EP#194: Disconnecting to Reconnect: The Black Bear Resort Experience

Good Neighbor Podcast: Tri-Cities

What makes Linda Culp with Black Bear Resort a good neighbor?

Tucked away in the breathtaking Appalachian Mountains of Hampton, Tennessee, Black Bear Resort emerged as a serendipitous discovery for Linda and Travis Culp. Their story unfolds as one of those beautiful "meant to be" moments when everything mysteriously aligns. Having never owned a business before, this retired Navy veteran and his hardworking wife stumbled upon the property for sale, visited once, and immediately fell in love with its natural splendor.
The conversation with Linda reveals how this 40-acre sanctuary has become more than just a business—it's a lifeline connecting people back to nature. With the Laurel Fork Creek running right through the property (regularly stocked with rainbow trout) and the legendary Appalachian Trail just 0.4 miles away, visitors find themselves immersed in outdoor paradise. The resort accommodates everyone from solo hikers to entire wedding parties with its diverse offerings: tent sites, hammock areas, hostel spaces, cabins, cottages, and an on-site café. Most impressively, they can sleep up to 65 guests when fully booked.
What truly distinguishes Black Bear Resort isn't its amenities but its heart. "We don't just have customers here, we build relationships," Linda explains, describing evenings around the campfire and the joy of watching children—some experiencing camping for the first time—light up as they discover the mountains. Despite weathering COVID, a tornado in 2023, and Hurricane Helene in 2024, the Culps remain committed to offering affordable access to nature's healing power. Their mission transcends hospitality; they're creating a refuge where people can "let go of electronics, cell phones, social media" and rediscover what matters most.
Ready to escape the daily grind and reconnect with what's real? Visit BlackBearResortTN.com, call 423-725-5988, or text Linda directly at 321-271-5188 to plan your mountain getaway. Your stressed mind and restless spirit will thank you.

To learn more about Black Bear Resort go to:

https://www.blackbearresorttn.com/About/

Black Bear Resort

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Chapters

1. Introducing Linda Culp of Black Bear Resort (00:00:00)

2. Finding and Falling in Love with Black Bear (00:01:24)

3. Local Fishing and Outdoor Activities (00:03:12)

4. Running a Resort and Building Relationships (00:04:46)

5. Overcoming Business Challenges (00:07:30)

6. Contact Information and Final Thoughts (00:09:25)