by Jim Watson © 2008, All Rights Reserved

She's the hardest working woman in the world. Part psychologist and part chef, moms fulfill dozens of vital roles in the family including chauffeur, nurse, friend, playmate, wife, disciplinarian, teacher, personal shopper and so many others. In fact, according to Salary.com, if moms were paid, they'd earn almost $150,000 per year. Money well deserved.

But with all that responsibility comes tremendous stress. Wouldn't it be fabulous to give Mom a gift this year that's truly unique and memorable? Talk with some other families then send Mom and a couple of her friends to the Smoky Mountains for a fun-filled mom's weekend getaway!

Planning a Mom's Weekend

Start with reserving a gorgeous log cabin or mountain chalet. Certainly not the rustic cabins Grizzly Adams lived in. These are luxurious, well-appointed cabins with exceptional amenities including Jacuzzis, large garden tubs, big porches and amazing scenery. Comfortable and cozy, these are a great place to stay when you want some peace and quiet.

De-Stress & Unwind

Once Mom has checked in, she and her friends can head out for one of their favorite pastimes: Shopping! The Village is a premier setting with 27 unique shops. Step through the archway and into a simpler time with a slower pace and plenty of nostalgic charm. From crystals to coffee and desserts to décor, Mom and her friends will delight at the variety. They can even have lunch at their choice of on-site restaurants or cafes.

Once finished, she and her group can venture off to a winery tour and tasting. Seeing how grapes and other fruits are transformed into a delicious array of wines is only part of the fun. The tasting is almost everyone's favorite event.

After returning to the chalet, Mom and her friends can be greeted with an in-cabin massage. Professional masseurs will set the atmosphere with relaxing candles, music and comfortable massage tables as each one in the group is treated to the massage of their choosing. Select from facials, neck and arm massages, hot stone or full body treatments that will melt away every ounce of tension in Mom's body.

When the afternoon of fun and relaxation is over, Mom and her gang can head off to an exciting night at one of the local dinner theaters. Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede is an exhilarating adventure filled with live horses and other animals all performing right before your eyes. Guests are treated to a country cookin' menu that's simply mouthwatering. If hilarity and Italian food are more her style, Mom can take in Hoot N' Holler inside WonderWorks for a dinner theater experience that will have her in stitches.

So what are the girls supposed to do on day two? Ice skating at Ober Gatlinburg, bargain shopping at several outlet malls, ooh and ahh at nimble Chinese acrobats or see the life of Christ played out in full display through an incredible drama. Hiking, swimming, horseback riding and so much more are available for Mom on her long-awaited - and greatly deserved! - getaway to the Smokies. Start planning Mom's surprise today!

Jim Watson is Owner of Timbercreek Cabins offering lodging near Pigeon Forge. Cabin rentals are now available. Visit our log cabins page today for a complete listing of cabin rentals.