Three Arrows Retreat is the Mountain Getaway You’ve Been Looking For

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway to Tennessee’s Overhill region or need a family vacation in the mountains, Three Arrows Retreat has you covered. Located at the edge of the Cherokee National Forest on Etowah’s Starr Mountain, the retreat currently has two A-frame cabins on the 72-acre property. It’s a family-run getaway run by Brian and Stacie Ruth.

“We tucked the houses into the mountain, so you don’t see them when you’re driving up,” says Brian. “But as a guest, you get privacy and beautiful views overlooking the region. We also tried to save as many trees as we could during the building process, keeping you immersed in nature.”

Brian and Stacie have exciting plans for the future, but are ready to host guests at their retreat right now. Here’s what you can expect when you book at Three Arrows. 

Everything You Want in One Place

The Ruths built their A-Frames with easy living in mind, creating an experience that makes guests feel comfortable and relaxed. Each house has a chef’s kitchen with every tool you need to prepare vacation meals if that’s your thing, high-speed internet via Starlink for those that need to stream, work or game a bit to really relax, and plenty of natural light. When Brian needed to cut down a tree to build the house, he saved the wood and repurposed as much as he could in the interior design.

When you step outside, you can enjoy the fire pits with split wood in abundance and a hot tub at each cabin, or simply recline in a chair or hammock, grab your favorite beverage, and listen to the sounds of nature while catching a sunset. The hum of summer cicadas or forest tree frogs are just another perk.

The Ruths have a three-night minimum for guests visiting the retreat and a welcome gift specialized for your stay. However, they find people rarely want to leave once they get settled in. Some couples unload their bags and groceries, then spend the weekend snuggling and resting between hikes. Other families enjoy their time in the woods across the region or right off the porch, sharing adventures during the day and s’mores over the fire pit at night.

“We’ve had the best guests. Some are visiting relatives in our area or coming for a planned adventure, such as river activities or a wedding at one of our local venues. We’ve had quite a few first-time visitors to this side of the Smokies, and if they are anything like me, they are hunting waterfalls”, says Stacie.

A Retreat in the Making

While the Ruths currently have two A-Frame houses to choose from – one sleeping up to eight people and the smaller one more intimate with a bedroom and a loft – they plan to continue building on the land, balancing the desire for peace and privacy with the joy of additional amenities.

Brian will continue building more houses, while also investing in communal areas for guests. There will be a container gym later this year and a barn intended for events, oh, and a pickleball court in the future as well. What started as a simple short-term rental business has grown into an independent retreat and will soon become a favorite destination for families to return to each year.

“We have a vision for the mountain with common spaces where people can come together,” says Stacie. “We just started taking bookings a year ago and have been amazed at how quickly this has grown.” 

Three Arrows and One New Life

This project is a labor of love for the married couple, who have been together for 26 years. Originally from Tennessee, Brian and Stacie lived in Florida for several years, with Stacie working in corporate America, until the mountains started calling them back.

“You don’t realize when you’re growing up how much beauty is around here, you sort of take it for granted,” says Brian.

The Ruths bought a piece of property in McMinn County, where they can watch the sun rise over the mountains, and intended to build a single house on it. They wanted the space to be a vacation home, not a full-time residence. However, they quickly fell in love with the town and realized their next chapter was back home in Eastern Tennessee.

“I wanted to slow down as I got older, but now I’m working harder than ever,” says Brian, who will be building all of the retreat houses and common areas. “But I love it. I have all my own equipment, and I’m building something that matters for the community.”

The Ruths are doing it together and have embraced the Overhill lifestyle. They get to meet the different guests who stay in their cabins and share the parts of Tennessee they love best. 

Come for the Stay, Then Stay for McMinn 

Three Arrows Retreat is in an exceptional location in Etowah. It’s a five-minute drive from local amenities in McMinn County, including the grocery store and hospital (in case of emergencies), with access to endless hiking trails and the Hiwassee River nearby. Visitors can spend their day on the water fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the cool currents.

“We encourage people to enjoy the central location as much as their stay. A short drive in any direction allows you to see so much of what our region and culture have to offer, " says Stacie.

Whether you are looking for an event-filled fall or need an escape from your busy schedule, consider Three Arrows Retreat for your McMinn County getaway. With only two A-frame houses currently built, book in advance to secure your stay. 

Plan Your Visit to McMinn County 

There’s plenty to do in McMinn County for couples, families, and adventurers. Check out some of our local attractions that amaze visitors from across the country. Plan your meals (and ice cream breaks) and arrive hungry for good Tennessee cuisine. Whatever your vacation goals, you can find what you need here.