Smoky Comparison: Mountain Valley vs. Smoky Mountain Winery

     There's several wineries in the Smoky Mountain area including a dense area called "Rocky Top Wine Trail" which consists of 3 wineries within 3 miles (Hillside, Apple Barn, & Mountain Valley Winery).  In this article, I'll compare two of them vs. Mountain Valley winery.

     Overall, I'd suggest including a winery as a portion of your Smoky Mountain schedule.  When I've traveled through wine country in Sonoma, CA or eastern, MI, you could fill the whole day happily wandering through grapevines and visiting wineries.  However, in the Smoky Mountains, I'd suggest you get outside and perhaps visit one or two wineries as a romantic ending to the day.  Therefore, I'd suggest being choosy in which ones you visit.

     I recommend Smoky Mountain Winery (Gatlinburg, TN) over Mountain Valley Winery or Hillside (both Pigeon Forge, TN).  While all had nice regional sweet wines, the real difference for me was the level of service.  At Smoky Mountain Winery, the lady gave me a warm welcome and gave me her full attention.  With such service, I was able to overlook that the samples came in a shot glass instead of a wine glass and have a conversation about the wine.  At Mountain Valley Winery and Hillside, no one even greeted me and it felt like they were really set up to crank through the tour buses and take orders.  Smoky Mountain Winery tasting room is much smaller and I think you'll enjoy the quaint atmosphere and service.

After I made my assesment, I searched online to see other traveler's viewpoint:

Smoky Mountain Winery:

Establishment Age:  Oldest premium producer in Eastern, TN

Wine:  Specialties in sweet wine; I chose the Muscadine Red

Price:  Entry level approx. $15

*Service:  Consistent positive ratings, criticism on service seems to be the outlier

Example quote on TripAdvisor "The people are so friendly and helpful.  They are personable and outgoing, just like Tenn. people are supposed to be."

Example quote on Yahoo Travel Guide.com "My husband and I do a lot of traveling but we have never been treated like we were at home like in this winery"

Uptake.com Tourist Review Rating:  6 reviews, 100% recommend

Mountain Valley (Pigeon Forge)

Establishment Age:  1991

Wine:  Specialties in sweet wine; examples - Rhubarb, Mountain Peach

Price:  Aprrox. $15; examples - Blackberry $15.49, Mountain Valley Blush $13.49

Service:  Inconsistent, seems dependent upon the host, shout outs to Kevin & Doug

Example negative quotes on Trip Advisor:  "Beautiful shop, great wine, but the staff members completely kill it"; "Worst service ever...we walked in and no one acknowledges your presence."

Example positive quotes on Trip Advisor:  "treated like family and wined like royalty"
Uptake.com Tourist Review Rating 58 reviews, 75% recommend

Smoky Comparison #1: Waldens Creek vs. Cades Cove Riding Stables

The kids have been horseback riding at a YMCA camp & I'd like to take them riding in the Smoky Mountains.  Thought I'd share the options and comparisons of 6 options in or near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Overall, I'd recommend Waldens Creek Stable based upon the site, the prices, and a check on philanthropy. 

1.  Philanthropy - all equal
At first I was most interested in the operations within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park because I like to support a good cause.  However, I believe these companies operate within the park, but don't necessarily give their profit to the park. 

2.  Prices - all equal (prices may change, so check out the link)
1) Waldens Creek Stable, $30 1 hour, March to Jan., 9AM-3PM, 5 or older
http://www.waldencreekstables.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=17

2) Cades Cove Riding Stables, Townsend, $25 1 hour, 9-4:30PM, 6 or older
http://www.cadescovestables.com/hours-rates.shtml

3) Smokemont Riding Stables, near Cherokee, NC, $25 1 hour, 9-5PM, 5 or older
http://smokemontridingstable.com/

4) Sugarlands Riding Stables (or Smoky Mountain Riding Stables), near Gatlinburg, TN, $25 1 hour = 4 miles, 9-6PM summer, 5 or older

http://www.sugarlandsridingstables.com/

http://www.smokymountainridingstables.com/rates.html

5) Five Oaks Riding Stables, Pigeon Forge, TN, $29.99, 5 miles

http://www.adventureparkatfiveoaks.com/

3.  Location - Best Walden Creek Stables, Mid=stables within Park, Low=Five Oaks

Walden Creek Stables - dedicated horse farm off the beaten trail with beautiful mountain view, lots of land, Western theme building and tasteful large gift store.  If you are staying at Lightning Bug Lodge, it's only 1.1 mile from the Shagbark resort entrance.

In comparison, Five Oaks Riding Stables is located near major road across from the Tanger Outlet Mall and splits their focus by offering zip line tours too.

Horseback riding has it's dangers, so please check into the safety record of any place you choose and ride at your own risk.

A horseback riding adventure in the Smokies

Open Road's Best National Parks with Kids chooses the best parks for kids and describes nearby family fun.  It's no surprise that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the chosen parks.  One of the chosen activities is taking the family to Walden Creek Stables, "There are a variety of rides to accommodate both the equine novice and experienced rider.  Wagon rides are also provided...At the end of the buggy ride you can enjoy a supper show filled with cowboy songs, Native American dancing, and trick riding." 

For Lightning Bug Lodge guests, it's very convenient, only 1.1 miles from the Shagbark resort.  When we visited, there was less pagentry, serene in fact.  We watched the horses frolic in the sunshine, leisurely explored their shop guarded by a friendly lab, we giggled at the posted sign, "Have a great ride?  If so, kiss your horse and tip your guide."  That's the right order, a better idea than tip your horse and kiss your guide.

If you want to go horseback riding, I'd recommend this site (see next article for direct comparison).  If you are looking for a wagon ride, I'd recommend going to Cades Cove or Sugarlands where there's no min. group size required and it's only $10 per person.

Smoky Mountain Cabin: Bears Belong Outside

Of course the most famous Smoky Mountain animal is the black bear.  We know the bears are living in our backyard; we just have not seen them yet.  The construction crew told us they saw plenty of their signs on the ground.  Our neighbor across the street saw one carry away the entire $70 "bear proof" trashcan off his deck. 

If you see a bear near Lightning Bug Lodge, please tell us your story.  The population density in the Great Smoky Mountain National park is approximately one bear per square mile, ie 500-600 bears live in the park.  Tip:  Locals tell me if you want to see a bear, drive to Cades Cove in the park.

For safety's sake and the bears longevity, please do not feed the bears.  We recommend using our $600 National Park standard bear trash cans, eating your picnic on the highest deck, and quickly removing all food once done.  Also, our neighbors warned to jog during the day, not at dusk and dawn.  Tip:  Be especially careful in March and April when newborn cubs emerge and mothers are highly protective.

Think about your odds vs. the bear. 
     Size:  Can stand 6 feet at shoulder height, weigh over 400 pounds,
    Ability to find food:  prefers berries but flexible & will eat human food, has a keen sense of smell
    Athletic ability:  easily climb trees, and run up to 30 miles per hour
If you do encounter a bear, make a lot of noise and retreat.  Don't act dead.

We hope the only bear in the cabin is the stuffed animal bear photographed above.  It was given to my daughter at the local furniture store, along with a popsicle.  She was a happy girl!  Let the bears be happy, let them wander freely outside.

Smoky Mountain Cabin: Grilling in the Smokies

     Part of making memories together is making meals together.  Ligthning Bug Lodge exudes luxury in the woods, so we've bought a brand new high end grill for you to show off your grilling skills.  One of the conveniences of our location is that you will drive past a major Kroger grocery store on the way to the cabin (220 Wears Valley Road) on your way back from the strip.  Many tourists miss this major store and complain about limited groceries or high prices.  You just have to get off the beaten path.  If you are a planner and enjoy exploring local food like me, consider buying mountain food online ahead of your trip.  I recommend http://www.smokiesstore.org/browse.cfm/2,61.html.  Why?  Because your purchase serves a good purpose.  It supports the Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA), a nonprofit to help the park, which sponsors free historic demonstrations and festivals, funds the Park's library, and helps fund the environmental education program at the Institute at Tremont.  They offer cornmeal, wheat flour, sorghum, molasses, preserves, relish, pumpkin butter, honey, and pure maple syrup. 
While in the Smokies, we've also bought molasses and cornmeal at local stores, the Great Smoky Mountain National Park visitor center gift shops, and Dollywood.

Wild Turkey in our Mountain Backyard

Birding has increased significantly in the past century and birders know the Smoky Mountains as an exceptional place to see birds in diverse landscapes from forests to meadows.  Over 240 species have been found in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  It is estimated that a person who can identify most species by sight or sound and who explore as many habitats as possible can find 100 species in a day during peak migration (late April to early May). 

Where can you find them:  It's true, open fields account for less than 1% of the park and that's where the wild turkey likes to linger.  Well, you can find the wild turkey in the Lightning Bug Lodge backyard.  I took this photo standing from our cabin deck.

History:  The wild turkey has had an interesting history from protected to listed on the endangered list to protected in the park.  The Native Americans viewed the slow moving bird as "not bright" and believed eating them would weaken their spirits, so they didn't hunt them.  The Europeans didn't share this belief and hunted them until only 30,000 were left. 

A little bit of trivia:  Benjamin Franklin, who opposed the eagle as the national symbol, was a fan of the turkey, "The turkey, a bird of courage, would not hesitate to attack a grenadier of the British guards.  The turkey is a much more respectable bird for America."  Outside of the park, turkey are now hunted again and are considered as one of the four most popular game, along with wild hog, black bears, and deer.  But please don't hunt down the turkey in our backyard, leave them for the birders and shoot them with your camera.

Hit the Road Jack...The Road to Gatlinburg

or Jill or Bob or Betty.  It's time for a family vacation that may let you avoid baggage fees or even plane tickets.  The Smoky Mountains feels like a distant retreat, so far from a typical day.  The reality is that Gatlinburg is centrally located, only a day's drive from 50% of the US population east of the Mississippi River.  Here's 9 major cities under 6 hour drive:
1.  Chattanooga, TN  71 miles, 1.25 hours
2.  Lexington, KY    211 miles, 3.5 hours
3.  Atlanta, GA        197 miles, 3.75 hours
4.  Charlotte, NC       200 miles, 4 hours
5.  Nashville, TN      223 miles, 4 hours
6.  Columbia, SC     228 miles, 4 hours
7.  Cincinnati, OH    291 miles, 4.5 hours
8.  Birmingham, AL  302 miles, 5 hours
9.  Raleigh, NC         325 miles, 5.5 hours
If you have a choice in cars, bring your jeep or SUV for climbing gravel mountain roads.  Leave your perfectly polished sports car in the garage.

Pigeon Forge: Wonder Works & 3 Other Fun Places for Teens

Your teens will have a blast in Pigeon Forge.  And the upside down building will make your whole family look twice and laugh while driving by WonderWorks.  Here's 4 fun places for your teen and entire family:

1.  Wonder Works amusement park

http://www.wonderworksonline.com/pigeon-forge/

Facts

What:  indoor amusement park- science edutainment plus rides - defy gravity, design a coaster, listen in the sound lab, bubble lab, space zone, bed of nails, rockwall, ropes challenge course
Cost:  $22.99 adult

2.  Titanic Attraction
http://titanicpigeonforge.com/
Facts
What:  world's largest Titanic museum attraction, 400 artifacts, movie exhibit
Cost:  $21.38 adult, $58.80 family pass (2 adults, 2 kids)

3.  Dollywood Splash Country Waterpark
http://www.dollywood.com/splashcountry_home.aspx
Facts
What:  30 acre waterpark, named "one of America's best waterparks" by The Travel Channel, slides and wave pool
Cost:  $49.40 adult daily, $86 season pass
Tip:  $10 discount pre-season online

4.  Pigeon Forge Gem Mine
http://pfgemmine.com/
Facts
What:  gem mining in wood flume, buy a mystery bucket and get your hands dirty and wet looking for gems
Where:  Pigeon Forge, next to the Three Bears General Store
Cost:  $15 starter gem bucket, $35 fossil bucket, $100 family bucket

Lightning Bug Lodge Amenities List

Lightning Bug Lodge is designed for gatherings; family reunions, girlfriend weekends, church retreats, and more.  With such celebrations in mind, we chose a large cabin (2,400 sq. ft.) with 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths, one on each floor. 

Because we appreciate nature and believe you will enjoy it too, we chose a unique location, ontop of a mountain, surrounded by woods.  It's an adventure driving up the mountain and we think it's worth it.

 

Besides the inspiring location, we hope you build memories indoors too.  I know that beating your spouse, uncle, or neighbor in a game of pool or foosball can build a fond memory too.  Here's the list of amenities for you:

Lots of Room

* Square feet:  2,400

* 3 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, sleeps 10

* One bedroom on each level

* Beds:  2 King, 1 Queen, 2 bunks (2 twin, + 1 full/1 twin)

* 4 flat parking spaces

Inspiring Location

* Wooded view

* Winter mountain view

* Quiet mountain top, semi-secluded
* All wood real log cabin

* 2 wrap around decks

Ample Entertainment

* Sega baseball game

* Regulation size Pool table

* Foosball

* Hot tub on deck

* Grill (gas)

* Swimming pool (resort)

* Tennis courts (resort)

* 5 tvs (1 big screen)

* 4 DVDs

* 1 VCR

* CD player

* Board Games & Books

* Grill

*Picnic table

Comfort

* Fireplace

* Heat and Air

* Rocking Chairs

* Gated resort with 24 hour security guard

* No pets allowed

* Non-smoking

Convenience

* Full kitchen

* Blender, coffee maker

* High chair

* Stainless steel appliances, dishwasher

* Full size washer and dryer
* Shagbark resort only 8 miles from Pigeon Forge

Welcome to Lightning Bug Lodge!

Welcome to Lightning Bug Lodge & our blog!  We hope by sharing our cabin, you build fond memories in the Smoky Mountains.  We hope to bring you an experience you treasure for life.  Please share your stories.

It's official, you can rent our cabin.  It's been a labor of love and we thank all the wonderful local people for their support.  Thank you to our construction team, Shagbark resort employees, local hot tub company, local furniture stores, local craftsmen, and of course our real estate agent. 

We could not have done it without you.

May life be an amazing adventure for you.  May you see the beauty in nature.  May you hold fond memories of time spent with friends and family. 

Thanks for visiting our website.  Please add your comments.  We want to hear from you and continue to improve both your cabin and website experience, year after year.

Welcome to Shagbark resort!

     You will love the Shagbark resort; only 8 miles from Pigeon Forge, yet feels like a world away.  Escape into the quiet Smoky Mountain community.

     Lightning Bug Lodge is located within the Shagbark community, owned and operated by the cabin owners.  We pay the HOA fees, you don't. 

     You gain access to all the amenities just like an owner including use of the tennis courts, basketball hoop, and swimming pool.  With 1,300 acres of mountains, creeks, and meadows, there's plenty to explore right in your backyard.

As with any nice community, there are rules to keep it safe and nice.  Please note Shagbark does not allow ATVs, RVs, campers, trailers, firearms, fireworks, or charcoal grills.  If you live in Shagbark, let us know what you like best about the neighborhood.

"Mountain View Serenity", the upstairs bedroom

The upstairs bedroom has a peaceful feel with a mountain view and attached bathroom with double vanity sink, tub, and shower.  Watch the sunset over the mountains or just relax in your big bedroom which includes a King size log bed and a vaulted ceiling.

If you want to be close to your friends or family, but not in the same room, no problem.  The loft is right outside your room complete with a bunk bed, full on bottom, twin on top.

"Forest Life" - Lower Level Bedroom

When you rent a cabin in the Smoky Mountains, there's usually someone in the group looking for fun day and night.  If you are the life of the party or a bird lover, you may want to chose the Lightning Bug Lodge downstairs bedroom I've labeled as "Forest Life".  It's the closest one to the entertainment including the pool table, foosball, big screen tv, sega baseball game, and hot tub.  And after all the excitement, you are certain to get a deep sleep in your King sized log bed.  And you may feel like a King in this spacious room that includes the only walk in closet. It also has a full size bathroom right around the corner.

The lower level also has a great view of the trees and birds from either inside or out.  That's because this level has both gigantic windows and a wrap around deck.  So bring your swimsuit or a pair of binoculars and you are sure to enjoy your stay.

"Pampered Glow", the main floor bathroom

When staying in the Smoky Mountains, you want to feel relaxed and pampered.  It's time to make memories and get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  You can feel relaxed at Lightning Bug Lodge with 3 bedrooms.  I call the bedroom on the main floor "Pampered Glow" bedroom faces the sunset with four windows.  If you choose this one, you can't help feeling special and pampered. This is often the bedroom we let our parents use because it's right off the front door, no need to take the stairs inside.  Grandparents are special.

Of the 3 bedrooms, this one has the fanciest bathroom.  It's just across the hallway waiting for you with a jacuzzi tub.  Although all bedrooms have a tv, this one has the new flat screen HDTV and DVD player.  All Lightning Bug Lodge bedrooms have new handmade log bed and new matresses; this one has the $1,400 Serta matress for those who love a cushiony pampered feel.

Animal Neighbors in the Smoky Mountains

 One of the joys of owning or renting a cabin in the Shagbark resort is the amazing wildlife.  You just never know what type of animal you will see.  Something about the mountains encourages you to slow down and explore. 

* praying mantis and grasshopper: my kids discovered in our front yard

* racoon: seems to be a regular near the Shagbark guard house. 

* wild turkeys:  For three days straight, I needed to bring my car to a halt coming down the mountain because a family of wild turkeys were walking on the road.  Look closely in the wooded photo and you will see three turkeys.

Ok, you may be looking for more exotic animals than a racoon.  No worries.  The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is full of animals.  Besides black bears, you may keep your eyes out for these creatures:

Salamanders:  27 different species in the area make it the Salamander Capital of the world
Red wolves:  Native to the Smoky Mountains and reintroduced in 1991, 25 of the world's 350 remaining red wolves live in the park
Tip:  Look between Cades Cove and Sugarland Visitor Center
Elk:  Native to the Smoky Mountains, but lost due to over-hunting and loss of habitat in the area.  Reintroduced to the region in 2001.
Snakes:  Yes, watch out, especially for the two poisonous varieties - Northern Copperhead and Timber Rattler.

#1 of Top Ten List = Rent with Friends & Family

Southern Living website has a very helpful Top 10 list "10 Best Ways to Make the Most of Your Stay in the Smokies".  The #1 recommendation was rent with friends and family.  We agree.  Besides building memories together, the article explains the economics:  "A group of four or more can rent a nicer cabin with the amenities for a lower price per couple.  Have each couple plan and cook one nightly meal."

Believe me, when I planned a big family trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, I did the math comparisons too.  We could either be in a cramped hotel room with a view of the traffic, knocking on each others door to coordinate going out to eat for every meal.  OR we could stay in luxury in a spacious cabin with a mountain view, a private hot tub, and a kitchen...all at a lower per family cost.  Tip:  Besides cooking your own breakfast and dinner, use the kitchen to pack lunch.  Why?  Unlike other major National Parks, this one has zero restaurants.  So bring your picnic basket!

That's why we felt buying a cabin with a minimum of 3 bedrooms was essential to offer a family & friend gathering cabin.  And what do we mean by offering a family friendly cabin?  First, safety is our #1 concern, so we spent thousands reinforcing the decks and railings. Second, we offer entertainment for all ages including toys for the little ones (see photos above).

Southern Living magazine website provides more great advice on staying in the Smokies.  Here's their top ten pieces of advice:
1.  rent with family and friends
2.  arrive before dark
3.  plan to cook dinner and breakfast
4.  plan meals and grocery shop at home
5.  pack essentials
6.  take a sack lunch to the park
7.  pack light and do laundry
8.  bring a bathing suit
9.  break into smaller groups for outings
10.  plan for downtime
For the full list with explanations, visit http://www.southernliving.com/travel/south-central/smoky-mountain-travel-tips-00400000045030/

Delightful Diversity in the Smoky Mountains

Diversity, it's one of the reasons why the Smoky Mountains is so interesting.  With such variety in flora and fauna, it makes you want to come back again and again and explore more.

The book "Strange but True Tennesse" by Lynne L. Hall notes the diversity too and explains why:  "Because of the park's unique northeast-to-southwest orientation, which kept glaciers from invading the mountains during the last ice age, a huge diversity of plant and animal life migrated here.  More than one hundred thousand species have been documented, and scientists believe that another ninety thousand may also live here.  No other place of comparable size can match the diversity.  So walk softly and carry a big camera.

Wildflower at Lightning Bug Lodge
Photo by Krenda

The camera will come in handy for those gorgeous landscape shots, too.  The scenic beauty of the Smokies is unmatched anywhere.  Especially if you're lucky enough to visit in the fall, when the mountainsides are ablaze wth the brilliant colors of autumn.  But don't despair if summer is your season, for during those warm months, the mountains are riotously splendiferous with carpets of wildflowers and forets of blooming trees.  Don't think that one trip will do it for the Smokies."

Strange But True Tennesse is a book series with wonders & strange sites by state.  Within the Tennesse book, the author also writes about the Dolly Parton statue at the Sevierville courthouse, Forbidden Caverns, Space Needle, and Dollywood.  What do you think is wonderous about the Smoky Mountain region?  Anything wacky?

Smoky Mountain Cabin: Always a Solution

We wanted a hot tub on the lower deck on the right side where it is surrounded by woods and feels private.  Now we just had to figure out how to make it happen.

When you grow up in mostly flat land neighborhoods, you are amazed with how people build houses on the side of a mountain.  And how does one get a hot tub onto a cabin deck that is suspended in the woods?  build a ramp???  There is always a solution and the local saw it as no problem at all.  Check out the photo for the answer.

 

Yes, of course, rent a crane, lift the hot tub way up into the sky and over the cabin roof, lower it down, and swing it onto the deck.  May you be amazed too of how people always find solutions.

The Green Exchange - LBL Video Library

No need to throw out your old VHS video tapes.  Bring them to Lightning Bug Lodge where you can exchange them for a different video tape at The Green Exchange.  That's right, we are going back to old school.  We have both a DVD and VHS player in the living room. 

Here's the 50+ VHS tapes we brought to begin the library:

1) Baby Take A Bow
2) Curly Top
3) Wild America
4) Let's Make Music
5) Veggie Tales Larry Boy
6) Veggie Tales Lyle
7) An American Tale
8) The Wiggles Wake Up Jeff
9) Moby Dick
10) Teletubbies
11) The Pebble & the Penguin
12) Anastasia
13) Divine Secrets of Ya Ya Sisterhood
14) Bread & Tulip
15) Two Weeks Noitce
16) Gabriela
17) Amelie
18) Panic Room
19) Little Big Man
20) Bed of Roses
21) The Paper
22) Mr. Jones
23) Italian for Beginners
24) Wine 101
25) Dance with Me
26) Woman on Top
27) Mad about Mambo
28) The Mask of Zoro
29) Uncle Buck
30) Highlander
31) The Devils Own
32) Primary Colors
33) Independence Day
34) The Dark Rider
35) The Man from Utah
36) Sagebrush Trail
37) Riders of Destiny
38) Diamand are Forever
39) Behind Scenes Goldfinger & Thunderball
40) Dr. No
41) Goldfinger
42) You Only Live Twice
43) From Russia with Love
44) Golden Eye
45) Young Guns 2
46) The Hunt for Red October
47) Fahrenheit 9/11
48) Planes, Trains, & Automobilles
49) Dave
50) The Blues Brothers
51) The 13th Warrior

We've purposely chosen quite a few childrens movies.  We want this to be a family place.  Please do not leave any rated X movies.  Thanks!

One small step for being green

You may wonder what we mean by being an environmentally friendly cabin.  We are making changes for the good, thinking about the next generation.  It's from the products we choose to the behaviors we reward to the non-profit environmental programs we support.  Every little step can have a big impact.

Did you know if every American replaced just one traditional incandescent lightbulb with a compact flourescent lightbulb we would prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 800,000 cars?!?!  According to the US Department of Energy, lighting in the US accounts for 22% of electrical consumption. 

Out with the old

In with the new

So we replaced the incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs, knowing they consume 3.9 times less energy than the incandescent bulbs.  One small step today.  And when LED lights launch, I'm sure we'll make another move for green.  What actions do you think hotels and cabins should make to help save the environment?

The Green Exchange - LBL DVD Library

Similar to our book library, Lightning Bug Lodge has a DVD library in which you may exchange a DVD of your own for a LBL DVD.  We call it The Green Exchange.  Bring home a new to you favorite movie back home.  Perhaps a comedy that reminds you of fun times and laughter in the cabin.  Perhaps a romance that reminds you of a honeymoon or anniversary celebration in the mountains.

We bought over 40 DVDs for your viewing pleasure.  As of September 2010, here's the titles:

1) Baby Mozart
2) Dr. Dolittle 2
3) Scooby Doo the Mystery Begins
4) Racing Stripes
5) Nims Island
6) Sesame Street Celebrates Around the World
7) Miss Spiders Sunny Patch Kids
8) Baby Prodigy
9) The Wind in the Willows
10) The Legends of Sasquatch
11) Baby Neptue Discovering Water
12) Songs from the Station Thomas
13) Nature Baby
14) Lilo & Stitch 2
15) Thomas Sodor Celebration
16) See & Learn Numbers
17) Let's Make Music
18) Envy
19) The Simpsons Movie
20) Guess Who
21) Zoolander
22) Balls of Fury
23) Trading Places
24) Take the Lead
25) Somethings Gotta Give
26) How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
27) Edward Scissorhands
28) Wild Hogs
29) Fun with Dick & Jane
30) Calling All Engines
31) We Were Soldiers
32) True Grit
33) Johnny English
34) The Producers
35) Lawrence of Arabia
36) The River Wild
37) Monsson Wedding
38) Blades of Glory
39) Short Circuit
40) Tom & Jerry Whiskers Away

We know you may want more choices, so we also brought over 50 VCR movies.  See next post for the titles.

Introducing the Green Exchange: LBL Library

We want you to have a delightful stay at our cabin and we would like to be as environmentally friendly as possible.

From going on many vacations, I understand one of the joys you may look forward to is time to actually read a book.  However, even on vacation other activities may make it difficult to finish the book.  No worries at Lightning Bug Lodge because you can take the book home with you.  Just exchange it for one of your used books.

It will be fun to see how the collection evolves with travelers from around the country.  I've provided 50 books to begin the library.  Since this is a family friendly cabin, I've included both adult and childrens books.  Perhaps you find a new bedtime story as you gather near the fireplace.  At the end of the year, I'll show you the new list.  Here's the 50 books available in September 2010:

1) Nathans Fishing Trip
2) We're Going on a Nature Hunt

3) Alexander & the Wind Up Mouse

4) Wind in the Willows
5) Mysteries & Marvels of Nature
6) Day of the Dragon King
7) Busy Bear Goes to the Beach
8) Websters College Dictionary
9) Chasing Kangaroos
10) It Takes a Village
11) Three Cups of Tea
12) Chicken Soup for the Nature Lovers Soul
13) The Secret Language of Girlfriends
14) Miss American Pie
15) The Art of Possibility
16) Still Making Waves
17) At Large & At Small
18) The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz
19) Away
20) The Wanderer
21) Finding Father Christmas
22) Barefoot
23) The Hornets Nest
24) Simple Abundance
25) Burning Bright
26) Creepy Crawly Creatures
27) Lady and the Tramp
28) Off to Sea
29) W is for Wind
30) The Michigan Count Book
31) Sunny Numbers
32) The Ancient World
33) Olivia Joules & the Overactive Imagination
34) Little House on the Prairie
35) Bravo Amelia Bedelia
36) A Bargain for Frances
37) Jingle Bells
38) Hour of the Olympics
39) Someone Like You
40) Common Phrases & Where They Come From
41) Angel Dogs with a Mission
42) Fetching Dylan
43) Lapham Rising
44) Pets in America
45) Abundance for Beginners
46) The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
47) Poems and Rhymes
48) Teamwork in Tonka Town
49) Big Birds Guessing Game
50) Shapes Around Town

What book would you contribute to the library?   What kind of books would you like to see in the library?

1979 National Geographic Further Explains the Wonder

Melville Grosvenor wrote another article about the National Parks in National Geographic.  He further explains our attraction to the parks, "All the parks, whatever their specific names, have a common denominator.  They renew us in one way or another, re-create something deep within us."  It's more than just our fascination with plants, animals, and grand formations.  It's also about connecting to other people and creating memories.  Melville touches upon this wish too, "We all wonder, in the parks, and sometimes we grow closer to one another (I am not referring to the exasperating traffic congestion).  It happens when, assembeled near Old Faithful in Yellowstone, we marvel at the faithful miracle.  Grouped in dread fascination beneath El Capitan in Yosemite, we are linked more subtly."  I agree.  I remember viewing Old Faithful and El Capitan in awe and I remember the people standing with me too.  Tips for creating memories:                   1) Plan a special moment.  Why not set an alarm to watch a sunrise or sunset with your sweatheart?                                                           2) Don't plan every moment.  Make your vacation as long as possible and leave plenty of free time to discover an unexpected site or event together.  3) Bring your camera to capture a moment, but not every moment.  Glued behind a lens, you risk capturing the moment, but not experiencing it.                   4) Meet new people and get to know them well enough to become pen pals.  Written letters (or more likely emails) will remind you of the good times.