Refuge in the Mountains
Gatlinburg, Tennessee

by Linda Holloway, Holloway Productions

As you slowly navigate the twists and turns of the rural mountain road, feel the pre- wedding stress disappear with each breath of the clean crisp air. Autumn has arrived and the trees are ablaze in their finery— decorated just in time to celebrate your honeymoon. Be careful! Whitetail deer are sure that they own the road, but don’t tell that to the procession of meandering wild turkey. You could be perfectly content to just enjoy the mountain scenery, but ascending to a higher altitude is only the beginning. There, perched along Harrison Mountain and high above Gatlinburg, Tennessee, lies your honeymoon refuge, The Lodge at Buckberry Creek.

Love is in the air in the Gatlinburg area where over 600,000 people come to the Smokies each year just to get married or attend a wedding. It’s the second-most popular place in America to tie the knot, trailing only Las Vegas, Nevada. For couples that want a perfect mix of romantic mountain charm and luxury, The Lodge at Buckberry Creek is the prime honeymoon destination of choice.

For three generations, the McLean family kept their pristine mountainside property located on the edge of The Great Smoky Mountains National Park their secret. Today, the McLean’s and partners welcome guests to the upscale lodge to “rough it” in style. The Lodge at Buckberry Creek opened in 2005 and reflects the “Great Camps” of the Adirondacks Mountains that were built over 100 years ago. The Lodge was constructed with logs and other structural components that have been transported from New York.

You can choose from 46 suites ranging from 600 square feet to 950 square feet in three buildings. Our suite, the Creel, was located in the Angler’s Perch building with an unspoiled view of Mount Le Conte—the sixth highest peak in the Eastern United States. Yes, the must-have amenity was in full view when we opened the door, a wood-burning stone fireplace. The Grand Suites feature a fireplace in the living area and bedroom. Each room has been decorated with handpicked Adirondack-style antiques to add to the rustic charm of the surroundings. Enjoy the scenery from your private balcony while the sinking sun casts shadows along the mountain peaks and valleys until darkness blankets Mother Nature’s showcase of color.

This is not your grandparents’ camp house and there is not a bunk bed in site. Instead, sleep between luxurious linens on a king-size bed. Each suite also has separate showers and soaking tubs. Fling open a window compartment that is cleverly situated between the wall of the bedroom and bath. Here, enjoy soaking in the tub while viewing the majestic mountains from the bedroom window.

The half-mile walking trail leads to Buckberry Creek, where you will find romance in the great outdoors. The creek-side pavilion is lined with rocking chairs, fireplace, and there is even a traditional lean-to nestled near the creek—perfect for added privacy. You will want to request a romantic CD and a blanket just before dusk. Return the next day and try your hand at catch and release fly-fishing for trout…a mountain tradition. Linger along the large boulders listening to nature’s music, the rushing waters of Buckberry Creek. Notice the color parade of leaves gliding gracefully from the forest trees—powered only by the cool mountain breeze. Sadly, they eventually succumb to the creek’s current where they are whisked downstream swirling in a kaleidoscope fashion. Ah…you are now on Buckberry Creek time. If you figured out that it is a lot easier to walk down the hill to Buckberry Creek than uphill—not a problem, simply call the front desk for a ride in the Lodge’s unique mode of transportation, the Pinzguaer. These rare Humvee-like vehicles are used in the military in Switzerland and Austria.

The main Lodge houses the reception desk, the Gathering room, dining room and gift shop. Here, you can relax and enjoy the McLean’s large collection of Scottish memorabilia, dating back to the early 1800’s. Step outside onto the deck where knarled trees have been fashioned into a love seat for viewing the explosion of color along the mountains. I noticed a few pine trees trying to compete with the colorful display but they lost! From here, you can also dine on Buckberry’s Executive Chef Ian Krystik’s exquisite regional cuisine. Try the beef tenderloin with cheddar whipped potatoes and broccolini. Come nightfall, request a table near the outdoor chimnea for a romantic dinner or ask for table in the dining room near the fireplace.

The Lodge can arrange hiking, fly-fishing, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and biking. Are you brave? Cave exploration is also an option where experiencing the wonders “under” the Smokies is great fun. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is nearby where you will find romantic spots including an easy hike to Cascade Falls located near the Sugarland Visitors Center. A driving tour of Cades Cove in the park is a virtual time capsule. This 11-mile loop encircles the cove where you will find historic treasures still in tact. Exit your vehicle to examine late 1800’s and early 1900’s structures that provide a cultural lesson of mountain life. Be sure to stop at the Methodist Church that was used in filming the drama, “A Walk in the Spring Rain” featuring Ingrid Bergman and Anthony Quinn. The Lodge will even pack you a box lunch for a picnic.

In downtown Gatlinburg, you will find candy store employees stretching taffy, slicing mounds of homemade fudge or dipping caramel apples. Wander along cobblestone lanes and discover more than 400 specialty shops, boutiques, and galleries. Board America’s largest tramway to Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort & Amusement Park that boasts a variety of attractions including indoor ice skating. Also in downtown, you can travel through the world’s longest underwater tunnel while 12-foot sharks swim overhead at the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

For something unique for your new home, explore the Great Smoky Arts and Crafts Community, an eight-mile loop where 100 artists are located. These artists comprise the largest group of independent artists and crafts people in North America. The Rose Pedaler is where you can bring your roses from the bridal bouquet and have them transformed into wearable scented rosebead jewelry. Be sure and stop in Smoky Mountain Pottery where you will find a lovable feline named Trouble curled up napping in an exquisite $450.00 crystalline bowl. Petting is permitted and is often reciprocated with a long stretch and a soft meow. After sightseeing in Gatlinburg, request room service on the balcony of your suite for a romantic dinner—perfect for making lasting honeymoon memories. It is always sad leaving the Lodge at Buckberry Creek, but the McLean’s are family and you are always welcome back “home.”

All Photos in this article courtesy of Holloway Productions

Fast Facts:

For more information on The Lodge at Buckberry Creek call 1-866-30-lodge or visit www.buckberrylodge.com

Weddings at The Lodge at Buckberry Creek

For area tourist information on Gatlinburg call 1-800-568-4748 or visit www.gatlinburg.com

Also, see our guide for Gatlinburg Weddings for more information.