Ancient Lore Village is located in Knoxville, TN, and is perfectly nestled amidst the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. To reach this destination, my husband and I embarked on a scenic 5-hour drive from Cincinnati, OH. We had the pleasure of staying for two nights and our experience of exploring this enchanting storybook setting was nothing short of magical!
I would like to start out by thanking Ancient Lore Village for being an outstanding host, and as always all opinions are my own.
Ancient Lore Village was inspired by the book "Bokee's Trek," which portrays creatures from different walks of life uniting and coexisting harmoniously. The story revolves around Bokee, who embarks on adventures visiting various villages inhabited by fairies, orcs, gremlins, leprechauns, dwarves, yetis, tree elves, and ground elves. At Ancient Lore Village, the essence of this book manifests, creating a genuine sense of community for all who stay there.
Each dwelling at Ancient Lore Village features a unique and whimsical theme that immerses you in the enchanting world of Inner Earth. The available accommodations include Bokee's Bungalow, Waterfall Villa, Gremlin Dens, Leprechaun Lair, Fairy Cottage, and Orc Home. During our stay, we had the pleasure of experiencing the captivating Leprechaun Lair, which enhanced our magical journey.
In addition to the experience of staying in a whimsical dwelling, our time at Ancient Lore Village was filled with fun activities. We embarked on a self-guided tour of the grounds, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the enchanting atmosphere. We also tried out archery and axe throwing for the first time, enjoying some thrilling moments. To top it all off, we savored delicious chef's choice dinners at night. It was a truly memorable trip full of fun experiences.
The Leprechaun Lair
The Leprechaun Lair dwelling is full of fun details that make you feel like you've found the treasure at the end of the rainbow. The walls have a mesmerizing shimmer of gold, along with specially placed gems. The large fireplace with its swirling bricks is a whimsical touch that ties everything together.
The outside features a vibrant garden full of blooming flowers in the summer, which adds to the magical atmosphere of the dwelling. It boasts a Hobbit Hole-style door and two charming windows. The fairytale-esque stone walkway leads you through the garden and to the door where you'll enter.
The room has a comfortable king-size bed topped with cozy blankets and fluffy pillows. The wet bar features a small fridge, a microwave, a coffee pot, and dishes. The refrigerator is stocked with drinks and breakfast items (please note that breakfast is only included in the Ultimate Overnight Package; if you choose a package without breakfast, this won't be included).
The gold-speckled walls continue in the bathroom, where you'll also find a gorgeous black and gold vanity. The walk-in shower features mermaid-style tiles in various shades of green. The toilet is vintage-style with a pull chain for flushing.
Experiences at Ancient Lore Village
Make sure to check out the different packages on their website and pick what fits you the best! If you're not staying overnight you can purchase various day pass packages!
Self-Guided Audio Tour
Start your Ancient Lore Village adventure with a self-guided audio tour! You can download the Ancient Lore Village App for Android or iOS devices. The "Story of Ancient Lore Village" tour offers a captivating journey through the history of the grounds and dwellings, providing insights into the inspiration behind "Bokee's Trek". It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the lore and enhance your overall experience at Ancient Lore Village. I highly recommend it!
Axe Throwing and Archery
Unleash your inner warrior at Axe Throwing and Archery! The range is located on top of a hill in the Village. An employee picked us up at our scheduled time with a golf cart and drove us to the ranges. There are five axe-throwing lanes and four archery lanes. We spent 30 minutes on each activity. I wasn't initially good at either, but eventually, I started hitting the targets at the end!
Events
If you're planning a visit to Ancient Lore Village, don't forget to check out the event calendar to stay informed about the exciting happenings during your stay. During our visit, we had an absolute blast attending Trivia night, which conveniently takes place almost
every Wednesday.
Chef's Choice Dining
If you're like me and struggle with decision-making when it comes to dinner, the Chef's Choice dining experience at Ancient Lore Village is an absolute dream come true. During our stay, we opted for this delightful option for two consecutive nights, and it exceeded our expectations. Each dinner was 3 courses that included a fresh salad, entree, and dessert. If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to inform the staff 48 hours in advance. They are attentive and accommodating, ensuring a delightful dining experience tailored to your needs.
Play Games in the Ground Elf Burrows or Gremlin Gameyard
The Ground Elf Burrows serves as a communal space for all visitors to gather and enjoy shared activities. Inside, you'll find a TV for entertainment, a collection of board games and puzzles to challenge your mind and restroom facilities.
The Gremlin Gameyard is located outside past the Yeti Cave and has outdoor games such as corn hole, yard pong, jumbo jenga, and connect four. This is a great spot to make memories and enjoy the surrounding area of Ancient Lore Village.
Bokee's Golf Challenge
If you're feeling lucky or really amazing at golf, try out this challenge. You get 3 balls for $5. If you hit the green you can win a free Signature Event ticket and if you land the ball in the bucket you can win a free night stay in a King Dwelling. Tickets can be purchased at the Fireside Grill.
Unity Fire Pit
Enjoy the enchanting ambiance of Ancient Lore Village by spending evenings around the inviting firepit located in the Village Gardens. This amenity is available to all guests, providing a perfect spot to relax and unwind. As night falls, the symphony of croaking frogs adds a touch of nature's melody to the atmosphere, creating a truly magical experience.
Hiking Trails
Explore more of the beautiful grounds through the hiking trails! There are two trails to choose from, or do both! Pinnacle Point starts at the base of Boyd Hollow Falls and the trailhead to the Woodland Terrace starts on the trail to the Axe and Archery Ranges. Ancient Lore Village's hiking trails provide a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories amidst the picturesque setting.
Ancient Lore Village is a place that ignited my imagination and truly made me feel like I was living in a storybook. Each moment spent exploring the whimsical grounds, from the vibrant gardens to the cozy nooks, filled my heart with so much happiness!