Life's Escape

You don’t need to travel far to feel as if you’re away from the hubbub of the everyday. That’s the beauty of Life’s Escape. Thanks to its two deluxe primary suites, complete with fireplaces and jetted tubs, the log cabin is a cocoon of relaxation, pampering and serenity, yet it’s only a 15-minute drive from restaurants, shops and the excitement of downtown Gatlinburg.

One reason Life’s Escape feels like a little piece of paradise is its woodland setting. Whether you’re gazing out a window or lazing on a deck, during the day, you’ll see sun-dappled trees, hear warblers and thrushes and feel the gentle caress of the mountain breeze. At night you’ll be able to admire the star-studded sky while crickets chirp, nightjars sing and owls hoot.

The recently renovated cabin has two rear decks from which you can glory in the sights and sounds. On one deck is a hot tub where you can soak among steamy bubbles. The other deck is furnished with a porch swing, gliders and a table for alfresco meals and cocktails.

The main floor’s living area manages to be both roomy and cozy, which is no easy task. The generously cushioned couch invites you to kick back and watch a movie on the flat-screen TV. The armchairs are so comfortable, once you sink into them you may never want to get back up. In winter you’ll love nothing more than to sit by the stone-surround fireplace, hot cocoa or brandy in hand, and watch the shadows of the flames dance along the walls before you settle down to a hearty meal at the dining table.

As for what to eat at the dining table, thanks to the fully equipped kitchen, you can cook just about anything you want: trout you reeled in yourself from a nearby stream, a gourmet meal of the sort you never have time to prepare at home or leftovers from the previous night’s restaurant meal. Major appliances, a coffee maker, a blender, pots and pans and tableware, the kitchen of Life’s Escape has it all. Also, there’s a charcoal grill outside to satisfy any cravings for a barbecue.

After dinner, you might want to head to the downstairs game room, where you’ll find two game arcades as well as a card table. Or maybe you’ll retreat to one of the two bedrooms, even if you’re not yet ready for bed. Both suites are true havens. Each has its own private bathroom, a sumptuous king-size bed, a flat-screen TV, a fireplace, and perhaps best of all, a Jacuzzi large enough for two. Here’s your chance to spoil yourself and your special someone. And because one suite is downstairs while the other is on the main floor, you can vacation with another couple while still enjoying exceptional privacy. What's more, the game room offers a sofa that pulls out to sleep two more. Life's Escape sleeps six guests in all.

When you stay at Life’s Escape, you might be tempted to turn in early, stay in bed late and while away most of the day in the romantic splendor of your bedroom or the decks. And why not? You are on vacation, after all. Should you want to emerge from your private oasis, though, you’ll find plenty to see and do just beyond your door. For instance, you can drive to downtown Gatlinburg in 15 minutes to visit the restaurants and shops, the Guinness World Records Adventure, an aquarium and a tram that carries you over the town to Ober Gatlinburg Amusement Park and Ski Area. Just as close to Life's Escape is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with its wildflowers, waterfalls and wildlife. You could easily spend a day exploring the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Loop, an eight-mile trail of studios, galleries and shops. And Dollywood is less than a half-hour drive away.

No matter which of the many local attractions you experience, though, there’s a good chance that a highlight of your stay will be simply indulging in the quiet luxuries of Life’s Escape itself—the cabin is that glorious. See for yourself—book your stay today.