Perched on a hill above the Toe River and minutes from Penland School you’ll find Dougs Way, a modern cabin with picture windows that frame mountain views as if it were art. Surrounded by old oaks and loblolly pines, the property is private offering unique choices like a Japanese soaking tub, 2-sided fireplace, fast fiber internet, shuffleboard, turntable & records, gourmet kitchen, and the true craftsmanship found in handmade details like the bent cherrywood “cloud” above the dining table!
We live off-site and are very responsive by phone, text, and email. If you need recommendations on what to do in the area, directions, or have a question about the property, we are always more than happy to help. While we do not live close-by, we do have many local resources to help out should onsite assistance be needed. We will do everything we can to make sure you enjoy every minute of your getaway.
Mountain towns often keep their magic tucked away—hidden waterfalls, small well-curated galleries, backroad orchards, and starlit overlooks you won’t find on a billboard. Staying at Doug’s Way puts you in the heart of it all, and our interactive guidebook turns your trip into a treasure hunt, leading you to the region’s best-kept secrets.
Arts & Culture
+ The area is best known for creativity & the outdoors. With Penland School of Craft, America’s oldest and largest craft school, and a vibrant creative community or artists located throughout Western North Carolina you can explore small, well-curated galleries, shop directly with artists in their home studios, and browse unique shops featuring gems and minerals of all kinds. Drop-in for a self guided tour of Penland’s campus or visit their world class gallery and museum. Spruce Pine is also the home of the National Mineral Museum and historic Dellinger’s Grist Mill (1867).
Outdoor Adventures
+ Hike breathtaking trails at Roan Mountain, Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, and Mount Mitchell. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for endless views and picnic spots. Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Paddle or float down the Toe River, cast a line in clear mountain streams, play a round at scenic mountain golf courses, or explore Lake James and Brad Ragan Park. For more thrills, try zip lines through the treetops or cool off tubing on a lazy river. In winter, ski or snowboard at Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, or Hatley Pointe — each a fun day trip away!
Food & Drink
+ Enjoy locally owned restaurants and cozy cafés in Spruce Pine, Burnsville & Little Switzerland, sip wine at hillside vineyards, sample craft beer at mountain breweries, or pick heritage apples and traditional options at the Orchard at Alta Pass, also known for their live music, museum and gift shop!
Unique Experiences
+ Go rock & gem hunting at local mines, visit colorful butterfly gardens, stargaze at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park, or enjoy family fun at seasonal festivals and art fairs. Whether your day ends with a mountain sunset, a glass of wine, or the Milky Way overhead, Doug’s Way is the perfect base for your Blue Ridge adventure.
ABOUT THE HOUSE
+ Dougs Way was created by celebrated woodworker and designer Doug Sigler and features rich cherry wood and oak throughout with elegant details like the bent cherry cloud above the dining table. The cabin is nestled into an artist community and that is reflected in the artwork throughout the cabin, such as the handmade tableware and mugs, original artwork throughout created by renowned artists from all over the globe! Some have work in such museums as: The Smithsonian, The Mint Museum and The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Guests have access to all areas of the grounds and the house, except for 2 locked closets and the utility area that is also locked. The garage is available using the door opener.
Directions and access instructions will be emailed to you prior to arrival.
A vehicle is required to get around.
Mountain towns often keep their magic tucked away—hidden waterfalls, small well-curated galleries, backroad orchards, and starlit overlooks you won’t find on a billboard. Staying at Doug’s Way puts you in the heart of it all, and our interactive guidebook turns your trip into a treasure hunt, leading you to the region’s best-kept secrets.
Arts & Culture
+ The area is best known for creativity & the outdoors. With Penland School of Craft, America’s oldest and largest craft school, and a vibrant creative community or artists located throughout Western North Carolina you can explore small, well-curated galleries, shop directly with artists in their home studios, and browse unique shops featuring gems and minerals of all kinds. Drop-in for a self guided tour of Penland’s campus or visit their world class gallery and museum. Spruce Pine is also the home of the National Mineral Museum and historic Dellinger’s Grist Mill (1867).
Outdoor Adventures
+ Hike breathtaking trails at Roan Mountain, Linville Falls, Crabtree Falls, and Mount Mitchell. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for endless views and picnic spots. Drive the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Paddle or float down the Toe River, cast a line in clear mountain streams, play a round at scenic mountain golf courses, or explore Lake James and Brad Ragan Park. For more thrills, try zip lines through the treetops or cool off tubing on a lazy river. In winter, ski or snowboard at Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain, or Hatley Pointe — each a fun day trip away!
Food & Drink
+ Enjoy locally owned restaurants and cozy cafés in Spruce Pine, Burnsville & Little Switzerland, sip wine at hillside vineyards, sample craft beer at mountain breweries, or pick heritage apples and traditional options at the Orchard at Alta Pass, also known for their live music, museum and gift shop!
Unique Experiences
+ Go rock & gem hunting at local mines, visit colorful butterfly gardens, stargaze at the Mayland Earth to Sky Park, or enjoy family fun at seasonal festivals and art fairs. Whether your day ends with a mountain sunset, a glass of wine, or the Milky Way overhead, Doug’s Way is the perfect base for your Blue Ridge adventure.
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HELENE
Hurricane Helene did have an effect on the area. However, we are largely back to normal. Area roads and the roads to the cabin are repaired. Restaurants, attractions and other businesses have largely reopened and are operating like normal.
WHAT IS THE ROAD LIKE? IS 4-WHEEL DRIVE NECESSARY?
4-Wheel/All Wheel drive is not necessary. We visited the region for years in a Honda sedan without issue. Rear wheel drive vehicles with low ground clearance (like hatchbacks and several mini-vans), as well as light vehicles (small trucks), are not ideal and might take more experience to drive in steep sections. The way to the cabin is almost entirely on paved roads. The last 1-2 minutes is on a gravel road with one steep spot just before you turn onto our lane which is flat.
FALL FOLIAGE: Typically fall foliage begins October 1 and, barring an early frost, ends the first week of November. It usually peaks around the 20th through late October.
PHONE SERVICE:
Verizon is the primary mobile carrier for the area. Other mobile users are encouraged to check their carrier's coverage in the region.
Prior to your stay, we require you to complete a pre-arrival form and sign & agree to our rental conditions.
