We recently returned from our 6th or 7th visit to The Swag, a (justifiably) legendary country inn on mountain top, bordering The Great Smoky Mountain National Park, not far from Asheville, NC. Whenever someone asks us “what is your favorite inn?”, The Swag inevitably ends up on the short list. Deener and Dan Matthews have created something remarkable over the past 31 years, and are still at the top of their game. On this visit, we focused on the abundant activities and events available right on the property or nearby: waterfalls, national park hiking trails, hilltop vistas, mossy verdant nature walks, the Thursday night barbeque and the daily pre-dinner social hour. We brought in models to make this all come to life, which really worked well. While there, we also did a few food shots.

To see more images of rooms, etc., check out our special spotlight on The Swag in the “Projects” section of our website.

Sunrise activities on The Swag porch – the best time of day up here

Couple near Hemphill Bald, resting after a hike

An early morning hike on a national park trail

A very special place on The Swag Property: Gooseberry Knob at dawn

This waterfall is a great destination hike from the inn

After your hike, imagine cleaning up for dinner in this fantasy fireside outdoor shower. Not roughing it!

Guests enjoying hors d’oeuvres on the porch before dinner–a Swag tradition

Thursday night is barbeque night..and just behind the grill is the entrance to the National Park

A typical dinner entree: a seared salmon fillet with beets and greens from the Swag gardens

Another great spot to relax: The Gazebo at Gooseberry Knob