The Swag Country Inn

My husband and I chose The Swag to celebrate our anniversary. We have stayed in the Blue Ridge mountains several times because we love to hike. But this time we were looking for something a little bit nicer than a rented cabin. The Swag gave us that and so much more.You are pampered constantly and yet feel like one of the family. They have fantastic hiking right on their property. You come back from a long hike and shower and then dine on a gourmet meal. One night after dinner the hosts and most of the guests sang around a player piano. It was great fun with some great people. We can't wait to go back. It is a bit pricey, but well worth the cost.

Outstanding hospitality

This is the third time we have been to The Swag. We stayed 3 nights (Tuesday-Thursday). They opened for the season the day before we got there. The room (Bishop's Room) was terrific. It was the week that Donald Davis was there to tell stories and lead hikes. Once again, he was wonderful. Deener and Dan are the most gracious hosts. They greet and know everyone in such a way that the stay is like a family get together without family rivalries. There is a new executive chef, and the food is still outstanding. We have stayed at many inns around the world. The Swag is the most beautiful and relaxing of them all. Dan and Deener really do involve everyone in such a way that it becomes a event with old friends.

We arrived at the same time as Hurricane Sandy but fortunately for us it was far to the North but we received between 8" and 1' of snow. While it was a devastating storm for the Northeast it created a magical wonderland at the Swag. Cozy, warm, log fires set in our fireplace in the cabin, rustic but with all the amenities. Meals were in the main lodge and were generous and fun to share experiences and time with other guests. The owner and staff are fabulous; we had great service the whole time. The weather eventually cleared, the snow melted and we were able to view and experience some of the great beauty of the Smokey mountains. Highly recommend the Swag; it's a must see.

Last week I proposed to the most wonderful woman in the world and of course wanted this experience to be perfect. The staff kept the secret and went out of their way to make sure that the evening would go as planned. Deener Matthews was the perfect host and it was a pleasure to spend some time with her as well. Thanks again for all that you have done for us the swag will always be a special place in our lives. Mike Blanton President Successful Financial Strategies

This was our 5th stay at the Swag and we had a fabulous experience, as always. What's not to love about the glorious NC mountains, the wonderful accommodations, the great food and fellowship!! Deener and Dan make everyone feel like part of their extended family and the staff is very attentive and accommodating. Try the Swag, you won't regret it!

This was our first time at The Swag and we were so enamored with it we made reservations to return next year. We cannot wait to get back and we cannot say enough good about it. It is quaint yet sophisticated and the staff treats everyone like family. The food is excellent. There are no televisions in the rooms which was okay with us. There is a television in the library for those who cannot live without it. The activities there mostly include, relaxing, dining and hiking the beautiful trails of the Great Smokey Mountain National Park. It is atop the mountain so be prepared for the winding road but realize the effort is well worth the drive. First timers should arrive during daylight hours. Come prepared to unwind and forget your troubles at this magical place in the clouds.

Magical place. Thoroughly enjoyed. Everything was great. No complaint but a suggestion: warm the maple syrup for breakfast.

we celebrated our anniversary at the SWAG. We had a wonderful time. Loved our trout fishing experience and the extraordinary beauty of the inn and its setting. The inn was full though and the fact that there was a very large party occupying the main dining area meant that we didn't get a chance to dine with other guests, which we normally enjoyed. We were sad that the hummingbird feeders had to be taken down due to a small bear drinking them and we had several glitches with the front desk. Otherwise, our stay was extraordinary. The SWAG is a special place for special occassions.

We went to NC for a weeks vacation and stayed at the Swag for 2 nights. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever stayed. Up 5000 feet on a mountain is rustic luxury. Once you drive up and set what the Swag has the offer you don't want to drive back down for anything. Nor do you need anything as your every need is attended to including beautiful walking sticks for hiking. The 3 meals that are included every day are wonderful the scenery breathtaking. The staff and owners gracious. The rooms are all rustic but yet refinded at the same time. We met wonderful people who were staying had great conversations and yet had plenty of time alone in the peace and quiet of the Smokeys or our room. Although quite expensive I can say surprsingly that is was worth every penny.

It was the perfect place for us to enjoy each other. We were able to get away from it all and focus on what is important. If you are in love with someone, then this is the perfect place to go/be and you are little bit closer to heaven.

You could not do any better than a weekend at the Swag. Everything was perfect and Deener and Dan treat and welcome you like you were their own family. The entire staff is outstanding.

The Swag is a very special place that should not be missed! Truly spectacular mountain top location with 5 star service, outstanding food and amazing service. The staff are attentive, helpful and friendly. The owner is incredibly warm and classy. Every possible effort is made to indulge the guests and ensure a wonderful time! It is worth every penny to stay in such a magnificent location with such thoughtful service. We look forward to returning soon!

We stay at many b&bs and inns. This is the best for a place to "chill out". The rooms are all different, very nice, and interesting. The location is spectacular right next to Smoky Mountain National Park at 5,000' elevation. One can walk trails in the park or the 250 acres of Swag property. The staff is very attentive and personable. The food is outstanding. Probably the best feature of all the exceptional features is that each week there is a special activity led by different guests in residence. These are experts who lead flower walks, birding, and storytelling. In addition, the proprietors, Deener and Dan, give the place a personal feel like it is your own family's summer home.

Gorgeous setting. Great service from a friendly staff. Chance to meet interesting fellow travelers. Two days is not long enough. Recommend at least three.

Two days of heaven literally on the border of the Smoky Mountains. What wonderful hosts... This was the first of what will be many trips!

The staff go out of their way to accommodate, the Swag is gorgeous, meals are terrific. Great place to relax. We will come again!

when we were late to breakfast, the staff came to our room to be sure we were ok and asked if we would like something prepared for us. we have never had the type of service and consideration anywhere else.

A three night return to The Swag was wonderful. This is one of the most beautiful and relaxing places we've visited. Service was warm and welcoming. Food had improved since our first visit a few years ago, and was comparable to fine urban dining. Lot's of little touches make this well-run place special, and the setting is hard to beat. Can't wait to return to one of those hideaway hammocks!

Rustic luxury is not an oxymoron – it’s the Swag My wife and I just spent our second consecutive year at the Swag celebrating our wedding anniversary. This year we stayed in Gail’s room and it was fantastic. Nothing in this room has been forgotten in the design, amenities; and details. The mountain view of the Blue Ridge from Gail’s room is unmatched. Last year we stayed in the Terrace and it’s obvious that all the rooms are a unique experience. The Swag is a special place. It’s rustic and luxurious. The customer service from every employee is outstanding, and the owners/inn keepers, Dan and Deener’s love for what they do exudes quality in every aspect of the Swag experience. The Swag is a must and we are planning our next trip.

The accommodations were beyond expectations. Everyone we talked to thought they had the best room. "The Cabin" is fabulous. My favorite room was the back porrch with a fire place and shower. This place will light any couples' fire. Every wish was met with a smile. Interesting and friendly guests to interact with or not. The Picnic was one of the best that either of us had attended in our 66 years. Great food and views beyond description. We had a special treat of having dinner with Deener 2 nights. We will definitely return. You need to spend at least 5 nights. We didn't get to see and experience everything that is available.

We have been to the Swag 16-18 times over the last 20 years - never a disappointment. Deener and Dan are great - it's the best place we know to just relax for a few days.

The Swag exceeds your expectations....if that's possible. The food is out of this world. The staff is exceptional! However, they manage to keep an atmosphere as if you're a guest in Dan and Deener's home. This isn't the pompus atmosphere of The Ritz...it is a group of folks who genuinely care about you forgetting all your worries during your stay with them. As for value, The food is worth a good portion of he room rate. They suprise you during your stay with little gifts. What's best, once you make your way on the property, not a dime comes out of your pocket. They think of everything. The views and hiking are breathtaking! Highly recommend hiking to the waterfall. I never heard the word "no" during our stay. Simply amazing. I can't recommend The Swag highly enough. We will be finding a way to make it an annual trip. Chris

Gorgeous views, friendly and accomadating staff, terrific food and a cozy room! We loved our weekend get away! We also took advantage of the fly fishimg trip for two with Alvin and had a blast! Thanks so much, we really enjoyed our stay! The Dablocks from Columbia, South Carolina

The service is beyond outstanding at The Swag. You are truly made to feel wanted, that your stay is very important to them. It is definitely worth the money. The accomodations and meals are excellent. I have no complaints, other than the stay was too short!

The Inn is located at the eastern edge of the Great Smoky Moutnain National Park at an elevation of 5000 feet. We actually hiked to the Inn on one of the trails that passes along the edge of the park to within 10 yards of the Inn. To go from one of the most beautiful areas in the world to one of the most beautiful Inns in the world was a treat we will never forget. The Swag is as good as it gets when it comes to small country Inns. Everything was awesome - the room, the views, the amenities, the service, the food, and most importantly, the innkeeper. Deener greeted us when we arrived. She was at breakfast and dinner, eating and conversing with the guests. She was gracious and hospitable, and her touch, along with her husbands, Dan, could be seen through out the Inn and property. It was a special two nights that my wife and I will never forget. We would recommend it to anyone who is looking for that special place. Tom And Valerie Ward

If you want to be spoiled rotten in an idyllic country setting, this is the place.

The staff at The Swag are the most gracious and accomodating I have ever experienced. This was our first trip and we felt so welcomed. Hope to go back many times!

The Swag is an absolute gem. It's a case study of the way things ought to be done. A gracious hostess and host; a magnificent setting; warm; attentive and professional staff looking after every detail; inviting, comfortable accommodations; superior food... The Swag is a perfect place to get away, relax and enjoy fine hospitality the way it should be experienced. Carla and Bob Reich

My wife and I spent two nights in Gail's Room at The Swag. It exceeded all our hopes for a relaxing anniversary trip. The two mile drive into the property transported us into a self-contained world of simple elegance. The staff was friendly and accommodating and anticipated all our needs. Hosts Dan and Deener were fantastic in making us feel welcome. We will be back.

The Swag is high up in the mountains of Haywood County - as they'll tell you, the highest county east of the Mississippi - with 18 peaks over 6,000'! I think The Swag is on top one of those peaks! The long, winding dirt/gravel drive up to the property helps with the reality that you are really getting away from it all. (And the drive is a bit of an adventure for us flat-landers). The Swag House is lovely- but we stayed in The Woodshed which was magical. When we left our home in Florida it was 89 degrees, but there it was only in the high 50s so we got to use the fireplace...a lot! And they provided this rather unique mixture of woodchips that made lighting a fire...even for the inexperienced, a breeze. The room was exquistely appointed...copper soaking tub, steam shower, sauna, outdoor shower and porch, a cute little living room plus small wetbar/kitchen area. The entire property sits literally on the boundary with the Great Smokey Mountains national park...so the hiking trails that you use are literally in the park. The hikes were wonderful (again, a little challenging for us flatlanders)...they packed our lunches, gave us walking sticks (with our names on them!) and instructions and sent us on our way. Dinners were wonderful affairs...you could sit at a communal table or a table for two...your choice. There was a 'cook out' night on Thursday and an elaborate picnic on Wednesday. We had a wonderful time...and the staff was consistently cheeful, helpful and genuine in their interest in our stay. This will become a tradition!

Great place to get away and enjoy the Smokies and great food.

The Swag is heaven on earth. Rustic and comfortable, yet with exquisite attention to detail.

Everyone is very friendly and helpful, and the attention given to every little detail is amazing. A beautiful setting, lovely rooms, lots of outdoor activities to do if you choose, and a ton of great food! Thank you so much.

We were celebrating a special birthday and couldn't have been more pleased with this weekend. Beautiful mountain scenery and service beyond comparison. This is really a special place and we thank Deener and Dan and the staff for a memorable visit.

Terrific hospitality, wonderful location, natural beauty and superior dining especially the Sunday Brunch.

I could write pages, the words would not begin to tell you how much we enjoyed our stay at the Swag. Our only regret, we could not stay longer! If you can....make sure you are there for the Wednesday Picnic. The entire SWAG Staff did an outstanding job to make it special for their guests. I say guests, yet we felt like family....we did not even lock our door! Deener and staff have paid much attention to details....it showed. A favorite place from our first visit (we are coming back) is Dan's Hideaway. This private spot offers two rocking chairs and a double hammock in a secluded area of the mountain.....a small brook flows by and proved to be a great place for our wonderful lunch (packed just for us) and a refreshing nap. Can't wait to hike the other trails and see what they have to offer. We stayed in Gail's Room. The view from the porch...the rocking chair in front of the fireplace....the STEAM SHOWER and SAUNA.....and the extra surprises ...... We are happy to call ourselves "Swaggers"!! We tried the Antelope Tenderloin offered one evening, it was wonderful. If you go hungry, it is your fault. For the Alberts, it is well worth the drive from the gate....to the top of that mountain.

Just got back from a 4 night stay at The Swag. This was our 4th year making a fall trip there and it was, as always, a fantastically relaxing and enjoyable time. Deener and Dan are marvelous hosts, the staff is friendly and efficient, the food is great, the scenery is amazing, and hiking in the GSMP is terrific. A little slice of heaven on earth if you ask me. We've alredy booked our dates for next year.

We loved our stay here. The natural beauty was spectacular. Deener is a gracious host.

5000 feet on top of a mountain looking out over seven mountain ranges that display all the fall colors of leaves against a Carolina blue sky which catches glimpses of hawks and other migrating birds as they flow silently through the sky...... add to this an incredible bed and btreakfast that provides service and hospitality that is above and beyond anyones dreams. This is The Swag. The owners make sure that everyone has a perfect vacation and that all will come back for an exctended stay the next time. There is no place like this .

This is a wonderful place to spend time -- being in the outdoors, eating good food, having stimulating conversations, and relaxing. The colors this fall were outstanding!

This is the most incredible place. I see the view everytime I close my eyes. Deener is a gracious innkeeper and her staff is top-notch. The food is always excellent.

The whole experience was fantastic.....the setting, the staff, the food, guides to lead walks into the Smoky Mt Natl Park....it could not have been any better. We have already booked 3 nights for summer 2012.

As always the food, staff and setting are superb. The innkeepers, Deener and Dan make everyone feel special. We have returned for several years, as have most of the guests we met this weekend. The hiking, the bluegrass band, the views--all great. I think this was our most fun visit ever, but maybe I always say that. Can't wait to go back.

Deener and Dan are the best hosts as are all the employees. There's nothing like being in the mountains with 70 degree weather when it's 100+ at home AND it's a placd that has fabulous food and interesting guests!

Wonderful place, beautiful views, friendly staff always helpful. Lodging was great, food fantastic. You will not be dissapointed.

It brings joy to my heart to know of a beautiful, gracious, cool place to escape to when the temps are soaring and stress fills my days. We loved every minute of our stay from the hike, to the gorgeous room, to the delicious meals, to the lovely surprise of fellow guests that were so much fun to share the weekend with, we'll be back over and over again now that we have discovered this gem.

I took my wife there as a surprise for her birthday, but we were both surprised by what we found. I had heard great things, but nothing prepared us for this. This place is amazing. Stay in the "family room" cabin, and you won't be disappointed. Julie showed us around, and basically acted as concierge. She is amazing. I can't say enough good things about The Swag. We will be back.

The Swag is one of our favorite places to spend a few days. It is very relaxing. One can park on arrival and not even get into the car until (sadly) the time to leave. We never want to leave. We really enjoyed Donald Davis' storytelling; it is a highlight of our stay. The food, the staff, the service ... outstanding. This is an inn that one should not miss.

This is a spectactular inn. You will not encounter better meals or a more attentive wait staff.If getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you should try this inn. We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit andlook forward to returning.

My husband and I spent 3 days and nights at the Swag Country Inn from July 15-18. The accomodations were fantastic, the meals were outstanding and the service was impeccable. The best part was the cool weather which was a welcome relief from the 100 degree days at home. We made full use of the two fireplaces in our cabin.

As this was our fourth stay at The Swag, our expectations already were high. Even so, the staff's friendliness and helpfulness are amazing--they greet you by name and remember details of what you like (after we shifted to sit next to one another rather than across a four-top table, we found our places set that way at dinner the next night); after we used the outdoor shower on our porch, the housekeeper put the next morning's fresh washcloths out there rather than in the bathroom's shower. I mention these small details because after several very happy visits we're no longer surprised that the food is excellent and the room is wonderfully comfortable and large. Having said that, though, we were pleasantly surprised by the food: antelope was tender and rich, pork roast was accompanied by perfect spaetzle and roasted apples. This year we caught perfect weather, too. High temperatures during our four days never topped 78 degrees; nights were cool and breezes were refreshing. We can't wait to return.

A fantastic, romantic, gastronomic and outdoor wonder place. You feel miles away from the world, but surrounded by a caring and obliging staff. Nothing is too much trouble for them to handle. Very highly recommended!

The Swag is located on a secluded, picturesque mountainside that provides a rustic, yet elegant accommodation with outstanding gourmet food and unsurpassed personal service. A member of the distinguished Select Registry, the Swag exceeds the high quality standard established by the association. Guests visiting the Swag will not be disappointed. Simply the best of the 20+ high quality B and Bs we have experienced.

One of the best vacations my wife and I have ever experience!

My husband and I loved this getaway. After living with beautiful vistas among the clouds, it was hard to come back down the mountain and return to our regular lives. Sonya Clark

Have stayed in many B&B's over the years and the Swag is absolutely in the top 3! Incredibly awesome beyond words in any review.

This was our ninth visit over a ten year period starting in 2002. My wife and I look forward to our annual "pilgrimage" to The Swag in the North Carolina mountains. We enjoy hiking and renewing friendships with other annual visitors. We have already made our reservations for 2012. We have stayed in the Rock Room and Laurin's Room on various occasions.

The Swag Country Inn is a great place to go and relax away from it all, quite, and the most beautiful views. The food is so wonderful with a mixture for everyone. The only thing that I didn't like was the price, it is a little overprice even for all that they offer.

Fantastic! Had a wonderful anniversary get-away here. Every bit as advertised. If you like a lodge atmosphere with high-end amenities, you gotta go here. Hard to rate a place here that you "expect" to be "outstanding", but The Swag really is. Expensive, yes, but you'll understand when you go. Many reviewers here are 55+, but there's so much here for less senior folks who love the outdoors and a relaxing atmosphere. If you think a mountain lodge is a romantic place, this is the one to go to! The rooms are wonderful. Caveats? Hiking destinations are great, but trails might not be as "developed" as you expect. Still, great maps and directions are provided. You'll want to get out and explore this beautiful area.

Great Inn, wonderful people, warm receiption and incredible food. One of the best stays we've experienced. Would definitely recommend this for anyone needing time away in the beautiful mountains of NC.

This is a wonderful place to stay and should not be missed. The staff can't be beat. The service is fantastic and the other guests are delightful.

This was our second stay here. The last time was 10 years ago. It was even better than we remembered. It truly is a place to go to put your busy world back into perspective. Dan, Deener & staff are the key to making this oasis.

The Swag Country Inn is more than a Smoky Mountain resort. It is an experience that will leave you planning your return trip before you depart. Park your car and forget the hectic world 5000 feet below this mountain gem. All is provided during your stay. The personalized treatment from the owner and staff combined with a location that is one of the most beautiful in the Smokies puts the Swag on top of the list of the best places to stay.

Arriving later than expected, and after dinner was served in the dining room, we were met by gracious staff and served a beautiful 3 course dinner in our room accompanied by a special cake for my daughter celebrating her graduation. The rest of our stay was no different, with every detail beautiful, the grounds impeccable, and the hikes invigorating. The room was exceptionally comfortable and the food delectable and plentiful. We loved our stay and can't wait to go back.

Our stay was a birthday present for my wife, she loves antique cabins. She was wonderfully suprised when I drove her up to Swag. She will remember her time there as long as she lives. Great staff, fantastic service and incredible views. Our experience at the Swag fed our souls.

A wonderful place with amazing views. The Swag is a charming venue with personalized service. You can immerse yourself in with the guests or go your own way, or do a bit of each. Deener and Dan are the most entertaining and delightful "inn keepers" and you feel as if you are visiting friends rather than visiting a hotel. They offer a warm welcome and allow the guests their privacy or get them to mingle, which ever the guests choose. You must not miss this. Whether you are local, American or international, well traveled or barely traveled, you will enjoy a stay at the Swag.

Ms. Matthews, Thank you and the staff for a great weekend. We have been recommending The Swag all over Lakeland. Let us know about Thanksgiving. Best Wishes Jim Mallless

Everything about our 2-day stay at the Swag was exceptional - breathtaking views, gracious hospitality, friendly relaxed service, delicious food. Outstanding!!

We have travelled all over the world, The Swag is our new favorite. If you love gorgeous views, gourmet food, amazing hiking trails, and your every need met before you even knew you needed it, this is the place for you. They have thought of everything. There are hideaways all over the property and no need for your car once you arrive. The most refreshing place we have ever been. The best staff too!

Stayed for three nights in May. Where can you go for such a view at 5,000 feet, the national park at your back door, and outstanding food at every meal? Not stuffy, casual atmosphere with attentive staff.

We went to the Swag as a birthday/anniversary celebration. We were their first guests of the season and had a large staff waiting on our needs. They upgraded our room as we were the only guests on a monday night. After a lovely hike along their nature trail, we had a glass of wine and appetizers by a blazing fire. Dinner was a wonderful multicourse meal. WE got to chat with the chef, who is new this season. The next day we did a great hike in the smokies which is literally right outside thier door. They add lots of extra touches; hiking sticks as a gift, a scumptious lunch for our packpacks, birthday cake and another little gift with dinner. Lovely Innkeeper and family, attentive staff and a great Inn cat, Malcom. We had a great stay. It's a splurge, but worth it for a celebration.

this inn is where we come to relax and get away from the outside world. Deener is a great host, who will make your visit very special and enjoyable. it is not for everyone, but, if you want a quite place, good hiking trails, excellent food, and being able to set your own social pace, you will love the swag. we have enjoyed our 10 stays and will return soon.

This was our first stay. An amazing place. You feel like you have your own national park and a wonderful staff and owners to take care of you

We came to hike some trails in the Smokey Mountains that were accessible from the Swag. We had a great hike with a delicious lunch included with the room. This is a unbelievably beautiful setting and the Inn has thought of everything. All the meals were great.

My husband and I have made The Swag our annual getaway trip after discovering it 13 years ago. We always look forward to the beautiful and peaceful setting, outstanding customer service, and fantastic food. Deener and her staff are masters of detail. We are true Swaggers!

We have been to the Swag many times over the past 25 years and have fully enjoyed every visit. We went twice this year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. It is a great place to relax, do some hiking, and enjoy the food and people including the hostess and the other guests. If you like the outdoors in the neighborhood of the Smokies you can't beat the Swag.

A fantastic resort located on a 5000 foot North Carolina mountain top. Rooms have the feel of mountain living while providing all the modern amenities. Food is superb. The staff and ownership truly know the meaning of hospitality. Clean air, beautiful views, nature walks, and tranquility abound each day and night.

Great place to just relax in a mountain setting or hike in the Smokie Mountains.

The Swag is a wonderfully rustic yet elegant retreat in the mountains. Every last detail is taken care of for you so you have nothing to do or think about, just relax. It truly is a wonderful escape. I found all of the staff to be expectioanl and the property and the views were breathless.

We were fortunate to join friends who had previously visited The Swag! The Swag is resort retreat for anyone desiring peaceful surrounds, beauty of nature, delicious meals, and pampering staff. From private hideaways to croquet, from Malcome to chocolates, from Deener to gardner, from views to respite, if you desire to be pampered and deserve peace, The Swag is for you.

Amazing setting with breathtaking mountain views. We were at the Swag for two nights and wanted to stay outside as much as possible. There are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors no matter if your preference is to be active or relax. Don't miss the views from Gooseberry Knob (a short hike). We also really enjoyed our hike with Bob and Louise Collier and would highly recommend joining them for a hike if your stays coincide. I wouldn't make plans away from the property unless you are there for several days.

The food is superb, the views can't be beat, the hiking is incredible, the rooms are to die for, and the staff is fabulous!

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This mountain top resort has been my destination for 10 years, and each year brings new and wonderful surprises. The special features during the week enable the young or older to enjoy.No one should miss the barbeque or the elegant picnic on Goosberry Knob.I love the chef's explanation of each meal's preparation as well as the beautiful presentation. You are truely pampared from the moment you arrive.

We enjoyed our stay at The Swag so much! Everything was top-notch. We celebrated my birthday there and everyone made me feel special. We went to Hilton Head and Charleston after our stay with you and they just did not compare. We plan to return next year. Thank you for making my birthday so special!

Amazing views, awake to the clouds appearing to be below you. The Swag Resort is an exceptional place to relax, hike and enjoy wonderful food in the smoky mountains. Our room had a great fireplace, private porch and steam shower that we truly enjoyed. The staff made us feel as if we were part of the family in for a long weekend. We so agreed with Deener (the owner) who said she had a seven-month house party. She and her staff makes everyone feel as if they are close neighbors. The hiking was fantastic and challenging for this 50ish in fair shape! I can not think of one thing I would change..

The minute you round the last curve on the driveway, you're relaxed. Be prepared for: gorgeous mountain views, fabulous very individual rooms, pampering by staff, excellent food, stimulating conversation or quiet time for reading, hiking trails right outside the door, the best innkeeper ever. You'll feel at home and won't want to leave. You'll plan your return as you drive down the driveway.

We have enjoyed several anniversary celebrations at The Swag and we leave looking forward to our return. The Swag is secluded on top of a mountain with gorgeous views. Every room at The Swag is wonderful and the owners and staff attend to every detail to make your stay extra special. The meals are outstanding and we have never been disappointed in anything at The Swag.

I have been going to The Swag for almost 18 years, and it just gets better every year. Yes, it is expensive. However, I really believe it is worth it. Each room has its own unique decorum, and every year it seems that there are updates and upgrades to the rooms. Sometimes just something small, and other times it's "Wow, look at this!" Needless to say, the location (at 5,000 feet) is both spectacular and comfortable (cool!). We like to hike, and there are many trails to select from ("easy" to "you've got to be kidding"). However, when it rains..... that is a treat too, since it signals it's time to grab a book and sit on the covered porch and enjoy the rain (or on your private balcony if you room is so equipped). The food.... it's always a treat. From the buffet breakfasts to the yummy light sandwiches for lunch, and the really nice dinner selection. Oh, and don't forget the fresh-baked cookies at 3:30 each afternoon! Finally, Deener and Dan really make The Swag what it is..... a special retreat where you always feel welcomed and where your comfort is assured. My wife and I are huge fans...... We already have our dates booked for 2011.

The serene environment is so welcoming you can't help but relax as soon as you get out of your vehicle. When you arrive there is a huge collection of walking sticks of all shapes/sizes/textures for you to pick one and label it with a custom label you are given from the front desk. That was so much fun as you make good use of it to tour the many hiking trails and the beautiful Smoky Mountain Park. It is your souvenier to take home when you leave, and each year you come back you can add a walking stick label for that year or get a new stick. Our accomodations were perfect, the room comfortable, clean, quiet, can't say enough good things. Chef Brian made some remarkable dishes throughout our stay and our steaks were cut with a butter knife! Warm cookies and nuts at 3pm after return from a long hike. The water bottles were filled and chilled all day long for you to help yourself. (Stainless NOT plastic) The staff went out of their way anticipating our every need before we asked. The owners joined in events and circulated to visit with guests/old friends. The band was enjoyable for the Fourth of July event...and the chef made absolutely everything taste delicious. So very glad we found this wonderful treat and were able to be part of it for 3 days. Can't wait to return and to hear about our friends visits!

It is hard to describe the natural beauty of the setting and the peace you feel. The spectacular views, the Smoky Mountain National Park is your backyard and the hiking doesn't get better. We stayed in the new suite - Gail's Room, it was the most amazing suite we have ever stayed in. The food was to die for and the personal service and warm hospitality surpassed all expectations - we will be back!