Cabin Review #3: Fun

The cabin book with notes left inside.  It's the first thing I check when returning to our rental cabin Lightning Bug Lodge.  I especially enjoy crayon written notes from kids. 

In five sentences this guest summed up the experience we want to hear:  "We had a good time.  Do we have to leave?  It was so fun.  I hope we come back so much.  It was fun."

Family Idea #3: Unplug in the Smoky Mountains

This is the fifth article in a series of ideas on how to take the ideas from Re-Energize Your Relationship book and apply to vacationing in the Smokies.  We hope Lightning Bug Lodge is a place for you to strengthen relationships and gain new perspective.

In the chapter, "The Biggest Turn-Off", the authors encourage couples to unplug together, "Looking for a quick fix for a dwindling relationship?  This one's fast, free, and fastastically simple.  Unplug your tv and plug in to an amazing life together."

Idea:  Why not make a pact with your partner to limit technology for at least three days?  Why not unplug in the Smoky Mountains where so much entertainment doesn't depend on a cord?  Sometimes when you are not attached, it's easier to notice the flowers and the special things about your special someone.

Plan:  Book a rental cabin and make an itinerary full of nature and sporting activities.  It'll be simple at Lightning Bug Lodge, a cabin that doesn't even have a computer with internet access.  Yes, it has quite a few tvs, but it'll be so easy to do other activities.  In a traditional motel room, it may feel like the only entertainment option is the tv. 

At LBL, you can just walk onto the deck, immerse yourself in nature, and watch the animals.  Or go downstairs for a game of pool or foosball.  Use the Shagbark resort ammenities like the tennis court, basketball hoop, and swimming pool.

Tip:  Make it a fun game.  See who can come up with as many "technology replacements" ideas like "let's go on a horse ride instead of a car ride", "let's go to the National Park and watch the campfire instead of the tv", or "let's write love letters instead of email."

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.

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.

The Journey to Shagbark Resort

Sometimes when we share a story, we find ourselves describing the journey with joy, not just the destination.  In a world of traffic in hurry, it can be a delight to slow down and smell the flowers.  You'll love the short scenic trip (less than 10 miles) from the bustling Pigeon Forge to the cabin.

Our neighbors along the road include an antique shop, wood craftsmen shops, barns, cows, and multiple white painted churches.  Here's a few of the mountain farm photos I took from the roadside.

Have you ever had a journey more memorable than the destination?  Share your story.