone fireplace reading, or eating at the dining table, you can gaze out at the spectacular scenery.

You can do the same while playing pool or video games in the upstairs game room. Along with a full-size billiard table and a fifty-game arcade, the room has a flat-screen TV and a pub table perfect for playing cards or checkers. Two walls of windows will have you feeling as if you’re in a treehouse—albeit an exceptionally luxurious one!

The downstairs den is another room where you can admire the mountains while snug indoors. You’ll find the air-hockey table here, along with another flat-panel TV and another gas fireplace, which you’ll especially appreciate when you return from a day of skiing or snowshoeing.

To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, however, you want to be outside in the fresh air, listening to the wrens and warblers during the day and the whip-poor-wills and owls at night. Bear’s Eye View has two decks, complete with rockers and Adirondack chairs, that span the width of the lodge. The lower deck offers an even more luxurious way to soak up the surroundings: while soaking in the hot tub, which can accommodate up to seven people at once. Whether you’re watching falcons soaring over the mountains or pointing out constellations in the night sky, doing so among the steamy jets of water makes the moment even more magical.

You can cook and eat outdoors as well. Bear’s Eye View has two charcoal grills and two picnic tables. There’s nothing like a side order of sunshine and a crisp mountain breeze to transform even humble hot dogs and hamburgers into a feast.

Of course, you can channel your inner chef indoors as well, in the open, spacious and fully equipped kitchen. Along with appliances, cookware and tableware galore, you’ll find plenty of counter space and elbow room. You can serve your feast at the great room’s dining table, which seats 10. If you need additional seating, the adjacent breakfast bar seats another four.

After dinner, if you don’t want to shoot pool, play video games or air hockey, play music on Bose System or laze in the hot tub, head downstairs to the home theater and watch a DVD on the high definition projector with a 120-inch screen, surround sound and an extensive movie library. Not only is the screen huge, but the stadium-style seating is so comfortable! You may never want to go to your local movie theater again. There's also a karaoke machine with two microphones and a docking station for all your electronics!

All four bedrooms have their own bathroom and TV. The upstairs bedroom includes a queen-size bed, while the other three feature king-size beds. What’s more, sofas in the game room, the great room and the den open into beds for two, so that Bear’s Eye View can sleep 14 people in all.

If you can tear yourself away from the amenities and amusements of Bear’s Eye View, you’ll appreciate its proximity to the area’s attractions. Downtown Gatlinburg has restaurants, breweries, an aquarium, mini golf and more. Just 10 minutes away is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Also nearby are Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area and the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop.

One thing’s for certain—when you stay at Bear’s Eye View, you’ll never be bored. So book your stay today, and get ready for what might be your most exhilarating vacation yet.