Traditionally, the first quarter of the year has always been the quietest time here in the Gatlinburg area. The Summer season (particularly July), the Fall (especially October), and then the Spring with its wildflowers have always dwarfed the winter season, despite the lights and concerts associated with Winterfest. Interestingly, this winter has been really busy, despite the horrific fires of late November. It will be very interesting to see what the rest of the winter holds but so far, the crowds are still here and so is the traffic. We locals are used to a little break from visitors during the first quarter but that may not happen this year…