Hiwassee Acres

When searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" with a distinctive focus on nature, activities, and a welcoming atmosphere in the East Tennessee area, Hiwassee Acres in Calhoun, TN, stands out as a truly unique destination. Located at 900 Co Rd 950, Calhoun, TN 37309, USA, this expansive 225-acre property offers much more than a typical hotel stay, providing an immersive experience for individuals, families, and groups.

Hiwassee Acres is nestled in a serene, rural setting in Calhoun, Tennessee, bordering over a mile of the historic Hiwassee River. This picturesque environment is one of its strongest selling points, offering peace, tranquility, and direct access to nature. The property is designed for outdoor lovers, with lush landscapes, fields, and wooded areas that invite exploration. Despite its secluded feel, it remains accessible, with the nearby towns of Cleveland and Athens, TN, approximately 30 minutes away, offering additional dining and shopping options. For those seeking broader regional attractions, the property is about 45 minutes from the Ocoee River, famous for whitewater rafting, and is also close to the Cherokee National Forest, the Cherohala Skyway, and various wineries.

The "peace and tranquility" are frequently highlighted by guests, providing a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The property's charm is further enhanced by its resident farm animals, including goats, a sweet cow named Addie, and egg-laying hens, which guests are welcome to interact with and even help feed. The presence of friendly animals, notably Watson, the dog who is affectionately referred to as the "Hiwassee ambassador," adds a warm, personal touch to the natural environment.

Hiwassee Acres offers a diverse range of lodging options and an impressive array of activities and amenities, distinguishing it from conventional hotels. Accommodations include private rooms, suites, and villas within a main lodge, as well as RV campsites for those traveling with their own recreational vehicles. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and comfort of the lodging, with reviews noting that rooms are "very clean and nice" and that the property is "SUPER Clean!"

Key services and amenities include:

• Lodging Options: Guests can choose from various room types, including "Sunshine," "Farmstead," "Woods," and "River" themed rooms, as well as suites like "Wanderlust" (2-bedroom) and "Dreamer" (3-bedroom), and villas (Sweetgum, Hickory, Poplar, Dogwood). The lodge can also be rented in its entirety for groups, offering 6 distinct units, each with separate kitchens, living rooms, and bedroom spaces, along with a large communal lobby and kitchen. Many accommodations feature full kitchens, linens, towels, Keurig coffee machines, and Smart TVs with WiFi.

• Complimentary Daily Breakfast: Hiwassee Acres provides a delicious breakfast for guests, typically served from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM, ensuring a great start to the day. Guests can also enjoy farm-fresh eggs gathered from the property's hens.

• Extensive Outdoor Activities: The property offers a wealth of complimentary outdoor activities, making it an adventure playground for all ages. These include kayaking and paddleboarding on the Hiwassee River (with direct river access), miles of hiking trails, disc golf, pickleball courts, cornhole, and fishing in the stocked pond or the river. Bonfire pits are available for evening relaxation, and guests can enjoy stargazing. There are also Adirondack chairs and hanging chairs by the river for peaceful enjoyment of the scenery.

• Farm Animal Interaction: A truly unique amenity is the opportunity to interact with the farm animals. Guests can spend time petting and loving on the animals, and are welcome to join evening feeding times, which is particularly popular with children.

• Horseback Riding: For an additional experience, horseback riding lessons and trail rides are available, allowing guests to explore the acreage's trails and fields from a different perspective. This unique experience can be personalized based on skill level.

• Exceptional Hospitality: The owners, David and Kathi, are consistently praised for their "amazing" hospitality, going "above and beyond" to accommodate guests. Reviewers frequently describe feeling "at home" and making "friends for life," highlighting the personalized and friendly service from all staff, including their ambassador dog, Watson.

• Event and Retreat Facilities: Beyond individual stays, Hiwassee Acres functions as a versatile event and retreat center. It offers multiple locations for weddings or corporate events, a catering kitchen, and modern living spaces, making it ideal for family reunions, workshops, and various group gatherings. Services for events include different wedding packages (Elopement, Micro Wedding, Full Day Wedding, Weekday, Weekend) with varying attendee capacities and pricing.

• Free WiFi: High-speed internet is available across the property, allowing guests to stay connected even in this natural setting.

• Pet-Friendly (RV Camping/Villas): While pets are generally not allowed in the main lodge, they are welcomed in RV campsites and potentially in villas on a case-by-case basis (additional charges may apply). This flexibility caters to travelers with pets who wish to enjoy the outdoor environment.

Hiwassee Acres is distinct from traditional hotels due to its focus on providing an immersive, activity-rich, and highly personalized retreat experience. Its 225 acres along the Hiwassee River serve as the canvas for a wide array of complimentary outdoor activities, which is a major draw. The blend of comfortable, clean lodging with direct access to kayaking, hiking, fishing, and animal interaction creates a memorable stay that goes beyond a simple overnight stop.

The "family-like" atmosphere cultivated by owners David and Kathi, along with their friendly staff and the beloved dog Watson, is a recurring theme in guest reviews. This genuine warmth and willingness to "go out of their way to accommodate" differentiates Hiwassee Acres significantly. The property's ability to host both individual travelers seeking peace and quiet and large groups for events or conferences highlights its versatility. The recent renovation (Year Renovated: 2020) suggests modern comforts within a rustic setting, as guests have praised the "super cozy" beds and "well stocked" kitchens.

The "Heaven on the Hiwassee" description perfectly encapsulates the feeling many guests take away from their visit. The blend of nature, engaging activities, and exceptional hospitality makes it a "dream" destination for those who "love the outdoors" and seek a blend of peace and community.

While Hiwassee Acres is an independent property and may not participate in large hotel loyalty programs, its value is often found in the comprehensive experience it offers. The "all amenities are FREE with your stay" (referring to activities like kayaking, hiking, fishing, disc golf, and animal interaction) is a significant promotional point, as these activities would typically incur additional costs at other resorts.

For individuals or groups planning a visit, direct booking through the Hiwassee Acres website or by phone at (423) 829-1333 or mobile phone +1 423-829-1333 is recommended to inquire about specific availability, room types, and any seasonal packages or group rates. They also offer specific pricing for weddings and other events, which can be found by contacting them or visiting their website. Given the positive reviews and unique offerings, booking in advance, especially for popular times or group events, is advisable.

In summary, Hiwassee Acres in Calhoun, TN, is highly recommended for local users searching on "Hotels Near Of Me" who desire a unique and immersive natural retreat. It promises not just a place to sleep, but an experience filled with outdoor adventure, genuine hospitality, and a chance to connect with nature and friendly farm animals, making it a truly special getaway in East Tennessee.