A Long Term Stay (Michigan)
"The views from the deck are breathtaking. The rooms are spacious, clean and bright. Everything you need
is there - cooking facilities, private bath, media room - even a hot tub. So many places to explore - Asheville,
Burnsville, Black Mountain, etc. So many things to do - spa treatments, rafting, hiking, etc. Our pups loved
playing in the Laurel River which you can view from the deck. We were worried at first staying in someone's
home - but you have your privacy and at the same time you have Dave and Callie to get tips and aid from.
They are consummate hosts - making you feel welcome and cared for. We came for a month and stayed for
six weeks and I guess that says it all. We'll be back and if you are looking for a wonderful, relaxing place to
stay - you will visit too!"
It Doesn't Get Any Better Than This! (New Jersey)
I think anywhere else we stay from now on will always be compared to RiverDance. I imagine we will say
things like "this place is nice, but it's no RiverDance". RiverDance set the bar high when it comes to
combining beauty, comfort, and hospitality. No special amenities are needed when you stay here....you are
instantly taken by the sheer beauty and majesty of the view...and the home. Callie, Dave and Midge are
warm and welcoming.....good for conversation and local tips. I'm not a morning person, but I couldn't wait to
wake up every day at RiverDance! Delicious cinnamon bread, hot raspberry tea and the morning sun
warming my face as I enjoyed the view from the porch were the perfect start to each day. Our room was
beautiful and had a wonderful view, it was comfy and cozy.....the towels were thick and soft...everything was
simple and clean. RiverDance was like home, but better. :o) I can't wait to go back!
The Military Couple - (Savannah, Ga)
We are a military couple living in Savannah, GA missing our roots in Pittsburgh, PA and we were looking to
go on a vacation for a week before my husband had to leave for a few months. The vacation was last minute
because of how the military works. We got online and were looking for vacation rentals for the Smoky
Mountains. We started on Thursday night and we were looking to arrive on that Saturday. Three of our Main
needs that we wanted were 1.) Privacy 2.) Quiet 3.) Access. Oh and pet accommodating. (our dog Agnes is
our only family member) We are hikers, rafters and just up to anything. Callie, Dave, Daniel and their dog
Midgie were all very accommodating of our needs.
Privacy
We were extremely hesitant to go with a rental that we were going to be sharing the space with the owners.
We are constantly around people with our jobs and need some time to get away and get back to the
Mountains! So we were pleasantly surprised with the Privacy that was given to us in the lower level of the
house. Which was great with Agnes too, we were able to go in and out of the house without bothering Midgie
and the rest of the house. :-) They put up 2 gates to separate the dogs so that was not an issue of worrying
about them getting together. Off of the media room is the lower level deck that looks out over the beautiful
valley. You have full access to the kitchen and main level. Callie and Dave were very sensitive to our
schedule or lack thereof :-) So whether you eat the same time everyday or you eat when you can, Callie was
all the willing to work around it. We all had a family dinner on our last evening there. I felt like i was a part of
the family and was very comfortable.
Quiet
Since we live in Savannah there is a whole lot of light and a whole lot of NOISE. RiverDance was so quiet that
most of the time you could hear the river below. Since there had been so much rain I am sure that river was
extra loud, which was perfect. Bear River Lodge is located in an area that is not really all that developed yet
so the simple beauty is still abundant. You hear the frogs, crickets, water and birds constantly and when it is
time to go to bed all you hear is the running river below.
Access
On top of privacy and needing a quiet peace of mind place we wanted a location that was not too far away
from attractions or different parks. RiverDance is located just a couple of miles from Hot Springs with is a
quaint little town. It has a few restaurants and the Appalachian trail runs right through it. There were a large
amount of trails that were right around the area. The more you explore the more you find. Asheville is only
about 35 minutes from RiverDance and there is so much to do there if you are not all about hiking 24/7. Plus
there are many little towns located within the mountains that you can stumble upon while you are out. All and
All I will come back to RiverDance because of the Great people that run it and the location. Callie and her
family were so welcoming and willing to help us out with anything that we needed. From our dog to washing
our cloths after a couple days in the mud. This family is so pleasant and aware of your privacy it is a great
combination.
Family of Four - (Tampa Fl)
"We stayed at RiverDance in June 2010, If you are looking for beautiful views and tranquility this is your place
RiverDance is surrounded by incredible natural beauty you can hear the water below from the porch and we
saw deer right outside the house Callie and Dave made us feel welcomed from the moment we stepped
inside their lovely home. We were able to visit Gatlinburg Tn, and most of northwest North Carolina from this
perfect location. We loved our stay here"
The Hikers, a father and son team - (Midlands Mi)
I was looking for a vacation rental from which my son and I could explore the Smoky Mountains. Because he's
autistic it was important to find a home where he would be comfortable. Within 10 minutes of our arrival,
Tucker was sprawled on the couch leaning on Dave (owner) like he'd known him all his life.
If you seek a party pad with a lot of nightlife, this ain't it.
But if you seek a peaceful mountain home from which to base your adventures and feel as if you're part
owner, you owe it to yourself and your companions to investigate RiverDance.
Mountain views from nearly every window, a cliff-top view of the river far below, privacy when you want it and
a family atmosphere when you don't. Funny thing about the river - while RiverDance is perched 300ft. above
it, the canyon shape carries the sound of rippling water through your window.
Weather was too chilly for us to enjoy the deck and Carolina Porch (early April), but both are extremely
inviting and I'm sure much time would be spent there late spring and well into the fall.
While Bear River Lodge is considered a residential development, on the mile-long drive up the mountain to
RiverDance you only pass 5 or 6 homes.
I heartily recommend this vacation rental to:
1. Those who wish to explore backcountry adventures like hiking, paddling, fishing, bicycling,
sight-seeing, etc. We hiked on the Appalachian Trail, visited Smoky Mtns. National Park, climbed
Mt. Mitchell, NC (highest peak east of the Mississippi) and Clingman's Dome (2nd highest peak).
2. Couples/Families who wish to divide and conquer - one element into the
woods/streams/mountains to play while the other hunts for antiques or enjoys the cultural
diversity of Asheville, just 30 minutes away.
3. Those who take a vacation for relaxation. A lot of books could be read on/near the
porch/deck/fireplace, etc.
RiverDance is not a vacation rental slapped together as an investment opportunity. This is a beautiful, well-
designed home built for the long haul by a wonderful couple who enjoy sharing their home with those who
cherish mountain life as much as they do.
We will return and I've already recommended a stay at RiverDance to several close friends and family
members.
BTW - I've rented vacation homes in three other locales throughout the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
Hand's down, RiverDance was the most enjoyable and most memorable.
Great Place to stay with Children - (Raleigh, NC)
There are a great number of positive things to share in regards to staying at RiverDance: the view, the
hospitality, the excellent proximity. One of the things we enjoyed the most, though, was how nice it was to
stay with our 14 month old. Travelling with an infant can be a challenge, and we found RiverDance to be
optimal. There’s room to spread out, and their fully stocked kitchen is open to us. Callie had a space in her
fridge for our baby’s food, and was happy for us to use their gadgets and appliances.
With two bedrooms, TreeTops was well equipped to host our baby’s grandparents who really enjoyed the
space to spread out and relax with him. With close proximity to the town of Hot Springs, and a short drive to
Ashville, they had a great time taking him out for fun. The grandparents have not stopped raving to their
friends about how much they enjoyed the accommodations.
We can’t say enough positive things about our stay, particularly how nice it was to have their home open to
our family. Did we mention the view? Phenomenal!.
Last Minute Decision - (Cincinnati, Ohio)
We made a last minute decision to come to Asheville for the weekend and Callie and Dave were so very
accommodating - even though they were booked for Saturday they put us up on Friday and called around to
find us a Saturday rental. I'm not sure how they do it, but from the moment we arrived we felt like we were
visiting old friends. Maybe it was the surprise birthday cake they had ready for our daughter...or possibly the
warm fire and the easy conversation as we wound down from our road trip. Waking up on Saturday, we were
amazed by the view - it is truly spectacular! It was so nice to soak up the February sun on their porch - it
made us realize how much we needed it! RiverDance is truly a relaxing and welcoming place and we hope to
return - not only for the beauty but to visit with our new friends - Callie and Dave!
A Perfect Getaway - (Indianapolis)
You will love this place. It is peaceful, relaxing and surrounded by beauty. The owners are very friendly and
accomidating. You will feel like you are at home here. This would be a great place for a ladies retreat or even
a small wedding. The outside deck area is lovely with a great backdrop for pictures. We will definitely be back.
Looking For Property - (Raleigh NC)
From the moment that we arrived, it felt like we had come home. From the warmth of the fire and the warmth
of the rich wooden timber frame that makes the house so intriguingly beautiful to the welcoming smiles and
hugs that met us at the door (from Callie and Dave), we felt like we were home. We have three young
children and were nervous about our kids fitting in and not being too loud but they were welcomed like
grandchildren and now have another set of adults that they tenderly adore. We didn't come prepared with
things to do locally but Callie had a number of pamphlets, maps and suggestions for us to use. We can't wait
to go back and visit when the weather is a little warmer and we can enjoy the splendid porches and amazing
view.
It's Time for a Getaway !! - (Florida)
My boyfriend and I stayed at this wonderful getaway in the mountains just after New Years at is was
everything we hoped for and more! We were greeted by Callie, one of the best innkeepers I have ever
encountered. Her and her husband, Dave, were very friendly and helpful, making sure throughout our stay
we were comfortable and all our needs were met. The house was beautiful and tastefully decorated. We
enjoyed our privacy in this secluded, cozy getaway as we enjoyed the mountain view off the porch. I have
already recommended this gem of a place to friends and family, and we can't wait to visit again and explore
more of what the area has to offer. Thanks again for such a wonderful experience!
all to stay by being late in making our plans to come to the wedding. Thanks again for everything.
Working with Horses - (Raleigh)
RiverDance was recommended to me as a great place to stay in the Marshall, NC area. Callie and Dave were
absolutely wonderful hosts and, as a dog lover, I also enjoyed having Midge around. The view from my
bedroom window and from the deck just outside my bedroom was incredible! I had all the privacy I wanted,
yet Callie and Dave were right there in case I needed anything. I will definitely go back and have already
been talking with some friends about a "girls" weekend there.
Taking Some Time Off - (Orlando)
This amazing home is literally on the side of the mountain. We have never stayed anywhere like this before.
The owners, Callie and Dave were exceptionally friendly, provided everything necessary for a comfortable
stay. We ate breakfast out on the back porch, so peaceful and quiet. The views from this house are breath
taking. This is a must-see, must-do experience. The pictures do not do the place justice. You will love it!
Too Short a Getaway - Greensboro
Callie and Dave create an environment of welcome into an amazing setting of beauty and respite from the
hectic pace of life. It is truly a place of refreshment for the weary soul. The panoramic vistas are breathtaking
and the comfort of the home is perfect. Rather it's soaking in the hot tub or lazing in a rocker while listening
to the crickets, it's a great place to connect with a significant other or just be quiet with God. For those of us
who may want to do more than lounge on the sofa, not far from the house is a variety of options including
white water rafting, horseback riding and amazing food.
