The Swag is one of my top 5 travel destinations!

Do you like to travel? How about great food, awesome service, friendly people (staff and guests)? How about elegant understated rooms in the mountains? Well…all of those things, and more, can be found at The Swag Hotel in Waynesville, NC.

My husband and I had the opportunity to spend a few days at The Swag this summer (3 nights). It was a surprise anniversary present for me. And what an amazing surprise it was!

Now, we had been there around 20+ years ago. But, back in the day Willy had pneumonia so we did not get a chance to do much of anything. So, this time around it was so fun. Plus, The Swag has changed a lot since then…and all for the better.

When we arrived, even though we could not check in until 3, they gave us a tour and a packed lunch for us to eat on the amazing front porch which overlooks the NC mountains. We watched the humming birds dart in and out of their feeders (there must have been a dozen or more humming birds), while rocking on amazing and comfy rockers, and munching on an amazing lunch. The corn salad….oh my gosh – the best ever (you can ask for the recipes and they will send them to you in December during their off season).

Where is The Swag located:

The Swag is located in Waynesville, NC. It is nestled in the highest county east of the Mississippi, home to thirteen peaks over six thousand feet. This is a quote from their website ‘The Swag’s mountaintop views and private entrance into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are only part of what makes the property special. Every moment is meaningful – from broad lawns to cozy nooks, romantic details to rustic roots – while our epic backcountry stretches out all around. The thoughtful nature of our buildings and amenities conveys a rare, sincere sense of mountain charm and intimacy that keeps our guests returning over and over again.'

And you know what…it is not a sales pitch. We already booked 4 nights in July 2022!

Upon your arrival!

Once you turn off the main road and begin driving up the mountain to The Swag you come to a gate. Once the gates open it is a climb to the top. And just beautiful. Just when you think you are lost and there really isn't a hotel…you come to the brand new welcome area. Talk about a first impression!

We parked our car and were led into the welcome area, given wine and water and met Caroline. She was so friendly and helpful. She let us know that when our room was ready she would have all of our luggage sent to the room. I had to show her how to unlock the front boot of my little sports car. The engine is NOT under the hood…that is where our suitcases were!

The rooms at The Swag:

There are not a lot of rooms at the hotel. Which makes for a very intimate and quiet get away. There are 5 rooms in the Swag House. 5 rooms in the Chestnut Lodge. Plus 5 cabins and suites. Most of them have sitting rooms, fireplaces and balconies – either overlooking the mountains or the Smokey Mountain National Forest.

Our room, Danny's Room, was in the Swag House and it is the smallest at the hotel. It did not have a balcony, which at first, seemed to be a disappointment. But, it turned out to be a blessing. I spent many hours in those back porch rockers reading and, as a result, I met almost everyone who arrived! And we both made some great friends.

The food at The Swag:

The food was amazing. Did I mention that ALL of the food is included in the room rate? Yup! I love all inclusives, don't you?

• Coffee and tea were set up every morning around 5.30.
• Breakfast is served between 8-10 and you can get anything you want from the menu. One morning I ate 2 breakfasts – one at 8 and another at 9.30. I loved the french toast and muffins (the old Jane sweet tooth).
• Lunch was a packed lunch. You could choose a back pack, picnic basket or bag lunch. We also could choose what we wanted to eat, including our sides.
  • On Wednesday lunch was served on top of Gooseberry Knob (about 1/2 mile up the hill – you can either walk or a car will give you a ride). It was a buffet with the usual picnic fare – hamburgers, hot dogs, PLUS bison burgers AND grilled scallops. The sides were all made with homegrown ingredients. And, don't forget the dessert station!
• Cookies and tea at 3.
• Appetizers at 6.
• Dinner was great too. 2 of our nights we had a sit down dinner with our own menu choices. The 3rd night they had a barbecue buffet which included smoked chicken, tender ribs, brisket, and all the sides. I loved the beans and brisket! Plus the mashed potato bar was a new thing to me – mashed potatoes and I could choose what toppings I wanted.
• PLUS – on the main porch there were 2 coolers. One held water and drinks. The other had ice cream!

We were given our own walking sticks with tags made out of slices of wood…walking sticks that we got to keep!

So, what did WE do and participate in?

• I spent hours putting together a jig saw puzzle. It was the hardest puzzle I have ever done. I was determined to finish it before I left. Thankfully Tom and his wife, Peri, helped me on the last night.
• Hiked one of the easier trails – but it was pretty rough for me. My heart rate got up to 155 (courtesy of my Apple Watch).
• Ate amazing food in their new open porch.
• Read books.
• Hiked to Hemphill Bald. Willy hiked down to the waterfall…it was a steep hike for him.
• Ate one of our picnic lunches in the treehouse.
• Bird watching and conversation with Linda, a retired park ranger. I didn't get a whole lot of bird watching in…but I sure did participate in a ton of conversation.

What did we not do at The Swag?

• There is an amazing Spa called Still – I heard the massages are great. Next time for sure. Think I will have a facial and a body wrap. Those are my faves.
• Corn Hole
• Croquet
• Many many hikes
• I did not walk to the waterfall
• Wine tasting in their new wine tasting room
• Hike with Linda, a retired park ranger. The Swag makes sure that there is always someone there who can show you around and take you on informative hikes. Linda was GREAT! I hope to see her again next year.

Our highlights –

• The people – all of the people. We met John and his wife who were celebrating their 39th anniversary. We met Rusty and Janet and hung out with them a lot. We met so many other people whose names I have forgotten. Will – the General Manager. Michelle – the head of service. Mark – who gave us our initial tour. Caroline – who seemed to be everywhere doing everything. Linda – our resident ranger. And oh so many more.
• The accommodations. Our room was simple but elegant.
• The front porch – the views and the people – all engaging as if we'd been friends for years.
• The variety of delicious food.
• The glorious vegetable and flower garden.
• The evening story telling.

Willy and I both said that it was one of our best vacations ever. And we have been together for 43 years and have traveled extensively to many parts of the world!

So, if you need to get away…save your cash and head on to The Swag. I promise…you will not be disappointed.

Here are a few random photos 🙂

Vacations are GREAT stress reducers, right?

But what happens when you are home…and not on vacation? Does life just come at you at 90 mph and and you feel that you just can't keep up? You become overwhelmed…andSometimes when you are overwhelmed stress sets in.

And when stress sets in it is sometimes difficult to be happy or joyful. So, don’t let stress have the last word! 

Go on and take a look at the ‘Top 5 Stress Reducers’ (Action Plan included). So that you can eliminate what causes you stress and get on the path of living a joyful life.

What is Joyful Living all about?

Joyful Living is ALL about not letting let the circumstances of YOUR life determine who you really are. You learn to choose YOU instead! Not sure how to do that? Let me help! 

To begin, go ahead and read:

• What is Joyful Living?
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• Difference Between Happiness and Joy