Friday, May 5, 2017

Berry Springs Lodge- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

So, we planned out a trip to spend some time near the Great Smoky Mountains, and its surrounding area.  We probably make it here a time or two each year, and it seems that we rarely stay in the same place as there are some interesting places to stay!

This time, we decided to give the #1 ranked Bed and Breakfast in Sevierville (currently, according to tripadvisor) a chance!

Berry Springs Lodge is actually right in Pigeon Forge, VERY close to Dollywood (I am guessing it is a mile or two away), but also still very secluded.

Berry Springs is part of the Select Registry group of B&B and inns, and we have had a LOT of success with the group lately (remember when I mentioned Rabbit Hill Inn in Vermont and Chanticleer Inn in Georgia?).  These guys seem to have a very high standard!

So, we arrived on a Thursday and we were able to check in early!  That was appreciated, and it was a huge plus!

We were given a tour of the place, and told about the lake, the property etc.  Canned drinks, hot tea and coffee were pretty much always available for the taking.  That's a pretty cool bonus anywhere!

What you might call a "main lobby area" simply looked so cozy.  There were several sitting areas near a TV and near a fireplace.  Stairs come down from a balcony area over looking this area.  It is very attractive, and has that perfect "lodge" feel.  I took a photo, but it really doesn't do justice to how pretty and comfortable it is here.  I love some of the little touches at Berry Springs.  A HUGE stuffed (as in toy stuffed animal, not taxidermy) moose head hangs on the wall.  A similar giant fish is over the fireplace!

Bears are a big deal in the Great Smoky Mountains, and Berry Springs has utilized bears in their décor.  On our bed when we arrived, were two small toy bears to keep us company for the stay!  Our room was so perfect.  There was a fireplace, regional magazines, and a great balcony we could relax on, over looking the mountains.  It was clean and well maintained.  Room service and turn down service were perfect each day too.

In the early afternoon and evenings, we enjoyed sitting in rocking chairs on the Lodge's back porch.  We could hear wild turkey and birds.  Bird feeder's attracted several winged critters.  A squirrel was a frequent visitor too, picking up seeds dropped by the birds.  We really enjoyed our time on this porch, as there are plenty of seats, and the view is amazing.  We took books to read, but just looking out at the land was so relaxing.

And the whole property had the same mellow vibe.  We walked down to the lake at Berry Springs, and it was a very nice way to start a morning.  It was a steep walk downhill, and staff recommended that we use a walking stick (I probably would use one next time) but a stick really wasn't necessary if you're careful.  Near the lake is a barn with a pool table and some other games.  A canoe is on the property that can be taken around the lake.  We skipped that this time (it was a chilly morning) but I will want to try that out next time.  We walking in a loop, going back to the Lodge by way of their main driveway, instead of walking back of the steep hill trail path.

When it comes to places like this, obviously breakfast is a big deal.


Well, Berry Springs Lodge did a great job on breakfast.  Juice, and fruit cups were available along with the main meal.  Of course, fresh coffee was always around too.

My wife has been on a big health kick lately, and Berry Springs prepared some healthy but tasty breakfasts for her.

I was OK with indulging in the delicious breakfasts offered, and I am so glad I did!  Check out the photos!  These were easily some of the best breakfasts I have ever had in my life.

We spent 3 nights here, and we made a point of spending a lot of time Saturday around Berry Springs Lodge just because we wanted to enjoy all the time at the place that we could.  It was just so relaxing!














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