Whichever way you choose to celebrate the holiday season, receiving an unopened gift with your name on it sparks a thrill. What could be any better than this? We’ll tell you: it’s being the giver.

At Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, Tennessee, we believe in all things good; this includes gifting! And, since we are like no other place on earth, our favorite type of gift giving is Gifting Good. Gifting good is magical; it involves creativity, thought, and care all mixed together with a hefty dose of love. Gifts of good can be tangible or intangible – and we guarantee they will fit any budget. Here’s what gifting good means to us:

Gifting Good to Friends and Loved Ones

Gifting good to friends and loved ones starts with reflecting upon what makes them special and how much they mean to you. Does quietly reading with a hot cup of tea help them rest and renew? Perhaps they thrive while being physically active? Take advantage of how well you know them and shape your gift ideas around what brings them joy.

Gifting Good to Your Community

Gifting good to the community can be done in dozens of ways. Donate your time to your favorite non-profit. Pay a holiday visit to an elderly friend who lives alone. Purchase goods and services from locally-owned businesses. The best part about gifting good to your community? The benefits will flow right back to you.

Gifting Good to Someone You Don’t Know

Just because you’ve never met someone doesn’t mean you can’t gift good to them! When you are out and about, make an effort to think of others. Share an authentic smile, look back as you open a door in case someone is just a few steps behind, and leave that prime parking space near the front entrance for a person who might need it more.

Gifting Good to Yourself

You can’t truly give to anyone until you’ve learned how to give to yourself. What would make you the happiest this holiday season? A rousing gathering with friends and family or an evening of binging on your favorite Christmas movies? A spa day with the works or a contemplative hike outdoors? Take time to be in the moment, reflect on what you are grateful for, and show yourself some love.

What Does Gifting Good Mean to You?

We want to hear from you! Send an email or video to info@ancientlorevillage.com to let us know your favorite ways to gift good. And, for stress-free shopping from the comfort of home, explore our online Ancient Lore Village Marketplace. No matter whether your recipients are four years old or 94 years young, our gift cards, books, coloring books, and other screen-free ways to play will have you gifting good throughout the holiday season and beyond!

Sending cozy winter wishes from our Village to yours. We look forward to seeing you soon!

At Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, Tennessee, we’re especially excited about the upcoming holiday months! Our wish list includes good health for all and countless hugs given and received!

Spending intentional time with friends, family, and co-workers activates your endorphins, giving your emotional state an extra dose of “Vitamin TLC”. As you plan your holiday events, make an early New Year’s resolution to gather with purpose long after the year is through. Not sure where to begin? East Tennessee’s four distinctive seasons offer Mother Nature’s perfect schedule! Here are a few of our favorite suggestions:

Winter Retreats

The quiet days and nights of winter set a beautiful backdrop to recharge after the busy holidays. Embark on a productive overnight corporate retreat with your office mates (make sure plenty of laughter and at least one night around the bonfire are on the agenda). Summon your soulmate and celebrate your love with a wine tasting dinner and cozy accommodations during a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway. Or, round up your friends for an evening of competitive fun with axe throwing and archery followed by a delicious dinner.

Spring Celebrations

As the earth warms and new buds appear, Spring is the time to celebrate growth and renewal. Plan a destination wedding that’s as unique as your love, surrounded by those you cherish most. Gather friends and family for an outdoor baby shower in anticipation of the new bundle of joy. And on Mother’s Day, treat the woman who loves you the most to a delicious smorgasbord during a relaxing Sunday Brunch.

Fall Reunions

Cooling temperatures and vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves of Fall prompt us to reflect on all we are grateful for. Reach out to your high-school besties and take a trip down memory lane with a Girls’ Getaway. Surprise your spouse with an anniversary escape, and snuggle up beside the fire with a chocolate charcuterie board and bubbly Prosecco. Or, gather your college chums and plan a rousing reunion retreat with axe-throwing, archery, and a visit to nearby Great Smoky Mountain attractions.

At Ancient Lore Village, we believe in making time for intentional gatherings all year long! From birthday parties to board retreats and bridal showers to anniversaries, no matter what the occasion, we have the award-winning food, luxurious accommodations, and interactive fun to make every event a memorable one. We’re conveniently located in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, just 15 minutes from downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Give us a call and gather your own village today!

Typically, we reserve the practice of spoiling ourselves as a reward for hard work, a celebration of a special occasion, or even a survival mechanism if we reach red-zone stress levels. Yvette Frasier, a Madison, Wisconsin-based consultant who has spent her entire career spoiling others, thinks otherwise.

“I firmly believe that spoiling yourself is not just something to be practiced occasionally, but should be used proactively to keep balance, harmony, and peace in our lives,” she explains.

Having worked in the spa and wellness industry for over 30 years, Yvette is an expert in, and advocate of, self-care. Below, she suggests eight easy ways to turn spoiling yourself from an infrequent gift into a cherished daily ritual.

3. Make Time for Meditation

Meditation can take place in many forms including guided meditation, using mantras, sound therapy, or simply enjoying complete silence. “Start by taking five minutes to meditate when you wake, and again just before bed,” says the wellness professional. “Take the time to stop and just be. Let answers come to you instead of chasing after them.”

4. Soothe Your Senses

“A quick and easy method of self-care is to activate your five senses,” suggests Yvette. “Just take a moment to tune into the environment around you.”

Touch: Get a massage or wrap yourself in a Kashwere robe or blanket.

Smell: Use aromatherapy with essential oils or a room spray.

Hear: Play your favorite low-key music or go outside to listen to the sounds of nature.

Taste: Sip Herbal tea or enjoy a bite of dark chocolate.

See: Stop and study something beautiful.

5. Cook

Cooking your own dishes allows you to monitor what ingredients you are using and gives you time to relax while creating nourishment for yourself and the ones you love. “What you put in your body is crucial to your overall health and energy,” says Yvette.

6. Refresh Yourself with Water

Immerse and replenish yourself with one of the earth’s most rejuvenating elements: water. Enhance your drinking water with strawberries, lemon, and basil for a refreshing change or try a hot bath followed by a cold shower for a rejuvenating experience. “Even hearing and seeing the movement of water in a waterfall or fountain is mesmerizing,” says Yvette, “allowing us a brief moment to be still.” 

Yvette advises that when you give to yourself, you are better equipped to give to others. “You have to train yourself not to be guilty about spoiling yourself,” she says. “Successful CEOs and business leaders around the world start their day with a renewing activity. Seeking out self-care pro-actively will help you be the best version of ‘you’.”

The self-care expert explains that if the world is going to make a positive shift, we have to make time for ourselves to clear our heads. “We need to step back and look at our lives through a different lens,” Yvette advises. “What do you want to see? Be what you want to see.”

At Ancient Lore Village in Knoxville, Tennessee, it’s easy to spoil yourself in luxurious comfort. Breathtaking landscapes, chef-crafted fresh meals, and the comfiest of accommodations provide a welcome respite as life rushes by.

Visit our tranquil retreat in the beautiful hills of East Tennessee, and slow down for a moment of self-care to enjoy your most elusive commodity: time. We look forward to pampering you soon. 

What does the word “play” mean to you? Does it bring back long-ago memories of bike riding with friends, exploring the “great outdoors” in your backyard, or spreading out on the floor with a coloring book and a box of crayons?

When we’re young, we’re encouraged (and often told!) to “Go play!”. As we become adults, however, we’re expected to outgrow the concept of play just as we no longer fit into our school-age clothes and shoes. Daydreaming, whimsy, and lightheartedness are no longer priorities; there just isn’t time! But, is that really the case?

Play exercises your imagination, refreshes your headspace, and gives your mind a well-deserved break. And, research shows that having relaxed fun can help us learn, problem-solve, and connect better with others. To rediscover the carefree demeanor of a child, take a moment to recall your own favorite forms of play. Then, think about how you can incorporate them into your life today. To get you started, we’ve listed some ideas below…

Take an Intentional Play Break

Whether your favorite childhood entertainment involved physical fun or quiet play, prioritize at least one play break each day. Take time after a meeting for a five-minute yo-yo spin, spend 15 minutes reading before dinner (also a great way to get your brood settled down before eating), or watch a comedy in the evening that will have you laughing before you slip off to sleep.

Embark Upon a Nature Trek

Be it a multi-hour hike or a quick spin around the neighborhood, the next time you’re outside make sure to channel your childhood sense of wonder. Examine bugs and bird’s nests, ponder patches of green moss, and search for four-leaf clovers. Or, invent a story around the “journey” you’re embarking upon and create character roles for the people you meet along the way.

Exercise Your Creative Talents

Hearken back to elementary school by creating an original work of art. Relax and unwind while getting lost in a LEGO® sculpture, regain your perspective by painting a watercolor portrait, and sketch out your future with a variety of drawing pencils. Don’t forget to pull out that coloring book page and tack your masterpiece to the fridge… why not?

After the rush of preparing for the new school year, it’s finally time to exhale! As we enter the busy Fall season, now is the perfect time to renew, regroup, and reconnect with the people and world around us. Try putting the five steps below into practice on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, and get ready to discover all of the magic, mystery, and wonder that life has to give!

1. Observe the Joys of Nature

How many times have you been in a rush; jumping in and out of your car to get to your destination? The next time you’re outside, pause to look, listen, and feel what’s around you.

• How many birds can you hear? Can you identify any of them by their song or call? (If not, see Suggestion #2!)
• Do you feel a breeze? Is it strong or subtle, cool, or warm?
• What is your favorite thing about the current season? 

3. Open Your Eyes to the People Around You 

The true beauty of life lies in how we interact with others. The next time you encounter a friend, family member, or even a stranger, reflect on the purpose they have in your life at that moment in time. 

• Really listen to your child’s voice the next time they speak.
• Make eye contact with strangers and see how many will return your welcoming smile.
• Remember a trait that attracted you to your significant other and consciously look for it the next time you see them. 

4. Start a Healthy Habit

Whether it’s physical exercise, a wise diet choice, or a positive mental boost, try to regularly create beneficial habits. Even the smallest of good habits will produce positive results! 

• Practice active meditation through quiet hikes or nature walks.
• Engage in positive self talk as if you were talking to a friend
• Join a group sports league to combine movement with fellowship.

5. Ward off Worries with Gratitude

The quickest way to alleviate anxiety is rewarding, easy, and can be done anywhere; think of things for which you are thankful! Write them down in a gratitude journal or just go over them in your mind the next time you’re feeling stressed.  

• Reflect on the relationships you have with your loved ones and friends.
• Think about good health and what it means to you.
• Identify the best thing that happened to you that day. 

Did you know that Ancient Lore Village has not one, but two accomplished gardeners who lovingly nurture nearly every square foot of our sixty-seven-acre property? Our in-house gardening experts, Sandi Burdick and Hannah Martin, each possess a passion for all things green. In this blog post, Sandi and Hannah will share four secrets for growing a garden that will beautifully, and responsibly, take you away to the splendor of a simpler time.

Select Native Species

Sandi Burdick, wife of Ancient Lore Village’s founder, Tom Boyd, recommends planting native species as a satisfying first step in responsible gardening. “The Village landscapes are abundant with salvias, hardy geraniums, passion flower vines, columbine, and many other native perennials which are in tune with the climate as well as the living creatures who occupy the grounds,” said Sandi. “We also planted viburnums, red buckeyes, fringe trees, and maples, which are shrubs and trees native to East Tennessee.” Other colorful native flowering plants throughout the rural retreat destination include asters, rudbeckia, joe pye weed, and goldenrod.

Make It a Family Affair

Sustainable gardening isn’t limited to planting and maintenance… it includes teaching the meaningful pastime to future generations. “My first plant was bought for me by my Mammaw when I was just 5 or 6 years old,” said Hannah. “It was a red geranium and I was over the moon. Even now, I plant one every year to remember her by.” Today, gardening for Hannah is therapeutic. “There are moments of absolute peace, and there are moments of pure joy, and there is a lot of pushing my body’s limits. But, the reward is priceless. To stand back and look at what I’ve accomplished, and the beauty I have helped Mother Nature bring forth… it’s like being the Earth’s doula!”

When you wander the grounds of Ancient Lore Village you may see Hannah hard at work, dirt caked firmly under her fingernails, or Sandi staring at a certain spot, envisioning how it will look years from now as the plants spread and flourish. Visit our Knoxville, Tennessee immersive retreat destination to inspire your own green thumb, and experience the magic of our beautiful and responsible gardens for yourself!

​In the midst of your major vacation planning, don’t forget to plan satisfying summer getaways. Whether it’s a day excursion, an overnight stay, or a long weekend, mini-trips can offer a refreshing respite and a chance to reconnect with the ones you hold dear. No matter what length of time you choose, combine the six elements below and you’ll reap the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of a short-term sojourn.

1.  Begin With a Dash of Nature

Add the beauty and tranquility of nature to your summer stopover and you’ll immediately multiply the rejuvenation quotient. Take a quiet walk, soak in the sounds of a cascading waterfall, or toast the close of a relaxing day with a sunset cocktail.

ALV Travel Tip: Explore our hiking trails and pick your own pace: meditate on the sights, sounds, feelings, and smells of nature, or get a move on to get your blood flowing.

3.  Add Mouthwatering Food

The mini-trip is the perfect time to splurge! Leave the fast food behind and indulge in a minimum of one unforgettable meal. Don’t skip the drinks or dessert… your perfect power getaway is brief enough to have you back to the gym in no time.

ALV Travel Tip: Make reservations for chef-created cuisine at Ancient Lore Village at least 48 hours in advance; we guarantee it will be a decadent experience!

4.  Throw in a Pinch of Education

Check the box for “learning something new every day” during your mini-trip. Uncover history, people, places, and things by visiting attractions, museums, and historic areas such as those in Sevierville or Pigeon Forge, both only a 30-55-minute drive from Ancient Lore Village.

ALV Travel Tip: Learning and wonder await when you listen to Ancient Lore Village self-guided audio tours, all easily accessible through our app.

5.  Stir Together with Quality Time

Make reconnecting a priority by spending time with the ones you love with no outlets or charging cords required. Bond over a board game, pull out the playing cards, or share s’mores and stories around a bonfire underneath a starry sky.

ALV Travel Tip: Ancient Lore Village is the ideal place to make memories during your family reunion, wedding, or corporate retreat!

Enjoy Ancient Lore Village Like Never Before

It’s Springtime in East Tennessee! As the flowers bloom and the earth comes back to life, Ancient Lore Village is the perfect place for new beginnings. And now, making time to rest, regroup, and ground yourself for a new and vibrant season is easier than ever. Read on to learn about the latest inspiring ways to immerse yourself in the Ancient Lore Village experience!

New Ways to Visit

Whether you’re looking for a quiet hike, a rousing game of Jumbo Jenga, or simply to learn more about how the Village came to be, you’ll find it with the new Ancient Lore Village Discovery Pass.

From 11:00am to 3:00pm daily, you can spend time at our peaceful retreat and choose your own way to play! Pick your pass and enjoy our amenities including self-guided audio tours, fun at the Gremlin Gameyard, adventurous axe throwing and archery, or a mouthwatering lunch from our culinary team. Once you’re here, download our new Ancient Lore Village app to access everything you need—our self-guided tours, calendar of events, social media links, and more—to create your own relaxing day.

New Locations for Celebrations

You won’t believe the new and beautiful places at Ancient Lore Village!

The Overlook at Willows Landing is our latest multi-purpose meeting venue offering the Willows Landing bar, guest registration, and gift shop. An ideal setting for weddings and other group gatherings, Willows Landing proudly boasts one of the most scenic spots at the resort: The Overlook—a generously-spaced, multi-tiered patio area complete with seating and surrounded by gorgeous landscaping. Book your own special event, or just unwind anytime. Enjoy a glass of wine, a moment to jot in your journal, or time with the one you love most while soaking in a panoramic view of Ancient Lore’s rolling property, charming dwellings, and breathtaking waterfall. 

New Treasures to Take Home

Our gift shop is better than ever, providing the perfect mementos of your trip to bring home to friends (or keep for yourself)!

Pick from handmade pottery dishes, elegant rustic home decor, or our unbeatable collection of rabbit figurines. Keep on the lookout for our first coloring book: the whimsical story of Ancient Lore Village’s Fairies that will provide a screen-free escape for both kids and adults. And coming soon, the ultimate way to keep Ancient Lore Village close to your heart: an original line of jewelry designed exclusively for the resort by Jewelry Television, one of the largest jewelry retailers in the United States. Representing the resort’s eight unity values, each piece of fine jewelry with real gemstones contains the healing, restorative powers that are always present at the place where only good exists.

No matter how much we grow at Ancient Lore Village, it is truly our guests who bring life, love, and happiness to our unique retreat. Visit our Knoxville, Tennessee resort often to see our new beginnings – and make time to get away and create your own. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Experiencing goodness doesn’t have to be temporary, however: it can become a lifelong practice. If you’re looking for a roadmap on your journey to make the world a better place, we’ve got the perfect guide. Our Unity Values reflect the eight foundational traits of goodness. See how many you can use each day to brighten someone else’s life!

Unity Value #1: Determination 

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” – William Edward Hickson 

Struggling to reach a goal can feel like a never-ending battle, whether it involves weight loss, a promotion at work, or simply to get your kids into bed earlier each night. With steady steps and patient resolve, however, you will achieve victory. It’s just a matter of time. 

“A great man is always willing to be little.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Look at me” selfies and “I, me, my” statements have become the social norm in our Internet-driven world. Try a different approach with praise for a local business, friend, or colleague on social media, then enjoy the warm fuzzies from their surprised appreciation.

Unity Value #5: Empathy

“The opposite of anger is not calmness, its empathy.” – Mehmet Oz

Frustrated with a co-worker’s unexpected absence? Cashier in the checkout line moving at the speed of slow? When you feel your face getting hot, take a deep breath. Then, focus on what may be the hidden cause of the problem. It might be something you’re thankful not to be going through yourself.

“Honesty is the fastest way to prevent a mistake from turning into a failure.” – James Altucher

Whether breaking unhappy news, admitting a faux pax, or just being real, telling the truth is never easy. With consistent honesty, however, you’ll inspire trust in others – and in yourself.  

Unity Value #7: Wisdom 

“The unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates

Listening more than speaking, being open to the opinions of others, and being aware of your surroundings provides a daily dose of wisdom. When you take the time to soak life in, you’ll have extra energy to give those around you.

“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” – Albert Einstein

You may not know the stranger standing next to you, but chances are they have an exciting story to tell. Treat everyone around you as if you know them… and that they are fabulous… because they probably are! At the very least, they are sharing this moment on Earth with you; that, alone, makes them special.

Goodness in the world isn’t happenstance; we each have the power within us to create it. Even the smallest efforts done on a consistent basis will add up to significant change. A single positive action can touch people far outside our own circles and last longer than the initial moment of our effort – maybe even beyond our own lifetimes!

Need to hit refresh on your goodness-ometer? Visit Ancient Lore Village to experience the Unity Values in action. After you’ve hit the bullseye with your axe throwing, savored a scrumptious gourmet meal, and spent a restful night surrounded in luxury, we know you’ll carry those joyful feelings home with you. Next steps: accept the challenge to make your own positive impact, and spread those happy feelings like fairy dust. Contact us and live the good life today!

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  – Margaret Mead

At Ancient Lore Village, we take the word “Village” very seriously! Not only does it reflect our Knoxville, Tennessee resort and the book it is based upon, Bokee’s Trek: Outcasts to the Inner Earth, it represents how we view our entire resort team. Each of our Ancient Lore “Villagers” has a special role and all are essential to making the experience of our guests the best it can be.

Creating a productive and supportive atmosphere is the key to any company’s success. In this blog post, we’ll share five ways to make your own workplace village thrive!

Open the Door to Relationships

There’s nothing better than having a friend at work and research has shown that close relationships in the workplace aid in retention. Provide cross-departmental opportunities for your employees to socialize, such as a special event involving food – everyone loves a good meal! Try an outdoor barbeque break, a family-friendly picnic to celebrate a company milestone, or boxed lunches for a small-group Q & A between employees and your leadership team.

Provide Mentors

Bringing on a new staff member is always exciting. Make sure your “new kid on the block” feels supported by pairing them with a mentor. From making introductions to explaining how the printer works, your veteran team member can help your new hire feel welcome and comfortable. The same goes for an existing employee who has just been promoted… while they may feel equipped for the job, having a more experienced co-worker in the wings can ease stress.

Support Interaction

Instead of sending an email or a text to ask a question or discuss a project, encourage your team members to visit one another in real life! Promote a workplace culture of active listening that includes eye contact and engaged body language, along with an openness to new thoughts and ideas. 

Looking for a special getaway for your own workplace villagers? Give us a call to learn more about our one-of-a-kind corporate retreats, well-appointed meeting facilities, meaningful team-building activities, and so much more!