“I never want to leave”…

“It’s our first visit, but it won’t be our last”…

I heard these sentiments expressed time and time again – along with those who shared the number of years they have been visiting The Swag, making friends, and sharing their experiences – which was so insightful! I loved hearing other people’s stories.

This was our first visit – I had no idea, really, what to expect – I can tell you, what we experienced was over-the-top and beyond our wildest expectations. It all began at the Welcome Center with Hannah, who greeted us with a warm towel, cold drink and big smile at the Welcome Station. The Swag is a magical place with a sense of community, caring, loyalty and luxury. Where the staff truly like their jobs and don’t just “show up” for a paycheck. There is a sense of family among them that is enviable.

Do you remember the excitement of summer camp as a kid? All the unknowns, and how you would experience new and different things that were so much fun. There was a great sense of camaraderie and adventure. The way I would describe The Swag to a newcomer, would be eerily similar to summer camp as a kid but on a much grander, sophisticated, elegant and luxurious level. Did I mention that this special place is at 5,000′ elevation? You are literally perched at the top of the mountain!

It was exciting to receive the itinerary on our door each morning. So many wonderful choices of things to do (or do none at all, there is absolutely no pressure!) – They have what is called an Expert in Residence: each does their own thing, and wow, I cannot encourage you to participate enough. Our EIR was Steven Reinhold of Appalachian Adventure Company – he shared so much information and made it so interesting. He encouraged questions. Some groups were younger, some were older and he balanced and made it comfortable for everyone. We learned so much through his hikes, the sunrise hike to Gooseberry Knob was amazing. The Forest Bathing hike, I will never forget. (You don’t realize how often your shoulders reach your ears and how a walk in the woods, coupled with some deep breaths can really help!) – and our last hike to Hemp Hill Bald – his route, which took us to the Hog Hilton after a stop at the top, where the scenery was over the top gorgeous – a place for memories to be made (and where my husband proposed to me for another 30 years!) 💗

From morning breakfast (to die for, the best grits ever! and ooooh, the yogurt, berries and granola!) to a wonderful packed lunch, with everything included. They will pack it in a picnic basket, a backpack or a paper bag to go. 3PM brings warm cookies and tea (I don’t think we ever made it to this.) 6PM is time to snack on their (to die for) hors d’oeuvres. The dinner bell rings at 7PM (another summer camp nod). There is always a beef, a seafood, another and a vegetarian option on the menu. Each was outstanding. You will hear people say if you’re at the Swag and you’re hungry, you’re doing something wrong. No kidding! Meals and snacks are included in the room price. There are always two coolers available in the dog trot (common outdoor area) – one has bottled waters and sodas, both fancy and regular – They had some really wonderful choices right from Waynesville, NC – so interesting and delicious. Then the other, white, magical cooler held the house made ice cream. I kid you not. In all my years, I have NEVER run across ice cream this delicious. I’m not even a big ice cream eater – but this was over the top, out of this world – award winning! There was ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet all different flavors and interesting combinations. My eyes never went past the peanut butter ice cream. Kudos to the ice cream chef!

In addition to all of this wonderfulness, we celebrated a few big events. My birthday was made extra special – there was a sweet note card on the table, and my husband ordered flowers delivered to the room (and a cake, a stunning, mocha-type cake that came after dinner and after dessert!!!) It was out of this world. 

We also celebrated our 30th anniversary. I did love how they had announcements before dinner each night (another nod to summer camp memories) – highlights of the day – upcoming events for the evening or for early the next day. People who were celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It brought us all together. The Swag is not a large place. There are 17 rooms – perfection. So when you know it’s someone’s birthday, you truly wish them the best. 

We’ve listened to the history of The Swag several times (watch the video on their website!!) – the new owners carried on with what the previous owners have started. The’ve done an excellent job and their taste is IMPECCABLE. The design features throughout The Swag are overwhelming and when we left we were ready to redecorate! Even my husband was pulling up seat cushions to see what brand comfortable sofa he was sitting on. Elegant touches such as the drapery material were exquisite in every way (I am not a drape person, but now… we want drapes!) I won’t go on about the history of the Swag (but you will want to read it and listen to it), you can hear about that when you watch the (incredible) video. What went into making our room special (oh so special!) from the heated floors in the bathroom (to die for), the stunning steam shower, even the makeup mirror, blowdryer – I’m ready to switch everything out and upgrade, ha ha. Another nice touch (as I’m listening to it now) – in the room, there is an internet radio and ours was set to Escape Radio (I’m playing now via Spotifiy) – it takes you to another world. That too is on the list – luckily I can listen to it on my computer, so in a small way, I haven’t left the Swag yet. #musiciseverything

Thank you to the Swag, to the incredible people we met, to all of you who work so tirelessly to make everyones visit extra special. To mention just a few: Hannah, you welcome visitors in the most perfect way – you made us feel special and excited about what was to come. Thank you Jim, who showed us around, you’re so kind and I really appreciate the heads up about the peanut butter ice cream!  Thank you Connor for your excellence as a sommelier but also for teaching us (unbeknownst to you) how to play croquet (while sitting on our balcony, while you were teaching others). Becky and Jill, you’re both wonderful at the front desk – you are a delight! This is just to name a FEW. Thank you to the Swag for the special touches, the pottery, the walking stick – that really is amazing to walk with. Thank you for the mesmerizing chocolates at turndown, for the smiles, the kindness and for bringing our car to us packed with a lunch for the way home, a few waters and snack mix. You have literally thought of everything.

See you soon!

Sometimes you just need to get away. Especially if it’s a big occasion (big birthday for me, and 30th anniversary for us) – sometimes a splurge is just what you need.

Well, the dog days of summer are certainly upon us. This sweet beast beats the heat by watching for the birds. #smartbeast In this post is a special recipe from days gone by to keep you cool as well as a few treats to keep our dogs cooler…