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

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."

Family Idea #2: Hiking to Listen

This is the second 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.

Idea:  Chapter "A walk on the Wild Side" encourages couples to escape the house and reconnect through walking, "Walking is wonderful.  Need to clear your head of clutter and put problems into perspective?  Take a hike."  Get outdoors and listen to your loved ones.

Action:  Walking around the neighborhood is start.  Kick it up a notch by adding a new view.  How about hiking in the Smokies?

Plan:  Two hikes rumored to be relatively secluded in Townsend, TN (the quiet side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

1.  Indian Hills Falls trail

The stats:  8-11 miles out & back, 5.5 hours, easy/moderate, rated 5/5 stars by hikers

Where:  Park at Institue at Tremont visitor center, take the Middle Prong Trail

What's neat:  old railroad bed, logging community artifacts, Panther Falls

Tip:  Go left at 4 miles (the trail takes you in that direction, but there's no sign)

2.  Spruce Flats Falls & Chestnut Top Wildflowers trail

The stats:  2 miles out & back, difficult, 1,400 ft. to 1,700, rated 5/5 stars by hikers

Where:  Park at Tremont visitor center, take Lumber Ridget Trail to Buckeye to Falls

Tip:  dropoffs, narrow, and rocky, but at the end rewarded with a waterfall

Family Idea #1: Relax & Re-Learn Letter Writing in the Smokies

This is the first article on a series of ideas leveraging tips from the book Re-Energize Your Relationship and applying them to vacation ideas in the Smokies.  We hope Lightning Bug Lodge (LBL) is a place for you to build relationships and gain a new perspective.

"Read Em' and Weep" Chapter 1 Idea:  This chapter explains the beauty of a handwritten letter and how texting is a poor substitute.  On a vacation with fewer distractions than normal, take time to express your feelings in writing.  The book suggests surprising a special someone, "Write a letter to the woman or man in your life and leave it for them when they come back from work or the store.  Hide love notes in his suit pocket.  Tuck them under her pillow or pop them in her pocketbook." 

Take Action:  When you are at Lightning Bug Lodge, you are so high up the mountain, your texting likely won't work.  What a great opportunity to re-learn the art of letter writing.  I've provided stationary at the cabin to make it easy for you - just bring your thoughts.

Special Offer:  For those not staying in the cabin tonight, I've made custom LBL note cards.  I'll send a set free to the first 3 people to respond to me with their address.  Follow "Meet the owner" link (upper right column) to find my contact info.