The Lodge at Buckberry Creek
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek near Gatlinburg, Tenn., prides itself on offering guests a luxury stay in the heart of the Smokies. The main lodge house, say its owners, offers guests a rustic elegance and can provide space for weddings, anniversaries and other special events.
As you gaze out from your private, open deck upon mist-covered mountains—silent save for a bird’s reverie and the cool morning air—it’s hard to believe you’re not a million miles away.
This is the feeling the owners of the Lodge at Buckberry Creek were going for when they created their master-planned resort high up in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Modeled after the “Great Camps” of the Adirondacks in upstate New York, Buckberry attracts visitors from all over the Southeast looking for an escape from city life without having to leave luxury behind.
Crafted with logs and authentic Adirondack antiques hand-picked by the owners, the Lodge includes 46 rooms, each uniquely decorated with a large stone fireplace, private decks, luxurious baths with separate showers and Jacuzzi tubs, and a full kitchen. Here, it’s all about comfort and relaxation. Order an in-room massage to add to the experience.
Guests can sip cocktails on the Lodge’s deck with stunning views overlooking Mount Le Conte, then sit down to a fireside dinner complete with soothing live music. Try the elk — this one-of-a-kind dish is hard to come by, and one of the Lodge’s specialties. As the sun sets, wrap up in one of the thick, soft blankets provided to keep guests warm as the cool night air sets in.
Or take a ride on one of the resort’s two Pinzgauers, a rare Humvee-like Swiss military vehicle, to enjoy a meal at the creekside pavilion. The gathering space along Buckberry Creek is a secluded place for groups to enjoy each other’s company long into the night.
There’s plenty to see and do around Gatlinburg. Make one of your first stops the nearby Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. Artists from all over the country come here for week-long classes in ceramics, fibers, jewelry-making, drawing, photography and more, drawing inspiration from the tranquil mountain setting. See the spectacular works of the artists-in-residence. Next door, a gift shop sells wares crafted at the school. Scholarships are available, and the work-study program allows students a discounted rate in exchange for helping out with chores around the campus.
A visit to the mountains wouldn’t be complete without some quality hiking. Several miles of trails can be found on the Buckberry Creek property, or venture out to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which borders the town of Gatlinburg. The nearby Cades Cove area of the Park features scores of trails and an abundance of flora and fauna. It also has a fascinating history. Check out Millionaire’s Row, where some of America’s wealthiest families, including the Rockefellers and the Vanderbilts, held court during the summer months. The houses were abandoned following the establishment of the Park in 1943, but the Park Service has kept them in pristine condition. The area has easily accessible walking trails and is a popular spot for visitors.
Instead of heading back to town to find a bite to eat after your explorations, let Buckberry Creek prepare a meal for you in the Park. You’ll eat by the river beneath a sun-spackled canopy of oaks and poplars. For those who remember camping-trip meals less than fondly, don’t worry—this is hardly roughing it. Tables are adorned with white linens and fine silverware, and the selection of gourmet cuisine is a far cry from roasted hot dogs and marshmallows.
A stay at the Lodge at Buckberry Creek is a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Do as little or as much as you want while you’re here—the owners will help you build an experience that works for you.