This past fall we took a long weekend and went to Gatlinburg, TN for much needed family time that took us out of our normal routines of everyday life. We stayed at our friends, Karla & Ray’s, air b&b and we are already looking forward to heading back for another adventure. If you know of Gatlinburg at all then I am sure you know it can lean towards the kitchy side which I am also sure you know is not exactly our vibe. That being said we also have two children who love playing putt-putt, laser tag and partaking in corn dog stands. Karla and Ray’s was a perfect sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle where extraordinary views could be taken in and nightly action movies be had. Our days were filled with hiking and all the things downtown Gatlinburg had to offer. We played and we laughed hard. We took multiple trips on the ski lifts with legs dangling, fears being overcome, and games of who can find the car first. Of course, our favorite part was a family of bears sighting. Don’t worry this pic was taken with our pro camera and zoom lens. All our limbs still remain. It’s amazing what just a few days can do for our family unit. Taking us away from the to-do list and reminding us that our times with our children is fleeting. I mean Ellie will have her learner’s permit next year, is your mind blown just as mine is? We want to be sure to nourish our relationships with all the time we have left with them by our side.
The Details…
Karla and Ray’s Gatlinburg Air B&B is full of inspiration. They are king and queen of making small spaces work for a growing family. They value experiences without sacrificing style. They documented the condo makeover on their blog and instagram, but I recommend taking time to read all the posts as they feature so many doable DIY’s and beautiful small space design. Plus they share sources which is always a plus. Not to be missed is the room their 3 boys share and this space they created for a shared girls room. They make me want to be a kid again and remind me to always have a bit of fun in design.
A guide to Gatlingburg can be found here.
You can see what we were able to partake in on my Instagram Highlights here.
Karla & Ray also have a beach Air B&B perfect for a couples get away.
*Rather than making a whole post of my current favorites I am adding a rotating list every month to my footer. This month it is all about staying cozy and organized.
*One of my favorite shops, Schoolhouse Electric, is having a online dock sale! So many good finds, but some of my favorites are this table which we have here, this little wall light would be perfect by a bed, and these candle sticks could go anywhere.
