Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Where exactly IS Coker Creek & Tellico Plains?
2. Are your cabins private? Quiet?
3. How far is the nearest airport?
4. How do we get into our cabin after we arrive?
5. How far is the nearest shopping and conveniences? Restaurants?
6. Is there any fishing and whitewater spots in the area?
7. Do I need a license for fishing and hunting?
8. Any scenic drives? Waterfalls?
9. How about Golfing?
10. Are there other outdoor activities? ATV trails?
11. Are there any attractions for kids?
12. How far is Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge? Bristol, Virginia?
13. Do you have any references? Can I can trust you?
14. Can I reserve a weekend stay 3-4 months from now?
15. What is the total price - including tax - to stay at Angel Loft?
16. What is the total price - including tax - to stay at Cupid's Cove?
17. What is the total price - including tax - to stay at Dreamlake?
18. I don't trust the Internet. Can I use my credit card over the phone?
19. Can I pay by Check? PayPal?
20. Should I be afraid of any dangerous critters in the woods?
21. Are any of your cabins for sale?
22. Do you allow pets?
23. Are children allowed? What ages?
24. Can you give us any other helpful tips?
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Q. Where exactly IS Coker Creek & Tellico Plains? How do I get there?
A. Both towns are in Monroe county, which is north of Polk County and about 30 miles north of the Georgia border and next to the NC border. Madisonville is the largest town and County seat, and is about ten miles from Sweetwater and I-75. Tellico Plains is about 20 miles from I-75, and Coker Creek is another 10 miles south, into the mountains at an elevation of about 3,000 feet above sea level. DreamLake is located in a private gated community on Laurel Mountain Lake, about halfway between Madisonville and Tellico Plains. Our other cabins are in Coker Creek, in the midst of the Cherokee National Forest, roughly equidistant from Knoxville, Chattanooga, Asheville and Atlanta. See "How to Get There" in each cabin site for more specific directions. DreamLake has paved road all the way, and Angel Loft is very accessible. Cupid's Cove, however, is more "in the sticks." As such, you need to remember that back roads sometimes can be rough, washed out, or frozen at times, particularly in the winter and early spring. Although this is rarely a problem, take precautions during inclement weather and bring the proper vehicle, snow tires or chains if icy weather is predicted. Under normal circumstances, however, there should be no problem for any vehicle.
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Q. Are your cabins private? Quiet?
A. I would say yes, depending on your definition of private. DreamLake has the least privacy since it's on the lake with other homes visible. While you will see few people in winter and spring, Summer and fall will bring more visitors. Angel Loft and Cupid's Cove are more private. There are neighbors, but most are only part-time residents. Even so, all areas around these cabins are wooded so no other houses are in direct view of them. Angel Loft is surrounded by woods but also has easy access off Hwy 68 where you can hear the sound of a an occasional passing car or shouts and singing coming from the Christian Camp down the road. Cupid's Cove is more secluded and quiet with its full acre of land bordering the Cherokee National Forest.
Q. How far is the nearest airport?
A. While there is a small rural landing strip in Tellico Plains, the closest commercial airport is McGhee-Tyson Municipal Airport (TYS), a short distance away between Knoxville and Maryville.
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Q. How do we get into our cabin after we arrive?
A. There is a keysafe at the door with a numerical pad. After your reservations are confirmed, we'll send you a Welcome Packet with the code and instructions. The Welcome Packet will also include items like where to eat, what to bring, list of sight-seeing areas, etc. DreamLake visitors will also receive instructions on getting a temporary gate pass.
Q. How far is the nearest shopping and conveniences? Restaurants?
A. From DreamLake, you have lots of stores and restaurants - including a Walmart - in Madisonville, about 5-8 miles away. Tellico Plains also has groceries, sundries, and rental videos. Closer to home in Coker Creek is Davis' Mountain Deli, about a mile north on Hwy 68 from the County Rd 610 intersection, where you can pick up some groceries and snack food. Tellico Plains has a few very nice restaurants like Bistro on the River ($$) and Tellihala Cafe ($$). Good eats can also be found at moderately-priced spots like the Checkerboard Cafe, Tellico Grains and Town Square Cafe. For fast food, head to the local Hardee's, Subway, or Tellico Beach Drive-In at the entrance to the Cherohala Skyway. Madisonville also offers Taco Bell, KFC, Subway, Sonic, and other fare. Back to the Menu
Q. Is there any fishing and whitewater spots in the area?
A. DreamLake has the edge here, with boat or dock fishing in Laurel Lake. Great fishing spots are still plentiful, however, all along the Tellico River at the beginning of the Cherohala Skyway. Contact the Tellico Ranger Station at 250 Ranger Station Road, Tellico Plains, TN 37385, or phone them at (423) 253-2520 for information on getting brochures and permits. for both fishing and whitewater activities, you can't beat the Ocoee River slightly south in Polk County, site of the 1996 Olympic Whitewater competitions. For more information, contact the Ocoee Whitewater Center at (423) 338-5201, or check out our Activities section.
Do I need a license for fishing and hunting?
A. Unless you do these things on private property, yes you do. See our section on Hunting & Fishing Licenses for details. Back to the Menu
Q. Any scenic drives? Waterfalls?
A. SE Tennessee has some of the prettiest scenery in the southeast USA. Because much of the area is now protected forest land, just about everywhere you drive, there will be beautiful sights. The main attraction is the Cherohala Skyway going east out of Tellico Plains, terminating about 2 hours later in Robbinsville, NC. About a dozen or so large waterfalls can be seen as well. See our Attractions section for more.
Q. How about golfing?
A. Golfing is wonderful in the area. The Madisonville Golf Course is a 9-hole course about 8 miles from Dreamlake and 22 miles from our Coker Creek cabins. There are also some 18-hole courses in Vonore and Louden, a little further north in the county. Back to the Menu
Q. Are there other outdoor activities? Bike and ATV trails?
A. If you were any closer to trails, creeks, and waterfalls, you'd be IN them! There are also routes and trails for bikes, motorcycles and ATV's. Check out our Activites Section for links on things to do and places to explore.
Q. Are there any attractions for kids?
A. While I know some kids can only be happy at Disney World, Six Flags, or some other adventure theme park, many are thrilled to discover the simple joys of gold panning, hiking, ATV or horseback riding, playing in the snow, swimming in the river, or just playing cards or reading by the fire. Coker Creek offers a lot in the way of outdoor recreation without the neon lights. A christian camp is nearby for Christian groups, and historical and special attractions like the Lost Sea, Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Ft. Loudon, and the old Trail of Tears (Joe Brown mountain highway) are never far away. If you're staying more than a few days, take the kids on a day trip to Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge where you'll find more than enough to keep them busy. We also try to keep a selection of fun board games and videos and DVDs on hand for both kids and adults in case of foul weather. DreamLake also has a pool table, games and other things kids would enjoy, like the lake swimming area, beach toys, floats, and more. Back to the Menu
Q. How far is Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge? Bristol, Virginia?
A. Tellico Plains and Coker Creek are about 60-90 minutes from Gatlinburg/PF. Bristol, however, is more than 4 hours away. While Tellico Plains and Bristol are both next to the Cherokee National Forest, they are on opposite ends of it (the forest runs almost the entire width of East Tennessee, north to south). If you're going to the races, you'd be better off renting somewhere in the NE part of the state or Virginia.
Q. Do you have an references? Can I trust you?
A. We are registered with both the state and County, listed with the Coker Creek Economic Development Group (CCEDG), and a member of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce as Global Property Services, Inc. You can verify our membership by calling the Monroe County Chamber in Madisonville, Tennessee at (423) 442-4588, or sending them an e-mail at info@monroecountychamber.org.
Q. Can I reserve a weekend stay six months from now?
A. If you are applying for dates during the regular or off-seasons, this is certainly OK. Peak season dates, however, are reserved primarily for weekly visitors. If you want to book a short stay (i.e., less than 6 nights) during this time, you can only do that within 30 days of your expected arrival. If, for example, you want to book the July 4th weekend, you must wait until June 4th to apply. Sorry for the inconvenience, but this policy even applies to us, our family and friends!
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Q. What is the total price - including tax - to stay at Angel Loft?
A. All rates and fees are given in detail in the Rates section and Fee Section. The total price includes the nightly rate (which varies by seasonal and day of the week), a $50 cleaning fee if staying less than 6 nights, and TN sales and lodging taxes (total 14.25%). There are three rates, based on season. The lowest nightly rate ($89) is in the Winter, from January until May, just before the Memorial Day weekend. The cost for, say, a 2-day weekend plus tax for up to six people (no pets), is $178 plus short-stay cleaning (50), and taxes (32.49) for a total due of 260.49. Two nights during either summer weekend, October or holidays is considered peak season and will run $115/night, ($230) plus cleaning (50) and taxes (39.90) for a total due of $319.90. All other (i.e. "regular season") stays are $99 per night. Add $75 (before taxes) for any small pets. We pay for cleaning if you stay six nights or more.
Q. What is the total price - including tax - to stay at Cupid's Cove?
A. All rates and fees are given in detail in the Rates section and Fee Section. The total price includes the nightly rate (which varies by seasonal and day of the week), a $50 cleaning fee if staying less than 6 nights, and TN sales and lodging taxes (total 14.25%). There are three rates, based on season. The lowest nightly rate ($79) is in the Winter, from January until May, just before the Memorial Day weekend. The cost for, say, a 2-day weekend plus tax for up to four people (no pets), is $158 plus short-stay cleaning (50), and taxes (29.64) for a total due of 237.64. Two nights during either summer weekend, October or holidays is considered peak season and will run $109/night, ($218) plus cleaning (50) and taxes (38.19) for a total due of $306.19. All other (i.e. "regular season") stays are $89 per night. Add $75 (before taxes) for any small pets. We pay for cleaning if you stay six nights or more.
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Q. What is the total price - including tax - to stay at Dreamlake?
A. All rates and fees are given in detail in the Rates section and Fee Section. The total price includes the nightly rate (which varies by seasonal and day of the week), a $50 cleaning fee if staying less than 6 nights, and TN sales and lodging taxes (total 14.25%). There are three rates, based on season. The lowest nightly rate ($109) is in the Winter, from January until May, just before the Memorial Day weekend. The cost for, say, a 2-day weekend plus tax for up to eight (8) people (no pets), is $218 plus short-stay cleaning (50), and taxes (38.19) for a total due of 306.19. Two nights during either summer weekend, October or holidays is considered peak season and will run $149/night, ($238) plus cleaning (50) and taxes (41.04) for a total due of $329.04. All other (i.e. "regular season") stays are $129 per night. Add $75 (before taxes) for any small pets. We pay for cleaning if you stay six nights or more.
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Q. I don't trust the Internet. Can I just use my credit card over the phone?
A. We can certainly take your credit and application details over the phone, but you will still need to print out and fax us a completed and signed Application and Lease Agreement. Once that is done, call our Toll-Free number at 1-866-423-9107 to give us your credit information over the phone. If we are out, leave us your name, phone number, and the best time to call you back.
Q. Can I pay by Check? By PayPal?
A. Absolutely. Check payments, however, can only be made at least 14 days prior to the arrival date, and you will need to Fax over your completed and signed Application and Lease Agreement first so we will know how much to bill you. Once we have your Application, we will send you an e-mail invoice via PayPal so you can pay by checking account. Payments thought PayPal must also include an additional $100 as a refundable Security Deposit to cover us in case of damage or loss.
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Q. Should I be afraid of any dangerous critters in the woods? Lake?
A. Not really. Poisonous snakes like water mocassins don't live in the mountain lakes, and bears, skunks, bobcats, wild boars and other larger animals used to be plentiful in the area, but no more. Many were hunted almost to extinction before the early 1900's, and the ones left generally stay away from humans. The National Forest is still teeming with wildlife, however, so it would be wise to observe a few simple precautions. After all, this IS their home! For example, racoons or possums may sometimes turn over trash cans or try to get inside things while looking for food. Keep edible items indoors at night and bag your trash and completely seal the trash can with the lid. The biggest bother in the woods is insects like flies and mosquitoes. Wear long sleeves and spray repellent when in the woods, and check your body for ticks that night. Occasionally, you will also run across other critters: bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and little scorpions. Just avoid them whenever possible and be sure to check dark or hidden places before putting hands or feet in, such as logs and rocks outdoors and gloves, mitts and shoes while indoors. Also check bedding before going to sleep at night. If stung, you may experience some pain and local swelling, but it is never life-threatening unless you are allergic to stings. Most people get quick relieve by treating the sting topically with baking soda, Aloe Vera, or a pinch of tobacco. If swelling or pain persists, seek medical care. If you know you have a severe allergy to stings, be sure to take precautions and bring your medication with you and arrange for local emergency care ahead of time.
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Q. Are any of your cabins for sale?
A. Actually, yes. Unofficially, Dreamlake is for sale and can find the link to the sales page on our Home Page, including prices, pictures, and a slide show tour. If you like the other cabins as well, make us an offer!
Q. Do you allow pets?
A. Yes we do, but we discourage your bringing them. Since pet dander is insidious and potent to those with allergies (including the owners), we have to do a thorough steam cleaning of the carpets, furniture, floors, and other areas after your pet leaves. An extra one-time pet fee of $75 for one or two small pets must be added to the rent to cover our extra costs. No pets over 35 pounds, or exotic animals like snakes or ferrets allowed. We do allow you to bring a hampster or bird, however, and so long as the animal is caged the entire time, there is no charge. Also keep in mind there may be additional costs if your pets cause any damage.
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Q. Are children allowed? What ages?
A. Children are welcome to our cabins and will no doubt have a great time! You might want to reconsider bringing a toddler or small child, however, unless you are willing to watch them at all times. In all cases, kids just want to have fun and things get damaged! Be prepared to clean up after them, and to accept responsibility for their actions. Broken screens, lamps or windows, dirty diapers lying around, or indelible stains on the linens, towels, walls, rugs and furniture will cost us money to clean or repair. This extra cost will then be deducted from either your credit card or your security deposit.
Q. Can you give us any other helpful tips?
A. Certainly. Click on some of the many links in our Activites and Attractions sections. Then come on down to Tennessee for some fun, ya'll! Back to the Menu
Last Updated 2/12/08.