Questions & Answers


Do you have a mountain view?
YES!!! The decks of the cabin face south so we have a great view of Wears Valley and the mountains from LeConte to Cove Mountain to Rocky Top. The view changes regularly. On a clear day you can see over 10 miles. And then there are the times when you’re in the middle of the clouds and can’t see beyond the trees next to the cabin.

What do you provide?
We provide the basics: beds are made, towels for 9, starter size shampoo & body soap, an initial supply of toilet paper – paper towels – dish soap – dishwasher detergent – (you will need to purchase more if you are visiting for more than a couple days). We have a gas grill with propane provided. (We try to keep an extra tank available, but will be happy to reimburse you if you ever need to get a new one.)  If you’d like to use the charcoal grill at the driveway you will need to purchase charcoal. The kitchen is stocked with all the things we could think of, so assuming items haven’t been broken or “borrowed” by a previous renter, there should be plenty of utensils, dishes, glassware and cooking supplies. (Note: We provide a drip coffee maker and we also have a Keurig.)

What do I need to bring?
We suggest you bring enough food to cover you for dinner on the day you arrive and breakfast the following morning. (Or take advantage of the grocery delivery services offered by Kroger and Publix. Order online and schedule delivery for a time that’s best for you.) Our bath towels are not over-sized, so you may want to bring a beach towel for the hot tub r f you plan to go to the pool. The TV in the loft is not connected to DirecTV but is available should you wish to bring video games or your Firestick/Hulu. Of course, if you have a favorite pillow or shampoo or family game, bring it along.

Can we do laundry?
Definitely! We have a full size washer and dryer on the lower level. 

What do you provide in the kitchen?
The main kitchen has refrigerator (with ice maker), microwave, stove and dishwasher. The kitchenette on the lower level offers a refrigerator & another stove. The primary kitchen has utensils, dishes and a variety of glassware. We also have drip coffee maker, Keurig, toaster, electric can opener, mixer, small crock pot, large crock pot, waffle iron, blender and grinder for coffee beans. If there’s something you really need, please don’t hesitate to let us know ahead of time in case we’re able to provide it. (FYI: iron and ironing board are on lower level behind the game room door.)

What items are not included in the kitchens?
We do not offer spices, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, etc. We stock them when we are at the cabin and previous guests often leave them behind, but we cannot guarantee they will still be there when you arrive.

Do you provide daily housekeeping service?
No. Unlike a hotel, private home rentals normally perform housekeeping service in-between guests. We provide a washer, dryer and dishwasher for your use during your stay. If you think you will need additional assistance, please let us know in advance so we may determine the costs of the services required.

Is there a grocery store nearby?
Yes! The largest grocery stores are Kroger and Publix. They are located near the intersection of Wears Valley Road and The Parkway at Traffic Light #3. Both stores offer online services including ordering ahead for pick-up or delivery to the cabin. I love ordering ahead and scheduling things for delivery a couple hours after I plan to arrive. For the basics, you could also check the Dollar General store nearby (3049 Wears Valley Road).

Are hair dryers included?
Hair dryers are included in the two bathrooms on the main level. If you can’t find one, please advise us. While we provide these, sadly, some guests “borrow” things.

What if we find a problem at the cabin upon check-in?
Please walk through the cabin upon check-in. Should you notice any problem please call or text us immediately (865-446-0550). We will make every attempt to rectify the issue in a timely manner. We want to ensure that your vacation is to your liking – from beginning to end.

What should I do if there is an issue with the cabin during my stay?
As with any home, issues can occur unexpectedly. We definitely don’t want anything to become a nuisance for you. In the event there is something with our cabin that is less than satisfactory please call or text us right away at 865-446-0550. There are emergency contact numbers at the cabin if you are unable to reach us.

Do you have insects?
Our cabin is treated monthly by a professional pest control service. But, we are in the woods and critters seem to find their way inside no matter what we do. Different seasons bring different insects. For example, ladybugs seem to be everywhere in the fall and there are always carpenter bees in the spring. You may also see things like millipedes, centipedes and scorpions. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you are having a problem and we will be happy to ask our pest control folks to come help.

Are there wild animals?
YES! You’re in the mountains! The most likely visitors you will have are bear, deer, raccoon, rabbits, squirrel, lizards, skinks and snakes. REMINDER: Bears can open doors, including car doors. Keep the cabin locked. Lock your vehicles and keep car windows closed. Do not store food in your vehicle as it may attract bears or other animals. NEVER approach bears or other wild animals.

What type of cell phone reception should I expect?
It depends on the provider. We use Sprint/T-Mobile and have never had a problem with the phone connection (assuming Sprint/T-Mobile is not having a service issue).

What is your Wifi like?
There is no wired internet service available at the cabin. We have opted for a wireless service provided by a local vendor. If you’re a gamer, the service will not be fast enough for you. But, we stream shows on our computers and have had very few issues (again, assuming the provider is not having a problem and the hardware is working appropriately). Please be aware that storms may interfere with the Wifi and TV service.

May we smoke/vape at the cabin?
NO. The cabin and surrounding property are smoke-free and vape-free. This restriction is strictly enforced. As you may know, this area suffered major fire damage in 2016 – a problem caused by humans. Please help us keep everyone safe by not smoking.