Everyone has dreamt of living in the trees at some point. Becoming one with the forest, living out a Disney princess dream or live-off-the-land wilderness fantasy. Thankfully, here in Tennessee you actually can. Touted as "part glamping, part boutique hotel," the Treetop Hideaways Luna Loft isn't too far from Chattanooga but right en pointe when it comes to living out your dreams.
The best kind of treetop canopy adventure is hiding just minutes away from the southern Tennessee city of Chattanooga. For clarification: Some folks say that Treetop Hideaways is located in Chattanooga, but it's technically is located in Flintstone, Georgia. We're going to call the Chattanooga Valley treehouse a draw, and you won't be sorry!
Rustic, refined and upscale for a night amongst the old world forest, this luxury treehouse was built just a few years ago, in 2015. Owners Enoch Elwell and Andrew Alms have built a home away from home, one that has all the luxuries of a boutique hotel amongst the beautiful scenery of the Tennessee-Georgia line.
You can see here the small but cozy living area, and the ladder that leads to the lofted bedroom. Airbnb guests receive a complimentary bottle of wine, as well as a couple of treats to make your stay more enjoyable. As if watching the sunlight stream through those windows isn't magical enough...
For $275 a night, you can enjoy this view - crested with fairy lights with all the comforts of home, you may never want to leave. Treetop Hideaways calls this space the, "Luna Loft," and for good reason.
The tiny place has an air of old world charm, and five-star reviews litter the internet. Only a couple minutes from Tennessee's southern city of Chattanooga, you can grab dinner amongst the general public, then hide away in your sweet treehouse in the woods.
Visit for yourself at 576 Chattanooga Valley Road, but make sure to make a reservation online first. This is the romantic getaway that you'll never want to forget.
You can sleep in this magical treehouse by reserving it at Airbnb - let us know how it goes!
And there's more...
A neat place in a charming setting, wouldn't you say?
It is no secret that the world can be a busy place, and with so much toiling where is the place for rest? Sometimes the demands of our jobs are too high, and other times we just make ourselves too busy. The need to unplug and unwind has never been more appealing. So when you are looking for a retreat, check out the Postcard Cabins in Celina, Tennessee, these tiny houses are a unique way to find yourself immersed in nature and get a chance to recharge.
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Postcard Cabins Dale Hollow is located on 415 acres with over 40 cabins for rent.
These tiny home-like cabins make good use of the surrounding forest. You will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in nature for a quiet and relaxing retreat. Each cabin comes with a s’mores kit, so spend long hours deep into the night roasting these treats and being serenaded by the cracking campfire and the sound of crickets. To me, there is nothing sweeter than the sound of a crackling fire!
There are two models you can choose from; they are identical save for the beds. One offers a comfortable queen-sized bed and the other offers queen-sized bunk beds. Both of these options feature a large window giving guests a great view of the forest. As the sun rises, the cabin floods with light and greets you to the start of another day spent reconnecting with your loved ones and relaxing.
The cabin makes great use of space and you will find everything you need all within a 200-square-foot space.
A two-burner stove top, cooking utensils, an AC/heater, a mini fridge, and a private bathroom with a hot shower are all tucked neatly into these little cabins. The clever use of space makes the place feel cozy without sacrificing the open area, so it will still feel like you have plenty of room.
You may want to spend the whole time around the fire, sleeping in, and relaxing.
That is certainly an option and we wouldn’t fault you for wanting to stay in this beautiful place but if you are looking for a little adventure then we suggest you hop in the car and drive to Winding Stairs Park. This place offers amazing trails with a plethora of waterfalls, streams, and some great overlooks. There is a lot to see and explore and just another great hidden gem in Tennessee.
One of my favorite features of Postcard Cabins Dale Hollow is the cell phone lock box.
Sure you can just set your phone down on the counter but this box symbolizes what Postcard Cabins is all about. Unplug and put your phone away, instead of watching a screen you can view the beautiful forest around you. Ditching plastic for that which is real is truly the start of a relaxing retreat.
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You may be looking for a unique place to stay or a relaxing retreat, either way, you will definitely find it at the Gateway House in Cellin, Tennessee. Unplug and find yourself deep within the surrounding woods and away from the busyness of life. For more information or to book one of these cabins please visit Postcard Cabins online.
Sure, I'd looked at photos and studied the rides at Soundwaves with my six year old. I'd mapped out directions from the airport and looked into the resort amenities and nearby attractions. I'd done my research and planned accordingly. But what awaited my daughter and me upon arrival on a beautiful, early fall afternoon, was not what I was expecting. Not at all.
Let me back up.
A few years ago, I was invited to the opening of Soundwaves at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. It was during the busy back-to-school season and we had a conflict, but I remained on the media lists for events and openings, patiently staying on my radar as if waiting for the most opportune time to grab my attention.
My attention was grabbed this summer, as I began planning one-on-one trips with each of my kids. My youngest, Pearl, is happiest in the water and also a huge music lover. She's also a "yes, and" kind of gal and basically the coolest little human. So I reached out to my contact and arranged for us to spend a weekend at Gaylord Opryland, thinking we'd likely be at the Soundwaves waterpark the entire time, something I was 100% okay with because my daughter would be having a blast.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
I wasn't thinking I, too, would be having a blast. Nor was I expecting to be so completely taken by Gaylord Opryland -- and the town of Nashville, Tennessee.
We arrived on a Friday afternoon and driving into the resort was a magical experience. Think beautifully landscaped grounds, rolling green hills... Gaylord Opryland makes an impression. We pulled into the parking lot to check in, grabbed our bags, and were immediately, and warmly, welcomed. The lobby of the hotel is jaw dropping, with stunning artwork and a front-row seat to Opryland's famed atriums.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
Yes - atriums, plural. There are three atriums at Gaylord Opryland that feature waterfalls and winding waterways, koi ponds, spectacular floral arrangements, and a robust array of flora that rivals any botanical garden. Twinkle lights at night transformed these gardens into an enchanting world of wonder -- an experience we enjoyed whilst dining at several of Opryland's on-site restaurants. Even better? Our room had a balcony that opened out to this glorious oasis, and we fell asleep to the rush of a waterfall each night.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
Gaylord Opryland is like Disney World, but if the latter were a music mecca in one of the coolest towns in the country. The resort is a world unto itself, complete with shopping, dining, entertainment, transportation (definitely take advantage of the shuttle!), and more. The front desk concierges were super helpful and learned our names after the first day; ditto for the valet drivers and restaurant servers. I recognize that getting valet service is a luxury, and while the resort covered the cost of our service, it was absolutely worth it for the convenience and also, surprisingly cost efficient as there's a daily rate for resort parking. Sprinkle in gorgeous scenery and greenery that made my tree-hugging heart happy, plus the incomparable service and hospitality you get at a Gaylord resort, and you have the makings of a truly memorable and special vacation.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
It's virtually impossible for me to relax, even on vacation. I'm sure you can relate. My mind is always buzzing with deadlines, multiple kids' schedules, my own think tank rabbit holes... it's a lot. While I enjoy traveling with my family, I've recently discovered the joy of solo travel and vacationing with just one of my kids at a time. In these scenarios, I am able to melt into the kind of relaxed, spontaneous, in-the-moment person I want to be; I love who I am. Travel gives me the opportunity to be my best self.
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Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
Of course, I was set up for success with this trip to Nashville. Not only did I have accommodations at a world-class resort that felt like a destination designed especially for me, but I had the very best travel partner: my six-year-old daughter, Pearl.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
There's a quote from "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" where the unlikely protagonist says "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." My trip to Nashville both defined -- and defied -- this. On one hand, I got to spend three uninterrupted days with my youngest born who is hilarious and thoughtful and kind and spontaneous. She lives every moment to its fullest and all she wants from me is... me. This trip made me appreciate her in a whole new way, and also marvel at how very wise she's gotten.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
On the other hand, our three days in Nashville were lived. We woke up early and enjoyed breakfast by a duo of rushing waterfalls. We laughed hysterically zooming down waterslides and attempting to surf. We threw pennies into ponds and spent way too much at the hotel's arcade. We had fries and Shirley Temples for dinner. We walked hand-in-hand all over downtown Nashville, Opryland Resort, and the beautiful winding paths of the hotel's gardens. I took pictures -- but then put my phone down. I really, truly, lived every minute of this vacation and while I am sad it's over, I feel invigorated by the experience.
Sarah McCosham/Only In Your State
We'll be back, Gaylord Opryland -- I have a Soundwaves surf challenge to conquer!
Many thanks to Gaylord Opryland Resort for their hospitality. As part of my media visit, the resort covered our room, valet parking, and entry to Soundwaves. As you find yourself planning fall and holiday adventures, let this be your sign to visit Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. Southern hospitality, loads of fun, and a truly magical experience in Music City await.
