Chilhowee Mountain Retreat
Maryville, TN
December 18-20th, 2013
The Red Chair arrived at the Chilhowee Mountain Retreat, in Maryville, TN, late on a Thursday night less than a week before Christmas. After such a long day Red was quite tired so, it was quickly put to bed in the Bear Room. The Red Chair enjoyed the Bear Room and the air-jet tub with the heated backrests so much, it was late for breakfast! (Good thing the Red Chair made it just in time).
Red was so excited to be atop Chilhowee Mountain with hundreds of miles of uninterrupted mountain views. This beautiful rustic log lodge just to its liking, luxurious and elegant. Red also really enjoyed all of the Christmas Decorations, it really put it in the holiday spirit! So along with a new friend, Mr. Bear, the Red Chair posed for holiday pictures all around the Retreat. What fun they had.
The Red Chair could not wait to check out the area and wanted to see the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Foothills Parkway just below Chilhowee Mountain Retreat. Red took in all of the views and even checked out the tree house overlooking the Maryville-Knoxville valley. The views were spectacular and the Red Chair had a wonderful time visiting the Innkeepers of Chilhowee Mountain Retreat. The Red Chair will be sure to come back again and visit its new friends.
Red was so excited to be atop Chilhowee Mountain with hundreds of miles of uninterrupted mountain views. This beautiful rustic log lodge just to its liking, luxurious and elegant. Red also really enjoyed all of the Christmas Decorations, it really put it in the holiday spirit! So along with a new friend, Mr. Bear, the Red Chair posed for holiday pictures all around the Retreat. What fun they had.
The Red Chair could not wait to check out the area and wanted to see the Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Foothills Parkway just below Chilhowee Mountain Retreat. Red took in all of the views and even checked out the tree house overlooking the Maryville-Knoxville valley. The views were spectacular and the Red Chair had a wonderful time visiting the Innkeepers of Chilhowee Mountain Retreat. The Red Chair will be sure to come back again and visit its new friends.
Sweet Berries Bed & Breakfast
Maryville, TN
December 15-17th, 2013
The Red Chair excitedly arrived at Sweet Berries B&B, of Maryville, TN, and before Red knew it everyone was on a first name basis! Innkeepers Louise and Darrell Johnson were so warm and welcoming, it made Red feel right at home. After hearing all about the Tail of the Dragon, the Red Chair just had to check it out for itself. So the Red Chair and Innkeepers Louise and Darrell headed for the Dragon with 318 turns in eleven miles. Red was amazed at all the turns, you could see its red paint flushed with excitement. Red sat proudly on the Harley Roadster wearing a half shell helmet and a leather vest sporting the American flag. Pretty daring, right!
Back at Sweet Berries B&B Red chose to stay in the Sweetheart Haven room, where Red met Ms. Black Chair. Ms. Black caught Red's eye with her soft velvet seat. They enjoyed wine and warm conversation long into the night. The next morning Red met with visitors from all over the world who were also here to ride the Dragon. Red took center stage as it described the adventures on the twisty two-lane blacktop. Before breakfast Red enjoyed Sweet Berries locally roasted Front Porch coffee as it took in the mountain views from the second story deck. Just beautiful!
Red was so impressed with the gourmet breakfast, Chocolate Chip muffins, Baked Pineapple with toasted coconut and strawberries drizzled with a strawberry sauce, and 3 inch high marmalade French Toast stuffed with banana and walnuts topped with a Dutch honey dressing and a side of spicy bacon. YUM! After Red headed to nearby Tellico lake for a little kayaking. The Red Chair headed into the cool clear waters of the 33 mile long lake to challenge its paddling skills and discover what this land is all about. Red rested later by the Christmas Tree for a final picture before heading to Chilhowee Mountain Retreat where the fun continues. A full few days here but the Red Chair had so much fun here it wouldn't have it any other way!
Back at Sweet Berries B&B Red chose to stay in the Sweetheart Haven room, where Red met Ms. Black Chair. Ms. Black caught Red's eye with her soft velvet seat. They enjoyed wine and warm conversation long into the night. The next morning Red met with visitors from all over the world who were also here to ride the Dragon. Red took center stage as it described the adventures on the twisty two-lane blacktop. Before breakfast Red enjoyed Sweet Berries locally roasted Front Porch coffee as it took in the mountain views from the second story deck. Just beautiful!
Red was so impressed with the gourmet breakfast, Chocolate Chip muffins, Baked Pineapple with toasted coconut and strawberries drizzled with a strawberry sauce, and 3 inch high marmalade French Toast stuffed with banana and walnuts topped with a Dutch honey dressing and a side of spicy bacon. YUM! After Red headed to nearby Tellico lake for a little kayaking. The Red Chair headed into the cool clear waters of the 33 mile long lake to challenge its paddling skills and discover what this land is all about. Red rested later by the Christmas Tree for a final picture before heading to Chilhowee Mountain Retreat where the fun continues. A full few days here but the Red Chair had so much fun here it wouldn't have it any other way!
Gracehill Bed & Breakfast
Townsend, TN
December 12-14th, 2013
The Red Chair was the first guest up at the Gracehill Bed and Breakfast of Townsend, TN. After chatting with Innkeeper Kathleen while she prepared breakfast, Red was patiently waiting on the other guests when they surfaced at 9:00am, always the helper that Red Chair. Red enjoyed lively conversation along with popovers with honey butter (no jam for this chair), caramelized pears pistachio, and chicken crepes mornay with a fresh orange cranberry relish. YUM!
Although it was not the nicest weather the Innkeepers were still excited about showing the Red Chair some special sites near by such as, the most popular attraction in the most visited National Park in the United States, Cades Cove. The Red Chair learned it is a pioneer settlement, an 11 mile one way loop drive ringed in by mountains. Of course, Red had to hop out of the car each time it saw a different animal- white tailed deer, turkeys, but no bears today. Red turned out to be quite the attraction itself as several dozen kids and parents wanted to make Reds acquaintance. After being disappointed that Berry Springs didn’t really have a nude beach, Red decided to go skinny dipping in a stream they came upon. Unfortunately Red was not able to the hike to Abrams Falls due to the weather but after hearing about it from the Innkeepers Red has added it to the ever growing To-Do list for next time! The group did, however, stop at several of the old homesteads, which was really neat.
Back to the Gracehill Bed and Breakfast just in time for the famous sunset, the big attraction here at the highest house in the county! What a way to end this lovely visit...
(Just so you can see for your self how magical it is here is a video for you to check out the many variations of beautiful sunsets found only at the Gracehill Bed and Breakfast!)
Although it was not the nicest weather the Innkeepers were still excited about showing the Red Chair some special sites near by such as, the most popular attraction in the most visited National Park in the United States, Cades Cove. The Red Chair learned it is a pioneer settlement, an 11 mile one way loop drive ringed in by mountains. Of course, Red had to hop out of the car each time it saw a different animal- white tailed deer, turkeys, but no bears today. Red turned out to be quite the attraction itself as several dozen kids and parents wanted to make Reds acquaintance. After being disappointed that Berry Springs didn’t really have a nude beach, Red decided to go skinny dipping in a stream they came upon. Unfortunately Red was not able to the hike to Abrams Falls due to the weather but after hearing about it from the Innkeepers Red has added it to the ever growing To-Do list for next time! The group did, however, stop at several of the old homesteads, which was really neat.
Back to the Gracehill Bed and Breakfast just in time for the famous sunset, the big attraction here at the highest house in the county! What a way to end this lovely visit...
(Just so you can see for your self how magical it is here is a video for you to check out the many variations of beautiful sunsets found only at the Gracehill Bed and Breakfast!)
The Foxtrot Bed & Breakfast
Gatlinberg, TN
December 9-11th, 2013
With two new friends welcoming the Red Chair to the Foxtrot Bed and Breakfast, Foxy the statue and Fleur the resident feline, the Red Chair knew it was in for a special visit. Red marveled at the gorgeous view from the Foxtrot's back deck. This spectacular view looks over the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, and is one amazing sight you must see for yourself. After telling many traveling stories to new friends and other guests, the Red Chair decided it was time to head on out and explore the area for itself.
Visiting the nearby National Park and meeting the Chief Ranger for a tour was quite exciting! Then it was off to meet the Mayor if Gatlinberg. They talked tourism the whole time, which was so much fun. Red even considered running for office but ultimately decided against it since the Red Chair just cannot sit still. Then it was time to hit the ski slopes, which was a bit difficult, it has been ages since Red was last on a pair of skis.
The next day the Red Chair was lucky enough to attend the Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast Association meeting. With all of the local innkeepers in attendance the Red Chair was thrilled to meet so many wonderful people. After making so many new friends, it was hard to say good bye but Red has decided it will definitely be back again!
Visiting the nearby National Park and meeting the Chief Ranger for a tour was quite exciting! Then it was off to meet the Mayor if Gatlinberg. They talked tourism the whole time, which was so much fun. Red even considered running for office but ultimately decided against it since the Red Chair just cannot sit still. Then it was time to hit the ski slopes, which was a bit difficult, it has been ages since Red was last on a pair of skis.
The next day the Red Chair was lucky enough to attend the Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast Association meeting. With all of the local innkeepers in attendance the Red Chair was thrilled to meet so many wonderful people. After making so many new friends, it was hard to say good bye but Red has decided it will definitely be back again!
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Berry Springs Lodge
Gatlinberg, TN
December 6-8th, 2013
The Red Chair had quite a time visiting the innkeepers of the Berry Springs Lodge Bed and Breakfast in Gatlinberg, TN! With so much to do right there on the property Red was able to adventure and discover the beauty in the beautiful foothills of the Smoky Mountains. The Lodge was full of wonderful Christmas decorations, it really put the Red Chair into the holiday mood. Upon arrival Red found a canoe and decided to take it for a ride. Across the lake however, Red found its self ship wrecked on a Nude beach!! Good thing Red had a fresh coat of paint! (Later the Red Chair learned that the sign was a joke from the owner's son!) Next it was a nice long hike on the scenic trails. After getting a little chilly the Red Chair returned to the Lodge for a long stint next to the fireplace and chatted about Holiday plans with the huge fish on the mantle. The Red Chair had such a fun time at the Berry Springs Lodge it would love to come back again someday!
Buckhorn Inn
Gatlinberg, TN
December 3-5th, 2013
The Red Chair was felt it was in dire need of a paint job so the kind innkeepers of the Buckhorn Inn of Gatlinberg, TN admitted Red into the Inn via the back entrance. Afterwards the Innkeepers asked if Red nicely if it could make Red's entrance official by coming in the front door, which is the most popular place among Inn guests for picture taking because of the sign that says “Buckhorn Inn.” A bit vain (from a beautiful new paint refresher, thank you Buckhorn Inn!), Red preened for the photos.
“What I want is a good dinner with great service and ambiance. An excellent wine list would also be welcome,” said the Red Chair. Innkeeper John told Red, it had come to the right place as Buckhorn is the only inn in the area that serves dinner nightly. As all of us who have been lucky enough to know, Red makes friends wherever it goes and at Buckhorn Red soon became the center of attention. Crowds
got a little too friendly at times with some of the guests actually wanting to sit on Red! Red did invite the Buckhorn Bears One and Two to have dinner with it because they just adored him. Buckhorn Bear One said of him “Red is so tall and handsome—I just can’t take my eyes off him.” Buckhorn Bear Two had tears in her
eyes when Red had to leave the next morning. After a hearty breakfast with a menu just chocked full of
delicious choices, Red wanted a little time to unwind before going on to the next stop. Innkeeper Lee suggested that a visit to Rachael’s Labyrinth for a little meditation and a walk through the Inn’s beautiful gardens would be just the ticket. Red decided it needs to come back during the spring, summer and fall to really see these gardens in action from what Innkeeper Lee says! But never the less there are some gorgeous evergreen bushes like native rhododendrons and azaleas that made the Red Chair's winter walks a view to be remembered.
Red's favorite spot was Buckhorn Pond for many reasons including the serene beauty one can experience from the bench by the pond just admiring the natural scenery surrounding you. The sight of two beautiful swans swanning about came as a big surprise. Fortunately, Red's private grounds driver had brought a good supply of lettuce for Swans Pentu and Teller (get the joke?--they are mute swans). It was hard to say “tata”but alas the Red Chair must move on. Red enjoyed the Buckhorn Inn so much and sincerely thanks them for their warmth and hospitality throughout Red's stay.
“What I want is a good dinner with great service and ambiance. An excellent wine list would also be welcome,” said the Red Chair. Innkeeper John told Red, it had come to the right place as Buckhorn is the only inn in the area that serves dinner nightly. As all of us who have been lucky enough to know, Red makes friends wherever it goes and at Buckhorn Red soon became the center of attention. Crowds
got a little too friendly at times with some of the guests actually wanting to sit on Red! Red did invite the Buckhorn Bears One and Two to have dinner with it because they just adored him. Buckhorn Bear One said of him “Red is so tall and handsome—I just can’t take my eyes off him.” Buckhorn Bear Two had tears in her
eyes when Red had to leave the next morning. After a hearty breakfast with a menu just chocked full of
delicious choices, Red wanted a little time to unwind before going on to the next stop. Innkeeper Lee suggested that a visit to Rachael’s Labyrinth for a little meditation and a walk through the Inn’s beautiful gardens would be just the ticket. Red decided it needs to come back during the spring, summer and fall to really see these gardens in action from what Innkeeper Lee says! But never the less there are some gorgeous evergreen bushes like native rhododendrons and azaleas that made the Red Chair's winter walks a view to be remembered.
Red's favorite spot was Buckhorn Pond for many reasons including the serene beauty one can experience from the bench by the pond just admiring the natural scenery surrounding you. The sight of two beautiful swans swanning about came as a big surprise. Fortunately, Red's private grounds driver had brought a good supply of lettuce for Swans Pentu and Teller (get the joke?--they are mute swans). It was hard to say “tata”but alas the Red Chair must move on. Red enjoyed the Buckhorn Inn so much and sincerely thanks them for their warmth and hospitality throughout Red's stay.
Creekwalk Inn at Whisperwood Farm
Cosby, TN
November 30th - December 2nd, 2013
After a quick meet and greet with the neighbor orange chair (who was quite handsome), the Red Chair decided it wanted to take advantage of the beautiful day before it and head off for some great hiking. After fantastic recommendations from the innkeepers of the Creekwalk Inn the Red Chair hiked up Mount Cammerer (this particular venture has been named "the best hike in the Southeast" by Backpacker Magazine.)
After the hike and a quick rest in the beautiful Hannah Mountain room, Red roamed around the Creekwalk's grounds, discovering the oldest log cabin in Cocke County on the Cosby Creek fly-fishing stream just on the edge of the Creekwalk property. Then Red broke all of the rules about feeding the free-grazing horses and tempted them with an apple fresh from Carver's Orchard, a favorite dining spot just down the road. After a few romantic dates with the orange chair to the surrounding restaurants and hiking areas the Red Chair sadly had to say goodbye as it traveled onto the next stop.
After the hike and a quick rest in the beautiful Hannah Mountain room, Red roamed around the Creekwalk's grounds, discovering the oldest log cabin in Cocke County on the Cosby Creek fly-fishing stream just on the edge of the Creekwalk property. Then Red broke all of the rules about feeding the free-grazing horses and tempted them with an apple fresh from Carver's Orchard, a favorite dining spot just down the road. After a few romantic dates with the orange chair to the surrounding restaurants and hiking areas the Red Chair sadly had to say goodbye as it traveled onto the next stop.
Nolichuckey Bluffs Cabins
Greeneville, TN
November 20-22nd, 2013
The Red Chair travels found quite a perfect balance of adventures and relaxation here at Nolichuckey Bluffs Cabins, in Greenevill, TN. Morning came early with Inn Keeper, Pam, dragging Red out for a meet and
greet with local newspaper editor, Kathy Knight, who was interested to learn all about Red and its
adventures.
Red then posed for a picture next to the quilt Pam’s great, great, great-grandmother made back in the 1800’s
and was in awe of the intricate hand stitching throughout the tapestry of woven threads. After the interview, Red lounged the morning away on the porch of Grandma’s Cupboard, greeting guests as they came in for a delicious breakfast and delightful banter.
Red toured the Wedding Chapel marveling at the creative use of timbers used to shape such a quaint little chapel suspended high above the Nolichuckey River. It was then onto the working Grist Mill, with its water wheel and outhouse- only the very courageous bed here. Then Red discovered the very best had been saved for last ... an introduction to the 1930 Log Cabin perched high above the Nolichuckey River with spectacular views of the rolling mountains and billowing clouds.
Red watched as the weaving river winds its way past the steep cliffs. Hawks hover overhead, two geese stream low along the water, squirrels scamper along the ground hiding their acorns for the winter, and the cardinals flirt in and out among the trees as Red basks in the beauty that surrounds it in this place called Greene County. Red was able to rest amongst the majestic Appalachian Mountains and see first-hand why they are called the “Smokies.” The Red Chair will definitely be back!
Red toured the Wedding Chapel marveling at the creative use of timbers used to shape such a quaint little chapel suspended high above the Nolichuckey River. It was then onto the working Grist Mill, with its water wheel and outhouse- only the very courageous bed here. Then Red discovered the very best had been saved for last ... an introduction to the 1930 Log Cabin perched high above the Nolichuckey River with spectacular views of the rolling mountains and billowing clouds.
Red watched as the weaving river winds its way past the steep cliffs. Hawks hover overhead, two geese stream low along the water, squirrels scamper along the ground hiding their acorns for the winter, and the cardinals flirt in and out among the trees as Red basks in the beauty that surrounds it in this place called Greene County. Red was able to rest amongst the majestic Appalachian Mountains and see first-hand why they are called the “Smokies.” The Red Chair will definitely be back!
Prospect Hill Bed & Breakfast
Mountain City, TN
November 14-16th, 2014
While visiting the Prospect Hill Bed and Breakfast in Mountain City, TN the Red Chair spent quite a bit of time enjoying the peace and quiet of this beautiful place. Fall is quite an amazing time of year, when everything gets calm and quiet before the winter, the colors change and the air is crisp... Spending those few days at Prospect Hill was a rejuvenating experience. The Red Chair got to meet the county Mayor, Larry Potter, checked out a local Christmas Tree Farm in Zionville, NC, and spent some time chatting with Doc Watson's life-like statue in downtown Boone, NC on that very first day! The next day it was off to meet Elizabethan Star reporter Bryan Stevens at the historic covered bridge for some pictures, and then they all moved down to the Cherokee Forest boat ramp on the Watuaga Lake. This pristine lake holds the tallest earthen dam East of the Mississippi River and is quite a spectacular view. The last day of Red's time here was quite exciting because one of the other guests, Kevin Schwartz, was a food blogger from Asheville! The Red Chair could just talk about good food for days! On Red's way out of town they checked in on the Barter Theater Crew setting up in Heritage Hall for that night's performance of "The Ghost in the Meadow." Although Red was invited to the cast party after the show, Red had to move onto the next stop. Next time we guess!
Iron Mountain Inn
Butler, TN
November 11-13th, 2013
The Red Chair Travels had a lot of fun while visiting the innkeepers of the Iron Mountain Inn in Butler, TN this November! With so many exciting and unique opportunities the Red Chair kept quite busy to try to do them all. The Red Chair's first stop was to the Barter Theatre Stage II where it saw a production of A Ghost in the Meadow. Next it was onto the Bristol Motor Speedway, also known as the Last Great Coliseum and home of the World's Fastest Half Mile Track. Red became the first chair to ever make the finish line and entered its name in with all of the other first place legends of the Track. With the waterfalls of Elk Park Falls State Park so close, Red just had to go for a hike to check them out. Boy was Red glad it did not miss that scenic view from the top of the falls! With a 53' drop Red was quite careful when standing close to the waters edge.
That evening the Red Chair got a chance to enjoy the company of the Veterans and their wives staying at the Iron Mountain Inn for the BNB's4Vets night. It was so nice to celebrate all of the Veterans and their families that evening. The next day the Red Chair collected another first: announcing the weather on Channel 5 WCYB with Dave Dierks! Red could definitely get used to being on TV every day. The rest of the day consisted of visiting the US's third cleanest lake, Watauga Lake in the Cherokee National Forest, hiking a bit further on the Appalachian Trail, starting on the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus, VA, and visiting the world's shortest railroad tunnel at Backbone Rock, TN. The end of the day was especially nice for the Red Chair as it relaxed in the Iron Mountain Inn's Equestrian Room's steam shower.
That evening the Red Chair got a chance to enjoy the company of the Veterans and their wives staying at the Iron Mountain Inn for the BNB's4Vets night. It was so nice to celebrate all of the Veterans and their families that evening. The next day the Red Chair collected another first: announcing the weather on Channel 5 WCYB with Dave Dierks! Red could definitely get used to being on TV every day. The rest of the day consisted of visiting the US's third cleanest lake, Watauga Lake in the Cherokee National Forest, hiking a bit further on the Appalachian Trail, starting on the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus, VA, and visiting the world's shortest railroad tunnel at Backbone Rock, TN. The end of the day was especially nice for the Red Chair as it relaxed in the Iron Mountain Inn's Equestrian Room's steam shower.
