Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experience Historic Smoky Mountain Lodging at Buckhorn Inn
Buckhorn Inn has provided exceptional hospitality in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains since 1938. Founded by Douglas and Audrey Bebb, our family-run establishment combines historical charm with modern comforts, offering guests a unique blend of elegance and natural beauty. Our team of experienced innkeepers, including current owners Lee and John Mellor, maintains the tradition of personalized service established by our founders. We specialize in creating memorable stays through award-winning Southern cuisine, meticulously maintained grounds, and accommodations ranging from traditional rooms to private guesthouses.Recognized by AAA and the Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast Association, we remain committed to preserving the inn's legacy while providing contemporary comforts. Our property features Rachel's Labyrinth, a meditation path reflecting our dedication to tranquility, and a nature trail showcasing the region's biodiversity. With 84 years of hospitality experience, we continue to offer guests a peaceful retreat that honors our rich heritage.
Services
Lodging
Fine Dining
Event Hosting
Cooking Classes
Grounds Exploration
Details
- Year established: 1938
Highlights and features
- Family-run hospitality since 1938 with three generations of innkeeping expertise
- Award-winning Southern cuisine featuring farm-to-table ingredients
- Scenic 25-acre property with private hiking trails and meditation labyrinth
- Historic designation as third-oldest establishment in Gatlinburg
- Complimentary guided nature walks showcasing regional biodiversity
Associations and certifications
- Smoky Mountain Bed and Breakfast Association
- AAA
What people say
Breathtaking mountain vistas
Exquisite Southern cuisine
Peaceful atmosphere
Knowledgeable staff
Well-preserved history
Services
Lodging
Buckhorn Inn offers diverse lodging options across our 25-acre property. Choose from traditional inn rooms with antique furnishings, premier rooms with enhanced amenities, private cottages with fireplaces, or spacious guesthouses. All accommodations feature mountain views and period-appropriate decor while providing modern comforts like high-speed internet and private bathrooms.
Fine Dining
Our award-winning restaurant serves three-course evening meals and gourmet breakfasts using locally sourced ingredients. The seasonal menu features Southern specialties like corn pudding and bourbon-infused desserts, complemented by an extensive wine list. Cooking classes teach guests to prepare traditional Appalachian dishes using recipes passed down through generations of innkeepers.
Event Hosting
The inn accommodates weddings and conferences with multiple event spaces including a flagstone terrace and dedicated event center. Our experienced planners coordinate intimate gatherings for 2-12 guests or larger events up to 50 attendees. The property's scenic beauty and historic ambiance create memorable backdrops for special occasions.
Grounds Exploration
Explore 25 acres of forested property featuring a 1.5-mile nature trail with rare plant species and scenic overlooks. The meditation labyrinth offers a peaceful walking path, while the nature trail reveals waterfalls, wildflower meadows, and wildlife habitats. Guided walks interpret the area's ecological and historical significance, including the discovery of the patented 'Fragrant Cloud' dogwood.
Historical Tours
Discover 84 years of history through self-guided and staff-led tours showcasing the inn's evolution. Learn about founder Douglas Bebb's contributions to Appalachian preservation and the property's role in mid-20th century tourism. Archival materials and original architectural elements demonstrate the inn's significance as Sevier County's oldest continuously operating accommodation establishment.
People
Lee Mellor
Innkeeper
Co-owner Lee Mellor brings extensive hospitality experience to Buckhorn Inn, overseeing daily operations and guest services since 1998. With a background in historic property restoration, he has led major renovations while preserving the inn's original character.
John Mellor
Innkeeper
John Mellor co-owns Buckhorn Inn with Lee Mellor, managing culinary operations and event planning. His leadership has enhanced the inn's dining reputation through farm-to-table initiatives and seasonal menu development that honors Appalachian traditions.
Douglas Bebb
Founder
Douglas Bebb established Buckhorn Inn in 1938, creating a mountain retreat that combined rustic charm with modern comforts. His botanical discoveries and architectural vision shaped the property's character, while his culinary skills defined the inn's dining legacy.
Rachael Young
Former Owner
Dr. Rachael Young owned Buckhorn Inn from 1979-1998, introducing the meditation labyrinth and expanding accommodations. A wellness advocate, she emphasized the property's therapeutic value through nature connection and mindful experiences.
Questions
What check-in and check-out times should I expect?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out may be available upon request.
Can I reserve dining experiences without staying overnight?
Evening dining is available to the public with advance reservations. Breakfast requires overnight lodging or special arrangements.
Are pets allowed on the property?
We welcome pets in designated cottages with prior approval and additional fees. Service animals are always permitted.
What nearby attractions are accessible from the inn?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is less than a mile away, with easy access to hiking trails, Gatlinburg's arts district, and Pigeon Forge attractions.
Does the inn accommodate special dietary needs?
Our chefs can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-specific diets with advance notice of dietary restrictions.
Is the historic property accessible for guests with mobility needs?
While we maintain historic character, some areas have limited accessibility. We offer ground-floor accommodations and assistance upon request.
