Who needs more time with your girlfriends? And (need I say it?) a little time off from work, kids, hubby, and chores? The Great Smoky Mountains offer an endless array of fun things to do, while relaxing and reconnecting with nature and each other. Over the years, Smokies Cabins has hosted girls getaways ranging from crafting weekends to shopping adventures, from small spiritual retreats to bridge parties. Here are just a few girls getaway ideas – all in Townsend, near Owl’s Hoot Chalet and Hideaway on the Creek.
Shop ‘Til You Drop Without the Crowds
You don’t have to travel far to go shopping! Check out Tennessee Sally’s Handmade Arts, Crafts, and Gifts; Apple Valley Mountain Village; Townsend’s Little River Outfitters; Wood ‘n Strings Dulcimer Shop; The Chocolate Bar; Dogwood Mall; and Townsend Artisan Gallery – all within a couple miles of Smokies Cabins.
While locally made artisanal gifts and products abound in Townsend, what about treasures for you bargain hunters? Frequent Smokies Cabins guests and thrift shoppers recently told us about their favorite thrift store ever: Hearts and Hands Thrift Shoppe (http://heartsandhandsfund.org/thrift-shoppe/). We recently picked up a more than a dozen area resource books and novels set in the Smokies for about $20 to add to our cabin libraries! Bonus: Proceeds raised by the Thrift Shoppe sponsor scholarships to help deserving local students further their educations.
Chill with Yoga and Warm up with Tea
Namaste y’all! Where better to do the Mountain Pose than in the actual mountains?! Or the Tree Pose overlooking actual trees? Little River Yoga in Trillium Cove (http://www.littleriveryogatn.com/) offers this peaceful option to help you unwind for your girls getaway. Follow up with a rejuvenating cup of coffee or tea at the Dancing Bean (https://dancingbearlodge.com/smoky-mountain-coffee-house) or Artistic Bean (https://theartisticbean.com/).
Get Creative in an Inspiring Setting
One of my fondest memories at Owl’s Hoot Chalet was spending a girls getaway with my little sister and crafting buddy Erica, trying our hands at a variety of paper crafts. It was at least a dozen years ago, when she was still in high school, so I don’t remember what we made, but I remember laughing a lot and hooting at the owls in the meadow at night (yes, they hooted back).
Smokies Cabins has long hosted artisans and crafters of all sorts: photographers, painters, sketchers, jewelers, woodworkers, and other creatives. Some of their works are proudly displayed around both cabins. Our special mountain hollow is full of inspiration, natural beauty, and tranquility to feed the exploration of one’s inner art.
Explore the Great Outdoors
From hiking and biking to fishing and tubing to golfing and horseback riding…there’s no shortage of adventure for any ladies yearning to test their physicality amidst Nature’s wonders! Look for the many hiking, fishing, wildflower, and wildlife books and other area resource books in our cabins to help you plan your girls getaway, and check out the following adventure-specific links:
Hiking: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/hiking.htm
Biking: (less than a mile from Owl’s Hoot and Hideaway on the Creek) https://www.smokymountains.org/vendor/1027/townsend-river-walk/
Fishing: https://diyflyfishing.com/great-smoky-mountains-little-river-fishing/
Tubing: http://exploretownsend.com/attractions-townsend/water-activities-townsend/
Golfing: https://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/tn/townsend/
Horseback riding: https://traveltips.usatoday.com/horseback-riding-townsend-tennessee-10171.html
Sample Local Wines and Beers
If sipping a nice chardonnay is more your vibe, venture no farther than Cades Cove Cellars (https://www.cadescovecellars.com/), which offers free tastings and an assortment of wine-inspired gifts. If local craft beers would better quench your thirst, check out Townsend’s two new pubs: Little River Pub and Deli (https://littleriverpubanddeli.com/) located at the front of Strawberry Patch Inn and The Abbey (https://www.townsendabbey.com/) located in a former wedding chapel. Both feature indoor, pub-like seating and outdoor seating overlooking the Little River, with menus of sandwiches and small plates. The Abbey also offers live music most weekends. Open days and hours vary seasonally.
For more help planning your girls weekend (or how about a week?!), see the following resources:
Townsend attractions and activities: https://www.smokymountains.org/
Cades Cove: http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm
Smokies Cabins: www.smokiescabins.com When you rent lodging from us, we’re happy to share our 40+ years of experience in the Smoky Mountains; contact us anytime!
What are your favorite memories hanging out with your best girls in the Smokies? What ideas do you want to try someday? Add your comments below and dream big!
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