Tag: romance

Appalachian Love Spells

Posted on February 14, 2021 by Rachel Coffman - Blog, Smoky Mountains

Valentine’s Day is here, so what better time to give you a little history of Appalachian Folk Magic? Who hasn’t wished they could conjure up a couple of love spells this time of year? Well, luckily for you, many of our Appalachian ancestors didn’t have the mainstream disdain for a little practical magic.

History

Appalachian Folk Magic, sometimes referred to as Granny Magic, dates back to the 1700s when many Scotts and Irish immigrants settled into our wise old Appalachian mountains. When these two old-world traditions blended with existing Cherokee traditions, a new recipe of magic was born. Folk magic evolved to let mountain people utilize the earth’s energy for healing when doctors weren’t available, and justice was necessary to maintain a peaceful community.

Practical Magic

Granny Magic, like many of the older magical practices, were passed on within families through generations. Because of the rural and secluded nature of the mountains, Appalachian families relied on Mother Nature in a way unfamiliar to most city folk. The fertility of crops, the weather, livestock, and even hunting conditions drew on various polytheism deities’ faith, as well as monolithic religions (even Christianity). Witchcraft was not the taboo it became in urban regions.
Our ancestors often reached out to Witch Doctors for all variety of healing, Water Witches who doused for water or energy vortexes, Power Doctors who worked magic through breath, or Goomer Doctors who could remove hexes. With that said, we offer a couple of love spells to make your Valentine’s Day one to be remembered.

Although, according to Byron Ballard, from www.myvillagewitch.com, she refuses to do love spells. “The problem is that they work. And sometimes the person asking for the spell ends up not being as interested as they thought they were, or they draw a person to them in an unhealthy way, such as stalking.”
But for the brave, or possibly irresponsible, we’ve tracked down a couple of Appalacian love spells and charms for you to try. NOTE: we do not recommend any illegal activities to obtain materials for this spell and are not responsible for any magical outcome.

Love Spells and Charms

Collect a handful of violet buds, think romantic thoughts, and then toss them in front of you. Look at the patterns they form on the ground. They should suggest a name or the initials of your future mate. If you get better results with white blossoms, then your mate will always be faithful. If you get better results with purple blossoms, your marriage will be passionate.
Tossing myrtle into a fire is said to cause the face of your future mate to appear.
A white dove flying over your house is an omen that there will be a marriage in your family within a year.
For love, take a pair of scissors and inscribe your name on the inside of one blade and his name on the inside of the other, then bury the scissors.

We hope you have a memorable Valentine’s Day this year, but be sure to act with caution when reading or influencing your fate. Maybe consider a bouquet of roses instead.

For other Valentine ideas in the Smoky Mountains, check out these posts:

Valentine’s Day in the Smoky Mountains: The Most Romantic Restaurants in Blount County

Visiting the Smokies with Your Sweetheart? Snuggle Up for a Carriage Ride through Cades Cove

Enjoy a Romantic Weekend on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies

Posted on July 9, 2018 by dstech - Activities, Blog, Lodging

Blount County is the Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is one of the most spectacular national parks in the United States. Throughout the county, you will find cozy cabins, romantic lodges, and magnificent hotels for your stay. No matter how you look at it, Blount County makes the perfect place for a romantic weekend just for the two of you.

Your Weekend Starts with a Romantic Cabin

Blount County is home to a number of honeymoon and romantic getaway cabins. Many are bed & breakfasts; some offer dinners, as well. Imagine waking up in the morning to the sun shining through the window of your room, a view of the misty mountains in the distance, the sound of birds in trees, and the smell of fresh-brewed coffee coming up from the dining room. This is how spending a romantic weekend in Blount County should start.
Continue your morning with a romantic horseback ride along the many trails scattered throughout the Great Smoky Mountains. There are several stables in the area; some offer you the option to take a picnic lunch and stop for a romantic meal in the shade by a waterfall. Whether you are an experienced rider or have never been on a horse before, your guide will work with you until you are comfortable.
Once your ride is over, why not head over to the local winery for a little wine tasting and a tour of the vineyards? To bring your first day here to an end, there are a number of excellent restaurants in Maryville, Townsend, and surrounding communities to try out. Take a stroll through downtown Maryville before returning to your cabin or room for the night.

On Your Next Day

Why not be a little more adventurous on the second day of your weekend? There are several high-flying ziplines to try out. Imagine soaring high above the treetops laughing all the way down. The view from up here is spectacular, just ask any bird you meet along the way.
You can, of course, take the short hike out to Spruce Flat Falls; the hike is easy, and the falls at the end are more than worth the hike. The beauty here never stops: finish up your day with a picnic at Cades Cove before packing the car and heading back home.
When you want a quiet, charming place for your next romantic weekend, try Blount County. The entire area is home to some of the most romantic scenery in the country. The views are beautiful, the locals are incredible, and there is no shortage of fun and romantic activities to enjoy during your stay here.

Romantic Sunsets are Spectacular from Clingmans Dome

Posted on August 20, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Smoky Mountains

One of the most beautiful sights to see in the Smoky Mountains is a sunset. The mountain peaks take on a rosy glow, and overhead you can see the hint of stars starting to peek through. The foothills below the peaks fall asleep, and all around, the magical night view starts to take over. It’s a stunning natural phenomenon that happens every single night, and as residents of Blount County, we’re lucky enough to see it regularly. One of the best places for visitors to get the best look at this amazing sight is Clingmans Dome.
Find the Observation Tower at the Highest Point in the National Park
Located at 6,643 feet, the observation tower at the top of Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Up here, you can get full views of the mountains from every direction, with nothing at all in the way of the amazing sights. No buildings, no crowds, no billboards – just the gorgeous sight of the mountains stretching out around you. It takes just half a mile to walk the trail, and although it’s steep, it is paved and you can easily follow the path with no troubles. Be aware that pets and bikes are not allowed on the path up to the observation deck. The trail is also too steep for wheelchair accessibility.
Didn’t Make It In Time for Sunset? Don’t Worry
If you start the seven-mile drive to the path that takes you to the observation deck and the sun is already setting, don’t worry – you can still have that romantic moment with a great view. The road has many pull-offs with great views of their own, and you can easily enjoy the sunset from there!
Be Prepared for That Sunset Kiss
On very clear days, the view from Clingmans Dome extends more than 100 miles in all directions – and even on foggy days, you’ll still be able to see out at least 20 miles in every direction. When the sun casts its beautiful pink and purple sunset shadow on the peaks, get ready for that romantic moment with your loved one. There’s nothing like sharing the beauty of nature together in a way that most people never get to.
Getting to Clingmans Dome
In order to get to Clingmans Dome, you’ll need to turn off Newfound Gap Road about 0.1 miles south of Newfound Gap. Follow this road, which is Clingmans Dome Road, seven miles, and the road will end in a parking lot. From the parking lot, follow the paved path along the half-mile walk, and you’ll be at the observation tower. While the observation tower is always open, the road to the dome is closed in the winter and when the weather conditions could be dangerous.

Townsend's Romantic Richmont Inn Provides Stunning Views of the Smokies

Posted on July 20, 2018 by dstech - Blog, Lodging, Townsend

It’s not obvious at first glance, but the stunning view the Richmont Inn offers is right there in the name. That’s right! The “Richmont” in Richmont Inn refers to Rich Mountain, which is the majestic, lush, and endlessly scenic mountain that the Inn overlooks. Read on to find out more about this Appalachian treasure!

A Family-Owned Property in the Smokies Since 1991

Jim and Susan Hind opened Richmont Inn in 1991 as their own escape from corporate life. The couple grew up in the region and wanted to build a different kind of business, and one that would honor the history and culture of Appalachia and its people. When you’re not looking at their incredible view, you might notice that the design of the Inn’s main building evokes a traditional Appalachian cantilever barn, and the décor and furnishings throughout the property are styled to honor and enhance the traditional aesthetics of the Smokies.

The Richmont Experience Is Elegant

Staying at the Richmont offers much more than just a place to hang your hat. Guests of the Inn enjoy a gourmet breakfast, and can choose from upscale offerings like French baked eggs, homemade seven-grain granola, ambrosia oatmeal, and French Toast l’Orange, as well as all the standards like yogurt and freshly-squeezed orange juice. They have a candlelight dessert and coffee service each evening as well, which includes treats like Crème Brulee Kahlua and Strawberry Cassis Soufflé.
No expense is spared on the rooms, either. Named after icons of the Smokies, the stylishly-appointed rooms feature amenities like wood-burning fireplaces, whirlpool tubs for two, mini-fridges, Bose satellite radio, private balconies, and even skylights in the top-floor rooms. Still have your mind on the views? The Nancy Ward room comes with a private sitting balcony with views of the forest and nearby waterfall, and the Stickley Suite features a striking view of Rich Mountain.

Looking for a Wedding Venue?

Anyone looking for a stylish wedding or special events venue on the Peaceful Side of Smokies is in luck – The Richmont Inn is ready to play host! For those planning nuptials, they offer both indoor and outdoor wedding venues, including their romantic Chapel in the Woods and their great room overlooking Rich Mountain. They can arrange everything from the photography to catering to in-room massages for the honeymooners, and, of course, they can provide lodging for the wedding party and guests. Ask them about their wedding packages!
Small- to medium-size groups can also take advantage of the Richmont Inn’s facilities, whether they’ve come for a family reunion or a corporate training seminar. The Richmont offers catered dinners, full A/V support, corporate suites, and access to some of the best hiking and fishing the Smokies has to offer.