back to the Buckhorn...

The Buckhorn Inn is a fabulous place. Set on a ridge in the rolling foothills of the Smokey Mountains in east Tennessee, it offers spectacular views of the mountains (see photo!). Our room had one such view, pictured here. What a treat it was to wake up to that scene! The grounds of the Inn cover 17 acres, and include a pond (home to two swans), a one+ mile walking trail, a labyrinth, and lovely landscaping.

The Inn itself offers an incredible breakfast, as well as dinner for an additional cost. After our first meal Friday evening we were eager to repeat the experience. The food was fabulous! In addition to breakfast guests at the Inn also have the use of a large sitting room with coffee, tea, sodas, fruit and baked goods available throughout the day (I especially enjoyed the chocolate chip brownies!). Off the sitting room is a covered deck that was the perfect location for happy hour. The dining area also features a large fireplace in front of which we enjoyed conversation with some other guests, as well as a place to enjoy some simple quiet and relaxation. The front porch, facing the mountain view, is filled with rocking chairs, and guests regularly gathered there before dinner.

Among the details we enjoyed most were the birds that flocked to the feeders while we ate our breakfast, visible from our seats at tables by the windows. I was also thrilled to have access to the labyrinth, which I walked each day that we were there.

More details will follow. I don't want to overload you!