Pampered at 5000 Feet



Great view, food, folks, hikes, double shower!



The Turk and I wanted to do something a bit special for our belated anniversary celebration. The Swag was the answer.  A swag is a dip between 2 mountains that isn’t quite big enough to be called a pass, and this Swag is a beautiful inn. This exclusive country inn was developed by Deener and Dan Mathews originally as a family home and a religious retreat. Dan is an Episcipal priest and Rector Emeritus of Trinity Church, Wall Street, in New York City.  Deener and Dan started opening their inn to guests during the World’s Fair in Knoxville when there was a shortage of hotel rooms. Their experience, and that of their guests, was so positive, they decided to operate as an inn. 



The drive to the hotel

 

The property is beautiful.  It borders on the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and has endless hikes and views to occupy your day.  There are little hideaways throughout the property, each named for a family member who liked their view and location.  There is a tree house for adults, badminton, horse shoe and crocket courts, a hike to an original log cabin from the 1800’s, waterfalls and views upon views. 

one of the hikes





The chef features local produce and recipes for all meals which are gathering times for the guests.  Dinner time is the prime social time.  Hors d’ouevres are served on the porch at 6pm. Southern Living magazine is doing an article in April that talks about the Swag’s interesting appetizers.  It seems unique people are attracted to The Swag.  Deener rings the dinner bell to draw us into the dining rooms where our seats are assigned to continue the interesting conversations.  With no television, the evening conversations are truly the entertainment.



More hiking



The rooms are unique and decorated for comfort and rustic luxury. We would laugh when we returned to our room after a short outing to find it made up, as if by little elves. The beds would be turned down during dinner and the room bear would be sitting on the bed with a small gift. One night, the bear was dressed like the Turk in his favorite fishing hat and sunglasses which cracked me up.

The personal connection with everyone at the inn was very special. It really was a great way to celebrate our anniversary.



After hike!



More fun

mark becomes a bear

sunset



chandelier in the main room



Mark’s favorite souvenirs came from this part of North Carolina, near Waynesville.  His walking stick from The Swag and the 10 ft hickory log he bought for $15 at a firewood shop.

the lazy bear in the raftors