Goblins and Fairies and Orcs, Oh My!

East Tennessee’s premier fantasy world destination – Ancient Lore Village is Expanding

My introduction to the fantasy world came – as I suppose it did for many in my generation – sitting in a darkened elementary school English class. Our teacher would roll out an AV stand. On the stand was a TV with a screen so small that kids today would be insulted. Theoretically, this was a reward for us. But possibly, it was just because the teacher needed a little quiet time. But we got to watch a movie.

They were the same selections year in and year out. “Rikki Tikki Tavi” was a favorite. “Charlotte’s Web” was dangerous because you didn’t want to be seen crying. The bizarrely French “The Red Balloon.” And, of course, the Rankin and Bass classic cartoon “The Hobbit” featuring Orson Bean in the titular role.

It was that movie, played year after year as our teachers were quietly nursing their hangovers, that introduced me to the world of wizards and elves and orcs and goblins and dragons and halflings and all the rest. It’s a passion that has lingered more than 40 years into my adult life.

The East Tennessee village based on ancient lore

And so, when I heard that Knoxville businessman Tom Boyd – father of UT President, former gubernatorial candidate and owner of the Tennessee Smokies Randy Boyd – was launching a getaway destination based on the ancient lore, I was excited. Boyd the elder’s vision for a mountainous Shire-like village in the hills of southeast Knox County – just across the Sevier County line – certainly sounded cool. And at least in theory – it could save us a boatload in travel expenses. Plane tickets to New Zealand don’t come cheap, after all.

The project launched modestly. The luxury cabins are amazing. But there weren’t that many of them. At launch the Village could house 22 people in seven dwellings. It was nice, very nice. But not really enough to get fully immersed. It made for a unique event venue for corporate getaways and weddings and the like. It was also a great spot to get Sunday Brunch – especially in the spring. But the full vision hadn’t been reached.

Ancient Lore Village’s third expansion

But now, Ancient Lore Village has its third expansion on the horizon. And it’s on its way to becoming the best version of itself and that will be something to behold.

Is Ancient Lore Village associated with “The Hobbit,” “Lord of the Rings” or J.R.R. Tolkien?

Let me be absolutely clear. It is 100 percent not associated with any Tolkien property. It has it’s own lore created by the elder Boyd based on fantasy themes and tropes. Some of which existed before Tolkien became the Father of Modern Fantasy and many of them following the fantasy archetypes that Tolkien hewed.

Boyd penned Bokee’s Trek: Outcasts to the Inner Earth which is described thusly:

“The Book and the Village bring to life a better world where there is no evil. Everyone connects through friendship and everything evokes happiness. Bokee’s Trek follows the adventures of a young man named Bokee to the villages of the Orcs, Gremlins, Fairies, Leprechauns, Dwarves, Yeti’s, Tree Elves and Ground Elves.”

Boyd created his own mythology. It does bear some resemblance to Tolkien’s world. But, in fairness, so does hundreds of other fantasy franchises since.

Where Boyd strays from traditional fantasy tropes of conflict and war is that Bokee’s journey is one of peace and understanding.

“Ultimately, Bokee discovers that, no matter their differences, they can all live in peace, joy, harmony, and happiness – in a place where only good exists,” the website explains.

Can I stay in the Village?

Yes. That’s what the whole thing is for. The Village launched with a row of connected, heavily themed cabins or cottages in what is now called the Village Gardens. Each cabin features different theming and is based on a character or species from Boyd’s book. You can choose the Orc House, the Fairy Cottage, the Waterfall Villa, the Leprechaun Lair, the Gremlins Den or in Bokee’s Bungalow. Each are beautiful and comfortable and full of luxury – even the Gremlins and the Orcs.

The Village then expanded with the Elven Grove, treehouses and family dwellings. Those seven dwellings offer the capacity to sleep a total of 28 people. So the overall capacity at the Ancient Lore Village remains low. You’re not gonna get overcrowded. It’s a pretty good way to unplug and relax. The rooms do not have TVs. So, guests tend to gather in social spaces where they can soak in the atmosphere and share each other’s company.

Do I have to book a room to visit the Village?

No. There are a variety of day experiences – including the aforementioned Sunday Brunch. You can reserve lunch or dinners space and book a tour – guided or self-guided. Or you can purchase a stocked picnic basket and compete at the axe throwing or archery range.

The Ancient Lore Village is a great wedding venue for couple into fantasy or, really, anyone interested in a scenic backdrop. The flowers, garden and waterfall are gorgeous. The space is also available for corporate or private events.

I should mention that while it would certainly be welcomed if you wanted to dress up in cosplay, mostly the other guests are not going to be doing that. They will, however, have occasional events for people – or elves, dwarves or orcs – looking for a little more immersive experience. There will be seasonal events on the calendar as well.

What’s going to happen with the next expansion?

We have some new details. In a press release announcing the promotion of Micah Spice to Vice President of Brand & Business Development for Boyd Hollow Resorts, the company lays out what is next for the Village and for Boyd Hollow Resorts.

“The company is actively developing the Bokee’s Trek Experience, a fully immersive attraction where guests journey through fantastical realms rooted in timeless values. The project is expected to break ground in 2026, with an anticipated opening in 2027,” the release said. “As part of this expansion, Boyd Hollow Resorts also plans to introduce lodging through the development of the Ancient Lore Family Resort, creating a destination that combines themed attractions with overnight experiences. In parallel, plans are underway for the Ancient Lore Wellbeing Retreat, envisioned as a transformative haven for rejuvenation and personal growth.”

Boyd has always seen the project as being bigger than just fun escapism into a fantasy realm. He uses words like unity, connection and says the property is about bringing people together.

“Through curated experiences and intentional design, we foster peace, harmony, and lasting memories, transforming hospitality into something truly meaningful,” the website explains.

Ancient Lore is located at 7107 Sevierville Pike in Knoxville. The website is located here.

Have you visited Ancient Lore Village? What did you think? Let us know in the comments or on the socials!