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Celebrate Fall's Bounty in the Smoky Mountains

By: Liz Gray

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When hosting an outdoor event designed to highlight fall's breathtaking views, it's all about location, location, location. The Swag Country Inn, located atop a 5,000 foot ridge near Waynesville, N.C., is the perfect spot.

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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Fall at 5,000 Feet

Located at more than 5,000 feet amidst the peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, The Swag Country Inn's name comes from its unique location atop a bowl-like ridge between two mountain peaks.

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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A Hikers' Paradise

Just beyond this rough-hewn fence lies the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Guests have direct access to the park, in addition to private trails located on the 250-acre resort property.

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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Peaking Foliage

Western North Carolina is known the world over as a breathtakig spot to take in fall's most colorful foliage. Located about 50 miles from Asheville, N.C., the resort's high elevation means leaves typically reach their peak in mid-October, a week or two before color is at its finest down below.

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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Gooseberry Knob

We chose to host our casual farm-to-table dinner party atop Gooseberry Knob, which offers panoramic views of North Carolina's highest peaks.

Mountain Overlook with Fall Foliage View

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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Views for Miles

Four of North Carolina's six highest mountain ranges are best viewed from this perch-like overlook atop Gooseberry Knob: the Great Smokies to the northwest, the Plott Balsams and Richland Balsams to the southwest and the Black Mountains to the east.

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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Fall at Its Best

Fall foliage in its full glory at The Swag Country Inn.

Photo: Jason Kisner ©

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See the Sunrise

Gooseberry Knob offers unparalleled views of the sunrise over the distant North Carolina Mountain ranges.

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Garden to Table

An onsite chef, who prepares gourmet breakfasts, lunches and dinners for guests, draws inspiration from what's in season. The Swag gardener tends herbs, flowers and vegetables in the Inn's garden, shown here, and around the grounds, and the chef sources meat and remaining produce from nearby farms.

Centerpiece with Farm-to-Table Fall Flowers

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Glorious Fall Blooms

Fall flowers grown on site took center stage for our farm-to-table centerpiece. Cut flowers from the grounds are also a fixture at nightly three-course dinners.

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Rustic Charm

The Swag House is the center for meals and activities on the grounds, with additional guest rooms and suites located in rustic-chic cabins within walking distance.

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Welcome to The Swag!

A weathered sign surrounded by fall flowers greets guests upon arrival. The inn is open from late April to late November each season. Check The Swag's website for current availability.

Celebrate Fall's Bounty in the Smoky Mountains

Fall at 5,000 Feet

A Hikers' Paradise

Peaking Foliage

Gooseberry Knob

Views for Miles

Fall at Its Best

See the Sunrise

Garden to Table

Glorious Fall Blooms

Rustic Charm

Welcome to The Swag!

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