Tag Archive for: hotel suite

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.


BENT TREE LODGE & CAIRN VIEW WINERY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/21/25

Relax amongst the vines at the beautiful Bent Tree Lodge. John and I took a weekend getaway recently to Bent Tree Lodge & Vineyard only about 90 minutes from downtown Atlanta and just down the road from downtown Jasper! Retreat to a cozy bed & breakfast nestled in the North Georgia Mountains that offers a hot breakfast and a day exploring wine.

The main house/lodge boasts a beautiful living space with towering fireplace, lounge area, and tables for the morning’s complimentary hot breakfast. The morning we were there they had a blueberry French toast bake with compote blueberries, a sweet cream cheese icing, and paired with fruit and sausage. I got to see one of the rooms, The Garden room, that has a swing bed outside to take in the winery views!

Behind the lodge is the Cairn View Winery, where we stayed above the tasting room in the Gibbs Suite. A large room where you open to an opulent bathroom with two vanities, a large walk-in shower, and the best dual soaker tub for relaxing. But, the centerpiece of the room is the large comfy king bed, floral accent pillow, gorgeous green accent wall and decor! It screams garden. Plus, you can walk out the door and right into the founders and members den to watch the winery action below. The den is decked out in cow patterns, dark leather, and is plush and inviting. Don’t forget the snacks! All snacks, cookies, water and soda in the room are complimentary to overnight guests.

Cairn View Winery

This north Georgia winery experience is all about wine for happy trails! THE premier boutique winery, you’ll enjoyed a unique tasting experience with a relaxed, spacious tasting room filled with wines made by cairn in Washington state, but this year, they will have their first crop grown right there in their vineyard! Outside, they have a beautiful wrap around porch with seating, outdoor fire pits and live music on select days!

You can opt for a wine tasting to find your favorite like the ones that John and I did. Our first tasting was The Bucking Broncos includes crisp Sauvignon Blanc paired with aged cheddar, floral Mountain Laurel Rose (second favorite), tasty Weeping Willow White, and my favorite the Springer Mountain blend with pepper jack cheese. Our second tasting was CVW Reserve Tasting includes Burnt Mountain Red reserve, 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Malbec, and Panther Creek Red blend. All paired with aged cheese and chocolate. We had our wine tasting on our exclusive VIP tour, exploring the vineyard, the barrel room, and behind the scenes with a one-on-one tasting with the tasting room manager in their VIP room.

Beyond the tours and tasting, they also have wine by the glass and an array of snacks, like their amazing charcuterie board! It includes Pepper jelly, an array of cheese, olives, a mix of meats, crackers, and grapes. As for activities, they have live music, sip and paints, wine and cheese, and food truck Fridays to name a few of them.

It is the perfect little getaway near the mountains!