The view from our balcony in Franklin is spectacular.

I’ve taken numerous trips to the mountains for work over the past year and a half. But this week was the first time in three years that my sister, my dog, and I got to make our traditional fall trip to the mountains.

We wondered what the colors would be like, since we weren’t able to get here until after peak season. I’d say we lucked up.

My sister posted a similar photo to the one above of the Great Smokey Mountains on her Facebook page, which prompted this response: “I can feel the stress leaving.”

This trip marks the first time I’ve used Airbnb. I have to give it a thumbs-up. We’ve got a cozy cottage on a mountain in Franklin and the hosts/owners are great.