More than three decades ago, a simple idea took root in the hearts of Norman and Sarah Ball—an idea that would grow into what is now Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn & Spa.
Sarah, an elementary school teacher at the time, fell in love with the dream of owning a bed and breakfast. The vision felt especially right because the perfect setting already existed: the 60-acre farm where she had grown up. As the dream deepened into a calling, Sarah stepped away from teaching to devote herself fully to building the inn. Norman, also an educator and an architectural draftsman, designed the Victorian-style farmhouse himself—perched on a hill overlooking the rolling foothills and layered mountains of the Smokies.
When the inn opened its doors in July of 1987, it was already a family affair. Their daughter Misty was in college, their son Eric was fifteen, and their youngest son Jason was just five years old. From the very beginning, Blue Mountain Mist was built on faith, family, and a love for welcoming others.
Over the years, the inn has grown and evolved, shaped by countless meaningful experiences and wonderful guests—many of whom have become lifelong friends. Today, the next generation carries the legacy forward. Jason now serves as Office Manager and is a proud father of seven. Eric, who discovered his love of cooking early on, is our Kitchen Manager and an exceptional chef. Misty, now living in Charlotte, North Carolina, continues to contribute her artistic talents—having created our early brochures, website designs, marketing pieces, and the beautiful paintings of the inn that we proudly offer to guests.
The name Blue Mountain Mist comes naturally here. Each morning, mist rises from the hollows and ravines, and the mountains appear in soft, hazy layers of blue—echoing the Cherokee word “Shaconage,” meaning Land of Blue Smoke. This land has a quiet, magnetic pull, drawing visitors in with its lush vegetation, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking views.
For our family, the connection runs even deeper. Sarah’s mother, whose maiden name was Shields, descends from some of the area’s earliest settlers. In 1784, Robert Shields moved his family to this frontier and built a fort near what is now known as Shields Mountain—just a few miles from where the inn stands today. Norman’s great-great-grandmother was full-blooded Cherokee, rooted in these mountains long before others arrived. Both sides of our family have generations of ties to this land, many of whom lived in mountain communities that later became part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Our parents and grandparents were shaped by the rugged mountain lifestyle—one filled with faith, music, hard work, and joy. Those same values continue to guide us today.
We feel incredibly blessed to call this place home. These mountains are not just where we live—they are part of who we are. It brings us great joy to share their beauty, peace, and heritage with every guest who walks through our doors.
We would be honored to welcome you as our guest and share this little corner of the mountains God has entrusted to us.
— Sarah Shields Ball
