article published: 3.22.6

Take an

OLYMPIC WHITWATER JOURNEY

with Adventures Unlimited

Having secured a longterm contract for water releases after much negotiation, area outfitters are pleased to be offering upper river trips again this year - and for at least 13 more rafting seasons to come.  Adventures Unlimited owners Julie and Carlo Smith offer their guests 3 trip options - upper river, lower river, and full day excursions which includes both, and a tasty shore lunch in between.

But those aren't the only options at Adventures Unlimited 32 acre woodsy outpost on Highway 64. There's a climbing wall, cabins and bungalows, campgrounds with RV hookups, cool beverages from their open air bar, catering - and live outdoor music on weekends this summer.

The OCOEE OPRY is returning to the Adventures Unlimited outpost, where all are invited to grab some friends, a couple of lawn chairs, laid back attitudes -and enjoy East Tennessee summer nights like hillbillies have been doing in these mountains for generations.   Check our Festivals and Events page for the line up of entertainment.

Adventures Unlimited has managed to remain "small enough to offer its guests lots of personal attention, yet large enough to maintain the best equipment and facility," according to owner, Carlo Smith.

The rustic barn-style general store is headquarters for all activities at the outpost.

Carlo and wife, Julie, turned the tradition of Carlo's youth into their own family's tradition. Their children, Benjamin - 8, Daniel - 5, and new Sarah -10 months, are being given the childhood their father enjoyed at the Hiwassee River outpost his family founded back in 1983.

Carlo's parents began bringing him to the Hiwassee River from Birmingham each summer, as they ran a similar business with their own family. With a college degree in business and several interviews in the "real world" under his belt, Carlo began asking himself some "real questions" - like "What happens when it's sunny out - and 'they' say you gotta work? I realized, 'real' work didn't suit me."

So - the Smith's are now raising their kids in the scenic surroundings in which they work - and have diversified their rafting company over the past 13 years to include cabin and bungalow rentals, a climbing wall, campground w/RV hookups, catering, outdoor bar, and now - the return of the Ocoee Opry.

My own family has rented their cozy cabins on a number of occasions, including my daughter's 16th birthday at "the Beehive".  We enjoyed a roaring October campfire, bunk beds, fully furnished kitchen and comfy cabin furnishing.               It was one of the most fun excursions in our birthday memory book.

Bungalows are now available for overnite stays - 2 more to be added Winter '06.  Stay around and enjoy!