Mountain Harbor Inn Bed & Breakfast
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Heath Hawkins

For this review you will have to imagine that you are deep in the heart of the Mountains. In this case the mountains are the Great Smoky Mountains. As you are driving through enjoying the majestic views you find yourself following the coast of a huge lake. Finally you arrive at a beautiful bed & breakfast right on the lake.

That is exactly what Candi and I found in July of 2005. We decided to spend our family vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Mountain Harbor Inn Bed & Breakfast invited us to spend a couple nights with them.

Prior to arrival I had of course visited the inn’s website, so I knew a little about what to expect. I had even seen a picture of the room we would be enjoying, but I was still not prepared for what I would find.

Upon arrival the innkeeper and the night clerk greeted me elegant lobby. I was struck by the rich hardwood floors, fine furniture and classic art. I asked Diane, the innkeeper, about the history of the inn. She shared that it was originally built in the mid 1900’s and operated as a fishing lodge for those visiting Douglas Lake. She had pictures of the original structure. I could see the resemblance, but lots of changes have occurred. The fishing lodge was open for many years before its close. The structure set empty until a group of investors saw the potential for something great.

The second set of owners remodeled and opened as a B&B and restaurant. They operated the establishment successfully, but after 10 years decided they wanted to retire. The current owners acquired the inn a couple years ago and it underwent some major renovations. Every room has been transformed into something special and truly unique.

There are 12 suites and one condo in the inn. Every suite is beautifully furnished and each has its own kitchen. Of course every room has a charming private bathroom. Every room also has an amazing view of Douglas Lake.

My wife and I stayed in the Lincoln Suite Condo. This is the largest unit at the inn. There were two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full-sized kitchen, living room, washer/dryer and even an additional room with a hid-a-bed, plus a private balcony. Amazing luxury! We slept in the Lincoln Bedroom and it had the most breathtaking bed we have ever seen or slept in. This huge four-poster wooden canopy bed with soft linins and a gold satin comforter was almost more that we deserved. I know I can’t do it justice with my words and I doubt that even the pictures will paint the picture it deserves.

Along with each suite the innkeepers, Diane and Don, offer a complimentary evening boat cruse on Douglas Lake. When you arrive back at the inn you are treated to a delicious candlelight dessert in the dinning room. I am sure that this was very special, but much to my wife’s dismay we did not make it for the cruise or dessert either night of our visit. We were out enjoying the area and could not make it back.

Breakfast each morning was served at your convenience starting at 8:30 a.m. As we had busy days planned we were one of the first to arrive each morning. The dining room offers private tables and all overlook the lake. What a way to start the day. We were greeted with fresh fruit and a warm muffin. The first morning we had a delicious ham and cheese quiche with bacon and toast. The second morning we were treated to a house specialty hash brown casserole with eggs made to order, again served with crisp bacon, toast, coffee and juice.

Before leaving the innkeepers offered me a tour of some of the rooms that were available. For such a large inn I was surprised that only a few rooms were not occupied. All the rooms were immaculate. I saw a trend as I toured—the beautiful beds. Diane said that they like to find wonderful beds for the suites. Every room was unique and some even had a theme. There was a Gone With The Wind Suite and an even more unique unit called the Elvis Suite. As you can see from the photographs, you could not possibly choose a bad room. I found their website very helpful. There are great pictures and descriptions of every room.

The Mountain Harbor Inn is located north of Pigeon Forge. It is actually in Dandridge, TN. Though it was only a few minutes from all the tourist sites, we felt like we were a million miles from the lights and noise. Consider this beautiful and romantic bed and breakfast. Candi and I will cherish the memories that we made at the Mountain Harbor Inn on Douglas Lake.

The Mountain Harbor Inn Bed & Breakfast is open year around. For more information or reservations, you can visit their website at www.mountainharborinn.com or call them at (877) 379-1313. 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.