Our History

Our family has grown up on stories of the lives of the families in the cove. From Aunt Hattie walking with Eleanor Roosevelt through the Cove to Nancy Garland Myers trading eggs for pencils and paper at the general store to use for school. All these stories came from one man, Leon Myers, the father of Tina Myers Simmerly. Leon was born in Cades Cove, and he loved to talk about it. He would tell anyone who would listen about the place where he grew up. When he passed away in 2020, we decided it was up to us to keep the stories alive, but instead of just telling the stories we decided to bring them to life. Each property is a tribute to a family member who lived in the Cove and their story. This is our family legacy.

The Story of the Lodge

Cades Cove Lodge (est. 2021) is a nod to the old “Ekaneetlee Lodge” a.k.a. Myers Lodge which was run in Cades Cove by William Myers and Harriett Myers, known as Uncle Willie and Aunt Hattie.

Ekaneetlee Lodge was located on Parsons Branch Road in a community called Chestnut Flats.  The lodge was a four-bedroom remodeled farmhouse. According to NPS records, back in 1933, it cost $2 a night for a room. On April 11, 1937, Eleanor Roosevelt came to visit the Lodge for a few days. In her description of her visit, she stated that the lodge was a spotlessly clean house and that the delicious food that was served included air-cured ham, beans, cauliflower, biscuits, cornbread, mountain honey, cottage cheese, coconut cream pie, and coffee. Another notable guest was the son of John D. Rockefeller, who also praised his accommodations. The Ekaneetlee was acquired by the National Park Service in 1940 and ceased operation.

Moonshine Ridge

In the Fall of 2022, we added Moonshine Ridge. A house based on the one that belonged to Jake Garland, Cades Cove’s resident moonshiner, and Leon’s grandfather.  This is a 2 bedroom and 1.5 bathroom rental. This rental will sleep up to 4 people with a loft space that can sleep an additional 2 people if desired. Picture 1 is Jake Garland and friends with their moonshine still and the sheriff. Picture 2 is Jake Garland (left) and Cal Cable (right).