After our 4 year celebration at an Asheville/Waynesville bed and breakfast, my better half and I were looking for a change of scenery, as well as a nature-driven getaway in the Smokies. The Creekwalk Inn was exactly what the doctor ordered. This review is going to be a little long, just because there is so much to mention!! The inn sits on a large property with the inn keeper's horses roaming freely in the green pasture, and the cool creek bubbling outside your window. It's equidistant from Knoxville and Asheville (about 45 minutes), and it's only a 20 minute drive to Gatlinburg...you wouldn't know how close you are to everything because the place is so peaceful and secluded.

We stayed in the Ramsey Cascade room (paid for an upgrade with the Living Social voucher) and while the room's a tad bit smaller than expected (they mention that they're small), it was still cute, cozy, and enjoyable. The room included a jacuzzi tub in the bathroom and had a balcony right outside the room overlooking the creek. The lack of TV initially was a little surprising (especially with my love of AMC's FearFest the 2 weeks before Halloween), but we hardly even noticed it was missing because we had so much fun!! In fact, it was nice not having the distraction of the TV so we could spend time with the inn keepers, Janice and Tifton, as well as with the other guests and, most importantly, with each other.

When we first arrived, we were greeted with tea and snacks (part of our voucher), and boy, was everything phenomenal. Janice had prepared freshly baked cherry scones, ooey gooey brownies, tea sandwiches, and shortbread cookies. We also each got a pot of tea of our choosing, and we got to experience high tea in a much more relaxed environment. Breakfast was delicious, and you could taste the love and effort Janice put into making the experience one to remember. While I was there, my asthma was aggravated because of the sudden weather changes (went from 80 degrees to 40 in a matter of hours), and Janice was so accommodating and helpful! She made pots of herbal tea to soothe my throat and lungs, and lit the fireplace to keep us warm during breakfast. She was so sweet and caring, and we definitely learned about her and vice-versa. She's a great conversationalist, and has such a wise soul; it's totally worth spending some time getting to know her. Our voucher included a pie making class, and that was a trip!! Our crusts were finicky because of the humidity outside where we were putting the pies together, but man they turned out so delicious!! The crust was so buttery and flaky, and the apples were tart but still sweet. I'm still munching on the pie...it's just perfect! :)

Janice also gave us numerous suggestions for activities and sights to see, such as the Foothills Parkway, Midnight Hole, The Carver Orchard (amazing food!), etc...and to top it all off, she and Tifton prepared bagged lunches for everyone to take on their expeditions. The ham sandwiches and chicken salad sandwiches were delightful, and each lunch was nicely balanced to provide energy for the day ahead. She even packed some PB&J's for the long trek back!! Little touches like this really made our experience here surpass those at the other bed and breakfasts. I would definitely suggest going to Creekwalk Inn with your honey, and enjoying some R&R together...it's totally worth it :)

We spent four nights in one of the Wildflower Wilderness cabins and really enjoyed our time. The cabins are very remote: after checking in at the Inn, you have to drive about another 45 minutes through the mountains on some steep and narrow roads. There are 12 cabins but they are nicely spread out and tightly surrounded by trees. The nearest park entrance (Greenbriar) is about 35 minutes away, and the shops and restaurants of Gatlinburg are a little further down the road. If you really want to cram in lots of time exploring, these cabins may be a little too remote. The daily drive to the park was tiring for us. Plan to do most of your own cooking because you are 40+ minutes away from every restaurant and grocery store.

The cabin was great! It has a hot tub on the deck and indoor Jacuzzi tub along with a 3/4 bathroom. There is a fireplace, comfy king-size bed, and small unobtrusive TV with satellite and a DVD player. The kitchen has all of the appliances you could need (including a dishwasher), but we wished it had a little more cookware and utensils considering that most guests probably do all of their meals there. There is a small grill outside, too. The place is definitely suited only for two people, or maybe two adults and a small child.

Our cabin was very cozy, well-furnished, and spotlessly clean. Janice and her team have thought of everything! We enjoyed watching the sunset from the hot tub, reading on the deck, hiking to the private swimming hole, and curling up each night in the great bed. This is a place of solitude and comfort. If you're looking for a quiet place to get away, look no further!

If you like the idea of making memories to last a life time...take Hwy 321 to Creekwalk Inn and Whisperwwood Farms. You can take a hike, learn to bake apple pies, chill to soothing music from the CD selection, watch the sun come up, listen to the water traveling down the creek, enjoy a home cooked breakfast, a packed lunch, 15 - 20 to shopping and shows, fabulos rooms, a hot cup of tea, read a great book in the library, enjoy the great company and shared stories of the inkeeper, watch the star come out and get ready for your second day. I didn't even touch the part about the mountains, the birds, the rapids, the deer and everything Tennessee has to offer. Just ask Janice and Tifon. They are happy to share the love they have for their home and their wide open "back yard". We have become part of their extend family and I'm sure they will welcome you in as well.

Absolutely unforgettable. Bring a book, your closest companion, a smile and feet ready to travel. Forget everything else, things sort themselves out at Whisperwood. LOVE.