Well, here we are! I can’t begin to tell y’all how many years this has been in the coming, but it’s here! I never dared imagine that it would, but by the grace and blessing of God, our dream has become reality, and we are so excited to share it now with y’all! So, how did Smoky Mountain Lakeside come to be?
I remember the first time we came to Pigeon Forge… the hubby grew up in the area so it was nothing new for him. But for me… I was awestruck by it all. It was Christmas time, and the sun was setting when we rolled in from Sevierville. The lights! The action! The arcades and go-carts and restaurants and shops and well…. All the Christmasy twinkly Beautiful LIGHTS!! It was gaudy, and kitchy, touristy, and tacky, and absolutely AMAZING! I learned what a mountain coaster is, and that there is such a thing as Goats on the Roof. I was introduced to Stages West, and the Island, and moonshine tasting. Coming from big-city life dominated by traffic, obligations, responsibility, and STRESS, the relaxed, welcoming, laid back atmosphere was just what this girl needed!
Several times over the years we visited Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, rented cabins throughout the area, and all the while I kept hearing about how beautiful Douglas Lake is. Then, one day he took me there. I saw the color of the water in summertime. I dipped my feet in the clear, warm water. Our puppy dipped hers, and promptly dipped all the rest of herself. She claimed the lake, and I was done. I knew then that one day, a piece of this East Tennessee escape would be a part of our life. Two years later, we found Fort Sunsets and fell in love immediately. We knew that that is was something we could not keep just to ourselves; whether it was God’s will, destiny, written in the stars, or some other force that moved us, we knew we had to share this piece of heaven, so that others could know the peace and joy that we feel when we come here.
And so here we are, welcoming guests from all over into our home, and absolutely thrilled to share not only this corner of southern comfort, but also help guests make cherished memories with their families at the many area attractions. From fishing to hiking, jet skiing to snow skiing, shopping to gaming, whitewater rafting to antiquing and crafting, from the first cup of coffee on the porch to the last cocktail by the firepit, there is simply no end to activities for absolutely everyone! Stick around, we’ll give you a taste of our Happy Place!
Closing Day!!! We bought a Lake House, y’all!!!