Imagine for a moment somewhat unplugging, completely unwinding and finally relaxing, even if it's only for a weekend.
Sounds like, well, it sounds like someone else's weekend, doesn't it?
If you think you can't achieve this modern-day nirvana, think again. It's doable, but you must think bigger, like mountains bigger.
And if you want to escape the demands of every day and recharge, check out checking in at one of these three mountain accommodations.
It's perfectly fine to admit the amenities at ReTreet Resort in Scottsboro, Ala., were the first things that caught your eye. Whose interest wouldn't be piqued by such niceties as a rejuvenating Nordic Cycle Station, a dedicated golf cart to tool around the property, and a fun Tree Shop with convenience items and local merchandise.
And if that isn't enough, place yourself leisurely waking up to an upgrade like a delivered bakery breakfast box, followed by practicing on the one-hole putting green, playing along the disc golf course or working out on the outdoors station, then ending in the hammock, slightly swaying while reading a book from the little library (a nap may or may not follow.)
Situated on 40 acres in north Alabama, overlooking Lake Guntersville, ReTreet blends nature with comfortable luxury with accommodation options such as the Treehouses, with a king loft bedroom; the Glamping Tents, with a two-person hot tub on the back deck; the Tiny Cottages, with a personal firepit setup; and two-bedroom Cabins, with views of Lake Guntersville.
The best part is that you can feel secluded without being secluded, as all units include free Wi-Fi, a Smart TV and a kitchen area.
As a bonus, the Treehouses and Glamping Tents are four-legged friendly (a small fee is included). ReTreet also has a dog park and hiking trails to keep you and your furry travel buddy active.
While You Are Here: Spend a day in Scottsboro and visit the Scottsboro Boys Museum to learn more about the nine young men and how the trail eventually led to two landmark civil rights precedents. Find a one-of-a-kind piece or two at Unclaimed Baggage or Patches Merchant Emporium. Enjoy something sweet from Alabama's oldest soda shop, Payne's Soda Fountain, order a coffee drink from Alabaster Coffee Company and grab dinner at KC's Bar-B-Q, one of two Scottboro restaurants on the North Alabama BBQ Trail.
Lake Guntersville State Park is the perfect place to start exploring Guntersville. It offers 36 miles of multi-use trails, birdwatching, a beach complex, and more.
Check out downtown Guntersville, and don't miss City Harbor, a mixed-use development with restaurants, shops and sweeping views of Lake Guntersville. Dine, or sit and unwind while enjoying the lake.
Cathedral Caverns in Woodville has many fascinating attributes, from its massive entrance, which holds the world record for commercial cave entrances, to "Goliath," which is claimed to be one of the world's colossal stalagmites. Reserve a tour to learn more about the cave's history and formations.
Picture yourself waking up late—but not too late to miss breakfast—and exhaling as you savor the first cup of coffee or tea you made while soaking in the surroundings.
At Windy Hill Farm and Preserve, the above scenario becomes a reality.
The 650-acre all-inclusive property, outside of Loudon, Tenn., proffers a distinctive experience for those who enjoy the outdoors, elevated dining, new activities and events and, of course, the choice of not doing anything at all.
It all begins with the accommodations. Windy Hill Farms offers three categories: The Lodge, with its hotel-like setup and centralized location, and Water Tower Cabins, with floor-to-ceiling windows and pet-friendly select cabins, both double-occupancies. The Farmhouse meets the requirements for friends' getaways with five bedrooms and a full kitchen.
Keep busy, if you choose, with activities that include hiking the over five miles of trail traversing through the woods and along the river, taking a garden walk or reserving a bike for a ride - all complimentary. The property offers hour-long standard activities, like forest bathing, wood burning, guided archery, and axe throwing, all priced separately. You can also purchase an activity pass to access all standard activities. The premium activities (fees and allotted time vary; advanced booking required) include bourbon tasting, in-room massage and a wine hike.
Depending on the time of year of your visit and if you're game (pun intended), you partake in upland quail hunting.
While Wilder, the on-site restaurant, offers all three meals, the dinner experience is sublime. Its four-course meal is inspired by seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced from the garden on the grounds. The meal also reflects and honors the diverse flavors of Appalachian culture. Don't forget to order dessert.
Let's Go: Loudon and Loudon County is situated between Chattanooga and Knoxville and is known as the "Lakeway to the Smokies." The area is rich in agritourism, with places to visit, like Sweetwater Valley Farms in Philadelphia and Tennessee Valley Winery in Loudon, and outdoor opportunities, such as boating on Fort Loudoun Lake and hiking along the East Tennessee Lakeshore Trail.
Explore the downtowns of Lenior City and Loudon.
There are attractions close by as well. In Vonore, you can tour the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, which chronicles the life and contributions of Sequoyah and highlights the history and culture of the Cherokee Indians in Eastern Tennessee. Fort Loudoun State Historic Park, also in Vonore, is one of the earliest British fortifications on the Western frontier and brings to light life during the French and Indian War. Join a guided tour of the country's largest underground lake and caverns at The Lost Sea Adventure.
Take a short road trip to Maryville, Knoxville or Gatlinburg/ Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, all less than an hour away.
Imagine the cred you'll have among your family, friends and co-workers when you tell them you drove along or on parts of Tail of the Dragon/US 129, the 11-mile stretch from Tennessee to North Carolina. While you'll have to take on all or some of those 318 curves (with possible photographic proof) to get to the Historic Tapoco Lodge, about 15 miles north of Robbinsville, N.C., it'll be worth it.
Developed by Tallassee Power Company in 1930 as housing for hydroelectric power projects workers, the 120-acre property, tucked in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Nantahala National Forest, with the rushing Cheoah River beside it, enchants you with its rustic charm.
At the main lodge, discover a charming gift shop ideal for souvenirs, including Tapoco Lodge swag, a cozy nook for reading and games, and two onsite restaurants: The Cheoah Dining Room (serving breakfast) and the riverside Tapoco Tavern (offering lunch and dinner), along with the Laurel Lounge Bourbon Bar.
The accommodations, named after and themed around regional flora, are also in the building and feature much of its original design and locally sourced elements. Rooming options include six lodge rooms with a king bed, spacious private bath, no televisions (but there is WiFi) and either view of the river or property, perfect for singles or couples, and three suites with different configurations provide more views and elevated amenities like sitting areas and jetted tubs.
Eighteen cabin rooms, with two pet-friendly ones, are available for something a little more secluded. Amenities include porches - perfect for enjoying the morning and evening views, and firepits - a cozy way to end the night.
The chalkboard in the lobby lists the daily activities schedule. Still, you can also do things independently, like hike any of the property's 11 trails, explore the surroundings and check out the antique gas station and Tin Can Theater, enjoy a beverage of your choice along the riverbank or s'mores at the firepit, night sky watching or schedule a massage with Mountain Spa.
Venture Out: If you can pull yourself away from Tapoco Lodge, check out Fontana Dam and its visitors center. At 480 feet, the dam is the tallest one east of the Rockies.
Explore Joyce Kilmer Forest, known for its remnants of old-growth forest. It is home to over 100 tree species, many of which are over 400 years old.
Lake Santeetlah is prime for fishing and water recreation, such as boating, canoeing and kayaking. There are also hiking trails.
Plan your visit to Tapoco Lodge around the Cheoah River release.
Visit Robbinsville, the hometown of singer Ronnie Milsap. Pop in Wehrloom to sample some mead and try their honey products. Swing by Kin Cafe for a jolt of caffeine. Find a conversation piece for your house at Hunting Boy Wood Carving.
The Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center is a short drive from Robbinsville. The facility hosts classes and events such as the Arts & Craft Drive-About, which is held twice a year. It also houses a retail artisan gift gallery worth perusing.