Crested Dwarf Iris, Lady Slipper Orchids and Flame Azalea will soon be in bloom in the Great Smoky Mountains; Enjoy this spring time spectacle with The Swag’s special package offered from April 23-28 and May 7-12.

Waynesville, NC (3/9/2017) — Each spring the Great Smoky Mountains come alive with the loveliest of spring blooms.  To celebrate the season, The Swag, a North Carolina mountain top hideaway  bordering the Park, will offer a “Walk in the Wildflowers ” package from April 23-28 and May 7-12.

Guests who sign up for the two-night package will enjoy a hearty breakfast, picnic lunch, evening hors d’oeuvres and a four-course dinner daily along with a wildflower book,  a commemorative hiking stick and a Swag backpack with a Swag picnic blanket.  The lodging package starts at $1,040 plus service fee and taxes.   A wildflower hike and picnic package is available each Wednesday (April 26 and May 10) for $45 per person plus tax and service.

From April 23-28,  Esther Blakely, a master naturalist and certified National Park interpreter, will be guiding the hike from April 23-28 and from May 7-12, Bob Collier, an avid birder and specialist in wildflowers, will be the hiking leader.

Blakely, who was named a National Park Centennial Ambassador, is a master naturalist, Elk expert and certified interpretative presenter for Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  She has lived in the area for more than 25 years and offered guiding services through the National Park for ten years.  Collier, who hails from  has

Blakely offers some advice for those who wish to view spring wildflowers in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
WHAT TYPE OF WILDFLOWERS CAN BE FOUND IN THE SPRING IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS?

There are more than 1,500 species of wildflowers in the Smokies, so it is a long list.  Here is a short list of some of our most beautiful and abundant Spring Wildflowers.  In April, bloodroot, violets, crested Dwarf Iris, Squirrel Corn, Dutchman’s breeches, Trillium and Trout lily are most prevalent.  In May, Flame Azalea, Lady Slipper Orchids, Columbine, Solomon’s Sea, Jack in the Pulpit and Spring Beauty can be found and in June the Mountain Laurel, Wild Hydrangea, Phlox, and Yellow and Purple Fringed Orchids prevail.

IS THERE AN AREA IN THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS THAT IS BEST FOR VIEWING WILDFLOWERS?

One of my very favorite trails in the whole national park for wildflowers is the Cataloochee Divide Trail. This trail is located just steps away from any guestroom at The Swag.  It is in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but borders The Swag property.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE INTERESTING LITTLE KNOWN FACTS ABOUT GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK?

There are more wildflowers species in the Great Smoky Mountains than in all of Europe.  The park has been designated as an international Biosphere for its significance in plant and animal life.  It is one of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on the planet.    It is also the most visited National Park in the country receiving between 8 to 10 million visitors every year.  The Parks out west, Yellowstone and Grand Canyon, only receive about 4 million visitors every year.

Rates at The Swag start at $520 per night, with a two-night minimum, and are available through November 25th.    All prices include a hearty breakfast, picnic lunch, evening social hour on the front porch with hors d’oeuvres, four-course dinner and welcome gift.   Suite and Cabin accommodations also available.  Single rate, less $50 per night.

For reservations or more information including the complete schedule of hiking leaders, visit www.TheSwag.com or call 800-789-7672.

About The Swag

Entering its 36th season, The Swag is owned by Dan and Deener Matthews.  A 14-room romantic hiking hideaway bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag sits on 250 acres of private property at a 5000 foot elevation.   Just 50 minutes from Asheville, North Carolina, guests enjoy inspired dining, luxury level accommodations, world-class hiking, and a rotating schedule of hiking and event leaders.  For more information visit www.TheSwag.com or call 800-789-7672.

MEDIA CONTACT FOR THE SWAG:
Rebecca Werner, rebecca@nullwernerpr.com, telephone 773-248-3611 or 917-370-5005