By SAMANTHA SARACINO
6 News Reporter
PIGEON FORGE (WATE) - With Labor Day just around the corner, the summer tourism season is winding down. But that doesn't mean business is slowing down for area cabin rental companies.
East Tennesseans seem to have the Great Smokies on their minds. Cabin rental companies are already seeing a spike in peak-season rental sales.
"The peak of autumn usually hits the second half of October and start of November," said Brian Spiezio, director of Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals.
Although it's not September yet, "We are about 50 percent booked now and people are showing interest through social media on our Facebook page and website. They are checking out their options for October and November," Spiezio explained.
Auntie Belham's Cabins is also experiencing a spike.
"September is looking good so far. We expect a really good October. 2012 has been up in general and we expect the trend to continue, much better than 2011. Still not quite up to where it was before the economy tanked, but we are expecting a good fall," said Auntie Belham's owner John Madewell.
He says people are really planning ahead this year, compared to years past.
"If you look at bookings in October this year over last year, we are ahead of last year for pre-booking. We have people booking. We have people booking into July and June of next year," Madewell explained.
Peak season also means peak prices, but it doesn't seem to stop folks from renting.
The holiday season is also a popular time to rent. It keeps rental companies busy. "Typically we book out most holidays. Thanksgiving and New Year's are the biggest holidays here in the Smoky mountains," Spiezio said.
As the cabins fill up, most rental companies also offer last minute deals and one night stays to book any leftover properties.
Cabin rental companies are already seeing a spike in peak-season rental sales.
