Rental unit: Bird's Eye View (08123)
Title: Last Minute Decision Highly Worthwhile
Review: I work at a University, and as the semester was winding down I had a thought to just check out Gatlinburg as a small getaway for a few days with my wife and my Mother. Both have had health issues, and I wanted to go somewhere peaceful, reflective, and with some interesting things to see...but mostly to relax. I remembered the name of Mountain Rentals because back in 1995 our whole family had stayed in a big cabin as part of a graduation celebration. This time it would be just the three of us. I was really quite surprised when I saw the price it would cost, because I thought it would be much more. Granted, we went on a Mon thru Wed, as well as in early May, but I have to say it was money well spent. There was great communication via email with staff through the whole procedure to secure reservations and directions etc. We really had no trouble finding the place...and what a place it was. Bird's Eye View. Just as I had hoped it was somewhat secluded with a nice balcony view in the middle of trees, and a great view of the mountains in the distance both day and night time. Now...truly the most harrowing thing the whole stay was the driveway and parking, as it was nearly like a thrill ride in itself!! Best be sure your parking brake is in good shape...but actually we had a pretty good time with it all. The Cabin was as advertised, and the pictures on line were exactly what we got. We arrived around 4 PM, and relaxed all of Monday night sitting outside on the balcony. We were fortunate that all three days had splendid weather. Not hot, not cool, and a nice breeze. Tuesday was spent in Gatlinburg itself, visiting the awesome Aquarium, Haunted House, Believe or Not etc. The only real disappointment was that the Gatlingburg Lift was down for repair. After a meal uptown, we went back to the Cabin...where Hot Tub, Pool Table, and everything was so relaxing. Wednesday was a trip to Pigeon Forge for the wax museum, the titanic museum, a couple other things here and there, along with the unavoidable go-kart rides...then closed it out with the Hatfield and McCoy dinner show. That night was again perfect at the Cabin...more of the same from the night before..except we were blessed with a little bit of a storm that capped off a beautiful day. The rain falling on the trees at night was one of the things I'd hope to hear and see. Thursday morning was sad to have to pack up and head back to Indiana. Sometimes a little is a lot, but this time a little wasn't enough. Hearing the birds sing in the trees, my lungs breathing in that fresh mountain air in the mornings were resurrecting to the soul. To top it all off, I spent quality time with my wife Patty, who has had to battle surgery and Diabetes in the last couple years, and my Mother who has also had more than her share of sadness and pain. But on these 3 days everyone was happy, and we talked and walked and laughed and joked...and if I never get a chance to do it again I can always look back to this as a great heartfelt memory. Course, I hope to do it again next year...and certainly will hope this cabin will be available...and God willing we are all healthy enough to do it. One last thing...the journal that was in the cabin for people to tell their tales was an awesome thing to read. I had to laugh at the folks who lamented about not running into a bear?!?!?! Are you kidding??!?! I didn't have any desire to walk out of the door and be face to face with any bears! Thank you so much for taking the care to have a place so nice...we really have no complaints in the slightest! Daniel Phillips Vincennes, Indiana... bout 8 hours to your north!