Jack Tarlin
04-11-2006, 13:05
Checking in from Gatlinburg, just wanted to make a few comments on towns/services this year so far:
*Had a great stay at the Walasi-Center/Mountain Crossings. Winton and his
staff were wonderful, as always. Honestly, these guys save an awful lot of
hikes for an awful lot of folks, and don't seem to get the credit. They get
SWAMPED during hiker season, but are never anything less than friendly,
helpful, and very kind. Hats off to 'em!
*Several folks reported a great stay at the new hostel near Dick's Creek Gap
whose name escapes me right now. It's a working Trout Farm....the owners,
who I met in Franklin, were great and really seemed to be enjoying their first
season of hikers. Also heard great reports, as usual, from folks who visited
the Bluberry Patch.
*Hiawassee Inn was full when I got there, so I shared a room with some
folks at the Holiday Inn Express. Great place, great staff.
*Had an extended stay in Franklin this year, can't say enough about Ron
Haven and his crew, who really pulled out the stops for folks this year.
Stayed at the Sapphire Motel and had a wonderful time.
*Fontana Village was about the same. Food selection at the General Store
spotty and expensive (Lipton's for $2.69!!) Good news is the the Outfitter
Store at the village is very friendly, has a limited but decent food selection,
and a very friendly staff. I still think a maildrop here is a good idea, which
is funny since mine never arrived!!
*Gatlinburg is Gatlinburg. The folks at the Happy Hiker are great; staff at the
Grand Prix were terrific. Public Library also friendly. Hikers, ignore the "No
E-Mail!" sign in the library window; if you identify yourself as a hiker, they're
happy to let you use one of their machines (The Grand Prix also has a
computer by the way). Oh, and the Smoky Mountain Brewery is a fine place
to eat.
All for now, will report more later. Off to the high country, looking forward
to Standing Bear Farm and Hot Springs in a few days, and maybe, if I'm lucky, Easter at Miss Janet's in Erwin.
Best wishes to one and all.
*Had a great stay at the Walasi-Center/Mountain Crossings. Winton and his
staff were wonderful, as always. Honestly, these guys save an awful lot of
hikes for an awful lot of folks, and don't seem to get the credit. They get
SWAMPED during hiker season, but are never anything less than friendly,
helpful, and very kind. Hats off to 'em!
*Several folks reported a great stay at the new hostel near Dick's Creek Gap
whose name escapes me right now. It's a working Trout Farm....the owners,
who I met in Franklin, were great and really seemed to be enjoying their first
season of hikers. Also heard great reports, as usual, from folks who visited
the Bluberry Patch.
*Hiawassee Inn was full when I got there, so I shared a room with some
folks at the Holiday Inn Express. Great place, great staff.
*Had an extended stay in Franklin this year, can't say enough about Ron
Haven and his crew, who really pulled out the stops for folks this year.
Stayed at the Sapphire Motel and had a wonderful time.
*Fontana Village was about the same. Food selection at the General Store
spotty and expensive (Lipton's for $2.69!!) Good news is the the Outfitter
Store at the village is very friendly, has a limited but decent food selection,
and a very friendly staff. I still think a maildrop here is a good idea, which
is funny since mine never arrived!!
*Gatlinburg is Gatlinburg. The folks at the Happy Hiker are great; staff at the
Grand Prix were terrific. Public Library also friendly. Hikers, ignore the "No
E-Mail!" sign in the library window; if you identify yourself as a hiker, they're
happy to let you use one of their machines (The Grand Prix also has a
computer by the way). Oh, and the Smoky Mountain Brewery is a fine place
to eat.
All for now, will report more later. Off to the high country, looking forward
to Standing Bear Farm and Hot Springs in a few days, and maybe, if I'm lucky, Easter at Miss Janet's in Erwin.
Best wishes to one and all.