“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Hello sweet friends…and welcome back to The Swag! If you missed last week’s post when I introduced you to this little gem in the Great Smoky Mountains, you can check it out here! I am so glad you are back for the second part of our getaway to a private all-inclusive mountain resort with its rustic but elegant accommodations. The Swag is situated atop a 5,000 foot mountain in Waynesville, NC, where it shares a one-mile border with the Smoky Mountain national park. It invites you to escape from the stress and busyness of everyday living! Come on, let’s check out some more of the gorgeous scenery, food, and accommodations!
On the day we arrived, the weather was picture perfect with Carolina blue skies and cotton candy clouds!
I wanted to share an up-close view of one of the old log structures that was moved to The Swag. The Woodshed is a luxurious log cottage that we might need to try out on our next visit.
After a little unpacking, we decided to take a short hike up to Gooseberry Knob. As we reached the top, this view came into sight.
With the rustic structures on this mountain top, you get an idea of life a hundred years ago!
The rustic gazebo has a stunning view of the surrounding Smoky Mountains!
Hammocks can be found all over the property, inviting you to stop and relax.
Every Wednesday, a gourmet picnic buffet is served at noon on Gooseberry Knob. Black Angus burgers and hot dogs are grilled on site by Chef Jake Schmidt with creative and delicious side dishes and desserts! It was so good after a morning hike to enjoy delicious food along with the fellowship of other guests while taking in breathtaking views! Umbrellas are placed on tables and chairs to provide shelter from the sun. The food was so good, I forgot to take pictures. However, I did manage to photograph a few of the desserts, see photos below.
But on Tuesday afternoon, we were all alone on Gooseberry Knob enjoying the beauty of God’s creation!
Each evening prior to dinner, appetizers are served…a cheese board with salamis and fabulous local honey. More hors d’oeuvres are shown in my first post.
We met a wonderful couple that while hiking they foraged morels and brought them back to Chef Jake. He prepared this lovely dish of truffle grits, Swag garden asparagus, morels and foraged ramp soubise and surprised them tableside…they shared with us! This dish hit every high note perfectly!
Event leader, Doug Peters and Butch enjoyed talking every chance they got. They share a love for music. Each night after dinner, Doug entertained all of the guests around the stone fireplace with his masterful storytelling through song. He and his wife, Kathy are passionate outdoor enthusiasts and have traveled extensively pursuing their love of hiking and backpacking! This couple is so much fun and are so knowledgeable of all you might encounter on the Smoky Mountain trails.
Hiking trails…
…and a swinging bridge!
After our Wednesday morning hike with Doug and Kathy we finished at Gooseberry Knob just in time for the noon picnic. I think I counted seven different pies prepared by The Swag’s pastry chef. I might have tried at least four of them!
Lemon ice box…a favorite of mine!
We stayed in the Bishop’s Room located in the Swag House. It has a rustic elegance that we both loved. We enjoyed the proximity to all the public spaces and best of all, the room offered the breathtaking mountain view. The Swag’s amenities include all three meals. Photo is from The Swag website.
We bought our sweet granddaughter a smaller version of The Swag bear in the gift shop. Each night at turn down, delicious chocolates were left. Sorry no photo, we ate them too quickly!
Our porch…the perfect spot for morning coffee and quiet time.
Thursday was cloudy, windy, and chilly. Butch hiked and I relaxed in front of the fire in the main living room. It was an afternoon of espressos and house-made cookies…bliss!
I did manage to pry myself away from the fire in order to take a short walk around the inn property!
The living room of the library was a comfortable and quiet place to check out all the books on the upstairs shelves, and there were lots! Butch and I are avid readers and always have a book that we are currently reading and searching for the next one to enjoy.
When Butch returned from hiking, I was enjoying reading and napping by the fire in our room. We had a couples massage scheduled for late afternoon and it was perfect!
Friday May 5, was cold and windy, as it was time to pack up and leave this romantic hideaway nestled in The Great Smoky Mountains!
As hard as it was to leave the majestic scenery, the hospitality of Father Dan and Deener, the attentive staff, and new friendships that were made.. departure was made a little easier with a gourmet brown bag lunch that was sent with us to enjoy on the trip home.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at The Swag, so much so, that we are planning our return visit! But remember, shhh…this hideaway is our little secret!
Don’t forget to check out all of the tablescapes in this week’s Broadway Tablescape Blog Hop! There have been so many creative tables that you don’t want to miss! See the full schedule below.
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Coastal Charm, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Katherines Corner, Share Your Cup, 21 Rosemary Lane, Love Of Home, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined, Celebrate & Decorate, Chatham Hill on the Lake
Pam, I have enjoyed this trip too ! Thanks for sharing this trip with us through your beautiful pictures and words . Wow! Y’all sure did have done eating . The place looks amazing . Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Cindy, thanks for coming along as we shared this trip! We did do some eating! Happy Memorial Day Weekend! Blessings~
What a great place to rest and rejuvenate, Pam. Love the idea of the morels and ramps infused into the foods – I would have loved that. But those desserts – oh my! – those look amazing. Love your room too. These scenes remind me of many places here in WV.
Rita, it is truly a sanctuary!
Wow, Pam those desserts had to be wonderful! I relaxed just viewing your pictures and hearing about your week. Looks rejuvenating and exciting too. It is fun to meet new people with common interests.
Have a great holiday weekend.
Thanks so much Bonnie…Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
I can’t imagine a place more perfect for a getaway. They know how to spoil you and them continue to serve you on the way home. They know all about a perfect finish!
Yes, we felt pampered and rejuvenated!
You have me thinking and planning for an upcoming getaway . Your photos of “The Swag” have convinced me that this hidden place is a real gem .
Lovely post .
I am like you , always with a book in hand and always searching for my next read !
Perhaps you could reveal your favorites ?
How nice it would be to see a post on “the love of books” !
Christine, thanks so much…you would love The Swag! Thanks for making me think it time for another “Book Ends Post”! I haven’t talked about favorites yet, but I need to! Happy Memorial Day!
What a beautiful and serene place, I know you both returned refreshed and energized. What a treat to be so pampered and surrounded by incredible scenery and people. It’s so nice you both could do your own thing when you wanted too! Looks like such an extra special place, and don’t worry, mum’s the word! ?
Jenna
Jenna, it was truly a sanctuary!
It is just stunning Pam both inside and out, every little detail is perfect.
It was truly a sanctuary!
Oh Pam, I’m so glad you had such a lovely (and delicious!) getaway! That spot looks like a bit of heaven on earth and there is nothing nicer than being treated so well in such a beautiful environment. Looks perfect!
It was a beautiful break to enjoy being pampered!
Ha sido una estancia mágica. Me imagino que en el atardecer anden por ahí duendecitos y elfos que con mucha precaución tratan de no ser vistos…
Me alegra que disfrutéis de las cosas que la naturaleza nos regala. Hay tanto que ver…
Gracias por compartir
Dolores
It has been a magical stay. I imagine that in the evening go around elves and elves who with great care try not to be seen …
I’m glad you enjoy the things that nature gives us. There is so much to see …
Thanks for sharing
Dolores
Dolores, este fue un lugar perfecto para tranquilidad y descanso … un santuario! Esperamos volver pronto!
Dolores, this was such a perfect place for quiet and rest…a sanctuary! We hope to go back soon!
This looks like a perfect getaway – such beautiful scenery!
Thank you, Roseann it was truly a sanctuary!
That looks like an A+ stay! I love a hiking trail with a swinging bridge! Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!
Thanks Sherry!
Wow, I am loving your pictures. You took us all along on your trip too and I didn’t even have to pack a bag. lol What a beautiful place.
Thanks for coming with me on our trip! ?
Gorgeous! It looks amazing.
Thanks so much for your visit, Anita!
This looks like a very peaceful hideaway! Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, and I hope your week is going great.
It was wonderful, Sandra!
This looks like a wonderful place! Hubby and I are heading to Napa and Carmel, CA on Sunday. Can’t wait to get away for a while. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
It was a lovely place! Enjoy Napa and Carmel, love them goth’
WOW! Everything is wonderful!Beautiful landscape,gorgeous property and delicious food!
Yes, it was a lovely trip!
How beautiful are those views? I know what you mean about wanting to keep a place a secret. Sometimes I get so excited to share a wonderful place but then I think – wait a minute…I don’t want it to get so popular that I won’t be able to get a reservation next time! The property looks amazing and I would love to sit with a glass of wine in front of that fireplace! Thanks again for sharing at this month’s Take Me Away party! Enjoy your weekend!
Shelley
Shelley, always love sharing at your party!
What a most beautiful place to just relax and enjoy being alive!
Shirley, we are planning our next trip there, we loved it that much!
Wonderful Post
Thanks
Thanks so much!