wonderful time and place

Guest: Kelley B (Waleska Georgia USA)
Date of Stay: 10/04/08 Review Submitted: 10/16/08

we rode our motorcycles up and had a wonderful time and the cabin was an excellent place to come back to after beautiful rides through the national forest and around the area. Very nicely outfitted and has a gorgeous view from the hot tub and deck. And yes we got to see Mr. Bear at the end of the road.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

Guest: Neely W.
Date of Stay: 11/09/11 Review Submitted: 01/22/12

As a family of 4, plus our dog, we found the cabin to be perfect. We even had room to spare. Our 4yr old daughter loved having her own room and bathroom. The cabin is set up wonderfully and the view is breathtaking. When we arrived it was overcast and we could see the first mountain peak and thought "wow." The next morning the clouds cleared and revealed several mountain peaks behind the first and we couldn't believe how incredible the view was. Even though it was chilly out, we still enjoyed grilling on the deck and sitting in the jacuzzi....especially the jacuzzi! The cabin is elevated above the street and other cabins so it feels very private. We even opened the blinds in every room and still didn't worry about people being able to see in. The cabin is stocked with everything you need and has more cooking supplies than I have at home! It is an A+ cabin. Very Clean and stocked! I wouldn't even consider staying anywhere else in the Smoky Mountains. As far as things to do, Gatlinburg isn't lacking. We were traveling with our 3month old infant and dog so a lot of the walking trails were out of the question for us but we did go to Laurel Falls which was a 2.5 mile paved hike up mountain great for stollers and wheel chairs. Cades Cove is pet friendly and offered a bit of history. Ober Gatlinburg was just okay. I think it would be a lot more enjoyable as a skiing destination than as an "amusement" area. We also took a drive to the forbidden caverns. Though the drive to get to the caverns wasn't as scenic as the drives through the national park, the cavern itself was impressive. Though it is a bit of a drive, I recommend the Bryson City Railroad, in NC. To get there from the cabin you have to go through the Smoky Mountain National Park. The best views of our vacation came from this adventure. Give yourself extra drive time to stop at lookouts and on your return to go to Clingsmans Dome. Downtown Gatlinburg is a quaint little mountain strip running several blocks with tons of tourist adventures and shopping. My husband and I are not very big into shopping but we still enjoyed walking the dog here in the evenings and sipping coffee at the cafes. While downtown, we rode the Gatlinburg Lift (dogs are allowed). It was fun to ride the lift but the view from the top was similar to the view from the cabin but with more lights below. Even so, I still recommend it for the ride. Overall, we couldn't have had a more enjoyable vacation. A big THANKS to the Howards.

Owner response:Thanks for the great Review!! Hope you guys can make it back again.

Recommended for:

Can't wait to go back again!!!

Guest: jlsp (charleston, wv)
Date of Stay: 12/30/11 Review Submitted: 01/07/12

we stayed dec 30-jan 2. this was our first vacation to the smoky mountains. as soon as we walked into the cabin and saw the view, i knew i wanted to rent it for a weekend this summer to bring my mother with us. it is a wonderful cabin. very clean (spotless) and modern inside. very nice flooring and tiled bathrooms. the bathroom cabinetry was modern and very nice, as well as the sinks and faucets. i really loved the faucets. one bathroom has a nice jacuzzi tub that has lights under the water that change colors of the rainbow. there is a large rain style shower head in that same tub/shower. the other bedroom had a shower and a vanity mirror/table/chair. there is a stackable washer and dryer in the cabin. the deck is very large!!! the hot tub on the deck was nice. the cd player in the living room has a switch so that the music can play outside on speakers hidden near the hot tub. there is ample outdoor seating on the deck. all nice and comfortable. the cabin has vaulted ceilings. we loved the remote controlled fireplace. and although there are cable tvs in the living room and both bedrooms, we couldn't look at anything other than that view! even when inside, we'd sit facing the view with all the blinds up. it really is breathtaking. my husband and i disliked gatlinburg and pigeon forge. originally i had researched places to eat during our long weekend. however on our first night out, i decided we would have to find a grocery store so that we could cook at the cabin the rest of the weekend. i preferred staying in the cabin than going out and fighting the crowds & waiting in lines. there is a grocery store within 2 miles. there is a gas and a charcoal grill at the cabin so we had everything one could need to fix all our meals. the owner is easy to contact and very nice to work with. we live in west virginia and enjoy renting cabins in the mountains but i must admit that we haven't had one with a view like this before! i have already made our reservations for mother's day weekend to take my mom to this cabin. and i know i will be going back again next fall or winter with my husband. because of the view, the quality of the cabin, the genuine personality of the owner, and the reasonable pricing...we will be regulars at WATAVU from now on. i would recommend this cabin to anyone. it is great for those like us who want to relax and it is perfectly located for those who enjoy the activities in nearby gatlinburg & pigeon forge

Owner response: Thanks for the very nice review. We bought the cabin because of the view and we never get tired of looking out either. Glad you and your Mom are coming back. You are always welcome at Wa-Ta-Vu!!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Wonderful December Retreat

Guest: Happy Four (Matthews, NC)
Date of Stay: 12/18/11 Review Submitted: 12/23/11

We just spent four amazing nights at this property owned by Carol and Bob. It is spacious, yet has a wonderful cozy feeling. The hot tub is incredibly relaxing and provides a view that words can't depict as it is so breathtaking. The cabin has all the cooking utensils you could dream of needing if you plan to cook when staying there. You won't regret booking this amazing location for your dream vacation!

Owner response:Thanks Caroline, Glad you guys enjoyed the cabin. That hottub is my favorite place too. You guys are always welcome to come back!Bob

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Had a great time

Guest: Lan (Soth Carolina)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

We can't express our gratitude enough to you for sharing your lovely Gatlinburg home. The relaxation obtained there on the trip was remarkable! The view from the home is priceless! Everything was as you stated and more! Our regret now is that we only booked three nights. Brooks said we have to come back next year and for a more extended stay. This having been said by a workaholic who doesn't leave town. He and I sure had a most difficult time watching the cabin disappear in our rearview mirror this morning. Thanks for your part in creating new memories. It is our hope that we may have your permission to return in the future. Thank you kindly and may you and yours continue to be blessed, Lan Columbia, SC

Owner response:Thanks Lan, Glad you guys enjoyed the cabin. You guys are always wecome to visit us again. Thanks!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+.

Family Time

Guest: Roxanne P. (Troy, MI)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/24/11

My husband and I shared the cabin with his sister and her husband. The cabin was very clean, well orginized with instructions on how to operate all the appliances. The directions to the cabin were very easy to follow. Bob was very helpful during the rental process and the cabin was everything that was promised. The bear did make a trip past the cabin one evening. In the morning and evening we enjoyed watching the birds come and eat the berries on the dogwood trees outside the window. The bedrooms were spacious and the kitchen well equiped so we could make meals with very little effort. It was very nice to have a washer and dryer so I only had to pack a few outfits and could do a quick load mid week. There is a well stocked grocery store on the main road just before you turn off to head up to the cabin. A couple of things we did that I have not seen on the other reviews were renting a pontoon boat from Douglas Lake Marina and visiting the Bush's Bean Vistors Center. We rented the boat for 2 hours and then the lady at Marina told us about the Bush's Bean Vistors Center. It was an easy drive, the center was free and very informative. The cafe at the center was very reasonable and the food was excellent. We attended church on Sunday at First Baptist right next door to the Alamo Resturant. Wonderful service and very welcoming. We drove to Townsend and toured the Heritage Center and took a bus tour of Cades Cove. The tour was very informative and we could enjoy all the wildlife as we were not driving. In the evening we played games, visited and the guys watched baseball and football. We also enjoyed a couple of ranger lectures/hikes in the park. Had a wonderful and relaxing time and still had plenty of things left for next time.

Owner response:Thanks guys for telling about your great vacation. I have always wanted to visit the Bush Bean factory too! Who knows maybe Duke will tell me the Secret receipe. Douglas lake is a very large lake, I spent alot of time fishing it as a kid. You guys are always welome at Wa-Ta-Vu. Thanks for staying with us!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Our Trip to Wa-Ta-Vu

Guest: Diane (Ontario Canada)
Date of Stay: 09/11/11 Review Submitted: 09/18/11

Hello Bob, Just thought I'd drop you a line and tell you what a wonderful time we had at Wa-ta-Vu!!! We thoroughly enjoyed your cabin. You must be proud. It is a great place to relax but lots to do close by if you wish. It is exactly how it is described on your website and all the reviews. So nicely decorated and welcoming. It was very nice and thoughtful to get your phone call as we arrived. We arrived on Ontario land about 4:00 p.m.and home at 6:00 p.m. We took two days to drive back to cut up the trip a bit so we enjoyed a game of golf in Kentucky yesterday. We did so much but still got time to relax at the cabin too. We bbq'd Wed night and had an uninvited guest....but should have expected it! Yes, Mr. Bear showed up. My husband had just gone inside for something when I heard rustling behind me or under the deck. Then I saw the tree by the stairs shaking then he was on the stairs! I hollered for Paul, who came out and yelled. We then quickly ran inside, locked the doors, shut the blinds.........and then I realized all our food was on the patio table!! So Paul went out, very carefully, and kept on eye on the stairs while he passed all the dishes to me. After it was all over, and we calmed down, we said that we were really stupid not to think that Mr Bear would smell our food and want steak and shrimp too! haha Unfortunately I didn't have a witness, and the bbq cover was on the stairs which I could have mistaken it for, but I don't think so! That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it! haha We enjoyed the Sky Lift which we had done 30 yrs ago, dinner at The Peddlar that you recommended,, Moodshine Distillery and two games of golf. While driving through Cades Cove, we saw, through our sun roof, a mother bear and her two cubs up in a tree above us. A ranger said she was chewing a branch so it would fall and she could get the acorns from it. Smart little devils. At least these ones were fun to watch! We would have loved to do some of the hiking but I broke my foot in June and it still can't handle too much walking yet. We look forward to sharing our stories, photos and video with our kids tomorrow. Our daughter and her boyfriend are very interested in hearing about our trip as they love the outdoors, hiking, camping, etc and they would like to go to the Smoky Mountains sometime. So you just might be hearing from us again sometime so they too can book the cabin and enjoy it like we did Diane & Paul . .

Owner response:Thanks Diane and Paul, You guys traveled along ways from Canada. We are glad you enjoyed your vacation in the Smokys. You guys did alot in the week you were there. You guys are always welcomed back! Thanks Again1 Bob & Carol

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.

Beautiful place & wonderful experience!

Guest: Tracy (DeMotte, IN)
Date of Stay: 03/24/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

We now know why your cabin is booked so often! Cannot say enough about the view, I couldn't stop taking pictures! We immediately felt at home. Loved the decor, especially all of the bears! The cabin is equipped with the best of everything! We did not want to leave! Bob was very helpful and so quick to answer any question I had. We didn't care so much for Pigeon Forge. Gatlinburg was less busy on a weekday. Highly recommend hiking to Laurel Falls and the drive to Cades Cove. Our family will never forget our time in the Smoky's!

Owner response:Thanks Tracy for the nice words. Glad you guys got to see the National Park.I think the Park is the best part of the area. I too enjoy all the hikes. I love the hike to the chimney tops. I have made the Chimney tops every decade since the 50's. It is amazing though how the distance to the top seems to be getting longer! You guys are always welcomed back!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Wonderful Cabin!

Guest: Kelli (Indianapolis, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 03/14/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

We stayed at Wat-A-Vu this past week and it was wonderful! The cabin is much more spacious than it looks like in the pictures. The washer/dryer was such a nice added bonus to have. It is pretty secluded, but still near enough to other cabins that you don't feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. It was only a short drive into town although if you're afraid of heights like me, close your eyes when you're going down or up the mountain to the cabin ;). The owner was so helpful with my questions prior to the trip and he even called to make sure we had arrived. Everything in the cabin is labeled with directions, making it easy on the guests. The hot tub was such a wonderful escape, with a beautiful view of the mountains! There is also a gas grill that we used to cook out one night and then a gas fireplace that we used on a few chilly mornings. Our dogs loved hanging out on the porch with us and watching the wildlife. I would definitely recommend taking a hike to Laurel Falls or if you're not into a 3 mile hike, take the short walk to Cataract Falls behind the Sugarlands Visitor Center in GSMNP. We took a stroller on both trails easily! The drive to Cade's Cove is long, but pretty. We wish we had spent more of the day outside walking around the park rather than being in the car. If you do go over there, be sure and bring a picnic lunch (something we wish we had done!) We also walked around downtown Gatlinburg on a rainy morning which is a much cooler town than Pigeon Forge (and not as commercialized). Our toddler loved the Deer Farm Zoo petting zoo which is in Sevierville, probably the favorite part of his trip! All in all this was a fabulous trip. The cabin was our favorite part of the vacation! You will not be disappointed!!

Owner response:Thanks Kelly, We like to hike in the park too. I did the hike up to the lodge at Mount Leconte last summer. You can see the roof of the lodge from the deck of the cabin with binoculeers.It was really a adventure hiking up to the lodge. Glad you guys had a fun time, I agree, that I too like Gatlinburg better than Pigeon Forge, it is just easier on the eyes! You guys are always welcomed back!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Relaxing Weekend!

Guest: Krystal & Anthony (Georgetown, KY)
Date of Stay: 01/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/11

We had an amazing time this weekend at the cabin. My husband and I have 5 children and we have not been away (alone) for a weekend together since we were married. Our time together was so relaxing, thanks, in part, to a clean cabin with a secluded feel. There were instructions for everything which made our stay in a new place almost effortless. Thanks Bob and Carol for calling us to make sure we made it. You guys are an absolute blessing. And yes, we do plan to return!!!! The good news....I love my husband more today than I did the day we left for Gatlinburg. Mission complete!!!

Owner response:Thanks Krystal & Anthony, Glad you guys had a nice weekend. It is very quite up there in the winter. Hope you guys can come back sometime.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.