Secluded Log Cabin Retreat
We bought a couple of trail cameras to capture the wildlife that are good at avoiding people. Don’t worry! There are NOT any trail cameras around the log cabin or in back of it. The trail cameras are on the trails behind the owner’s cabin. Enjoy some fun videos that we have caught.
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Many people might wonder what kind of shopping is available in this tiny town that seems like it is in the middle of nowhere. This list is by no means a comprehensive list. I am just including local shopping that I think someone might like to visit while on vacation or places that might be needed.
Super WalMart has most things people may need while on vacation. Groceries to cook in our full kitchen or on our gas grill. Clothing if something was forgotten or needs to be replaced. We provide soap, shampoo, and conditioner, but you can pick up any other toiletries you might need.
They have your tack shop needs covered should you need some horse gear, but they also have local crafts, clothing, kayak rentals, and they sell beer on Sunday. Don’t try to buy beer in town on Sunday. You might even get lucky and come on a day when they have live music, food trucks, or more.
Take a trip up to Stearns, KY (maybe a 20-30 minute drive) to ride the Big South Fork Scenic Railway, check out the museum, and do a little craft shopping. The Artisan Shop features local artists and crafters’ handmade crafts. When we went, we saw candles, soaps, decorations, artwork, aprons, ornaments, furniture, and more.
R & J Produce is a seasonal produce market in Helenwood just about 11 miles away. Call or check their Facebook page linked in the button above for availability, times, or seasonal updates.
Swimming
You can also swim at Leatherwood Ford Trailhead or at Flatt Creek Lake in Huntsville.
Hiking
Our local newspaper has a 20 week hiking challenge. I know you won’t be here for 20 weeks to participate, but the information about each trail including difficulty and things to look for on each trail might be a valuable tool in planning your summer stay.
Tourism
Directions:
From the log cabin, take a left at the end of the driveway onto John J Smith Rd. Take a right onto Leatherwood. This will take you through the gorge and into Big South Fork NRRA. Turn right at the Leatherwood Ford Trailhead sign and take an immediate left at the Leatherwood Ford River Access sign. There is plenty of parking in the area. You can access the swimming area behind the gazebo.
Mimzy’s & Punkin’s is a fabulous little restaurant right off of Alberta Street tucked away in a parking lot like the hidden gem that it is. They have fabulous dawgs and nachos along with an extensive dessert menu and Hawaiian shaved ice. This southern Louisiana girl approves of the shaved ice.
You can find Mimzy’s & Punkin’s at:
125 W 3rd Ave, Oneida, TN 37841
Hey Trish & Mike, we have a full trash bag and don’t know what to do with it!
This is easily the most common question we get asked. We have two trash cans with bear-proof latches at the top of the driveway. You are more than welcome to drop off your trash in these cans. Please make sure all trash is in garbage bags and the bear-proof latches are secured. If we are home, we don’t mind picking up the trash and dropping it off for you. Just message us in the app, and we can take care of that for you. Please don’t leave trash outside unattended because they can attract bears, and we would rather not.
There are extra trash bags in the cleaning closet in the kitchen. If you still need more trash bags (I’m not judging… LOL), just message us in the app for more.
Checking out is really very easy. Checkout time is 11:00 am EST (Eastern Standard Time). Simply make sure you have all of your (and your party’s) personal items. The only thing I request you do as far as cleaning is to clean the pots and pans you used during your stay. Leave trash inside -or- secured in trash cans at the gate with bear straps secured. Messaging me on Airbnb app to tell me you have left is also very kind.
If you would like to sign the guestbook, we would be delighted, but that is not required.
After you have left, the owner will see that the log cabin gets cleaned and sanitized for the next guest. Cleaning is one of the ratings for guests on Airbnb and VRBO, but I still have to clean after you leave even if you already did so I am just looking for cleanable condition with pots and pans cleaned. If anything is stained, destroyed, or ruined, go ahead and tell me in advance. That’s never a nice surprise, but when someone let’s me know, it’s not as bad.
Be considerate of the next guests!!! Please do not leave food outside to entice bears. Please do not leave doors open any longer than necessary.
I have had lots of sweet guests do little things to help me out. I appreciate all those things, but I consider it above and beyond… and usually say something to this effect in their reviews.
I thank you so much for choosing to stay with us. We love sharing our space with guests and truly hope you enjoyed your stay.
You are free to control the temperature of the cabin during your stay with us. Please be considerate and mindful of your usage (especially while you’re away from the cabin), but we want you to be comfortable during your stay.
The thermostat is located in a little cubby area right across from the kitchen, at the beginning of the hallway, outside of the second bedroom, beneath the loft stairs, and behind the reclining sofa in the sitting area. This is a typical old fashioned thermostat. You just choose heat or cool by flipping the switch on the lower left. If you set it in the middle in the OFF position, neither the heat nor the air conditioning will come on regardless of the temperature settings. Once you have selected the heater or air conditioning, select your most ideal temperature by moving the indicator at the top to your ideal temperature.
If you selected heat, the heater will automatically come on whenever the temperature falls below your chosen temperature. If you selected cool, the air conditioner will automatically come on whenever the temperature rises above your chosen temperature.
Please ignore the thermostat in the master suite for adjusting temperature throughout the log cabin. It does not control the central heat or air conditioning. That thermostat used to control the gas fireplace, but now the gas fireplace is remote controlled. The central heat and air conditioning is ONLY controlled by the thermostat in the hallway.
There is lots of fun on the property. Whether you’re looking to build a fire to roast marshmallows or hot dogs (HINT: handled skewers are in the kitchen), a competitive game of horseshoes, or simply want to take a long walk to see some cool sights, this property has a lot for you.
Trails
The main trail begins directly behind the owner’s cabin. The trail leads through lots of trees and small rock features to some pretty cool large rocks features, a winding creek, and a dome rock house with a seasonal waterfall. The trail now continues to the overlook, but be careful because the homeowners are still working to completely clear the trails.
There is a trail starting near the dome rock house under the log cabin. There are actually two dome rock houses below the log cabin, but I am specifically talking about the one accessible from the overlook. The trail leads to some pretty nice views of the gorge as well as the rock that the property rests on. The trail continues around to the back of the homeowners cabin, but be careful of tripping. The homeowners are still working on the trails. If you choose to explore this trail, be extraordinarily safe around the cliffs. The drop can be 30 ft or more in some areas. When the weather permits, this would be an amazing place for a picnic. As always, be diligent about using bug spray when exploring outdoors.
Staying at a new place can come with some challenges. Some people enjoy the surprise of exploring light switches. If this is you, I’m not sure why you’re here. LOL. This is written for the rest of you. At the moment, not all light switches are here. I will be adding them over time.
Light Switches by the Front Door
You can find these light switches by the front door above the guest book in the dining area. *Note: Most of the green dots on the light switches indicate that the switches control lights outside* #4 & #5 are outside lights. #1, #2, & #3 are inside lights.
#1= Chandelier over the sofa
#2= Chandelier over the dining table
#3=Ceiling fan
#4 & #5= Outside lights on porch
Light Switches at the bottom of the stairs in the sitting area
You can find these light switches in the sitting area going up the stairs to the loft.
Switch #1= Turns the loft ceiling fan & lights on & off *There is a second light switch for this upstairs in the loft behind and above one of the beds.* Because there are two switches for the same light, it may sometimes be turned on in the “off” position.
Switch #2 (dimmer)=Sitting area chandelier which is also controlled by a light switch near the door
Switch #3= I don’t know. If you figure it out, let me know
Switch #4=White light above the bed in the master suite
You can find this light switch on the stairs to the loft just a little above and to the left of the light switches discussed above this one. This one is the simplest. This light switch controls the lights going up the stairs. You can see the light in this picture right next to the switch.
Light Switch Behind Bed in Loft
There is one light switch in the loft. It controls the ceiling fan and lights in the loft, but it is not the only switch that controls the loft lights and ceiling fan. Therefore, the lights switch might at times be reversed and turn the fan/lights on in the “off” position. If you don’t want both the lights and fan on or off at the same time, you will need to use the chain hanging from the fan to turn off whichever one you don’t want with the light switch in the “on” position whichever way that might be at that time. It certainly sounds more complicated than it really is.
Kitchen Lightswitches
#1 Overhead Light in the kitchen
#2 Accent Lighting in the Mug Rack
Lightswitch at the end of the hallway to the back porch
#1 Outside light right outside the back door
#2 Outside Flood Light
#3 Hallway Light (This is NOT the only switch that controls the hallway lights so they may turn on in the off position. The other switch is just below the thermostat in the hallway… not pictured)
#4 I don’t know
Lightswitch at the Top of the Stairs Going Down to Overlook
This light switch for the outside stairs going down to the overlook as well as the lights on the overlook is located at the TOP of the stairs that leads down to the overlook. If you want the lights for the stairs and overlook lit up, you should flip the switch before going down. To turn the lights on, simply lift the lid covering the switch, and flip the switch. If the lights do not come on, please notify the owner.
Master Suite Light Switches
#1 Outside Flood Light
#2 Master Suite Chandelier (since this is NOT the only switch to control the chandelier, the switch may turn on in the off position.
#1 I don’t know.
#2 Outside Flood Lights on the corner of the cabin
#3 Chandelier (Since this is not the only switch to control the master suite chandelier, the light may turn on in the off position. Check the dimmer on the opposite wall if it doesn’t seem to come on at all.)
Dimmer Switch: Chandelier (There are two other switches in the room that control the chandelier.)
#2 I don’t know.
#3 Outside light (Just outside the door)
#4 Outside light (Flood Lights on the back corner of the cabin)
