End of Year Events at Tapoco Lodge
Friday, December 29 to Monday, January 1
14981 Tapoco Rd, Robbinsville, NC
The end of the year is an extraordinary time at Historic Tapoco Lodge, nestled amid the Great Smoky Mountains in the picturesque Nantahala National Forest. In addition to their glittering New Year’s Eve party, there are a variety of events and happenings at the end of December through New Year’s Day, while their local-favorite onsite Tapoco Tavern has special menus for December 29, 30, 31 and January 1, including a New Year’s Eve feast like no other.
Historic Tapoco Lodge hosts an epic New Year’s Eve party. Hors d’oeuvres will be passed all night, classical music turns into a professional DJ later on, there will be a raffle every half hour for amazing prizes, and it all culminates in a champagne toast at midnight. Historic Tapoco Lodge presents New Year’s Eve, Tin Can Theater, December 31, 2023, doors open at 9 pm, $50 or free with 2-night stay, which includes VIP access. Please call 828-428-2800 for tickets and more information.
The Lodge’s cozy Tapoco Tavern has delicious menus at this time of year – unique cuisine for each day up to a lavish New Year’s Day buffet:
December 29 is Barbecue Night – with entrees such as Barbecue Pork Ribs, Beef Brisket and Vegetarian “Pork” Strips. December 29, 2023, 4 pm to 8 pm, $45 per person. Reservations required.
December 30 brings an Asian-Inspired holiday menu, featuring starters such as Asian Salad with Toasted Sesame Dressing and sides like House Lo Mein. December 30, 2023, 4 pm to 8 pm, $45 per person. Reservations required.
On December 31, a New Year’s Eve Surf & Turf feast is on offer! Starters include Crab Cakes or Calamari, diners choose two entrees, including Filet, Lobster Tail, Crab Legs or Tuscan Chicken, and savor sweet endings like Espresso Crème Brûlée or Tiramisu. December 31, 2023, 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm, $99 per person. Reservations required.
On New Year’s Day, revelers can recharge at a scrumptious buffet, with comfort foods such as Creamy Homestyle Chicken Casserole, Prime Rib, Black Eyed Peas, and Rosemary Potatoes. Dreamy desserts include Butterscotch Pie and Blueberry Torte. January 1, 2024, seatings at 5 pm and 6:30pm, $65 per person. Reservations required.
In addition:
The festivities kick off on December 28 with Bourbon 101 in the Laurel Lounge, an unforgettable tasting of America’s native spirit. Bourbon 101, December 28, 2023, 8:30pm to 10pm in Laurel Lounge, $50 per person
Then, the Lodge is honored to present Indigenous Storytelling from Dustin Tramper, a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, spinning tales and sharing stories of the past in the Fire Pit Garden on December 29 and 30, 2023, 6 pm to 8 pm. This event is complimentary.
For creative types, the Lodge presents Sip and Paint on December 30, a fun painting class. December 30, 2023, 2pm to 4pm. Reservations are required. Complimentary for lodge guests and $45 for non-lodge guests.
Every day at 1:30 pm, from December 29 through January 1, Tiffany Duke, massage therapist and yoga instructor with the Lodge’s Mountain Spa, will be hosting free yoga classes. Free Yoga, December 29, 30, 31 and January 1 at 1:30 pm.
To brighten these dark days of the year, guests can treat themselves to a luxurious stay in the Lodge’s Rhododendron Suite. This very spacious and private third floor (no elevator) 2-room suite features a jetted tub with separate shower and plush king bed. There is a sitting room and multiple windows in the suite overlook three sides of the Lodge, affording wonderful views of the mountains and rushing Cheoah River.
