Tag Archive for: hotel pool

SWITZERLAND INN ON THE BLUE RIDGE HIGHWAY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/3/26

Last weekend, John and I took a road trip up to the Blue Ridge Parkway on North Carolina. About 4 hours from ATL, perched on a slope on this parkway, Switzerland Inn is a testament to mountain retreats! Connect with nature starting with the breathtaking panoramic mountain view that greets you. I could literally sit on the property and just soak it in; it is the best amenity the resort offers! You really have to see this one to believe it!

Views:

The lobby is one part rustic mountain cabin, one part chalet and Bavarian architecture, so the entire property and the lobby give off Alpine vibes. Warm wood from floor to ceiling, stone accents, two fireplaces, cozy lounging areas with quilts, and large windows all to enjoy the Mountain View.

There are many room types from staying in the lodge to private cabins. We stayed on Heidi 4, just next to the lodge, a second-floor oasis all with those stunning property and mountains in the background. It is a two-room suite where a living area with fireplace greets. Hardwood floors flow throughout the room. Behind that is the cozy king bedroom and the spa-like bathroom with marble floor and rain shower head. It feels newly renovated and fresh!

Amenities abound at Switzerland in from fun for the whole family with lawn games from horseshoes to ping pong. Near the edge of the slope is a relaxing pool with a beautiful view of the mountains. Also on the edge of the slope is several Adirondack chairs to soak in those views by day and firepits by night. For further relaxation they offer a spa with an array of treatments. On-site shopping is just steps away with a gift shop in the lobby, provision haus, and other shops right on the property. And for Pickleball enthusiasts, six courts await.

One of the best amenities is the on-site dining options at the Switzerland Inn. Starting with the terrace dining. For lunch the first day, we sat on the patio just off the main lobby with sweeping mountain views right in front of us. There we enjoyed the Yard bird grilled chicken sando. It is a well-seasoned, herbaceous chicken that’s juicy and tender and loaded up with trimmings. It is served with sweet potato fries. John got the flatbread with pepperoni and sausage. It is a crunchy crust loaded with a boat load of cheese, hearty and spiced pepperoni, and savory sausage.

For dinner our first night we visited the Fowl Play Pub, where rustic mountain and Bavarian charm collide. The casual Alpine bar and dining area even have critters like a racoon with crackerjacks are in the ceiling. We got the smoked wings, the Chalet chop, and the Chalet cooler.

John devoured the smoky wings. They’re super meaty, crunchy outside, and tender inside with a generous amount of lemon pepper rub. I got the Chalet chop, a tender and juicy pork chop. It is grilled with a slight char and a hint of smoke topped with a light tangy BBQ sauce. Served with tangy caramelized onions, creamy herbaceous and decadent mashed potatoes, and crunchy snap peas to round out the meal. From the bar, we sipped on the Chalet cooler. Boozy cucumber vodka, earthy cucumber, and lime is refreshing and light.

For breakfast and the final night, we were treated to an elevated meal at the Chalet Restaurant. The main dining room is adorned with an antler chandelier and mountain decor all with a view from the large picture window. For breakfast I enjoyed the Deluxe Avocado toast, a crunchy wheat toast loaded with creamy avocado. On top is a savory poached egg and a sweet balsamic drizzle to bring it all together. John got a really big piece of country ham with his eggs, and it is large, salty and tender. I stole some.

As for dinner, we had the Swiss onion soup, Smoked Half Duck, and the Jefe Manhattan. The Manhattan is boozy Woodford rye with bitter vermouth and a hint of sweet. As for the Swiss onion soup, it is divine. Rich and deep herbaceous broth topped with floating garlicky baguettes and mild Swiss cheese. And the duck was the best dish of the weekend. Crunchy outside, smoky, tender inside doused in a delicious tangy and sweet, savory hoisin sauce. It is served with root vegetables and snap peas.

Another spot of note is the Provision Haus. They offer coffee, tea, and treats all right across from the lobby.


COMPASS BY MARGARITAVILLE PIGEON FORGE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/10/25

Compass by Margaritaville is a tropical oasis amongst the mountains in Pigeon Forge, TN! John and I recently drove up to Pigeon Forge to waste away in the brand-new Compass paradise that is located in the heart of downtown! Not only is it just minutes from all the attractions, but it is also a slice of heaven with beach vibes from the moment you breeze through the front door.

In the lobby:

Enter into a stunning sun-soaked resort-style hotel with wicker basket lighting, cozy cabana lounge areas, lavish herringbone tile floors, and vibrant beach colors everywhere the eye can see. On top of that, they have lush tropical plants and palms, and a big compass right in the middle to remind you how many miles it is to the beach. The lobby also holds the 5 O’clock Somewhere Bar, a beautiful bar and lounge area with delicious food and nights with live music. Then, next to it is a large space for their complimentary full breakfast. Plus, they have a nook with games from arcade games, foosball, and shuffleboard.

In the rooms:

Take out your key card and open the door to paradise. You are greeted with a dock at sunset mural that sets the relaxing tone of the spacious room. To the right is the large bathroom with marble lined vanity and a large shower with rain shower head. In the room, the beds are comfy with an orange pillow that reminds you you’re a “wanderer.” The accent wall is a beachy teal blue and there is a pop or color from the orange chairs in the lounge area. You can walk out into the balcony for Mountain Views!

And all about amenities:

It doesn’t matter what time of year you visit, as the Compass has amenities for all seasons. For all seasons, their an indoor “waterpark” pool with splash pad and pirate decor is a family haven. As long as it isn’t freezing, there is also a large bubbly hot tub. In the summer, soak in the sun on the lazy river or lay under the margarita glass water feature in the main pool. And don’t forget about everything else from their large firepit area, a green waterslide that empties into the main pool and a yard for yard games and dining area!