Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Where exactly IS Coker Creek & Tellico Plains?
2. Is your cabin 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 your cabin?
16. What additional fees do you charge?
17. How do I check in or get the key?
18. I don't trust the Internet. Can I use my credit card over the phone?
19. Can I pay by check through 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 I book my stay at the last minute?
25. Can you give me 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. Both towns are about 1.5 hours southeast of Knoxville. Madisonville is the County seat of Monroe, 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. Cupid's Cove is a cute little log cabin "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. Is your cabin private? Quiet?
A. I would say yes, depending on your definition of privacy. While you will seldom see anyone in the winter and spring, Summer and fall will bring more visitors. Cupid's Cove is back in the woods and very private. Although there are neighbors, most are only part-time residents. Even so, the area around our cabin is wooded so no other houses can be seen. There is, in fact, a full acre of land bordering the Cherokee National Forest, so Cupid's Cove is very secluded and quiet.
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.
Q. How far is the nearest shopping and conveniences? Restaurants?
A. Madisonville, the county seat, has a Walmart and lots of other stores and restuarants like Taco Bell, KFC, Subway, Sonic, and other fare. These are about 20 miles from the cabin.
TELLICO PLAINS (ten miles away) also has plenty of stores where you can pick up groceries, sundries, and rental videos. You will also find 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.
In COKER CREEK, look for 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. There is also the Tall Pines Cabins & Lodge south of Coker Creek Village, where they serve lunch between 11:30 and 3 on weekdays. Next door, Seven Sisters usually has coffee, drinks, snacks, and sometimes eggs.
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Q. Is there any fishing and whitewater spots in the area?
A. Great fishing spots are plentiful 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 22 miles from Coker Creek. 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, running through the woods, 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. 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 your cabins?
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), any additional fees (e.g. cleaning fee & pet fee), and Tennessee sales and lodging taxes of 14.25% of the total. There are three rates, based on season. The lowest nightly rate is $79 per night in the Winter, from January until May, just before the Memorial Day weekend. The peak rate of $109 is charged for all holidays, summer weekends and the month of October.
To find out your cabin's availability and total cost, go to our Online Reservation Section and enter the dates you want. You will see the availability for those dates. To get the hen click on "Click to Reserve" next to the cabin - and don't worry - you won't have to give any credit card information yet. The subtotal - minus fees and taxes - will be shown. To get the total cost, use your calculator to add cleaning and pet fee (if applicable), along with 14.25% taxes, based on rent and all fees.
Q. What additional fees do you charge?
A. Basically, we have only two additional fees for cleaning and pets. If you are bringing a small pet, add $75 (before taxes) for up to two pets weighing 35 pounds or less each. Also add cleaning costs of $50 unless you are staying six nights or more. In the latter case, we pay for cleaning.
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Q. How do I know I'm approved; and how do I check in and get the key?
A. After you book your stay, we send you an initial confirmation (after online payment) and a final confirmation upon credit card approval with cabin, dates, your name and the number of guests coming. This will arrive by e-mail, so make sure you check all e-mail folders - inluding your "Junk Mail" file - if you don't get this within 24 hours. The subject headings will have the words "Confirmation" and the name of the cabin.
At the same time, you should receive a "Welcome to Cupid's Cove" with a link to your Welcome Packet of information. This packet will include directions, check-in code, and other pertinent details. The code is for the lockbox next to the front door for self-check-in to get the keys. NOTE: Last-Minute Bookings made within 24 hours cannot be guaranteed, so plan ahead!
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Q. I don't trust the Internet. Can I just use my credit card over the phone?
A. Most people simply take 5 minutes to book their stay online through our very secure Webervations server. If you still don't feel comfortable doing this for whatever reason, we can take your card and application details over the phone. You must then download, print out and fax us a completed and signed Application and Lease Agreement.
Q. Can I pay by Check through PayPal?
A. Yes you can. Check payments, however, must be received at least 14 days prior to the arrival date, along with a completed and signed Application and Lease Agreement. The application and agreement must be received first so we will know how much to bill you. Once we have your information, we will send you an e-mail invoice via PayPal so you can pay using your checking account. Payments thu 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 at night. Occasionally, you will also run across other critters: bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and little scorpions. None of these are life-threatening unless you have a severe allergy to them. If so, come prepared for emergencies just in case.
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Q. Are any cabins for sale?
A. Sorry, but not really. We sold two cabins during February-March, 2009 and only have Cupid's Cove (the best one) left. If you simply can't live without owning it, however, feel free to make us an offer!! Otherwise, contact Lorrie Wrighter at Jenkins Realty for help finding the perfect cabin. Her number is 1-888-246-2094.
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 cabin 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 (we supply a high chair upon request). 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 I book my stay at the last minute?
A. Yes you are welcome to try, but last-minute bookings (those made within 24 hours) cannot be guaranteed. If we are unable to book your stay, however, your credit card won't be charged. The fact is, we may be out of the office or on vacation ourselves and might not find your booking until its too late. The best solution is simply to plan ahead.
Q. Can you give me any other helpful tips?
A. Certainly. Get our FREE REPORT on "The Secret Spots in Tennessee" about Monroe and surrounding counties. You can also 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 5/25/09.