Citizen Advance

A unique bed & breakfast has opened its doors on Parksville Road. In addition to providing a place to stay, Ocoee Mist offers a farm atmosphere--but not like any farm most folks are used to.

This 40-acre site has 16 llamas, 9 goats, two camels, 7 donkeys (five miniatures), a sheep, 9 dogs, 6 cats, a turkey, geese, a peacock and three little pigs. For Carol and Kevin Hawkins, the animals are part of the family -- and they want to share that family.

"The ambience of the place is that the animals come up to you," Carol explained as she , Kevin and her visitors stood surrounded by llamas curious about where they were going, with a camel looking over their shoulders, a miniature donkey looking at the action, and a goat pulling on a shirttail.

The goats, including several babies, were in another enclosure while the geese wandered around the front yard, waiting for Kevin to finish building their pond. The peacock has the run of the place.

The guest house includes four rooms, one handicap accessible, each with a bathroom and private entrance, with microwave, refrigerator, and gas logs.

The family moved to Parksville Road from Dalton (Ga), where they had a similar operation on a smaller scale--just one room above the barn. The popularity of the unique accommodations convinced them that they needed a place where they could offer more rooms. It also convinced them that the people and the animals enjoy each other equally.

They looked throughout the region for a suitable location and found it in Polk County, where a thriving tourist business provides ample opportunity for business. The Hawkins hope to help with the effort to extend the tourist season by offering llama treks in the forest in the spring, fall, and winter, They have been attending meetings of the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Association to become more aware of the tourist attractions besides the rivers and have brought the llamas to several activities such as the cleanup day and the Cinco de Mayo festival in Copperhill.

Why llamas? Carol saw one at the San Diego zoo 20 years ago and immediately wanted to have one. They started with four llamas. A donkey and hiking trips, and everything snowballed from there. The first camel was an anniversary present from Kevin after Carol fell in love with one that a friend had.

The odd assortment of animals all get along well together, apparently unmindful that they are different species rather than siblings. Visitors are welcome with open hooves, a face-to-face inspection, and an occasional gentle snuffle in the ear.