Relationship Idea #6: 3 Spas Smokies Splurge

This is the sixth article in a series of ideas on how to take the ideas from Re-Energize Your Relationship book and apply to vacationing in the Smokies.  Make Indigo Moon a place for you to strengthen relationships and gain new perspective.

In the chapter "What A Difference Makes", it encourages couples to take an occasional splurge, "Tightening belts may be good for the soul, but it's lousy for the spirit.  Do something amazing today.  Surprise your partner, go all out and spoil her rotten.  You know she's worth it...The occasional splurge may seem expensive, but it can re-energize you and your partner."

Idea:  Why not splurge for a luxury cabin rental and pampering indulgences in the Smoky Mountains?  Yes, Indigo Moon Lodge pricing isn't in the same tier as your Econo Budget Motel, but isn't it worth it to splurge for a memorable outing?  The grand space, the fireplace burning, the amenities, the bright starry nights from the deck, all to pamper you and your special one. 

Plan:  Book your luxury cabin rental and make it even special with pampering activities.  How about a day devoted to relaxation including spa treatments?  Here's three to consider in the Smoky Mountains:

1.  Beneficial to Life - massage at cabin  http://beneficialtolife.com/services_and_rates.html
2.  Smoky Mountain Massage - massage at cabin http://smokymountainmassage.com/index.htm
3.  Aurora Massage - nearby Pigeon Forge location
http://auroramassagetn.com/about.aspx

What to Bring to Your Smoky Mountain Cabin Rental

We've made quite a few trips to the Smoky Mountains and stayed in rental cabins, ours or rented from others, so we've learned each time what to pack next time.  If you are staying at Indigo Moon Lodge, here's our packing tips:

1.  Imagine the activities & pack for fun:  
- Swimsuit + Beach Towel - Indigo Moon Lodge has both a hot tub and sauna.  Plus, you may be inspired to go tubing or rafting.  The cabin includes towels in the bathroom, but I usually bring beach towels.
-  Hiking Boots or Shoes, Walking Stick, + Binoculars - You can discover beautiful scenery or waterfalls on a walk together.  You may see a bear off in the distance or hear a unique bird, so bring the gear.  Perhaps you tour a cave; wear the right shoes so you don't slip.  Make the journey comfortable. 
- Sunscreen, Sunglasses, + Baseball Cap - It's so beautiful outside, you'll spend much more time in the sun than you expect.
You are likely to get muddy or wet at some point.  No worries.  By renting Indigo Moon Lodge, you have a washer and dryer.  Just bring laundry detergent.
 
2.  Imagine picnic lunches and shared meals
- Condiments & Snacks - Ketchup, mustard, steak sauce, salt, pepper, coffee, coffee filters, tea, creamer, sugar
- Plastic sandwich bags
I'd suggest a shopping trip to the local Kroger for perishable food.  By renting Indigo Moon Lodge, you'll have a stove, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and kitchen tools (plates, pans, silverware, etc.) provided for you.

3.  Get ready to get out and share memories
- Backpack, Plastic Bags, & Toiletries - shampoo, conditioner, toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, shaving cream, razor, etc.
If you are flying and want to avoid liquids, take a trip to the local Kroger when you arrive.
- GPS, Map, + Compass - Whether driving or hiking, know where you are and know where you are going.  This is true in life too, right?
- Phone + Camera - Post your vacation photos on Facebook or keep them for memories.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not have hotels, gas stations, or restaurants.  By renting Indigo Moon Lodge, you have plenty of space to pack lunches. 

2.  Be prepared for the changing weather:
One Spring Break we visited and wore sleeveless sundresses and lots of sunscreen.  The next year we returned during Spring Break and we made a small snowman.  Be ready. 
- Coat, Gloves, Rain Jacket, Gloves, Sandals + Umbrella - Besides variation year to year, it can vary within a day.  Likely alternating between sunshine and rain.
- Bug Spray & First Aid Kit

Relationship Idea #3: Adreneline Rush in the Smokies

This is the third article in a series of ideas on how to take the ideas from Re-Energize Your Relationship book and apply to vacationing in the Smokies.  We hope Indigo Moon Lodge is a place for you to build memories with your loved one.

Idea:  In the chapter, "Hike up the Heartbeat", the author encourages you to get your heart racing with your loved one, "Daredevil dates that make your partner's heart beat faster will make your partner's heart beat faster will make you irresistible...There was an important study in the sixties that looked at men's attraction to women...As their "heartbeat" increased, guys scored the women as more attractive."

If you've watched the Bachlorette (ok admit you've seen this reality dating show at least once), then you know their formula - providing dating couples adreneline pumping experiences. 

Action:  Why not immerse in thrilling adventures with your loved one in the Smoky Mountains?  Surrounded by tall mountains, rushing water and dark caves, it's the perfect place.  Here's five suggestions:

1.  Zorb globe ball ride down the hill - "dare to experience" is their slogan, go head over heels down a hill in a big ball, Zorbit straps you in the ball with no water $40, Zydro with water and ability to go with your partner $35  http://zorb.com/zorb/locations/zorb-smokies-usa/attractions-at-park-2/

2.  Rafting in the Smokies - whitewater raft ride; no not the Lower Pigeon ride that allows kids to ride, we're challenging you to choose the Upper Pigeon ride that includes Class III and Class IV rapids; if you have time for multiple adventures choose a package:  raft + horseback ride $61, raft + zip $60, raft + ropes course + zip $88  http://www.raftinginthesmokies.com/pigeon-river-rafting-trips/ 

3.  Flyaway Indoor Skydiving - asks "have you dreamed of flying?", enter a vertical wind tunnel to experience flight $34 for training plus 3 min flight  http://www.flyawayindoorskydiving.com/?page_id=6

4.  Climbworks Canopy Zipline - get off your feet for 2.5 hours as you soar through the air on ziplines over the streams and trees, it takes a four wheel adventure to the top of the mountain and your courage to zip back down, $89  http://www.climbworkscanopy.com/canopy-tour-basics/

5.  Foxfire Swinging Bridge -described as "a bit scary", cross the 400 foot Dunn's Gorge to Prosperity Mountain bridge as it swings, next corss the shorter Cliffhanger Swinging Bridge and look over the side if you dare to see pooling water 60 ft. below, $15 fee

http://foxfiremountain.com/americas-longest-swinging-bridge/

There's so many more options including skiing, tubing in snow or water, hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides, cave tours, and more.  Share the challenge, the risk, the and adreneline rush each day.  But don't take risks by booking a 2 or 3 star motel.  Book the luxury cabin where you can relax after the adventure sitting by the fire, content in the hot tub, or snuggled in your comfy bed.

Relationship Idea #2: Project Time in Gatlinburg

This is the second article in a series of ideas on how to take the ideas from Re-Energize Your Relationship book and apply to vacationing in the Smokies.  We hope Indigo Moon Lodge is a place for you to build memories with your loved one.

Idea:  Chapter "Taken to Task" encourages you to find a project you can enjoy together, "Projects perk up partnerships...Making log furniture is just one joint project that can bring back the buzz.  Projects area a vital cog in the relationship re-energizing maching:  building a bed, painting a children's ward, making a mosaic mural..."

Plan:  Why not discover a new hobby in the Smoky Mountains?  Gain inspiration by visiting the Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community.  Buy a painting, stained glass art, or pottery piece.  Place your art on your mantle as inspiration and make a pact to learn the trade. 

We visited the Alewine Pottery studio where we watched pottery transform from clay to vase.  After being in awe of the talent, I really enjoyed buying a handmade piece of pottery with beautiful deep violet, blue, and beige colors swirled.  When I glance at the piece in my home, it brings back memories.  http://www.alewinepottery.net/ttgallery.aspx

Action:  Perhaps you are ready now for a hands on project and don't want to wait to go home to learn.  Why not take a class together in the Smokies?  The Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts offers weekend and one week classes.  Learn painting, photography, jewelry, chair making, and much more.  Visit their website for class schedule and pricing: 
http://www.arrowmont.org/register

Relationship Idea #1: Mountain Music in Gatlinburg

This is the first article in a series of ideas on how to take the advice from book Re-Energize Your Relationship by Sabina Dosani, MD, and Peter Cross to building your relationship while vacationing in the Smoky Mountains.  We hope Indigo Moon Lodge is a place where your hearts can sing together and build amazing memories.
The chapter "Music, the food of love" promotes enjoying music as a couple, "For the definite turn-on, turn on some music.  Shakespeare called it the food of love...Mozart, Motown, or Madonna:  so much magnificent music to push your partner's buttons.  Isn't it time you put aside the familiar and experimented with something new?..."

Idea:  How about experimenting with mountain music?  Engage all your senses; listen for local bands playing near the stores in Gatlinburg downtown, Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, & Pigeon Forge.  Often there's no harge.  Just join the fun. 

Plan:  Outside the Ole Smoky Moonshine store in downtown Gatlinburg, we relaxed in rocking chairs and enjoyed the music of Monroeville.  Six talented musicians had us rocking - Daniel Salyer, Matt Flake, Travis Houck, Matthew Munsey, Seth Taylor, and Zane Petty.  Plus this concert gave us a great opportunity to support the local artists and take home a souvenir.  When you buy the cd, you relive the memories through your ears.