Buckhorn Inn Blog

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February 9, 2013

A Private Night at Buckhorn Inn

Filed under: Buckhorn Memories — buckhorn @ 2:16 pm

Submitted on 2013/01/22 at 5:02pm

My wife, Elise, and I have been guests at the Buckhorn many times over the years. I have also stayed there several times with fellow hikers prior to a LeConte hike. In February 1999 or 2000 my wife and I were driving from Winchester, TN to Hilton Head Island. We decided to stop over at the Buckhorn and were lucky enough to get reservations on short notice. We arrived at the Buckhorn late on a Thursday afternoon, had a wonderful dinner and retired early. Our room (this was before the “new addition”) was a very comfortable corner one upstairs. The next morning after a sumptuous breakfast we set out to explore Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. The middle of the afternoon it began to snow. We decided to return to the Buckhorn while the roads were passable and arrived with several inches of snow on the ground. While warming up by the fire we discovered we were the only guests for the night. All the others had canceled because of the weather. The chef (Bob Neisler), who had quarters downstairs below the kitchen, said he would prepare anything we wanted for dinner. We settled on seafood pasta and were served by the roaring fire. After dinner members of the staff came in and sat by the fire with us and just visited. What a nice, cozy place to be snowbound. The next morning after our private breakfast, Chef Bob called the highway patrol and helped us find a way out of the mountains. There were 15 inches of snow. We managed to get to the interstate but had to drive south to Atlanta to finally get to Hilton Head. Our “Private Night” and adventure at the Buckhorn Inn in a snow storm is one of our most memorable experiences. Lawrence and Louise

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A Perfect Day at Buckhorn Inn

Filed under: Buckhorn Memories — buckhorn @ 2:08 pm

I wanted to share with you one of my most enjoyable moments during this most recent stay (Feb 4th-5th, 2013). Chad and I had spent a long morning on the slopes in Ober Gatlinburg along with a bit of ice skating and were headed back to the Inn for some R&R. We were both exhausted and wanted to rest on the beautiful veranda overlooking Mt. LeConté with our bottle of wine that we had purchased at a local winery in town. The only thing I could think about was how perfect a nice cheese & fruit tray would complement our wine selection! I immediately called the Inn and spoke with Debbie (Who is Amazing) on the way back to Buckhorn. She and Chef Frank took care of everything! We had our treat waiting for us upon arrival! What a perfect way to end a perfect day! Thank you once again for everything! This is why we always return.

Warmest Regards,

Sarah Jane

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February 6, 2013

75th Anniversary Kicks Off with 1930s-40s Themed Dinner Party

Filed under: 75th Anniversary Celebration — buckhorn @ 10:19 pm

The opening event of Buckhorn Inn’s 75^th Anniversary was held on Saturday, January 26. Our dining room was lit by the soft glow of candles and the warmth of a fire as guests sipped Bellinis and enjoyed a sumptuous dinner featuring an entrée of Peppercorn Crusted Filet Mignon with Brandy Cream Sauce and a dessert of Baked Alaska Flambe. Big band music set the mood perfectly. All guests joined in the spirit of the evening, some by donning clothing from the period. Prizes were awarded for Best Dressed Couple (see Jan and Ira Lapides above), Best Group of Men in Bowties (Messrs Hunt, Pendery, Plomin and Furr), Best Dressed Lady (Mrs. Plomin), Best Lady in a Ponytail Wearing a Hat (Mrs. Turner), Lady in the Most Authentic 1930’s Hat (Mrs. Terrell), and Most Attractive Man Wearing a Lady’s Hat (Mr. Franklin). We thank the sold out crowd for their enthusiastic launch of our Diamond Jubilee Year Celebration.

See below for the complete menu for the evening:

Celebrating 75 Years of Hospitality

1938-2013

Peppercorn Crusted Filet Mignon with Brandy Cream Sauce

Accompanied by Sweet Potato Casserole and Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Apple Waldorf Salad

Field Greens with Crisp Apple, Vegetables and Honey-Herb Buttermilk Dressing

Split Pea Soup with Country Ham

Split Peas and Vegetables Slow-Cooked in a Rich Broth with Country Ham

Baked Alaska Flambe

Vanilla Cake Layered with Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry Ice Cream Wrapped in Meringue

Popular Cuisine of the 1930s and 40s.

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February 1, 2013

Former Innkeeper’s Granddaughter Visits Inn

Filed under: 75th Anniversary Celebration — buckhorn @ 3:18 pm

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming the granddaughter of Rachael Young as a guest of the Inn. Katherine has been visiting the inn all her life, as her grandparents and her great uncle owned the inn for 20 years. We always like to see her at Buckhorn and especially in this year when we are celebrating our Diamond Jubilee–aka our 75th Anniversary!

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January 15, 2013

No place like Buckhorn

Filed under: Buckhorn Memories — buckhorn @ 11:21 pm

What a wonderful idea! Thanks for thinking up things that make me want to come almost every month. I hope we can be there several times. There is no place like Buckhorn Inn to me…many memories of weeks spent painting with Jim Gray’s classes or just coming for several days with my husband. We’ll let you know soon when we’d like to come. Harriet Campbell

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January 11, 2013

Post your Memories of Buckhorn Inn

Filed under: Buckhorn Memories — buckhorn @ 4:25 pm

Buckhorn Memories Contest
Guests are invited to write about a memorable experience associated with a visit to Buckhorn Inn for a collection we plan to publish at the end of the year. You can write about your experience on this blog by commenting below or you can complete a Memory Card when you are a guest this year or you can write us a letter or send us an email. Each month we will select our favorite memory from those submitted and award a prize—dinner for two. At the end of the year, we will select a grand prize winner, awarding a complimentary two-night stay at Buckhorn.

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December 10, 2012

Happenings at the Inn December 2012

Filed under: Uncategorized — buckhorn @ 10:32 pm

But There’s So Much to Do!

Frankly, many Buckhorn Regulars come here just to do nothing. After all, lives for many of us (even retirees!) can be hectic and stressful. A chance to relax in comfort, read a book, have a real conversation with your loved one can be pretty special. But for those of you yearning to engage in great activities while you are with us, take a look at the list our wonderful Carson Newman University intern Taylor Foy put together. Just reading it may tire you out. Click here for list of activities.

Winter Deals at Buckhorn Inn

These deals are especially for those of you who may not have figured out that Winter can be spectacular in the Smokies.

Wine Tasting Evening

Wine expert Dave Jennings will conduct a wine tasting for our overnight guests on Thursday, February 21 You can sample a number of varieties–red, white and in-between. And if you aren’t a wine connoisseur you can be by the end of the evening. Dave will offer guidance on learning how to taste wines that will deepen your appreciation for both wines and winemakers. The discounted one-night rate includes dinner, breakfast and accommodation, $200 for premier rooms and cottages and $175 for traditional rooms. Come a day earlier and add that night with dinner, breakfast and accommodation for an additional $165 for premier rooms and cottages and $135 for traditional inn rooms. Book online or telephone our Fabulous Office Manager Debbie on 865 436 4668.

Famous Winter Discount

Book early to insure your reservation for this annual favorite. The Deal: 2 nights, breakfast for 2 on 2 mornings and dinner for 2 on 2 nights; Sunday through Thursday nights, January 7 through March 14, $365 Cottages and Premier Rooms; $310 Traditional Rooms.

Book online or telephone our Fabulous Office Manager Debbie on 865 436 4668.

Take Time for Two Valentine Celebration Includes Complimentary Champagne

Sweep your sweetie off her (or his) feet and indulge in a truly romantic evening on February 14. A lovely room in the mountains, a roaring fire with a sumptuous dinner, and a great breakfast before you leave the next morning is included in our Take Time for Two Celebration. Chilled champagne will be waiting for you in your cottage or room. An elegant Valentine’s dinner will delight your senses and enliven your tastebuds — a feast for the eyes as well as the palette. The rate for a Premier Room or Cottage $245 and Traditional Inn Room $200. And if you can’t make it on Valentine’s Day, make it up to your sweetie by giving a Buckhorn Inn Gift Certificate. Book online or telephone our Fabulous Office Manager Debbie on 865 436 4668.

Hand me an apron– let’s cook!

ByTaylor Foy, Buckhorn Inn Intern

A day in the kitchen with Frank is an amazing experience. He is a talented chef and kind teacher. I told him I have never been much of a cook, but I was able to follow a recipe. He laughed and informed me that he doesn’t use recipes. I knew I was in for a long night! We prepared a four-course meal together: Grilled London Broil with Béarnaise Sauce, Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup, Garden Salad, and Orange Carrot Cake with Mascarpone Icing. For Carrot Cake recipe, see our blog.

A Sixer: Mt. Leconte from Buckhorn Inn

Treking up Sixers—mountains higher than 6000 feet—get you bragging rights and entry into the South Beyond 6000 Club if you complete all 40 of them, most of which are located in the Appalachians. You don’t get just bragging rights–climbing these peaks gives you the experience of sharp habitat transitions and the region’s most stellar views. A trek up our beloved Mt LeConte (6593 feet) takes you through hardwood forests to spruce and balsam and onto exposed cliffs that require steel-cable assistance. Many of our guests make LeConte a day hike, while others just enjoy the view from the Inn’s front porch.

Waterfall Walks in Winter

At nearly 80 feet, Rainbow Falls is the longest plunge of water in our National Park. For this and our four other recommendtions for winter waterfall walks click here.

Winter Special Events

There are three great events in the first three months of 2013 in the Smokies, the Annual Wilderness Wildlife Week, Saddle Up!, and Mountain Quiltfest. For details click here.

What This Space

Well, not this space exactly. Watch our website in early January because 2013 is the Inn’s 75th Anniversary, and we will be posting details about our year-long hullabaloo early that month. We plan to celebrate with special events and opportunities for guests to join in the celebration and to win gifts from the Inn.

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December 2, 2012

Orange Carrot Cake with Mascarpone Cream Cheese Frosting

Filed under: Recipes — buckhorn @ 11:51 pm

Heat oven to 350 F.

1 Navel orange, unpeeled and quartered

2 Cups All-purpose flour

2 Cups Sugar

2 Tsp Baking powder

2 Tsp Baking soda

1 Tsp Salt

1 Tsp Ground cinnamon

2 Tsp Ground nutmeg

1 ¼ Cups Vegetable oil

4 Eggs

2 Cups Grated carrot

½ Cup Chopped walnuts

½ Cup Raisins

Position knife blade in food processor bowl; add quartered orange, and process until pureed, stopping once to scrape down sides. Set orange puree aside. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients in a large bowl. Add orange puree, oil, and eggs; mix well. Stir in carrot walnuts, and raisins. Pour batter into a greased and floured 10-inch tube pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Let cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Remove cake from pan. Frost top of cake with cream cheese icing. Cover and store in refrigerator. Yield: 1 10-inch cake

Mascarpone Cream Cheese Icing

8 Oz Cream cheese, softened

½ Cup Butter, softened

2 Tbl Honey

½ Tsp Vanilla extract

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed in the bowl of an electric mixer until creamy. Add honey and vanilla, and beat until blended. Yield: 1 cup frosting

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Waterfall Walks in Winter

Filed under: Uncategorized — buckhorn @ 11:37 pm

One of the best reasons to hike to winter waterfalls is because there’s more water flowing at that time of year. You get better views of the falls and better photos in winter because the trees have dropped their leaves. So, get your hiking boots on and try some of these treks when you are at Buckhorn in the next few months.

Hen Wallow Falls is 4.5 roundtrip. Take the Gabes Mountain Trail out of the Cosby Campground. Keep going and you will see some amazing old-growth forest.

Rainbow Falls is 5.5 miles roundtrip. The trailhead is located on the Cherokee Orchard Road at the back of Gatlinburg.

Laurel Falls is 2.5 miles roundtrip. It’s the only trail to a waterfall that is paved. The trailhead is on Little River Road 3.9 miles west of Sugarlands Visitor Center.

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Winter Special Events

Filed under: Events in the Smokies — buckhorn @ 11:14 pm

Annual Wildlife Week January 12-19

An entire week of nature programming including hikes, seminars, and workshops about the wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and other regions of the United States. Music Road Hotel & Convention Center.
http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_winterfest_wilderness.aspx

Winter Heritage Festival February 1-2

A celebration of the human history, natural beauty, and cultural history of the Smokies. There will be fascinating speakers, musicians and experts on the Smokies. www.smokymountains.org

Saddle Up! February 24-27

This celebration of the American West features cowboy singers, musicians and poets. The award-winning Stories & Strings program returns. Register to experience three other concerts, a chuck wagon cook-off, and The Cowboy Dance. Finish out the event with Cowboy Church on Sunday.

1-800-251-9100

Mountain Quiltfest March 12-16

Each year Quiltfest welcomes over 20,000 visitors from around the country. Quilting enthusiasts bring their work to compete in a world-renown, multi-category quilt show. http://www.mypigeonforge.com/events_quiltfest.aspx

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