You simply cannot beat the surroundings, the inn itself or the service. A true gem. No need for a long review on this place. It's outstanding......... that should cover it.

We have stayed at the inn twice a year for the last five years. The owners and staff attend to every need. It feels like your own personal vacation retreat. The uninterrupted view of the peaks of The Great Smoky Mts is unbelievable. The rooms are spacious and extremely clean. Each room opens onto balcony overlooking the mountains. The dining room and common rooms are inviting. The breakfast and evening desserts are delicious. I almost hesitate to share this review because I don't want to share this place with too many people. It is truly a slice of heaven on earth.

My wife and I stayed at the lodge based on a recommendation of a co-worker. We are very glad we did.

Vern and Lisa were on vacation yet it was certainly not a case of when the cat is away the mice will play. The staff was very cordial and a total delight. The food was also outstanding.

Some people commented about the steep road yet it is really only steep in one part which is right at the very end. The view at the top makes it worth it.

As far as the age of the clientele goes, all I can say is my wife and I are far from retirement age yet we loved it. Our reason for going was to escape the hussle and bussle of corporate life for a few days and we did. Yes, most people there were retired yet who cares. Each night a group sat around with a glass of wine and desert and had a great time.

If it is excitement you want go somewhere else. If it is a lovely, peaceful and relaxing time with great service then this is the place for you. We liked it so much on our first visit we have booked another already. Oh, we also bought some of that art some people liked to criticize yet it was never once pushed on us. And yes, they are reproductions of the lithograph or giclee variety. They make great conversation pieces with friends.

After the trip up the hill, which, although challenging, very doable, we were enchanted withe the first view of the Inn and its surroundings. We checked in and fell in love. One reviewer said this is a place for "old codgers". Couldn't be more wrong. It is a beautiful natural setting (yes there are paintings on all the walls, and although they are not my taste in art, they are definitely well-done..and it was not overwhelming in the room) with a wonderful porch with chairs to sit on and enjoy the view. The breakfasts were truly high quality and well-thought out. The evening desserts were wonderful., I did see a couple sitting in the kitchen once. The reality is that a lot of us who frequent bed and breakfasts enjoy meeting people from other places and walks of life. If you want absolute privacy, go to Motel 6 where they don't care about you and won't give you the time of day. We thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality here. So clean and beautiful.And really, so caring of their guests. I have NEVER been treated this well at any bed and breakfast. Yes, I believe it to be a little pricey at first glance, but ultimately, we felt like we truly got our money;s worth. We will be back. And we will bring friends. And we are not old. Keep doing what you are doing, Vern and Lisa. It was magnificent.