“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalms 16:11
Happy Thursday dear friends! Today I am sharing about a little trip we recently made. Pull up a chair and grab a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea. Butch and I are so thankful for the opportunity to have traveled extensively over the past fifteen years. We seldom return to the same place because there is so much world out there to see! But a couple of weeks ago we did return to a place we first visited in 2017. You can see those posts here and here. Both of us had decided that we needed a peaceful and quiet respite from the normal stresses of everyday living, a place away from touristy attractions and non-stop sightseeing. A place to just be still and to observe God’s creation…yes, we knew the perfect place! Come along as we make a return visit to a romantic mountaintop hideaway!
It is a four and a half to five hour drive from our home in the Appalachian Foothills to this view at five thousand feet. Before checking in, I stopped and admired the breathtaking scenery!
Upon arrival we were warmly greeted by Greg, the general manager, and Ginger from Guest Services. I have to admit that we were wondering if there would be significant and noticeable changes at The Swag. On our first visit in 2017, the original owners, Dan and Deener Matthews, were still at the helm of their fabulous mountaintop hideaway. They were one of the most amazing couples that we have ever met. You can read more about them in my posts linked in the opening paragraph. The new owners, David and Annie Colquitt are the perfect couple to carry on the storied traditions and make new ones of their own. We were most impressed with this young couple and it felt so good to be back at The Swag…felt like home!
I had booked The Cabin for our four day getaway…it was perfectly rustic and perfectly luxurious!
Welcome to our home away from home and allow me to show you around!
As you enter the large living room, you will see the beautiful stacked rock wood-burning fireplace with two very comfortable chairs to sit and read or enjoy a fire. It was cool enough that we cozied up to a fire on a couple of nights. The staff had the wood prepared, Butch only had to light it.
Opposite of the fireplace was a lovely leather sofa where I enjoyed my early morning coffee and quiet time. Not shown is a desk on the right and a wet bar on the left with coffee beans, grinder and maker plus a refrigerator stocked with water, soft drinks, and trail snacks.
The bedroom with its king size bed, hand-made quilt, and signature Swag bear was extremely comfortable. Beautifully boxed cookies were left each night at turn-down service, and yes they were delicious!
I claimed this gorgeous bathroom and gave Butch the smaller one (not shown). Both baths were equipped with steam showers and one had a double whirlpool tub! The door between the shower and vanity went out out to a beautiful covered deck.
The sauna was off the master bath, which is certainly a luxury! Unfortunately I don’t do saunas. I am extremely claustrophobic. I did try but only lasted about three minutes! My fear, what if the door wouldn’t open!! However, Butch did enjoy!
Doors from the bedroom and the master bath lead out to this private, covered deck with wood-burning fireplace…
…outdoor shower…
…and pretty rustic furniture!
As soon as we were settled in our cabin, it was three o’clock and time for house-made cookies and iced or hot tea! We grabbed our refreshments and hiked a quarter of a mile up to Gooseberry Knob!
We had the Knob to ourselves as we sat and took in the majesty of the mountains!
At 6:00 p.m. it is time to meet on the porch for social hour! I like to arrive five minutes early to take a photo or two of the hors d’oeuvres, and they were excellent each evening! Butch and I both enjoyed this casual time to get acquainted with other couples from all over the country.
At 7:00, Annie rang the dinner bell signaling it was time to make our way to the charming dining and living area of the main house!
Each night made-to-order seasonally inspired food is served from the award winning restaurant. Every meal was perfect for this self-proclaimed foodie!
If you are a reader like Butch and me, you will enjoy the impressive library in the Chestnut Lodge!
The 250 acre Swag property borders the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It is about forty feet from the door of the main building to the park. A stay at The Swag definitely means a hike up to Hemphill Bald. It is one of the finest viewpoints in the park. It is situated at the park’s easternmost boundary along the Cataloochee Divide. The grassy summit provides 270 degree views of surrounding ranges in North Carolina!
The 5,556-foot summit provides a stone picnic table shaded by an old majestic buckeye tree. The Swag packs a gourmet picnic for your lunch each day. I must say, what an awesome view to enjoy a chicken salad sandwich! It doesn’t get any better than this!
This is definitely an Appalachian Mountain high!
Of course, I have to share a couple of food photos…perfectly seared scallops over a bed of corn and spinach risotto! Have I told you how much I love risotto?
The famous Swag Sunday Brunch did not disappoint. After I indulged in shrimp and grits and dishes too numerous to mention, I had to sample all the dessert offerings. The chocolate mousse cup was not only presented beautifully, but was the perfect finish to a lovely brunch. After I polished off the mousse, I took the cup back to the cabin and ate it the next day!!
Butch and I highly recommend The Swag and we hope to return again and again. You can check out their website here. Thank you for your visits and your comments make my day! Have a most wonderful weekend!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, A Stroll Thru Life, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home, Rustic & Refined, Life and Linda, Celebrate & Decorate, Me and My Captain, Shabby Fufu, Designthusiasm, Imparting Grace, Calypso in the Country
Looks absolutely gorgeous. Glad you had such a wonderful time.
Thank you Judy, it was wonderful!
I think I remember you sharing this before. It’s just terrific — my kind of place! Lots of wood, nature, stone, fireplaces. The happy hour treats look delicious and so do all the rooms you shared. Thanks for this one — it looks like a great getaway and I know you two had fun!
Thank you Jeanie, we love it!
OMG, you were so close!! The Swag looks like a great place to stay. Adding it to my getaway list.
Carole, it definitely is. I hope you go!
You had me at risotto and that outdoor shower! I remember your trip from before and all the beautiful food photos. Since I grew up on the beach, the Smoky Mountains is where we spent my childhood vacations, and it’s still a magical place for me too.
Roxanne, we love it…so peaceful and quiet!
What an amazing place!! A truly wonderful mountain getaway!….and I LOVE risotto too! Glad you had a wonderful time in that most bucolic place!
Shirley, it was perfect!
How wonderful that you and Butch were able to go and enjoy this beautiful retreat. The Smoky Mountains are truly a masterpiece of God’s handiwork. The food and all the details I am sure made you both feel pampered and special.
Yes, Sandra it was perfect and restful!
I remember your wonderful pictures from before Pam. What a beautiful place to visit and truly a time to rest and grasp this thing we call life. God is so beautiful with his masterpiece of creation isn’t He? So glad you both enjoyed. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you Cindy. Hugs and blessings to you!
Good gracious Pam, nothing was lacking at The Swag! A destination to dream about for sure. The views, the hiking, the wood burning fireplace, picnic lunches, a library to chose a book to read, the FOOD! Gives Frank a run for his money😄
It is the perfect place for a respite from all the stress of normal life. Have a wonderful Sunday!
It looks like a wonderful place!
Yes, it is Penny!
What a beautiful place, thank you for sharing!
It is my pleasure, thanks for your visit!
Thank you Pam for sharing your wonderful escape…..It looks so serene and the mountains are awesome. I am going to have to put The Swag on my bucket list. I, too love risotto and scallops… and I loved the picnic with your simple chicken salad, your honey and the views. Hugs my friend.
Kari, thank you. Definitely add The Swag to your list!
So glad your return trip was just as fabulous as your first one. How nice is that you were totally relaxed and pampered.
It is a wonderful place to rest and take in God’s creation!
What a lovely place! Everything just looks perfect! Seeing that food made me hungry! LOL! Thank you for sharing, sweet friend. 🙂
It is always a pleasure. Happy Sunday dear friend!
This looks like a wonderful resort & no passport required! Thanks for sharing this with us Pam. I, too, wouldn’t have wasted that tasty looking chocolate cup!😉 Yum! Clara 💕
Clara, it truly is a wonderful place to rest and relax,
One photo of a simple trail shadowed by towering trees took my breath away…. such natural
and poignant beauty….Our God is mighty and giving. Thank you for this brief indulgence through your four day sojourn, Pam. A bucket list entry, to be certain. Who could not consider
it a taste of paradise?
Mary, a taste of paradise is a perfect description. Have a wonderful weekend!
I grew up in that area of NC and have been to the Swag on several occasions, although I have never stayed there. Thank you so much for bringing a little bit of home to your blog. I’m sure it was great and relaxing.
Barbara, how nice that you have been to the Swag several times. I am guessing it was for dinner. Have a wonderful weekend!
Well, I am checking this out immediately. What a beautiful and peaceful place. Thanks for sharing!
It is truly a peaceful place!
I’m so glad you shared this as we are always looking for some new place in which to treat ourselves. This will be a great place to spend time with our Tennessee family.
Thank you so much Anne. This is truly a wonderful family place!
How beautiful Pam! It looked so Cosy & quirky…& those views! I love risotto too!
And I can’t do Saunas either not because of claustrophobia but I can’t cope with the humid heat! 😀
Bless you,
Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer. Risotto is wonderful comfort food!
Close to heaven is The Swag for sure Pam! Those views are breathtaking! Sounds like you were very pampered and comfy, and the spinach & corn risotto with scallops, swoon!
Jenna
Thank you Jenna, we love being there!
What wonderful and cozy place! Such happiness,dear friends!Hugs!
Thank you dear Maristella!
Everything was not only beautiful but perfect!
The views were stunning and the food looked scrumptious! A definite place we would enjoy. Thank you for sharing your stay with us.
My pleasure! If you need beautiful mountains, luxury accommodations, peace and quiet, and fabulous food, this is the place!
Pam, so glad you enjoyed this time. What a beautiful and calming atmosphere to really relax. This is on our list. Blessings my friend.
Dianne, you and your hubby would so enjoy this place!
What a beautiful place:) This headboard, shower, library, and the chandelier- how gorgeous!
It truly is lovely, thank you for visiting!
What a gorgeous getaway spot! The rustic appearance belies all the top notch pampering. Perfect!
It truly is, thank you Michelle!