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."

Girlfriend's Weekend Idea #1: Scrapbooking in the Smokies

A friend and employee of mine took vacation each year to scrapbook with friends.  I thought her tradition enabled a terrific way to spend quality time with friends and accomplish story preservation.  Scrapbooking is more than a photo book; the combination of words and visuals tells the full story for today and future generations.

Idea:  Why not plan a girlfriend's weekend in the Smoky Mountains to scrapbook?  An inspirational environment will stir your creativity.  At Lightning Bug Lodge, there's plenty of room with tables in the kitchen and living room.

Plus we've provided a complimentary scrapbooking folder, papers, and cut-outs for each guest/family.  While supplies last. 

Plan:  Gather your girlfriends, rent a cabin, and head to the Smokies with all your scrapbooking gear.  Paper, scissors, glue - check!  Stencils, pens, stickers - check!
After a day of scrapbooking, figure out what additional supplies you need.  Good news - you will be close to Pigeon Forge which has 2 scrapbook stores next to each other (near the outlet mall).  These stores have the highest variety and lowest prices I've seen to date.  Stock up for the year and return back to the mountains.

Family Idea #4: Occassional Splurge in the Smokies

This is the sixth 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 "What A Difference Makes", it encourages couples to take an occassional splurge, "Tightening belts may be good for the soul, but it's lousy for the spirit.  Do something amazing today.  Surprise your partner, go all out and spoil her rotten.  You know she's worth it...The occassional splurge may seem expensive, but it can re-energize you and your partner."

Idea:  Why not splurge for a luxury cabin rental and pampering indulgences in the Smoky Mountains?  Yes, Lightning Bug Lodge pricing isn't in the same tier as your Econo Budget Motel, buit isn't it worth it to splurge for a memorable outing?  The grand space, the fireplace burning, the amenities, the bright starry nights from the deck, all to pamper you and your special one.  The photo I took of flowers my son picked for our next guests because he wants everyone to rate Lightning Bug Lodge as "five stars".

Plan:  Book your luxury cabin rental and make it even special with pampering activities.  How about a day devoted to relaxation including spa treatments?  Here's a few to consider in the Smoky Mountains:

1.  Beneficial to Life - massage at cabin  http://beneficialtolife.com/services_and_rates.html
2.  Smoky Mountain Massage - massage at cabin http://smokymountainmassage.com/index.htm
3.  Aurora Massage - nearby Pigeon Forge location
http://auroramassagetn.com/about.aspx

Up, Up, & Away - Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway

"Too often we are so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey."  You hear sayings about the journey being as great as the destination - this is often true in the Smoky Mountains, whether driving on scenic two lane roads or finding unique transportation up and down the mountains.  Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway is a prime example of the journey being a joy.  We considered driving up to Mt. Harrison to get to our destination - Ober Gatlinburg.  Glad we took the aerial tramway instead.  Not only did we hear the drive up Mt. Harrison described as precarious, we also discovered the kids had a blast on our journey to the destination. 

Facts

- one of America's largest tramways holding 120 people

- according to our guide, it's the newest US tramway built in 2007

- takes you to an elevation of 2,700 ft. in 10 minutes, moving 23 mph

- leaves every 20 minutes, $11 adult ticket, $8.50 age 7-11

Prior to 1972, skiers had no choice but to take the steep winding road.  In 1973 a tramway was intalled and the new car was installed in 2007.  Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway has taken over 18 million passengers.

Save the gas & stress of driving up the mountain, park in Gatlinburg and enjoy the scenic ride.  Plus, may you have a jolly, joyful guide like ours that pointed out unique buildings below and added fun jokes about chalets and Ken & Barbie. 

Tips:  Get in line near opening and closing for less crowded cars, so you have a better chance of a window view.  Call ahead to find out whether the company is offering the buy one day, get next day free (tramway, not Ober Gatlinburg amusement pass - these are separate fees) - it could give you an opportunity to ride multiple times.

When to See the Leaves Change in the Smokies

Travel & Leisure magazine, REI sporting retail store, and Smoky Mountains - what a great combination!  As a Travel & Leisure subscriber and a REI member, I was excited to see an online article by Travel & Leisure choose the Smoky Mountains as a Top 12 Best Affordable Adventure & quote an REI employee.  The article "Go biking, hiking, and boating among the fall colors -all for a great price" by Diane Mehta (Sept. '09) describes the Smoky Mountain autumn beauty:

"The reds, yellows, and oranges of the Great Smoky Mountains explode all around you as you hike the Appalachian Trail up Clingmans Dome, then ridge-walk through hardwood forests, emerging on top of treeless mountains.  Fog floats among the trees and settles in the valley, adding a mystical feel without diminishing the powerful colors.  Says Tim Loftus of REI Adventures, which operates several fall hiking trips in the area:  It's like a fireworks show out there."

So when should you book your cabin rental at Lightning Bug Lodge to see the "fireworks"?  According to NPS.gov (National Park Service), it depends on the elevation:

Highest elevation:  mid Sept.
High elevation (above 4,000 ft):  early to mid Oct. - drive Clingmans Dome Rd
Mid to low elevation:  mid Oct. to early Nov.

For the full article, visit Travel & Leisure website:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/best-affordable-fall-adventures/1

Plus 6 Smoky Mountain Hikes Under 1 Mile

Travel & Leisure magazine list the Smoky Mountains as one of America's Best Family Getaways.  In the article "15 Can't Miss Adventures from Sea to Shining Sea" (March '10), author Kathryn O'Sha-Evans gives easy hikes as an example of why the Smokies is a great family getaway.

Here's 6 family friendly hikes, each 1 mile or less:

1.  Clingman's Dome Tower, 1 mile, easy
+ paved and accessible with wheelchair or stroller
+ climb to TN highest peak (6,643 ft) for view

2.  Cosby Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN, 1 mile, easy loop
+ virgin forest

3.  Cove Hardwoods Nature Trail, Gatinliburg, TN, 1 mile
+ old growth hardwood forest and flowers

4.  Elkmont Nature Trail, 0.8 mile
+ changing landscape
+ clues to human activity from long ago

5.  Noah Bud Ogle Trail, Gatlinburg, TN, 0.7 mile loop
+ easy access to historic structures
+ connects to streamside trail

6.  Sugarlands Valley Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN, 0.5 mile
+ easy for persons in wheelchair
+ interpretive plaques
+ tactile exhibits & audio tapes (available at visitor center) for visually challenged

Of these 6 trails, which one is your family's favorite and why?

For more information on the trails, read Falcon Guide Best Easy Day Hikes:  Great Smoky Mountain National Park Guide Book by Randy Johnson.

What are your favorite hikes in the Smoky Mountains and why?  Please leave a comment.  For full Best Family Getaways article, visit Travel & Leisure website:
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/americas-best-family-getaways-2010/10

Cabin Review #2: Niece Weekend in the Smokies

To Billy, Trisha, Shelli, Allison, Damien, and Rylie,

Thank you so much for being guests at Lightning Bug Lodge.  Your story of your Nieces Weekend warmed our hearts.  What a great family to spend quality time together in the Smokies. 

We love our nieces too and have great memories of spending time with them in the cabin; we are so glad you had a fun time too.  Here's what Billy, Trisha, Shelli, Allison, Damien, and Rylie had to say about their experience at Lightning Bug Lodge:

" Feb. 18 -20, 2011

Niece Weekend Getaway

What a great place to spend the weekend watching movies by the fireplace, playing pool and foosball, big family dinners, and taking lots of pictures.

Great way to connect with the kids and get away from home for a couple of days.  Beautiful and cozy."

Billy, Trishia, Shelli, Allison, Damien, and Rylie, we wish you the best and welcome you return to Lightning Bug Lodge to build more memories together.

Cabin Review #1: Cabin Love

One of our cabin guests created this picture and testimonial.  I love the beauty and simplicity of the message.  This note means so much to our family; we really cherish this note.

According to the thesaurus & dictionary, love means so much:  admire, adulate, be attached to, be capticated by, be crazy about, be enamored of, be enchanted by, be fascinated with, be fond of, care for, cherish, choose, delight, dote on, fall for, fancy, glorify, hold dear, hold high, lose ones heart to, prefer, prize, think the world of, thrive with, treasure, wild for...

We hope you will fall in love with Lightning Bug Lodge and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park too.  Give love a chance, escape to the Smokies with your loved ones.

Bunk Beds at Your Smoky Mountain Cabin

 Lightning Bug Lodge is designed to be family friendly.  As owners with children, we understand the desire to both create family memories with the kids and find time as a couple.  Sometimes four or more in one hotel room doesn't always match the vision of a relaxing vacation. 

Come to Lightning Bug Lodge.  We had two bunk beds custom made locally, so you and your spouse can choose "Mountain View Serenity" (upstairs bedroom) or "Forest Life" (downstairs bedroom) bedrooms and have the kids sleep close, but outside your room.  The upstairs has a bunk with a twin over a Queen.  The downstairs has a twin over a twin.

The kids think it's cool too. When my kids have their cousins, they always head to the bunk beds and it's always a bunch of chatter and chuckles.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

Luxury in Nature, a Smoky Mountain Example

What do we mean by luxury in nature?

Coming from quite a bit of experience in tent camping & scout camping, there's no doubt that an air conditioned, heated cabin is luxury.  However, we took this cabin to the next level with choosing only the best in furnishings. so you feel surrounded in luxury. 

Here's one example, one of the chairs is a Lonsdale Barstool from Frontgate.  Inspired from the 18th century classics, this barstool uses the finest leather hide (considered top/full grain) and hand crafted solid hardwood.  In the cool grey color, it's a custom order.  In trying to be as green as possible, I went to the outlet where people returned their custom ordered fine furnishing (and saved at least a little green in my purse too).  While the standard barstool sells for $699, the custom chair costs $899 and 7 weeks if you order online. 

Frontgate's slogan is "outfitting America's finest homes", I'd add "and finest cabins".  Only the best for our guests; Relax and enjoy!

What to Bring to Your Smoky Cabin Rental

How could I resist a photo of my son's rugged muddy jeans with super hero underwear?  He's my little super hero, exploring the world and saving nature.

There's a lot to explore in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, so I thought I'd give a few tips on how to prepare and pack for the adventure.

1.  Extra clothes

- detergent, we supply the full size washer & dryer, we both know kids love dirt

I supplied Seventh Generation (post attending the CEO's presentation on the company's commitment to the environment), but it could be gone

-expect rain & sun:  rain jacket or plastic poncho, umbrella, plastic bags, sunglasses and strap, suntan lotion

-expect warm & cold:  coat, mitten/gloves, it will be both warmer & colder than you expect, it gets cooler as you climb in altitude

2.  Toiletries

- be comfortable:  cabin management supplies soap, bring your favorite shampoo & conditioner and typical items (toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shaving lotion, razor, mouthwash, dental floss), plus ones for safety (bug spray, first aid kit, sunscreen)

3.  Hiking/Swimming Gear

- prepare for fun:  swimsuit, beach towel - besides the hot tub and resort pool, you may be inspired to tube or raft

- be safe:  sturdy hiking boots/shoes (rocks get slippery when wet), water bottle, phone

- capture the moment:  backpack with cameras, map, compass, binoculars

4.  Food Supplies

- either bring or buy at the local Kroger, pack picnics and enjoy home cooked meals together
I once stocked the cupboards (even stevia sugar & gourmet oils) for guests only to find out the rental management company had to take it all out prior to renting due to government safety regulations.  We can't even supply salt or pepper in shakers.  However, we do supply you with a full size stove, refrigerator, microwave, and cofee pot. 

Bring delight:  cookies, pancake mix, ketchup, mustard, steak sauce, salt, pepper, coffee, creamer, tea, sugar

Buy staples:  fruits & vegetables, milk, eggs, bacon, hot dogs, hamburger, fish, brats, steak, ice cream?

Now is your chance to swap stories in person, leave the computer at home.

Any other ideas?  Ingenious handy travel items?  Items you once forgot, but now always bring?