Posts

AirDNA data shows 48% of listings depend on a single platform. Tom Goodwin breaks down what that means for Smoky Mountain owners, and why direct bookings — not OTAs — are the foundation that holds when the market shifts. ...

Paula Elliott has self-managed her Chalet Village cabin from four hours away for over a decade. She shares how a trusted local housekeeper, proactive communication, and community know-how make remote ownership actually work. ...

Amenities are the stage — hospitality is what happens on it. Tom Goodwin breaks down why genuine care is getting rarer as this market scales, and the simple, low-cost practices that turn a stay into a reason to come back. ...

The COVID boom wasn't the new normal — it was a moment. Tom Goodwin breaks down what's actually changed in the Smoky Mountain vacation rental market, why repeat guest percentage matters more than occupancy, and how to compete as the market matures. ...

Tom Goodwin launches a new forum for Smoky Mountain cabin owners and managers — tracing Mountain Laurel Chalets' 1972 founding and making the case that a rising tide, not scarcity, is what makes this market work for everyone. ...

There's a moment that happens to nearly every guest who stays with us. It goes like this: you arrive in the evening, you're tired from the drive, you unlock the door — and then you step out onto the deck. The mountains are right there. Not in the distance. Right there. Mt. LeConte rising 6,593 feet directly in front of you, the ridgeline catching the last light of the day, the whole valley quiet below. And something in you goes still. ...

Nestled within the breathtaking Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, is a haven for nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and those in search of a peaceful escape. From its stunning natural landscapes to its charming downtown area, Gatlinburg offers a wide range of experiences that come together to create the perfect day. Join us as we embark on a journey through a day filled with beauty and excitement in this beloved town. ...

Season Two opens with a family affair — Tom Goodwin welcomes daughter Phoebe as co-host for a heartfelt look back at growing up in Gatlinburg, visiting grandparents Dot and Ralph Ogle, and the memories that keep families coming back. ...

At Mountain Laurel Chalets, we’re giving thanks for the beauty of Gatlinburg, the wonder of the Great Smoky Mountains, and the guests who bring our cabins to life. Your Smoky Mountain vacations and shared memories are the heart of everything we do. ...

The Great Smoky Mountains are home to nearly 1,900 black bears—one of the largest populations in North America. As they prepare for winter, bears enter a restful denning phase, reminding us to slow down and recharge too. This season, find your own cozy den with Mountain Laurel Chalets and experience the beauty and calm of a Gatlinburg winter. ...