Townsend,
TN � May 15, 2006 � Dancing Bear Lodge, formerly Maple Leaf Lodge, is rolling
out an innovative guest-experience concept for Smoky Mountain vacationers.
Positioned as east Tennessee�s ultimate vacation basecamp, Dancing Bear
Lodge is unveiling a renovated luxury lodge featuring the only full bar
and wine program in the area, as well as a brand-new name.
Located at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Dancing Bear Lodge
combines all-wood mountain-lodge accommodations with luxury appointments
and a level of service normally experienced at resorts. The Lodge is designed
to appeal to guests seeking a rustic vacation basecamp for their Smoky
Mountain experience, but who don�t want to leave the finer amenities behind.
Managing Partner Matt Alexander, former manager of nearby Blackberry
Farm, explains why the change is more than symbolic. �We felt the vacation-basecamp
concept necessitated changes to the existing property to live up to our
expectations for the Dancing Bear experience. Once renovations were complete,
we needed a name that reflected this new concept and gave the lodge a fresh
start.�
In addition to overall refurbishments, including new furniture, feather
beds and bed linens, Dancing Bear Lodge also recently renovated three of
its guest cabins. Complete with luxury bath suites and pantries, the new
cabins are ideal for private, romantic getaways.
Why did the property choose the name Dancing Bear Lodge? Alexander explains,
�The new name was inspired by an 1800s painting called �The Bear Dance�
by William Holbrook Beard. It depicts bears as symbols of conservative
financial investors celebrating a good business day.
�After seeing the painting, [Blackberry Farm co-owner] Kreis Beall suggested
the name �Dancing Bear Lodge� and we all agreed,� he added. �The name makes
people smile. More importantly, it captures the spirit and fun of the mountain
lodge experience only found at Dancing Bear Lodge.�
If the Blackberry Farm name sounds familiar, it�s because Blackberry
Farm, rated the Number-one Small Hotel in America by Zagat, is the parent
company of Dancing Bear Lodge. While Dancing Bear Lodge offers its own
signature experience, the Blackberry Farm influence is certainly felt,
especially in Dancing Bear Lodge�s dedication to genuine hospitality and
its regionally inspired dining program.
Chef Jeff Carter, also formerly of Blackberry Farm, explains, �Dancing
Bear Lodge�s newly opened full-service restaurant and bar�the only full
bar and wine program in the area�features casually elegant, regional cuisine.
Our guests enjoy a creative menu of Southern selections inspired by flavors
indigenous to this region, with particular emphasis on the best ingredients
of the season. Family and friends gathering for a fun meal on the deck,
as well as couples seeking a romantic dinner for two surrounded by wooded
views, are equally at home here.�
Alexander added, �We are very proud of the Dancing Bear difference.
Our team is on hand 24 hours and delivers on its promise of genuine hospitality
every single day. We want guests to find comfort in every aspect of their
stay, without being in their way.� He continued, �The quality of the overall
experience clearly sets Dancing Bear Lodge apart from all other hotels
in the Smoky Mountains region.�
Future expansion plans include a swimming pool, more cabins and additional
activity areas. �Dancing Bear Lodge was designed as a basecamp for all
that the Great Smoky Mountains has to offer�fly fishing, road and mountain
biking, nature hiking, horseback riding. They�re all right here in our
back yard,� said Alexander. �With future expansions, we�ll give our guests
even more reasons to come back again and again.�
ABOUT DANCING BEAR LODGE
Located on the Little River in Townsend, Tennessee, Dancing Bear Lodge
resides on a 36-acre estate only five minutes from the entrance to Great
Smoky Mountains National Park. In August 2004, the property was known as
Maple Leaf Lodge when it was purchased by the owners of Blackberry Farm
and Matt Alexander. The transformation to Dancing Bear Lodge began almost
immediately, with improvements to guest lodgings and a vision for Smoky
Mountain experiences unlike any other. Centered around a 15,000-square-foot
main lodge, the property also features a VIP suite and one- and two-bedroom
cabins. Dancing Bear Lodge offers unique and full-service experiences for
the vacation minded as well as those seeking a one-of-a-kind environment
for business meetings, weddings and family reunions.
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