I remember telling my wife the last time we were here that if I could build my dream cabin-it would be the Balsam here at the lovely and cozy Swag. Two bathrooms, two steam showers, sauna, living room with fireplace, outdoor balcony with fireplace and shower, and it's right across the fence from our nations most popular park-Great Smokey Mountains National Park. We walked right out our door to hike. Nearby trials take you to waterfalls, waterwheels, and the spectacular panoramics from atop Gooseberry Knob or Hemphill Bald. We returned from one of our hikes just in time for the Swag's stellar bbq picnic. That leads nicely to the food and service which is as good as it comes-and frankly what you can expect from a Relais and Chateau. Tables with your names for breakfast and dinner, nightly bites during happy hour, and even lunches to go for your adventures. Which, for us even included horseback riding at the nearby stables. Naturally, they were waiting for us when our ride ended in one of their electric fleet of Volvos to whisk us back up the windy road into a vacation of our dreams! read more

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We have just enjoyed a wonderful fifth annual July visit to The Swag to celebrate our 56th wedding anniversary. The Swag is a premier lodge nestled on a mountainside in the Smoky Mountains high over Waynesville NC. It offers spectacular views, immediate access to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park by simply walking through a gap in the fence outside the main lodge, fine dining, pickleball courts, a spa, and a small gym and pool. An expert naturalist is often in residence and conducts a variety of activities, including organized hikes, talks about wildlife (bears, coyotes, bioluminescence and other interesting aspects of the natural world).  Other activities include a presentation on coffee making by their barista and wine tasting sessions. But if all you want to do is just have a wonderful place to  relax and enjoy being in the great outdoors, The Swag is one of the best places you can go. The Swag is a Relais and Chateaux resort so accommodations are excellent and range from a comfortable, well furnished bedroom for two to a cabin suitable for an entire family. À la carte breakfasts, packaged lunches (including backpacks and water bottles if needed), and four-course dinners are included in the daily rates. The lunch and dinner menus change daily, but dinner entree choices typically include beef, seafood, poultry and vegetarian options. On Wednesdays and Saturdays there is a mountain top lunch picnic with abundant food. Thursday evening is barbecue night. Food at The Swag is locally sourced and quality standards are exceptionally high.  Service at The Swag is truly exceptional. Every employee is focused on making sure all of your needs are met. The kitchen tries to accommodate any special requests. Much of the resort's clientele return year after year, and guests are automatically offered a return reservation for the same time and accommodation next year at the time of checkout. This is great for established clients and has allowed The Swag to build a large band of loyal followers, including us, but this does make it harder for first-timers to get a reservation for a time and accommodation they would like. My advice is just keep trying!  We got our first reservation after many tries when someone cancelled while we were on the phone with the lodge trying to get one. Tradition means a lot at The Swag, and that is a good thing. My only suggestion to them is to consider adding an à la carte section to the dinner menu as many other fine dining establishments do. It would give the kitchen more opportunity to try out dishes before adding them to the prix fixe choices and allow guests who may not want a full four course dinner every night an alternative. I realize that this would complicate the traditional pricing scheme, but that should be manageable. read more

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An amazing long weekend with friends, a rustic retreat reminiscent of times long past. Simple pleasures, long hikes, good company and good food. Wine tasting and cocktails. Corn hole and hot tubbing. Literally on top of the world, be ready for the altitude. Brunch on Sunday was a delight. read more

The Swag - Hotels Near Me - Waynesville, North Carolina

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We were wowed from start to finish! My friend and I spent two nights at the swag to celebrate our birthdays and have never felt so pampered and taken care of. Spoiled really. Each and every member of the staff went above and beyond to make us feel special. Jim gave us our tour and was so informative and kind- his welcome really set the tone for our stay! Sandra was also outstanding as was Chef Josh and Benji in the morning! Plus everyone else whose names I can not remember. The food was delicious- especially breakfast, our first of which included a morel and goat cheese frittata that was just incredible. The rooms were gorgeously appointed. We were impressed with the upholstery, quality mattress, and toiletries. Our original room had a broken AC and they were kind enough to move us when it could not be fixed. If we could come here every month we would. We will definitely be back! read more

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I only visited for dinner, I haven't been an overnight guest of the resort. It was okay, but not worth $100. per person + $75 more pp if you wanted wine pairing. The service was slow and imprecise. Perhaps they were understaffed? The food was edible but without any sort of "wow" factor. And unfortunately, small portions to boot. The ambience was really good, log cabin chic, even if the lodge was a little cold for the time of year and weather forecast. It's not worth your effort to go just for dinner. I suggest you take a pass if you get the opportunity. read more

This review is for the picnic lunch only which you can order ahead of time. We were not overnight guests , but ordered the picnic lunch option . The food itself was fine. Great ambiance obviously with spectacular Mountain View's. The drive up to the Swag is a bit challenging, we lucked out going up and driving back down in that there was no other traffic. It is a one lane road much of which is dirt road. Gorgeous views all around and a sense of serenity and quiet as you spend time sitting on the lawn. Upscale yet casual vibe with attentive customer service. Would love to return. read more

The Swag - a view of the mountains in the distance - Hotels Near Me - Waynesville, North Carolina

Was extremely excited to get a reservation and go to brunch at The Swag! Sunday brunch high on top a mountain in NC during the summer! Just going to say the road up is pretty harry driving for a flat lander from Florida. Narrow roads with steep grade but made it There was one seating at 11 and we were 2 of 6 non hotel guest. The GM gave an interesting history on this beautiful place and we had a lovely interior window view table. The ambiance is amazing! The log cabin the furniture, fire places everything was Mountain chic!They let you know when it was your turn and you go to a buffet outside. The food looked amazing and the presentation was gorgeous. However it was 70 degrees and the food was cold. Poach eggs, grits & shrimp, trout, potatoes, tomato pie, bacon and sausages not hot. Coffee and tea was help yourself and the tea kettle water was Luke warm. Carving station of Roast Beef and Turkey was off the kitchen and very warm and delicious. The dessert Table was set with loving care! Warm iced cinnamon buns in a cast iron skillet and a Napoleon that was to die for. A fresh Berry tart and a savory pastry bite. However by 12 the cinnamon buns and Napoleon were depleted and guests were mad. I heard "poor planning" and "make some more" they were delicious and people were mad. I don't know if people took several or they did count properly because they knew exactly how many were coming. Oh well. Staff were pleasant. But at a buffet no one was quick to clear our plates we had to ask. When we arrived at the welcome cabin to wait for our ride up the hill, a charming elderly man greeted us and invited us to sit and wait. Next came in a couple behind us and they were going to brunch as well as checking in. They were offered a glass of wine. We were not which made us feel very awkward indeed. I was driving so I would not of even had one but felt like second class citizens . All and all a beautiful view, ok food and a very steep drive. $84 pp w/ out a drink is pretty steep even in my SFLA Homeland. View was amazing it was an adventure can't say I'll be back. I'm sorry too because I was so looking forward to it. read more

The food was excellent. The walleye was prepared to perfection, and the steak was prepared exactly as I ordered it The service was impeccable and the atmosphere around dinner was serene and intimate read more

Breathtaking beauty in seclusion. The road to the property is gated keeping the curious onlooker out. The property allows you to simply wake up from your cottage and stroll into the national park without competing for any parking. The private trails are also exceptional. Head to the meadow for a great view from the platform or relax in one of the chairs. I didn't find the menu or food on par with a resort of this caliber, but imagine it's hard to find a top quality chef. The experts in residence are a nice touch leading on bird hikes and playing music from Appalachia. We will most certainly be back. read more

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Our favorite slice of heaven in North Carolina! Amazing food, staff, hiking, and vibes. We visit every year and plan to keep the tradition going for more years to come! read more

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summer picnic? pricey but so worth it. i wont ruin your time there with all kinds of details - just go, it is fun, delicious, and gorgeous, read more

The swag is a real cool place I have been going there for years. Although last night was probably the worst dinner I've ever had. a my steak was very salty Add overcooked My daughter had the fish could not eat it so salty She had to order a steak which came out well done. She ordered it medium rare. Their salad was really small portions. You get past that and the staff was really nice. read more

The food $250 (set price) excluding alcohol was awful. Salad served in a small bowl, meal was a small piece of fish on a handful of chopped something. Oh my gosh the cheese board for dessert had dried cheddar pieces and a few crackers , really! The server came around and gave us each one small piece of bread. Oh my gosh it was a horrible overpriced meal that didn't include the drinks and was pre tipped! Not worth the money or the drive! Perhaps if you stay there it's different but don't drive up for this! read more

We have been traveling a fair amount the last five years. This is the most gratifying experience by far. To be fair, we had peak weather during peak leaves, but still The Swag left us both in awe. The staff is attentive and pleasant, like you would expect at a resort of this caliber, but they do it with an Appalachian charm that is hard to describe. Hiking is the real amenity here, and the vistas are spectacular. When they say they border The Smokies, they ain't kidding'. The Smokies border is by the property line. A really neat touch was having an outdoor lunch/picnic at an on property vista 1/4 mile from the main lodge. Meals are outstanding. Alcohol only allowed a couple years ago so the wine cellar still in process. I only say that as their selection may seem limited compared to other premium resorts, but give them time. The new owners expanded the dining area, so you don't do family style anymore. Some people like and some don't (I like for breakfast/lunch but not dinner). Having the guest limited to under 50 allows them to really get to know you and call you by name. read more

The Swag - Sunrise - Hotels Near Me - Waynesville, North Carolina

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Was not a guest at resort. This is a review of the restaurant only. Way OVER priced. $200 for two which didn't include drinks. Brought our own wine. Bill included $12 corking fee. We knew the price and expected to be wowed. We were given a choice of 4 entrees which you need to decide earlier in the day. Ours were NY strip, mussels, chicken or vegetarian noodles & veggies. Needed to choose dessert either crem brûlée's, chocolate lava or ice cream. Appetizer table was a joke...olives, cheese plate and some sort of flatbread pizza. For dinner my Husband chose mussels which were good but that was all that he got ... no vegetables or pasta or side dish. I had chicken which was tough and I only ate half. Came with creamy grits, 3 asparagus spears, 3 bite size tomatoes. Our desserts were poor. Crem brûlée's was served cold and lava cake with a strawberry and dab of whipped cream was so so...nothing to write home about. The best past of the meal was the beet salad. Wait staff was great, atmosphere rustic but nothing to brag about. This was a birthday celebration for my friend and I and we were very disappointed. I've been to some lovely restaurants and spent way less and had fabulous meals. We will not return. Very very disappointing. I don't understand the high rating this place gets. read more

stayed for 2 days and the service and food were excellent. you may be placed at a table with other couples which would normally bother me but in this case we had a great time. You can request your own table. if you need to get away for a relaxing weekend this is the place. read more

The Swag - The back porch of the main lodge. - Hotels Near Me - Waynesville, North Carolina

My family was on vacation in Maggie Valley, and a friend of ours had recommended prior to our trip, to make reservations at the Swag for Sunday Brunch, and I am SO glad we got that recommendation as the trip was so special! Guests not staying on the swag property, receive the 12:30pm Sunday brunch seating (guests on property have an 11am brunch). Since you dine on property, you can enjoy any of the gardens and hikes on property and explore. I so wish we had brought an extra change of clothes and proper shoes, as we were all in Sunday brunch attire. We hoofed it up in heels to the gooseberry knob (only 1/4 mile away), where we were greeted by breathtaking views, his and hers Adirondack chairs, and a gazebo surrounded by roses overlooking layers upon layers of mountains. I would seriously return just for the property hikes, and the food and service was excellent too! We were invited into the dining room at 12:30pm, and this is on the dot timing, and they will wait a few minutes for late guests, but not long. There is a very short prayer to bless the food before brunch begins, and the chef explains all the food that was prepared and is gorgeously displayed on the buffet table. Things like "greens which were picked this morning" or fruit spreads from fruit from on property trees. . . total farm to table concept, which surprised me being way out in the middle of no where. Most of the food was very good, with the homemade balsamic salad dressing, the cheddar biscuits, the apricot marmalade, and the desserts being outstanding. We really rather made ourselves sick on the desserts, but they were so rich and delicious! Service was excellent, our tea glasses constantly being filled, and our server providing us wonderful historic details of the Swag! I would love to return to the Swag and do a picnic lunch, and tour more of the property with the proper footwear and clothing, as well as maybe spend a long weekend at the Swag. It is kind of a magical place. (I will say I felt very young at the Swag in my mid 30's, as the clientele seemed a bit more blue haired, even my Mother felt young. That said, I wouldn't hesitate to return, it's a special place). read more

My wife and I went to The Swag for our 2nd Anniversary and could not be more impressed and pleased with our stay! The owners, David and Annie Colquitt, have done a tremendous job preserving, improving, and expanding the property. If I had to describe The Swag with a single phrase, it would be "Rustic Mountain Top Luxury." I can honestly say I've never stayed anywhere like it, and I've regularly stayed in cabins throughout the broader Smokey Mountains/Southern Appalachians area. From the moment you arrive, the staff are attentive, warm and friendly. We happened to arrive on a weekend of particularly bad weather and considering it was at the end of the season and we had a 14-month-old with us, we were unable to take advantage of the amazing system of trails The Swag sits on. That being said, from the moment we arrived at the top of the 2-mile scenic mountain road, we felt like we were entering a secret kingdom where we were treated like royalty. Despite the humble outer appearance of the various cabins and lodges that comprise The Swag, the experience is nothing short of 5-star luxury. Greg unloaded our bags and we were provided with commemorative walking sticks, compliments of the Swag. There is complimentary soda pop and ice cream, as well as apples, coffee and tea whenever you like. The rooms are spacious, with steam showers, jacuzzi tubs, and fireplaces meticulously stocked with fresh dry wood and firestarters, which are replenished daily. There is a wonderful reading library and warm fireplaces galore where one can curl up with a good book. The food alone deserves its own several paragraphs. Here the theme continues: The Swag is incredibly attentive to details. All the meals are included and you never have to worry about finding something delicious to eat. The breakfast had everything you could imagine: waffles, sausage, eggs-made-to-order, oatmeal, and all with a taste and quality befitting a 5-star dining experience. Lunches were chosen the day before and packed and ready in the morning after breakfast, so you could eat well, while not having to come back from a long day's excursion until dinner. In the evening, my wife and I feasted on roast lamb, ribeye steak, and halibut, all cooked with the highest order of culinary sophistication. On top of all this, the staff is incredibly accommodating: although dinner starts promptly at 7:00pm, we were having to put our 14 month old son down to bed and the staff graciously waited to serve us a whole hour later until he had fallen asleep. Additionally, they cooked custom dishes just for him so he was never left out of the dining experience and we were able to feed him easily. Finally, staying at The Swag felt not so much like staying a resort or hotel (though the amenities were equivalent) as it felt like an intimate mountain retreat with friends. The small number of guests, coupled with the intimate dining area and shared living spaces ensured that while we had plenty of privacy to celebrate our anniversary, new friends were close by and easily made. We felt as if the complete strangers we started the weekend with had become old friends and companions. Conversations flowed naturally and my wife and I intend to follow up with a lovely couple we met from Nashville. You are never far from friends, both old and new, at The Swag. My wife and I can't wait to return: if it's possible to have such an incredible time during a cold, wet, rainy weekend, I can only imagine how spectacular The Swag is during the warmer months! No matter the weather or the time of year, you can be sure to enjoy yourself in this most pleasant place in the dip between two mountain peaks (the literal definition of the word, Swag). read more

This place is a must visit. Just do it. Recommendations, Gayles room. It has everything, and the view, that is out of this world. The food,wow..... They have a great staff, and the grounds are beautifully done. There is nnothing I would change about this place. Go online a make your reservations now. Going to hate leaving tomorrow. read more

The Swag is a unique and beautiful place to stay. If you enjoy flawless hospitality, delicious food and perfect vistas this is surely a place you should visit. Prepare to slow down and be entertained by stunning sunrises, wildlife and the wonderful guest specialists who share knowledge on all kinds of interesting topics. Perfect the art of the Swag Nap! Essential after a morning hike and to ready yourself for cocktails at 5000 ft!! We have stayed quite a few times and cannot recommend this Inn highly enough. read more

The Swag - A view of the trail into the Great Smoky Mountain Park that backs onto the Swag. - Hotels Near Me - Waynesville, North Carolina

The Swag is a gorgeous country inn. The main attraction of The Swag is the breath-taking views of the mountains, especially during a sunrise or sunset. While there, you feel closer to nature. It's an escape from the madness of the outside world. Every time my family and I vacation in North Carolina, we must include The Swag. We have many wonderful memories there. The food, the service, the hiking, and the view pleases everyone who visits. We have indulged in their brunch, picnics, dinners, and holiday event meals. Their exquisite garden provide fresh herbs, fruits, and vegetables for their meals. Their restaurant has received many deserving awards for fine dining. Ultimately, one of the most important characteristics of The Swag is their service. As an example, my sister, friends, and I were hiking by their pond, and we decided to try the swing that was hanging nearby. My sister instead fell into the pond. When we came back to the lodge, Deener (the owner at the time) saw my sister and ran to get warm clothes. She then sat my sister in front of their warm fireplace and gave her a blanket to warm her up. We were grateful for this service. The Swag is a perfect getaway and I highly recommend to this to anyone and everyone who visits North Carolina! read more

I attempted to go to The Swag to eat while in Waynesville NC on business with a couple of my business associates. We chose this place because it had great reviews and yelp said it was open until 10pm (everything in this town closes at 9). We showed up at 9:15 looking forward to eat a good meal in the great looking restaurant. When we arrived, we walked in and a pleasant waitress told us that they were closed for the evening. Totally bummed that we couldn't eat, my associates and I walked out of the restaurant and were trying to figure out where we could eat and started walking to our car when we were greeted by the hostess / manager who could not have been any more rude or disrespectful. If she had a broom she would have been shooing us away like we were an unwanted cat. Her attitude was terrible and she became very snippy with us scolding us for not having a reservation. I have never in my life been treated so rude. We ended up going to another restaurant called the rendezvous who even though we walked in 10 minutes before they closed they greeted us with open arms and were nothing short of great to us. To the rude hostess , I understand that you were closed or getting ready to close . We were walking down to our car and not being loud or disrespectful in any way. We were hungry and wanted to enjoy some good food. I also have reason to believe you hate men or just people in general...you probably even hate your job but you do work in the service industry requires people skills..apparently you have none. I will never step foot in this establishment and make it a point to tell every single person who goes to waynesville or any of the surrounds to not give a nickel to this company. They don't even deserve a star. read more

If you are outside the area and don't experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge and Smokeys on a daily basis and have room in your budget, this is a good experience. The place doesn't look like much from the outside, but is beautiful and comfortable on the inside. Our room was very comfortable, among the more comfortable we've experienced around the world. The views are spectacular, and the opportunity to hike the local and park trails is an experience builder. They tout the food and our experience was not good and we found both the food and service to be average or less. After receiving a serving of duck breast well done and like shoe leather, the waitress having waited until mid meal to even asked just said something like "Oh gee, I'll pass your comments on to the cook" Even at Huddle House they'd have whisked the meal away and made sure you were happy. At breakfast, they couldn't serve the right omelet to the right guest despite giving each numbers and having only three to make. Mine came after my Wife had finished hers, despite having ordered them at the same time. For those of us living in the Blue Ridge, the ambience, views, and trails are normal to our every day life. So if the food is not great, the whole thing becomes highly over priced. That brings me to my last comment. You get a 15% service charge on your entire bill at the end. I really don't care what the final price is and am not deterred if the room price is $1000 rather than $850, but I find no reason to hide the charge. That leave a bad taste. But I emphasize, those coming from outside the area are paying for a much wider experience than we locals and guests from the outside return read more

Having never been to the Swag, we began having second thoughts as we drove up the mountain. How could there be a beautiful resort at the top of a hill our car was struggling to navigate? But all doubts were gone the second we saw it. Two smiling, waving people greeted us, took our car and bags and led us on a quick tour. We stopped in our tracks as we saw the Smokies stretched as far as we could see and the stress of our worlds left us immediately. The next few days were filled with excellent food, world class service, fresh air and wonderful hikes through the woods all with a backdrop of the most beautiful views; and Deener could not have been a more gracious hostess. We will most definitely be back! read more

new ownership, very impressed with service and food. we were married years ago up on the mountain at gooseberry knob and since have spent many anniversaries and special occasions here. we will most definitely continue to return! read more

What a beautiful experience! Rooms with saunas, huge tubs, outdoor private showers and wood fireplaces. Eat family style or at your own lovely table near the fireplace. The hiking trails were well marked and convenient. The food was amazing and hospitality was professional, traditional and so genuine. Easy 3.5 hour drive from Atlanta. Didn't get in my car for three days once parked - heaven. Fab massage therapist (Marleen) on the property. Huge hot tub overlooking the hills. Stars galore from the broad front lawn. Save up your pennies and return again and again. read more

Essentially you are staying on top of a mountain in western NC. The views of the mountains are stunning and its a great place to start exploring the Great Smoky Mountains. Rooms/Cabins are rustic and beautiful (no TV, just radio). Meals are chef prepared and super good. There's not very much to do in the towns below so be prepared to spend most of your time on the grounds hiking, eating, sleeping, playing racquetball, or staring off into the distance doing nothing. I'm giving this place 4 stars rather than 5 because the price is OUTRAGEOUS. read more

One of a kind experience. Mountain rustic meets spectacular views, good food and warm friendly service. This is a mountaintop Inn where you can escape in one of their guest rooms or just go up for lunch or dinner. Its a three mile drive up a steep narrow road and the reward is warm friendly, unpretentious service and great food. Bring your own wine and arrive early to enjoy bountiful hors d'oeuvres with a view. We had a choice of four entrees. The filet was cooked to perfection and the fish was the best I have ever had! One night I really enjoyed the rabbit! Save room for a the dessert buffet. Dinner here is a full evening experience so arrive by 6pm and save time to sit by the fire after dinner and just relax. read more

We came. We saw. We were conquered. We heard about The Swag, read about The Swag and finally had "the urge to splurge." And splurge is apt, at least in our case, when you consider the minimum room rate (including the 15% service charge, 7% state tax and 4% occupancy tax) comes in at about $725. Was it worth it? Yes. Can you we visit regularly? If we ever win the lottery. Seriously, The Swag is definitely in the "totally unique" category. We join all who have noted that the location/setting - to us the heart of the Swag experience - is Shangri-La in the sky. Weather allowing (and at 5000 feet it can and does change remarkably quickly), taking in a sunrise from the massive front porch is...humbling, mystical, other-worldly and just plain AWESOME. But The Swag is only as good as the people who provide all of the services one expects from a 5-star destination/resort. The spirit of hospitality and accommodation pervades, and we opine this is due to the ongoing commitment to excellence displayed by the owners and staff. Plus the ability to handle guests' nuances (and I admit to having a few) without a tinge of hesitation is this team's hallmark. (One anecdote to underscore the point: Upon check-in the fine fellow who brought in all of our gear not only put a couple of casual flannel shirts in the closet, but hung them up and buttoned the top button. Small detail perhaps, but it demonstrates the depth of consideration and professionalism, at least to us.) Those considering The Swag should know there are two, distinct "personality profiles" - as in whether you want to wine & dine with strangers (who become instant friends) or remain couple-centric via a private table. (Hint: If you want to go the couple route, be sure to mention this when making your reservation and upon arrival. And indicate you would like the private table at both dinner and breakfast.) In either capacity you are bound to have a relaxed and comfortable dining experience. Staying on the dining aspect, we believe the cuisine is good (fresh, some variety) but not 5-star level. No offense to the kitchen and wait staff who work as hard an any we have been around, but we do not think people climb 5000 feet to The Swag's absolute ambiance primarily for the cuisine. And on the nuance side, while you do not feel rushed at dinner, there is a sense of "regimentalization" as the breads come out, then the appetizer, then the dinner, then the dessert...and then the staff discreetly start converting the dining room for the next day's breakfast service. That small blip aside, everything to do with amenities and outdoor recreational activities (in two words, Hiking Heaven) tops the charts. From the thousands of books in the library to the challenging, new-friendships-inducing, in-progress jigsaw puzzles, to the croquet and horseshoe pitches...add in the Nature Trail and the myriad hiking opportunities for the sedate and hearty alike...The Swag has something for everyone. Just (and we say thankfully) no swimming pool. You can hike for an hour, a half-day or for the truly sturdy most of a day. Be sure to sign up for the box/bag/basket/backpack (your choice) lunch. Water bottles provided and a must. And being presented with your complimentary, personalized hiking/walking stick is one of those touches that puts The Swag in its own category. The Swag offers some seasonal guided tour hikes or you can venture out solo. We did both: The group hike took five hours (hiking interspersed liberally with historical factoids and guests' anecdotes + time for the picnic lunch); the more private hike via Nature Trail loop around the property took about 1.5 hours (with a 15-minute snack break). We had Laurin's Room in the main building, and here is another nuance that evolves (at least to me) to a caveat. The room is superbly appointed but it is situated directly above the main lobby/desk and the "dog trot" - a breezeway between main house and adjacent quarters. Be advised you can hear the vocal enthusiasm of early risers who are in the breezeway/on the porch anticipating the sunrise. Another point about accommodation: The rooms do not have air conditioning...and even though you are up 5000 feet in the mountain air, and staff proclaim there "may be" 2 or 3 days when the summer temps get a tad higher than normal...humidity and dampness are not alien to the territory. We were sort of tipped off to this when we discovered a table fan in our closet. Again, if you are putting down $700 or more per night just be aware. Hopefully this recap does not come off as nit-picking; The Swag is an extraordinary destination. Setting, sunrises, relaxed ambiance, anticipatory and accommodating staff, the chance to do nothing or hike to the max, making new friends or reupping with old ones all add up to a singular experience. Most definitely, "Worth the Splurge." read more

First I saw a bear. Sunday brunch was amazing. They have their own garden. This may be the most peaceful place I've ever visited. Breathtaking views. The staff was very friendly. It is a truly unique and special place. read more

The setting is spectacular ..... the food is solid/average and the lodging is too "quaint and rustic" but the price/value is way beyond reasonable. Way way way too expensive for what you get. Much better options elsewhere. Pricing like the Blackberry Inn but without their quality of food and lodging. read more

The food was very good at The Swag, very good. However, you also should go for the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, the experience of dining with about 30 other assembled guests, and being in a wonderful timbered inn. The hosts are welcoming, and wonderfully accommodating. The fellow diners have been there all day, hiking, bird watching, enjoying the peace of the mountains, and they are all wonderful people. We had venison chops that were excellent; mushroom soup; a green salad; and dessert - one a lemon pot-du-crème; the other a chocolate caramel torte. Everything was wonderful. This restaurant should not be compared to others. It is really in a category all by itself. The category: dining at one of the most wonderful inns we have ever seen! The view of the mountains here compares only to the views from Machu Picchu in my experience. And the other Yelp information pieces (free wifi, parking, valet parking, iPay) are just not relevant. If you want valet parking and free wifi, and not wonderful views of the mountains, go somewhere else. read more

I have been to the Swag many times and it is quite wonderful. The food is always outstanding. Just spent 3 relaxing days with 3 other girl friends and came away thoroughly rested and relaxed. The entire staff were so helpful and efficient! I highly recommend the Swag to everyone! read more

We have been spending a few days each year and this wonderful country inn. Every year we notice improvements. Highlights are great hiking trails, fine food, story telling in the evening, great views of the mountains, charming hosts and hostesses. Just love it. Perry and Connor Smith from Augusta, Ga. read more

SIX STARS!!! Dan and Deener Matthews run a great place with great staff, awesome food, and an wonderfully inviting atmosphere. I do not have enough room to write all the good things that they do but to say the least they make you feel so welcome and taken care of that you will not want to leave. Food is out of this world and you will not go hungry, ever! I was there when Joel & Kathy were there to take us hiking and they were so accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly. I was lucky to have stayed while they were there. I met so many wonderful people. View is so great there are no words. Single travelers should make this stop on their journeys because you will not feel alone. Everything was great and I can't wait to go back. You guys knocked it out of the park. Thanks to all the staff who were so helpful and to the cooks for doing a great job feeding me. This is place is by far the most welcoming place I have ever stayed. There is no doubt you will come back to The Swag over and over again read more

Oh my. How The Swag has spoiled me forever! We stayed at The Swag for a few days with some dear friends from Tennessee. To call this place just a "bed and breakfast" is a misnomer. It's a small slice of heaven! Now I know why Conde Nast magazine named it a top country inn. Food was fantastic, staff was incredible, and owners Dan and Deener were the most gracious (and adept!) of hosts. We'll be back. Even if it is 3,000 miles away from our home in California! read more

Absolutely stunning, awesome from the moment you arrive, until you leave. You check in turn off and relax. The views are worth the drive, but the food is excellent. Hiking is the main activity but there are miles of forest to keep your interest, read more

The magic of the Swag is hard to put one's finger on. There are the beautiful views, the very accommodating staff, the amazing food, the crackling fires in the fireplace, the small touches everywhere you look. But there are other places that have those things. Somehow at the Swag they mix with the peace and quiet of 5,000 feet, the occasional birdsong, the feeling that you're with people who care about you and may well become your friends, the interesting stories, the chance to remember who you are. It's no wonder people come back. We've been coming back for 11 years! read more

The Swag is amazing and I highly recommend staying there. It was beautiful, peaceful, welcoming, the staff was amazing, and the food was even better. My wife and I stayed at The Swag over Memorial Day weekend. We loved it so much we are planning on going back in the fall. It is the perfect getaway for a couple. You can enjoy great food, great hiking trails, and captivating views. We also were able to go white water rafting and view the Biltmore Estate. They really go the extra mile to make you feel welcome, whether it's leaving little gifts in your room every day (that they don't charge you for), or the custom walking stick that they give you, or the genuine friendliness and care for their guests. Don't miss out on an opportunity to stay at this beautiful getaway. read more

I am a picky traveler and couldn't have been happier staying at The Swag! When we arrived we were met and given a tour of the property and then explained the particulars of the property. Once we got to our room we changed clothes and made our way on a hike up to the top of a peak that offered such a beautiful view of the mountains and valley. When we returned we got ready for dinner but before we were ready to join the group on the front porch we got a call that there was a mama bear and 4 cubs on the front lawn. We ran down to see them and everyone on the porch was in awe of what was happening. While the county is dry you can bring your own drinks to social time as well as dinner. The appetizers were fabulous and we enjoyed them as we watched the bears. The staff was so knowledgeable and offered their assistance at every turn. Then there was dinner, which was so tasty and beautifully prepared, breakfast was the same wonderful food. There wasn't anything that I would change, I plan on returning very soon. Thank you to Deener & the staff at The Swag for making our trip a truly special one. read more