Alpine Mountain Village Cabins
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Heath Hawkins

When I think of the Great Smoky Mountains, I automatically have scenes of mountains and meadows with the mist and fog hanging in the early morning air. I imagine myself setting on the front porch and hearing the distant sounds of bluegrass music. Enough peace, tranquility and stress-free living to make anyone relax and enjoy what really matters.

While on our visit to the Great Smoky Mountains, I knew that I had to try to find that vision in my mind. Candi and I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a couple nights in a cabin at the Alpine Mountain Village Resort in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The Alpine Mountain Village is just off the main street in Pigeon Forge, yet you will forget about the business that is less than two miles away. This mountain village is filled with rustic cabins. Every cabin is different. Some are large enough for several families traveling together to share. While others, like the one we stayed in, are perfect for a couple looking for a romantic getaway.

Most of the cabins are constructed with large, log beams, but there are a few with a wood slate exterior. Candi and I stayed in one of the cabins with white-washed wood slats and a red tin roof. On first glance, the word 'cute' came to mind. The resort's website is listed at the end of this article and has lots of great pictures. You really know what you are getting before you even leave home.

We knew the cabin would be perfect for us once we made it inside. We were struck by the tall, vaulted ceiling, exposed wood beam walls and amazing hardwood floors. The cabin was perfect. It fulfilled all my dreams about what a cabin in the Smoky Mountains should look like.

Everything about the “Shut 'er Inn” (the name our cabin) was exactly what we hoped for. The cabin had an open interior construction. Since it was only designed for one couple, there were no walls to divide up the room, with the exception of the large bathroom.

Prior to checking into the cabin, we had spent the day at DollyWood. So we were very tired and ready for a nice place to relax. From the front door view I noticed the oversized furniture in the Living Room area to our left and the king-sized bed to the right. I could not wait to take off my shoes and get comfortable.

After we put away our luggage we decided to take a closer look at our home for the next couple nights. The area was large and very homey. I already mentioned the living room area with plush, comfortable furniture and a TV complete with DVD player. There were also several board games for us to enjoy. Behind the living room was a large kitchen area with everything you would need to prepare three meals a day, it you wanted to.

On the other side of the cabin we found a small dining table and a very soft king-sized bed. The cabin also had a double Jacuzzi tub for an evening of revitalization. The bathroom is the only separate room in the cabin. It was large enough for two people to get ready at the same time. I was impressed with the huge shower, which even had a shower seat.

The high, vaulted ceiling gave the cabin a feeling of grandeur. The builders could have easily included a large second floor loft room, but the open feel made the room seem much larger than it was.

The décor definitley had a country touch to it. The colors that were throughout the design were apple red and country white. From the deep rich fabric of the bedspread to the smallest accents, the décor and color was perfect. Most of the furnishings in the room were of modern construction, but a few antiques were used here and there to blend the new with the old.

Though there was not a loft room, the builder had constructed a small loft area above the enclosed bathroom. It was not accessible and not meant to be. It was purely decorative. The designers filled the space with items that seemed to just set off the country charm.

We woke up on the first morning to the peace and tranquility of being the woods, though we really were only minutes from the heart of town. The bed had been so comfortable. I had a night sleep that was not common outside of my own bed at home. The sunrise in the window, the birds outside, and the cool morning air made getting up a difficult task.

Oh yeah, I saved my favorite part for last. Our cabin had a private back deck with it's own hot tub. It was a regular full-size hot tub that would easily hold four people. Each evening I found myself drawn to warm waters. Since we are expecting our first child in January, Candi thought it best that she not get in. I did feel guilty, but I indulged anyway.

The Alpine Mountain Village Cabin Resort is located in Pigeon Forge. It is literally only a minute from all the tourist sites, yet secluded enough to get that true mountain cabin feel. If I could choose to stay another night in any of the places Candi and I have ever visited, this cabin would be my top pick. It was perfect.

The Alpine Mountain Village is open year around. For more information or reservations, you can visit their website at www.alpinemountainvillage.com or call them at (888) 343-5661. Tell them that Heath from the Branson Critic Online sent you.

What do you think? Your opinion is your opinion. Let me know at hhawkins@waynesville.k12.mo.us.