Imagine

in Great Smokey Mountains Trip

It’s our last morning in our little cabin and, I have to admit, I’m pretty sad to leave.  It was the perfect escape, and we both feel refreshed and renewed.

 

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Since so many people asked, the cabin we stayed at was with Legacy Mountain Resort.  We specifically stayed in the Imagine cabin.  I loved how all the cabins had cute names – my favorite was “Snuggles.”  If we can ever buy our own cabin, we’ve decided we’re going to name it “Epic.” Obviously.

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I woke up this morning feeling absolutely destroyed from the 6.6 mile hike – I’m not sure if I’m suppose to feel disheartened or impressed. We got deep tissue massages last night, which is pretty adding to the pain.  But it hurts so good!

 

Breakfast:

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The Fage Greek Yogurt pots with honey are so cute – and perfect with a side of Kashi Go Lean, 1/2 a banana, and blueberries.

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I’m going to go stare at the views one last time, and then we’re driving back to my mom’s to pick up the dogs and eat lunch.  Seeya then!

 

"When your sense of self is no longer tied to thought, is no longer conceptual, there is a depth of feeling, of sensing, of compassion, of loving, that was not there when you were trapped in mental concepts. You are that depth." (Eckhart Tolle)

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PS – The bear spotting yesterday was REAL! 🙂 Not a bloggy joke.

{ 88 comments }

 

  • Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin August 26, 2010, 9:28 am

    Imagine and Snuggles are such cute names for cabins. And epic, obviously. 😉 Enjoy your last few moments soaking in the few!

  • Angharad August 26, 2010, 9:29 am

    What an amazing quote! I love the idea of thinking of the great things in life as a reflection of our inner selves. Enjoy the last of those views!

  • Angharad August 26, 2010, 9:30 am

    Oh wait, you changed the quote! Oh well, the mary j blige one resonates with me!

    • caitlin August 26, 2010, 9:35 am

      I thought some people might take it the wrong way, but I really liked it too.

      Here it is!

      “If you’re looking for inner peace from the outside world, you’re not going to get that. The inner peace starts with looking at you from the inside. Understanding that everything that comes to you is what you are. Everything from friends to boyfriends to the job you get – it’s all a direct reflection of what you are on the inside.”
      — Mary J. Blige

      • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday August 26, 2010, 9:43 am

        Love that quote!

      • eatmovelove August 26, 2010, 12:45 pm

        True true true. You can’t wait for happiness to happen either…you have to learn to just be happy – and then work on the rest…

  • Candice August 26, 2010, 9:30 am

    So glad you’re feeling renewed! Hope you can soak up your last morning there:)

  • Freya (Brit Chick Runs) August 26, 2010, 9:31 am

    STUNNING view – i can only imagine how peaceful it is there!
    Hehe, we have those exact honey/yogurt pots here too 😀 the little things make me excited 😛

  • Jenn @ LiveWellFitNow August 26, 2010, 9:31 am

    Snuggles…how perfect!

    Soak up those views and take ahold of that awesome feeling after a few days away 🙂

  • Stacey August 26, 2010, 9:32 am

    You should definitely feel impressed, not disheartened!! You did a 6 mile hike! A lot of people can’t do that..so you go girl 😀 Sorry you have to leave and enter the real world again, it sucks doesn’t it? 🙂 I’m glad you had a relaxing trip and that you shared it with us readers as well, have a safe trip home!

  • Marina August 26, 2010, 9:37 am

    Enjoy your last day there!
    I’m glad you feel full of energy again 🙂

  • Sarah @ Sarah's Shaping Up August 26, 2010, 9:42 am

    Looks like you had a wonderful mini-vacay! If you can get away from all of the tourist traps, the Great Smokey mountains really are a great place to just get away from everything.

  • crunchy granola gal August 26, 2010, 9:42 am

    this place looks GORGEOUS. dude, i need a vacation.

    glad you guys enjoyed yourselves!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday August 26, 2010, 9:43 am

    Enjoy your last morning at the cabin!

  • Christine August 26, 2010, 9:46 am

    Beautiful! Don’t let us distract you from the end of your vacation.

    How was it finding produce on vacation?

    When I went to a small town in upstate NY 3 weeks ago, it seemed that everyone was a member of the local CSAs and as a result–the grocery stores left much to be desired in terms of produce! We were able to snag some free veggies from one of the CSAs, but in general – it kinda stunk for tourists. Great for the locals I imagine, though!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) August 26, 2010, 9:46 am

    I love cabins in TN. They really are so peaceful! I am glad you two feel refreshed. Have a safe drive and enjoy lunch with your mom!

  • Annie@stronghealthyfit August 26, 2010, 9:47 am

    Great quote- glad you had such a nice getaway 🙂

  • Becca August 26, 2010, 9:47 am

    That looks like an amazing place recuperate, except for the bears!

    I’m glad you had a great time!

  • Rachael @ Houston Health Blogs August 26, 2010, 9:47 am

    Just beautiful, we have a trip up to Northwest Arkansas for Labor day… I’m really looking forward to getting near the moutians and enjoying the break from this TEXAS heat!

  • Camille August 26, 2010, 9:51 am

    It is always sad to leave a great vacation. Just remember that it wont be your last!

  • Laine @ Beets, Butter & Moutaintops August 26, 2010, 9:52 am

    Those are so cute! I would love to hike there.

    I have to say I’m feeling slightly proud of myself. I often feel like an out of shape slug when I read about all your running and biking, but I hiked 9.2 miles up Mt. Washington last weekend (the highest peak in the Northeast) and felt so good the next day I went on another hike. And another one the next day.

    I guess hiking uses different muscles than biking and running – although the cardiovascular work from those certainly comes in handy! And you should be impressed with your 6.6 miles, that’s nothing to sneeze at! (And sneezing probably hurts right now.)

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) August 26, 2010, 9:52 am

    Since the bear siting was real… AHHH!!!!! You’re brave! How cool though- I thought for sure it was a joke. So crazy 🙂

    Glad you got some well-deserved R&R!

  • Anna @ Doing Good & Living Well August 26, 2010, 9:57 am

    Just looks amazing! Have a safe trip home — glad you guys saw a bear in a non-hair-raising fashion. 🙂

  • Andrea August 26, 2010, 9:59 am

    OMG…I could SO live there forever and never come home to reality. Ha! Looks wonderful and I”m so glad you had a great time!

  • Evan Thomas August 26, 2010, 10:00 am

    I know you didn’t ask, but if I had a cabin it would be a cabin for people who own dogs and it would be called “Ruffing It”

  • Emmanuelle August 26, 2010, 10:01 am

    Wow that place looks fantastic! And I love both quotes 🙂

  • Barb August 26, 2010, 10:02 am

    Don’t you mean picking up the dogs and the basil plant?!?!?!

    save travels home 🙂

  • Heather August 26, 2010, 10:10 am

    what a beautiful place. I would be sad to leave to! the last day of vacation is always so depressing, it doesnt matter how much fun you have had!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape August 26, 2010, 10:10 am

    Oohh, I love that there is a cabin called Snuggles. I would want to stay in that one. haha

  • Emily @ Run Emily Run August 26, 2010, 10:15 am

    I lurve Fage Greek yogurt with honey, but for some reason all Greek yogurt really upsets my stomach. I wish I knew why.

  • Maria @ Kale and Cupcakes August 26, 2010, 10:15 am

    Was sooo going to ask anyway where you were, as it looks fantastic! Think I might have to plan a future getaway with the hubby to that area.

  • Victoria August 26, 2010, 10:20 am

    I love the Legacy Mountain Resort. My husband and I have stayed there twice!

  • Tina August 26, 2010, 10:21 am

    Glad you had such a nice time and feel so refreshed. Hopefully the feeling carries over when you get back to everyday living. 🙂

  • ashleigh August 26, 2010, 10:22 am

    So.Gorgeous! Glad you guys got some R&R!

  • Carly (Swim, Run, Om) August 26, 2010, 10:22 am

    Sorry, I had to laugh at people thinking the bear sighting was a joke – they are very common in that area! And not scary at all. They are usually more scared of you than you are of them. 🙂

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg August 26, 2010, 10:25 am

    Ahhh, leaving a vacation is always so bittersweet!! At least you get to see the puppies again, right?!

  • Penny August 26, 2010, 10:26 am

    You are being very brave. If I had to leave that cabin I would cry like a baby. 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman August 26, 2010, 10:28 am

    Oh, those views! I want to move there and live in Imagine for the rest of my life.

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) August 26, 2010, 10:28 am

    such a beautiful quote 🙂

    i’m glad you guys finally got a chance to take a break together…you both deserved it!

  • Christine @ Grub, Sweat and Cheers August 26, 2010, 10:28 am

    Glad you had a good time. What a gorgeous spot. I went hiking in the wilds last weekend too and was worried about bears but the scariest thing I saw was a few harmless snakes.

  • Joanne August 26, 2010, 10:33 am

    That looks gorgeous. You were so lucky to escape for a while and relax. That time is so valuable to get refreshed.
    Safe driving home. Bet the pups miss you two.

  • Wei-Wei August 26, 2010, 10:37 am

    “Hi there! I’m on vacation. You can find me in my cabin if you want to. I’m in the EPIC cabin.”

  • emptynutjar August 26, 2010, 10:41 am

    I like Eckhart Tolle. I go back to his book occasionally to try to re-instill his ideas in my head.

  • Amelia August 26, 2010, 10:44 am

    Oh my goodness there are so many trees! Being around so much nature is a great way to truly relax.

  • Megan @ 'Nati Girls Run August 26, 2010, 10:49 am

    I feel relaxed just looking at all of your amazing pictures! Makes me want to stay in front of my computer all day (but I won’t).

  • Amanda August 26, 2010, 10:51 am

    That cabin looks wonderful. We have the Adirondack Mountains in NY and I love to stay up there! There is so much to do in the mountains, they totally recharge your body and soul!

  • Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter August 26, 2010, 10:56 am

    You seem very relaxed now. I hope you’re quite refreshed.

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! August 26, 2010, 10:57 am

    I love the mountains! Grew up in Colorado and miss them so now that I am in SUPER FLAT Florida….=( Have a great last day! =)

  • Holly @ couchpotatoathlete August 26, 2010, 10:59 am

    So glad you and Hubby had a nice getaway. That cabin is beautiful and looks like the perfect place to relax. Have a nice trip back home!

  • Hope August 26, 2010, 11:05 am

    I love the cabin names and how comfy and cozy they look. It looks like the perfect weekend getaway!

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine August 26, 2010, 11:18 am

    Those names are adorable!! Hope you have a safe trip home!

  • Leanne @ Radiant, Balanced & Fit August 26, 2010, 11:23 am

    What adorable names of the cabins! Where is this resort again?

  • Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul August 26, 2010, 11:27 am

    Love the name of your potential cabin. Mine would be “Serenity”.

  • Julie (Etsy Stalkers) August 26, 2010, 11:34 am

    Great – now I totally need a vacation. My view right now is of 3 cubicle ‘walls.’

    Glad you had such a wonderful time.

  • Kelly August 26, 2010, 11:43 am

    I want to go there.

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet August 26, 2010, 11:47 am

    I always hate the end of a really nice “vacation”

  • Monica August 26, 2010, 11:53 am

    Wow..It is gorgeous! I would not want to leave either. That 6.6 mile hike looks amazing! So glad you had a great time & were able to refresh!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat August 26, 2010, 11:55 am

    Enjoy your last day there! All of the photos look so picturesque, including that first cabin one. We don’t have Fage yogurt in Canada (that I know of) but those little pots are so cute! 🙂

  • Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun) August 26, 2010, 12:04 pm

    That cabin setting looks so serene and blissful, glad you were able to get away and breathe for a few days. I love hiking, it’s such an engaging, memorable, and fun way to et exercise.

  • Amisha August 26, 2010, 12:12 pm

    I know you have been looking for a tabbouleh recipe. Check this one out! Mark Bittman makes the best veggie food.

    http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7124,s6-242-303–13290-0,00.html?cm_mmc=nutrition-_-2010_08_26-_-nutrition-_-RECIPE%3a%20Tabbouleh

  • eatingRD August 26, 2010, 12:24 pm

    wow looks like a beautiful place! We recently went camping last weekend and it was so nice to just hang out with nature 🙂

  • Chelsea @ Strawberry Sweat August 26, 2010, 12:26 pm

    I am so jealous that you got to see a bear in person, in the wild! I’ve never seen one before (except for at the zoos–they look so sad there). It looks like it was a beautiful vacation.

  • Amber K August 26, 2010, 12:30 pm

    I always feel a little down after a vacation, but putting off jumping right back into my regular life helps. The names of the cabins are so cute! I have never stayed at a place like that.

  • Whitney August 26, 2010, 12:30 pm

    I just spent a week in the mountains of NC too and it was a great way to refresh and get ready for a busy fall. I’m also really glad I didn’t run into a bear!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write August 26, 2010, 12:34 pm

    That last picture made me miss home. It reminds me of the hills in southern Indiana. The trees and such. It’s a different kind of beautiful than where I live now.

    Lovely. I hope you had an amazing time and feel refreshed!

  • Stacey @ The Habit of Healthy August 26, 2010, 12:35 pm

    I love those 2& yoghurt pots with honey – delish!

    I’m glad you had a nice break. It looks fabulous.

  • Lisa August 26, 2010, 12:36 pm

    What a cute looking cabin. I love spending time out in the middle of nowhere!

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef August 26, 2010, 12:47 pm

    that cabin looks even more amazing from the outside. i wanna go!

  • Nancy @ The Wife of a Dairyman August 26, 2010, 12:50 pm

    The cabin is so beautiful! I bet you had a relaxing time:)

  • chelsey August 26, 2010, 1:05 pm

    Those look like awesome cabins – i am impressed!

  • Megan (Braise The Roof) August 26, 2010, 1:06 pm

    Vacations are never long enough! This one looks especially restful, though (minus the bear spotting, of course). I’m impressed that you stayed calm enough to take a picture of it!

  • Tina August 26, 2010, 1:14 pm

    Hi Caitlin!
    The imagine cabin looks beautiful! Such a serene spot to decompress!!!

    I was looking back at your wedding recap (Meghann’s recap) and noticed that all the links she posted regarding your wedding planning details link to a random “seebriderun” page that is definitely not yours!! Thought you would want to know 🙂

    Love your blog!!!

    • caitlin August 26, 2010, 7:20 pm

      Seebriderun.com was the original Healthy Tipping Point! 🙂

  • rebecca lustig August 26, 2010, 1:19 pm

    hope youre well rested and ready to get back at it– you’re too brilliant to go disappearing 🙂

  • Amanda August 26, 2010, 3:52 pm

    Where was your vacation? I swear it looks like Tennessee!! I absolutely love that state!!!!

    • caitlin August 26, 2010, 7:20 pm

      It was in fact Tenn!

  • Whitney @ Whitinspired August 26, 2010, 6:33 pm

    My aunt and uncle own a cabin up there on Bluff Mountain road and we go there every year for Christmas. It’s absolutely beautiful!

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin August 26, 2010, 7:07 pm

    You must be so sad to leave that place. It’s so gorgeous!

  • Stacey@http://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ August 26, 2010, 8:31 pm

    That cabin is fantastic. If I’m ever in that area I;m staying there for sure.

  • maricel August 26, 2010, 10:00 pm

    Am jealous of that cabin you stayed..very nice! ♥

  • Pure2Raw Twins August 26, 2010, 11:08 pm

    So glad to hear that you have a great time in the mountains! That is where my Boyfriend is from… it is so beautiful there and relaxing 🙂

  • Sana August 27, 2010, 1:27 am

    I would totally stay in “epic” cabin!!!

  • Amy @ Amy Starts To Run August 27, 2010, 1:50 am

    That fog is absolutely stunning. What a gorgeous place to stay and hike. Reminds me I need to take a relaxing vacation 😉

  • Stefanie D March 2, 2011, 11:54 am

    I just made reservations at this place. Can’t wait for spring break…thanks for the tip, Caitlin

    • Caitlin March 2, 2011, 1:37 pm

      I hope you have so much fun!

  • Alicia June 27, 2013, 9:22 pm

    So after seeing these posts from you vacation in 201o – THREE years later my boyfriend and I are going!! So excited! Can you tell me what massage company you used for your massages? Also, I seriously can’t believe these posts were from 3 years ago…crazy!

    • Caitlin June 28, 2013, 7:21 am

      I hope you love it! I can’t remember the name though.

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