Goldilocks' Haven - www.vrbo.com/48506

04/16/2024

When we bought Goldilocks's haven in September 2004, we bought it as "cedar ski". We knew the vision we had for it. Wanting the name to represent what the mountains mean to us and offer, as well as being fitting for the setting.....we knew then, that bears frequented the property, but mot as much as they do now. Our family consisted of 3 blondes, at the time...bears+blondes+peaceful setting =Goldilocks's haven! We expected it to be a haven=place of rest, restoration, comfort and relaxation for our guests, BUT, Little did we know or anticipate that it would be that same benefit for our honorary hosts, our black bears! This mama and her 2 yearlings (cubs born jan of the prior year, that stay with their mama for 2 yrs, before becoming their own family) took in the quiet amd secluded side of goldilocks haven, as she literally "hung out" on our retaining wall. They spent about 20min here, just playing (and thank you to a previous guest's dad, there was no trash for them to feast on, so they APPROPRIATELY enjoyed the remnants of last falls acorn harvest ❤️) such a sweet moment to watch her relax ,shift herself around, let her guard down as she took in a much needed break from mothering, knowing her little family was safe and shielded from the noise of tourists and could privately just BE NATURAL without having to worry or deal with the repercussions of being the icon of the smokies. We are GRATEFUL that she was able to take in the character of goldilocks haven, to also be HER haven!
If you have the privilege to see a bear in the smokies, please give them their space. Don't approach. Stay in your vehicle, take your pics and move on quickly, so others can enjoy their beauty.
Or, be our guest at goldilocks haven, so you can safely observe them (and not share that privilege with others) from our decks.

03/09/2024

Hospitality is one of my gifts! If I were local, I would probably welcome you with a loaf of baked blueberry or pumpkin bread, and fresh flowers from my yard. BUT, since I'm NOT able to extend that kind of hospitality "in person " I am welcoming our guests with some other things to fill the tummy, bringing comfort, reducing stress, and hopefully to remove the "hangry" that was building as you traveled 🤷‍♀️. Or, some might consider this "breakfast " as, you will ALSO be welcomed with 1 DOZEN, FARM FReSH FREE RANGE EGGS (locally sourced and delivered JUST before your arrival, awaiting you in the frig!.REGARDLESS of how you choose to use it, just know that it's my way of saying WELCOME to goldilocks haven! Thank you for being our guests and we hope you'll feel right at home!

01/05/2024

In case you might be wondering...here's what bears are up to right now..they don't hibernate in the smokies (we've seen 3 in the last 2 days).
By the time we see them in later march-may, they are about as tall as a railroad tie. By winter, they're about the size of an average Labrador retriever (but fluffier 😉)
https://www.facebook.com/100064605822568/posts/755222759974578/?mibextid=Nif5oz

11/23/2023

Happy Thanksgiving to our followers and guests! Even in the midst of my husband battling cancer, we are grateful for all the projects he took on to help make goldilocks haven what it is today! We're grateful for each guests trusting us to be a part of their vacation memories. We can't exist without each of you!!!! Our housekeeper, Tina bergstrom...a beloved part of our team...can't do this without ya girl!🙌
And...a shout out to our March 27, 2024 guest...our FIRST booking of 2024!!! Thank you for getting 2024 rolling 🙌
Thankful! Grateful! Blessed by all our interactions w/ EACH of YOU!!❤️
If only this were done as a bear dressed as a turkey 😉🤣

Watch the official music video for “Gobble Gobble” now!Listen to everywhere: https://matthewwest.lnk.to/GobbleGobbleID!GobbleMVListen to my lat...

11/14/2023

Did you know.....?????? There is an OTTER SPOTTER app for the gsmnp??? And, if you own a Labrador retriever😉 you'll be familiar with the connection between otters and labradors....their TAILS!!! One of Labrador retrievers' identifying factors is their tail, aka "otter tail" used to navigate and steer as they retrieve through the waters..strong to handle tough waves and waters, as well as the colder temps....be sure to take a more careful look at the waters and enjoy this delightful and ENTERTAINING creature that is being reestablished in the gsmnp❤️

https://www.facebook.com/100064605822568/posts/725544216275766/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Just some things you otter know…

Great Smoky Mountains is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and houses over 20,000 documented species; however, some species that once lived in the park are no longer found here. There are many examples of these missing organisms, such as Red Wolves (Canis rufus), Fishers (Martes pennanti), Passenger Pigeons (Ectopistes migratorius) and more. Preserving an ecosystem without some of its important fundamental species can be difficult, which is why Great Smoky Mountains have taken the initiative to restore habitat and reintroduce species in efforts to re-establish the natural ecosystem. One particular species, the North American River Otter (Lontra canadensis), is a success story of the national park. They can be found swimming in creeks, searching for tasty crawdads, slow-moving bottom-dwelling fish, and salamanders to snack on. Some popular places to spot these elusive critters would be along the Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove or the Little River Trail in Elkmont.

If you are lucky enough to be an otter spotter, please keep your distance from these animals. Great Smoky Mountains require visitors to stay at least 50 yards from any wildlife in the park. And don't forget to report your otter sightings through the Otter Spotter app to help scientists track the locations of otters in the park.

Now, who here is an experienced otter spotter? Can you find the otters in the image?

Photo Credit: Kenzie Connor

09/22/2023

It's FRIYYYYYYY!!! And the bear patrol is making their pass through, to make sure goldilocks haven is behaving itself😉 Peak color dates in October, and into November (still great for leaf peeping and fewer crowds) are available.
Www.vrbo.com/48506

04/18/2023

At Goldilocks Haven, our passion IS the national Park, and enjoy helping guests develop or enrich their passion for it, as well. As we've done multiple national parks across the country, the junior ranger program was one we ALL enjoyed and learned together.
Gs⛰️np is NO exception! Bring the whole family and get your "team" into the woods and some dirt on those boot🥾 as as you escape the concrete jungle and refresh your spirits!
https://www.facebook.com/130618693662136/posts/6187287267995218/?mibextid=Nif5oz

10/01/2022

Wondering what Goldilocks Haven have been up to these last 15+ months???...undergoing a MAJOR (and unexpected) exterior rehaul....plus the interior...
Thank you cincinnatidronephotos.com
for helping our vision sparkle and have a presence 🙌❤️
https://youtu.be/91Wu3F9CbRU

A beautiful cabin nestled in the woods, surrounded by nature, and minutes from Gatlinburg Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.For more info...

09/27/2022

Did you know that Gatlinburg and the smokies, have a LONG and RICH history in the arts? Yep! In fact, the artisans occupied many of the shops on the downtown g'burg strip up until the mid to late 1980's, AND, town would close up shop, yes, town went DARK, from early January, until early April, giving the artisans time to restock their shelves with their wares. this was pre aquarium, t-shirt and purse shacks galore and Ripleys wasn't even on the radar. Sweet times back then.
Now you can enjoy the artist and craters in the craters loop and at special events like this.
Book your next stay to take part and enjoy our rich culture and natural beauty!

https://www.facebook.com/100067963966137/posts/419978716944257/

Plein Air in the Smokies starts in less than a week! Monday thru Friday, Sept. 26-30, nationally-acclaimed artists will be in GSMNP painting outdoors, 'en plein air' and the paintings will be available for purchase at the end of the week, Oct. 1-2. Get the full schedule to see where artists will be located + info on how you can own one of these special paintings at https://friendsofthesmokies.org/plein-air
(Pictured: Beverly Ford Evans)

09/25/2022

HURRICANE EVACUEES!!!
Looking to get ahead of the hurricane and enjoy some pretty views?
Availability Sept 26th-checkout 9/29.
We DON'T use dynamic pricing software! 19yrs on vrbo with LOTS of updates and consistent pricing. We strive to provide excellent accommodations and amenities, great memories, and reasonable pricing.
3 REAL bdrmS/2 bath, sleep up to 9 guests
Goldilocks haven! It's JUST RIGHT!
Vrbo #48506
Www.Goldilockshaven.com

Goldilocks Haven is a "just right" cabin rental 10 minutes from The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Sleeps up to 9, hot tub, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, helpful owner.

09/25/2022

Sightings of our beloved black bear is one of the most hoped for experiences by our guests at Goldilocks Haven! With our newly paved driveway, and recent rain, they felt obligated to make sure we knew they had been there.😉 ALWAYS fun to see them.
For reference, his back paws are about as big as a woman's 7.5 sz shoe.
Fall colors should be good into November. Book your stay NOW!!

08/09/2022

We LOVE our gsmnp and it's wildlife (well, all except for those belly slithering, no leg type of wildlife that just are creepy and shall remain nameless 😉)
If you've evern seen stacked ricks and wonfe about them, Here's some great info on what are known as rock cairns. It also gives information some background on them, and where it's acceptable/useful vs where they're not useful. Keep enjoying our gsmnp, and at Goldilocks Haven, or in the gsmnp, or in it's surrounding area and attractions, remember to click it! Lock it! Or take it inside, and put all trash in SECURED, LATCHED bear safe bins, NOT leaving food, crumbs, anything with a scent, in your vehicles...this protects your vehicle and our beloved, furry black bear "honory hosts" of our beautiful mountains😉! Enjoy

While out exploring Great Smoky Mountain National Park, you've likely seen a rock cairn or two. The term rock cairn comes from the Gaelic term meaning "heaps of stones". These stacks of balanced rocks have been used as an important navigational tool throughout history. However, it is important to be aware of the downsides of building them inside our park.

Building rock cairns disturbs the natural habitat of the park wildlife including salamanders and fish that nest underneath the rocks. It can also dislodge plants and soil growing there giving way to erosion that may wash away these delicate habitats.

Do your part to help us protect these habitats by not moving or stacking rocks.

Find out more here: https://friendsofthesmokies.org/blog/dont-move-rocks/