In this heartfelt episode of For The Love of Gatlinburg, Tom and Phoebe Goodwin sit down with longtime Gatlinburg vacation rental owner and Chalet Village board member, Paula Elliott, to trace a three‑generation love story with the Smokies. Paula shares how her grandparents honeymooned in Gatlinburg in 1935 and returned for 50 straight years, planting seeds that eventually led her to become a third‑generation visitor and, later, a homeowner. She recalls simple childhood trips in a packed station wagon, car games, donuts, and the feeling that Gatlinburg was her family's "undiscovered" special place.​

Paula opens up about introducing her late husband John to the area, their journey to purchasing and pouring "blood, sweat, and tears" into Goldilocks Haven, and what it really takes to own and operate a short‑term rental with a heart for hospitality rather than profit alone. She talks candidly about faith, risk, and resilience through recessions, wildfires, COVID, and Holine, and why the Chalet Village community embodies "Mountain Tough, Mountain Strong." Listeners will hear why she believes the National Park, the crafter community, and Gatlinburg's locals make this place unlike anywhere else—and what she hopes every first‑time visitor says on the drive home

In the season two premiere of For the Love of Gatlinburg, Tom Goodwin welcomes a very special guest—and introduces his new co‑host—his daughter, journalist and storyteller Phoebe Goodwin. Together they reflect on a lifetime of memories rooted in Gatlinburg, from childhood trips in a packed suburban, to Thanksgiving mornings in Cade's Cove, to multi‑generational gatherings in Mountain Laurel Chalets cabins.​

Phoebe shares what it was like to grow up never knowing life without Gatlinburg or Mountain Laurel Chalets, and how her grandparents, founders Dot and Ralph Egli, modeled a legacy of hospitality, park advocacy, and deep love for the community that made their granddaughter feel "special" just walking through town. She describes the National Park as the "big forest" of her childhood, the stability of places like Cade's Cove compared to ever‑changing downtown, and why bringing college friends to Laurel Lodge became a legendary trip built around gathering and connection. Tom and Phoebe also cast a vision for season two: capturing the sacred, memory‑making power of Gatlinburg through the stories of people who have invested in the town and been shaped by it, both on the podcast and through written Substack essays.​

Episode 14 of For the Love of Gatlinburg welcomes Kelly Haas. Kelly, originally from Dayton, Ohio, shares her journey of falling in love with Gatlinburg and eventually making it her home. Her story begins with her twin sister's wedding in 1994, which sparked annual visits and a deep connection to the town's beauty and vibrancy.

The devastating fires of 2016 became a turning point, prompting Kelly to purchase property and build a cabin, ultimately leading to her employment at Mountain Laurel Chalets. As a resident, Kelly embraces Gatlinburg's outdoor lifestyle, enjoying activities like hiking, cooking on the deck, and having bonfires. She highlights October and July as her favorite months, perfect for various outdoor adventures. Her transition from a frequent guest to an employee at Mountain Laurel Chalet allows her to share her passion and knowledge with visitors, helping them create positive experiences and educating them about local wildlife.

Kelly reflects on the changes she's witnessed in Gatlinburg over 30 years, noting new attractions like Anakeesta and the Sky Bridge, while also acknowledging the loss of some beloved establishments. She emphasizes how the national park acts as a protective barrier, maintaining a balance between tourism-driven growth and preserving local heritage.

For those considering a move to Gatlinburg, Kelly offers valuable advice on connecting with the community through local organizations and social media groups. She also discusses the challenges of relocating, such as finding long-term services and navigating the differences between residential and tourist areas. Despite these hurdles, Kelly's story exemplifies the deep connection and commitment that residents can develop with Gatlinburg, highlighting the town's unique blend of tourism and local life.