It is cold and rainy as I write today. January seemed to never end and had me dreaming of ways to escape reality and rest after a busy holiday season. I couldn’t think of a better way than to explore some of the award-winning lodging and restaurants within 40 minutes of downtown. We have so much to offer within the downtown borders, but sometimes, the best thing can be a staycation away to recharge and restart.
Dancing Bear Lodge
Many know of or have been to Dancing Bear Lodge and Appalachian Bistro, just a hop, skip, and jump away in Townsend. The current lodging and restaurant opened in 2015 and is owned by Sharon and Mark Oldham, who bought the property in 2014 after a fire destroyed the former lodge and restaurant. They decided not to rebuild the lodge but to recreate a restaurant and event space and update the existing cabins on the property. Since then, the couple has continued to build on their success and have an expanded lawn/event area, more cabins and added luxury to the accommodations.
Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro has been named one of America’s Most Romantic Restaurants for 2025 by OpenTable for the second year in a row. Executive Chef Jeff Carter has his finger on the pulse of upscale Southern cuisine, making it approachable and delicious. TripAdvisor has recognized the lodge as one of the top 10% of hotels in the world. And it’s right in our backyard.
Dancing Bear Lodge epitomizes rustic luxury, blending modern comforts with the charm of a mountain retreat. Guests are greeted by cozy cabins nestled among towering trees, each offering panoramic views of the tranquil surroundings. Whether you prefer a romantic cabin for two or a spacious lodge for the whole family, there’s a perfect accommodation option to suit every need.
Matt and I have stayed here in both summer and winter; each time is a treat. The bedding is so cozy that sleeping in is required, but the hiking trails and complimentary bike rentals beckon you outdoors once you’re ready to start the day. The cabins vary from rustic with modern touches to modern with rustic touches. Most cabins have either a gas or woodburning fireplace and an outdoor hot tub and come with freshly ground coffee and hiking snacks to take on the many trails in the area. You also get complimentary breakfast at The Dancing Bean coffee shop at the front of the property. A not-so-secret secret is that from January through mid-March, they have a “hibernation” deal on lodging for a 2+ nights stay that makes it even more of a special getaway.
The Appalachian Bistro is a highlight of the stay, celebrated for its farm-to-table cuisine. Here, you can indulge in hearty Southern dishes crafted from locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by fine wines or artisanal cocktails. The Bistro’s warm ambiance and attentive service provide an ideal setting to unwind and savor a delectable meal after a day of exploration. My husband will tell you this is the best burger he’s ever had and maybe even the best old fashioned. It comes to the table under a smokey dome to infuse that rich smoked barrel flavor that compliments bourbon so well. My pictures did not do it justice though, so you can enjoy this photo of my cocktail, a Blackberry Blossom.
From their website, “Steeped in tradition and enhanced with contemporary flavor profiles, the component combinations of the Bistro’s culinary team is an Appalachian tour-de-force. True to the farm-to-table experience, the Appalachian Bistro uses fresh produce grown on-site and sources the highest quality local ingredients to create renowned dishes that are as inviting to the eye as they are to the palate.”
After dinner, you can gather around the outdoor fireplace, take advantage of the complimentary s’mores station and chat with other guests under the stars. Special dinners, a Sunday brunch, wine tastings and more are available. But make a reservation, as they stay booked up, and for good reason. If you’re looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating treat, this may be just the place.
Unsurprisingly, this delightful little gem has continued to grow in acclaim and recognition among locals and out-of-towners. You have the option to stay in and enjoy your cabin or get out and enjoy all Townsend has to offer just steps away.
Windy Hill Farm and Preserve
Not to be outdone and celebrating in its own right, Windy Hill Farm and Preserve is 40 minutes from the heart of Knoxville in Loudon, TN. The resort has been nominated by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the world’s best resorts! They are in good company on that list, and you’ll likely see many other brands you recognize. The farm’s recognition underscores its commitment to providing a unique and memorable retreat for visitors seeking comfort, adventure, and connection to nature.
The 650-acre property features elegant accommodations that combine rustic charm with modern luxury. Cozy guest rooms and private cabins overlook breathtaking landscapes, inviting guests to unwind with panoramic views of sunsets over rolling pastures and the sunrise over the Clinch River. Indoors, you’ll find plush furnishings with stunning photos taken right on the property, fireplaces for cozy warmth, and curated amenities designed to create a home-away-from-home experience.
For those craving activity, Windy Hill Farm offers a variety of outdoor adventures, from guided nature walks and birdwatching to clay shooting, quail hunting and fishing on the river. The winter months provide a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the countryside.
I toured the grounds with Monty Howard, Director of Lodging, to find out just what makes the farm so special. I was not disappointed. The Sampson family has owned the property for over two decades but was previously owned by one family for over 200 years. It has a deep history of farming, raising cattle, and raising families.
From their website: “Big George” Sampson, our patriarch, acquired our East Tennessee home in 2000 and gave it the name Windy Hill for the wind that whips through the trees around the Water Tower hill.
Big George envisioned Windy Hill as a perfect place to continue his passion for cattle farming as well as an ideal setting to raise and educate the next generation of farmers and keepers of the land. Three generations of Big George’s descendants have operated the property under the same responsible stewardship principles he established upon acquiring Windy Hill.”
The lodge offers cabins, the Farmhouse with 5BR and 3.5BA, stunning views of the hills, hollers and river, and a lodge with eight rooms, some of which can be adjoining. One of my favorite features was a wall of floor to ceiling windows. Each accommodation is thoughtfully prepared and designed with beauty and simplicity to allow you to soak in nature’s healing properties.
Culinary enthusiasts will delight in the farm-to-table dining experience from Wilder Kitchen. The on-site restaurant showcases seasonal menus featuring ingredients sourced directly from the farm and local purveyors. Enjoy hearty, chef-prepared meals by Chef Ben Warwick paired with regional wines or handcrafted cocktails in a cozy dining room that radiates warmth and community with a patio and firepit for after-dinner smores. The farm’s carefully cultivated garden serves as their own little grocery stop, and beehives on the property provide ample honey for food and drinks. You can even add on a beekeeping experience while you’re there.
One of the best things about Windy Hill Farm is that it is an all-inclusive experience. Each day of your stay includes 2 meals and nonalcoholic beverages. No need to make reservations and drive off property when you can stay at the lodge and delight in their creative and ever changing menu. I spoke with Chef Ben, who told me that having the freedom to create the menu and change it to what is available locally and seasonally has been one of the things he loves about being at Windy Hill and serving its guests. I had the smoked chicken poutine and the Waterhouse salad and could not have enjoyed them more! Chef Ben tells me the salad is one item he can’t take off the menu as it is a staff and guest favorite. I can see why.
Manager Steven Brewington told me this project has been a dream come true. He now gets to share the adventures he had as a child on the property with guests from all over. He shared that having happy staff is just as important as having happy guests, and I could see that sentiment repeated with each staff member that I encountered. Everyone was friendly and helpful.
When I asked Monty why he believed Windy Hill Farm and Preserve was so exceptional that they were noticed by Travel + Leisure in only 2 years of service, he said, “People are looking for unique experiences they can’t get anywhere else…We really want to give people a taste of the traditions and culture of Tennessee. I think farms always intrigue people. Most people don’t get that kind of rustic outdoor experience, alongside really beautiful accommodations, incredible food, and other activities where you can come and stay. Once you get here, you can check your worries at the door and kind of create your own adventure.”
Windy Hill offers many events, such as weekend retreat packages, kayaking, hiking, wine and bourbon tasting, fishing, quail hunting, barn quilt painting, biking, a wine club and much, much more. Many activities are included in your stay, but you can purchase an activity pass for a fee to access all activities while on your stay.
They offer Sunday brunch (beginning again in the spring) and are open to the public for dining Wednesday through Sunday. If you’re looking for some entertainment while you dine, the summer concert series will be just the thing! This is a great way to experience the beauty of the farm without an overnight stay. But no matter how you visit Windy Hill Farm and Preserve, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and cared for.
If you’d like to support them, vote today in the Travel + Leisure 2025 World’s Best Awards survey! You have until Feb 24, 2025 to vote.
An honorable mention for the area is the Tennessean Hotel in downtown Knoxville who recently was awarded the Michelin Guide’s Key Award as a One Key Hotel among other awards.
Where is your favorite spot to staycation in the area? Have you visited any of these?