When realtors Mike and Becky Johnson were charged with the task of selling a stunningly scenic 1,000-acre property along the Foothills Parkway in Blount County, they passed. Instead, they bought the land for themselves and turned it into a camping and fishing haven for their family.
The result? Memories that were so special, the Johnsons eventually decided they couldn’t just keep them in the family. In 2004, they began construction on Butterfly Gap Retreat, a picturesque, peaceful bed and breakfast that caters to couples.
“It was a dream of theirs,” said Mandy Sitzlar, one of the Johnsons’ daughters who helps run the resort. “They had a vision for the property.”
Today, adults-only Butterfly Gap is a treasured getaway for honeymoons, babymoons, weddings (Butterfly Gap also hosts events) and others seeking a romantic escape. The resort offers the kind of privacy not often encountered in a bed and breakfast – seven individual houses, each on their own five-acre plots to maximize the sensation of seclusion.
“We can be completely full and people hardly run into each other. It can very easily feel like you’re the only ones out there,” said Sitzlar.
But don’t mistake seclusion for isolation: Butterfly Gap is in the heart of Blount County’s wilderness, but it’s only ten minutes from Maryville, 20 from the airport and a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
“Staying with us, you get the best of both worlds – you get the proximity to the park and all the things in Townsend, which are excellent to go see by day,” Sitzlar said. “Part of your stay can be experiencing the activities out there, and you can spend a couple days never leaving our property, too.”
Those who choose to stay on the property find plenty to do. Butterfly Gap boasts a fully stocked 12-acre lake open to fishing, paddle boarding and kayaking. There’s a trail that leads to a scenic overlook on the edge of Chilhowee Mountain and a fire pit behind the main office. And, of course, there’s the gourmet breakfast – hand-cooked by Becky, Sitzlar’s sister Laura Lockwood and Lockwood’s culinary-school-trained husband, Ryan. They deliver the breakfast to each cottage daily. As an added bonus, each house has a full kitchen.
“Some people stock up at the grocery store and never leave,” Sitzlar said. “A lot of people go out to nearby restaurants, which are about a ten-minute drive away.”
The contours of the land inspired each cottage’s modern-yet-rustic design, crafted by architect Gary Best – Becky’s brother.
“We gave [Best] a lot and said, ‘we’re going to build on this lot. Look at the terrain and build something based on the terrain,’” Sitzlar said. “We didn’t want to do what’s traditional to this area, because we feel like that’s been done.”
The priority: Building dwellings that showcased the environment around them.
“When you look at the outside you think the cottage is really modern, but there’s so much glass and window that it makes it feel rustic, because you have nature coming inside,” said Sitzlar. “It’s neat how much wildlife you can see out your window.”
“Why would you want to rent a place that looked just like your home? The houses are different from each other, and some people want to stay in a different house every time and check them all out,” Sitzlar added.
The houses may look different on the outside, but they all offer luxurious amenities on the inside; each cottage boasts satellite TV, an air jet tub and a queen- or king-sized bed, and many have large living rooms and screened-in porches.
Sitzlar and the Lockwoods take an active role in running Butterfly Gap’s day-to-day operations. Sitzlar manages wedding guests and public relations, while Laura and Ryan perform daily operations tasks and apply special touches, like making complimentary pint ice cream for every stay.
“We’ve done everything from cooking to housekeeping to running weddings and reservations,” Sitzlar said. “We made our own website. We’re jacks of all trades, and I think guests recognize that.”
And just as Butterfly Gap began as – and remains — a home for the Johnson family’s memories, it has become a meaningful marker for many couples, as well.
“It’s really cool for couples to come back to celebrate special moments in their lives,” said Sitzlar.
”When it’s your own, you just want to take care of it.”
For more information about Butterfly Gap Retreat, visit www.butterflygap.com or call (865) 984-6021.
Category: Groups
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Now Available Around the Smokies
Thanks to our friends at the Black Bear Solar Institute, electric vehicle charging stations are now free at various locations across the Peaceful Side!
Experience a Group Camp Adventure at Eagle Rock in Maryville, TN
Eagle Rock is the brainchild of a group of dedicated volunteers who spent many years bringing teens on retreats to part of East Tennessee. They found that everyone enjoyed the fellowship, the camaraderie and the chance to enjoy sharing their life changing experiences with Jesus Christ. In time, the land was purchased to establish Eagle Rock Camp with a lodge, bunkhouses, an outdoor amphitheater, and more. But this is just the beginning. If you are looking for some summer fun, take a look at these amazing activities and then be sure to book your stay early, as spaces go fast.
The Rope Course
This is a state-of-the-art high ropes course with several elements. The design requires you to make use of multiple maneuvering skills and techniques to traverse the entire course. The ropes range in height from 20 to 45 feet off the ground and take you through the beautiful woods giving you a spectacular view of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Rock Climbing/ Rappelling
These are two of the most sought-after activities. Eagle Rock’s 45-foot cliff rock face is rated as having some of the best rappelling and rock climbing is the southeastern United States. Under the careful tutelage of great instructors, campers here learn about self-confidence while at the same time learning about the spiritual analogies of trusting others even when they don’t quite understand.
Creative Arts
Whether you are a crayon and coloring book artist or the next Picasso, campers have the opportunity to explore their creativity through various activities like painting and photography. This gives each camper a chance to explore their talents at their own pace.
Paintball
Eagle Rock first introduced paintball back in 2010 and it quickly became one of the most popular activities offered. Participants take part in a number of activities with a range of goals, but they must learn to work as a team if they want to reach the ultimate goal.
Canoeing
There is no better way to enjoy the trip from Chilhowee Lake to the base of the Abrams Falls, located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, than by canoe. This is one of the most peaceful activities offered and includes a five-mile hike, swimming, searching for arrowheads, and more.
Hiking
Campers will find a nice variety of trails of varying difficulties. They include short 30-minute strolls all the way up to 5-mile treks. There are so many places to go, such as the Abrams Falls, the old Gold Mine Trail, a bat cave and more. Each hike comes with a fresh supply of Great Smoky Mountains, fresh air and amazing scenery.
Tubing
Nothing could be more fun on a hot summer day than floating on the cold waters of the Little River. Campers can do this as a solo activity or as the perfect end to a long bike trek or hike. The ride lasts a full hour going through mostly calm waters. There are a few mild rapids on the way down that are sure to add a little excitement to the journey.
From amazing activities to home-cooked meals and the chance to get closer to God and nature, Eagle Rock Camp has so much to offer. Their vision has been to give everyone of all ages the chance to meet Jesus Christ for the first time or to see him in a new and life-changing way. More than this, Eagle Rock is a Christian Missions organization and serves a community of like-minded Christian churches, groups, individuals, and ministries. Be sure to book your reservations now for this summer, as spaces are filling quickly.
Synchronous Fireflies in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
East Tennesseans who live near the Smoky Mountains know their home is a special place. This area is so special, in fact, that it hosts one of the rarest sights in the world: synchronous fireflies in the Smokies. Every year, this species of firefly gathers in the Smokies for their two-week mating season in late spring. At the peak of their season, these fireflies can be seen blinking in synchronicity.
The flashes of bioluminescence emitted by lightning bugs are essential to their mating ritual. The males flash to the females, who may or may not flash in response. During this special time, though, all males and females of this species flash together in mass. No one knows for sure what makes synchronous fireflies behave this way, but the effect is truly awesome—hundreds of individuals acting in harmony. Perhaps the mystery of it is what draws so many people year after year.
A few weeks before the event, the National Parks Service distributes a limited number of advanced parking tickets online. However, as in the case of this year, the tickets are gone the instant they go on sale. For those who miss out, there are 85 passes that can be reserved starting at 10:00 a.m. the day before you wish to attend by going to www.recreation.gov or calling (877) 444-6777. Again though, these disappear faster than the flash of a lightning bug, so plan ahead.
And yes, this spectacle is worth every bit of the mania it takes to get a pass.
The lucky few who get their hands on a ticket must park at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and ride a shuttle to the Elkmont viewing area after sundown. This year, the synchronous fireflies can be seen from Tuesday, June 2, through Tuesday, June 8.
Because viewers will be walking around in the woods after dark, some may want to bring a flashlight. However, if you do, be sure to cover it with blue or red cellophane, and point it directly toward the ground and only when you’re walking to your selected viewing spot. Once you are settled, turn off the artificial light and revel in nature’s light show, an experience that is nothing short of magical.
Trains in Townsend: The History of The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company
Townsend, Tennessee is known as “the peaceful side of the Smokies,” and for good reason. As visitors drive toward this tranquil town on Highway 321, they are slowly enveloped by towering trees and embraced by the rising hills. A stay here isn’t complete without a blissful ride on the Little River or along the bicycle trails. Townsend is a world unto itself.
The people who live here know how special their town is, which is why, 33 years ago, a group of residents formed a non-profit to preserve Townsend’s heritage: The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company. Sandy Headrick, the board treasurer, explains, “The Lumber Company really started Townsend.”
Visitors to the museum learn how this area was brought into the industrial age by the efforts of a man named General Townsend. At the turn of the 20th century, Townsend was invited to open a lumber company here by the operators of a tannery in Walland. The two businesses benefitted from each other’s presence, but soon Townsend exhausted the supply of easily-obtained lumber. It became necessary to construct a railroad into the mountains to acquire more, and thus the Little River Railroad came to be.
Townsend was a well-loved entrepreneur. He provided area residents with their first steady paycheck. The Little River Lumber Company offered employee housing, ensured education and church for its families, and formed sports teams for recreation. Townsend even initiated a workers’ comp program, which was extremely novel at the time. When it came time to establish the national park, he was the first to sell his land for the cause.
This heritage and more is on exhibit in the museum, which is housed in the building that was once the Walland Depot–the original depot for the Little River Railroad. Most tourists visiting the museum come for the history, but the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company also has a following of train enthusiasts.
Dave Ezell, grandson of a former LRR postmaster and museum volunteer, highlights that one of the museum’s major attractions is its Shay engine locomotive. This train model is notable for its ability to pull heavy loads up the mountain and because there are so few left.
Interestingly, the Little River Railroad was arguably the beginning of tourism in Townsend, and now the museum continues the tradition. In the 1900s, affluent families from Knoxville would ride a train into Walland, then transfer to the Little River Railroad to make their way to the national park. The museum displays photographs of men and women wearing suits, white dresses, and hats for the holiday, despite the fact that they would get covered in soot.
Fortunately, no one has to dress up to visit the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company museum. Admission is always free; the museum operates solely on donations and souvenir sales. Hours are seasonal and can be found on the non-profit’s website.
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