You planned the trip. You packed the dog. You found the perfect cabin with a view that’ll make your group go quiet the moment you pull in.
Now someone has to figure out dinner.
If that thought alone causes a little vacation-planning stress, we have good news. CookinGenie is here, and they’re one of the reasons we couldn’t be more excited about celebrating our 10th anniversary with a giveaway worth talking about.
As part of our Decade of Hapey celebration, CookinGenie is contributing a $150 gift card toward a private chef experience delivered right to your cabin. Before we get into the prize details, let’s introduce you to the people behind it.
What Is CookinGenie?
CookinGenie is a private chef booking platform, and before your mind goes straight to white-tablecloth fancy, let’s reset that expectation.
Think taco bar for the whole family. A birthday pasta dinner. A low-key morning brunch where someone else handles the eggs while you sip coffee on the porch. CookinGenie connects you with local, vetted chefs who come to your location, bring the groceries, cook the meal, and here’s the part that gets us every time, clean up your kitchen when they’re done.
You don’t lift a finger.
💡The Hapey Take: Private chef experiences can actually cost less than a sit-down dinner for a group. If you’ve got six people and you’re splitting the cost, you might be surprised what the math looks like, especially compared to navigating a busy Pigeon Forge restaurant on a Friday night.
Born from a Real Problem
CookinGenie started in Northeast Ohio when its co-founders faced a problem plenty of us know: how do you get fresh, home-cooked meals when life doesn’t slow down?
The traditional answer: hire a private chef felt complicated. You had to know someone who knew someone. You’d email back and forth for a week before settling on a menu. By the time you got a response, you’d already ordered delivery.
CookinGenie changed that. Their platform gives every chef a built-in menu that guests can browse and book directly; no middlemen, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You find a chef you like, pick a menu that fits your crew, and book exactly when and where you want them.
That same simplicity that worked in Northeast Ohio? It’s now serving guests across 22+ states including right here in the Smoky Mountains.
Why the Smokies? A Personal Connection
CookinGenie has been serving the Great Smoky Mountains for just under a year, but the connection to this place runs deeper than that.
Laura Madden, CookinGenie’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, shared something that stuck with us. She grew up making the trip down to the Smokies with her family for reunions; the kind of trips where everyone piles into a big cabin and the memories start the moment you pull off the highway. “If we had this service,” she told us, “the amount of time we would have spent together would have been ten-fold.”
That’s not a marketing line. That’s someone who genuinely believes in what they’re building and has felt the gap it fills.
✦ Something Worth Knowing: CookinGenie may be a national platform, but every chef on it is local. When you book through CookinGenie in the Smokies, you’re supporting a local professional who knows these mountains, these flavors, and what makes a Smoky Mountain dinner special.
How It Works (It’s Easier Than You Think)
- If you’ve never booked a private chef before, the CookinGenie experience is designed to remove every barrier. Here’s the short version:
- Browse local chefs in the Smokies
- Pick a chef whose menu feels right for your group, everything from casual comfort food to celebration dinners
- Choose your date and time, then book instantly, right on the platform
- Your chef arrives with groceries, cooks your meal fresh, and takes care of cleanup
- You eat well, relax more, and actually enjoy the company you came for
No holding for a reservation. No racing the clock to pick up takeout before the food gets cold. No volunteer in the group stuck at the stove missing the conversation. Just dinner, done.
🎁
The Prize
$150 CookinGenie Gift Card
Book a private chef of your choice from their roster of local Smoky Mountain chefs. Browse menus, pick your favorites, and let someone else handle dinner on your next Hapey Cabin stay.
The winner will receive a $150 digital gift card redeemable on the CookinGenie platform*. Simply browse available chefs in the Smoky Mountains, select your menu, and apply the gift card code at checkout**; if there’s a balance above the gift card amount, you’ll only pay the difference.
* exempt dates: Thanksgiving & Christmas
** Booking your chef a week in advance is ideal, but at least 3-5 days notice is required
The Cabin Experience, Upgraded
We’ve always believed that a great Smoky Mountain trip isn’t just about where you sleep, it’s about the moments you collect along the way. Hiking to a waterfall before lunch. Watching the ridgeline go gold at sunset from the hot tub. Staying up too late playing games in the cabin with people you love.
Cooking is wonderful. But cooking on vacation, in an unfamiliar kitchen, trying to figure out how to feed eight people? That’s where the magic breaks down.
CookinGenie gives that time back. One private chef dinner and your group isn’t scattered between the kitchen and the couch, you’re all at the table, together, with good food in front of you and mountains out the window.
That’s the kind of experience the Smokies are made for.
→ Planning Your Stay: Ready to pair a private chef dinner with the perfect cabin? Browse all six Hapey properties, including Sunny View Cabin, our newest cabin with panoramic mountain views and an outdoor deck perfect for pre-dinner drinks, at the link below.
How to Enter the Decade of Hapey Giveaway
Entering is free. Every action below earns you additional entries, more entries means a better shot at winning.
| ENTRY ACTION | ENTRIES | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Join the Hapey email list | +1 entry | Already subscribed? You’re automatically entered. |
| Follow Hapey on Facebook | +1 entry | New follows only |
| Follow Hapey on Instagram | +1 entry | New follows only |
| Tag a friend in the giveaway post | +1 entry per tag | Max 3 tags per person. |
| Share the giveaway post to your story or feed | +2 entries | Public shares only. |
| Book direct at hapeycabinrentals.com during June | +5 entries | Biggest entry bonus — book your stay, earn your shot at winning. |
Our 10th anniversary is a reason to celebrate, and we want you to celebrate with us. The Decade of Hapey giveaway brings together the best of what the Smoky Mountains have to offer, with incredible experiences contributed by local partners.
What you could win
One grand prize winner takes it all, a complete Smokies experience curated by the people who know these mountains best.
| SPONSOR | PRIZE | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Hapey Cabin Rentals | A 2-night stay at your choice of any Hapey cabin (7 properties to choose from — including our brand-new Sunny View Cabin!) | $650 |
| BabyQuip | Two‑Night/Three‑Day Rental of Winner’s Choice of Either a Pet Travel Bundle or a Large Custom‑Curated Children’s Toy Package, with Complimentary Delivery to Hapey’s Cabin Rentals | Up to $75 |
| CookinGenie | $150 gift card to book a private chef of your choice! Choose from our different chefs in the Smoky Mountains to find a menu that is perfect for you and your group. | $150 |
| Smoky Mtn Outdoors Rafting | Rafting voucher for 2 on the Upper Pigeon River or Lower Pigeon River | $100 |
| Smoky H2O Sports | A $50 gift certificate – it can be used toward any rental or anything we sell at our location. | $50 |
| Cruze Farm | A Cruze Farm insulated tote and 6 free pints of ice cream. | $70 |
| Pizza Rio | A dining experience for two, featuring our Brazilian-style rodízio pizza service. The prize includes unlimited tableside service of our handcrafted pizzas, from savory to dessert, along with our fresh salads and house-made sides. | $60 |
| La Crème Cheesecake | One handcrafted gourmet cheesecake (12 slices) | $99 |
Six Cabins. Your Call.
If you win, the choice is yours. Pick any Hapey cabin for your 2-night getaway, from a cozy romantic escape for two to a mountain retreat that sleeps the whole crew.
🏡 Blissful Tranquility
A peaceful Pigeon Forge escape with stunning views, a private hot tub, and a fenced yard your pup will love. Sleeps 6.
🏡 Timeless Tranquility
Cozy, classic, and perfectly romantic. A Pigeon Forge cabin for two (or four) with a hot tub and all the creature comforts. Sleeps 4.
🏡 Hapey Memories
Bring the family (and the dogs). A warm, inviting Sevierville cabin designed for making the kind of memories you’ll talk about for years. Sleeps 4.
🏡 Sleepy Bear Ranch
Our biggest cabin — perfect for reunions, big families, or a group that likes to spread out. Pigeon Forge. Sleeps 11.
🏡 Little Bear
Newly renovated with panoramic mountain views, a private hot tub, and a dreamy loft. The one you’ll never want to leave. Sevierville. Sleeps 6.
🏡 Sunny View Cabin ✨ NEW
Brand new for June 2026. Sunny View is a newly renovated 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath romantic escape inside the gated Shagbark community in Sevierville. The name says it all: panoramic Smoky Mountain views from a hot-tub deck that faces the ridge, a double-sided gas fireplace shared between the living room and bedroom, an in-bedroom Jacuzzi tub for two, a pool table, and Shagbark community perks including a seasonal pool, enclosed dog park, walking trails, and disc golf. Sleeps 4. Dogs welcome — zero pet fees, always.
The Locals Behind This Prize
This giveaway wouldn’t exist without seven incredible Smoky Mountain businesses who believe in the same thing we do — that a trip to these mountains should be unforgettable. Here’s who’s making it happen.
BabyQuip
Traveling with little ones just got a whole lot easier — BabyQuip delivers clean, sanitized baby gear right to your Hapey cabin door, from cribs to strollers and everything in between. Local provider Kelly Inglett makes sure your family arrives relaxed and ready to make mountain memories without hauling half the nursery from home.
CookinGenie
Why spend your vacation cooking when a professional chef can bring a restaurant-quality meal straight to your cabin kitchen? CookinGenie connects you with talented local chefs who handle the shopping, the cooking, and the cleanup — so all you have to do is pull up a chair and enjoy.
Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting
If your crew is ready to trade hot tub relaxation for a shot of adrenaline, Smoky Mountain Outdoors Rafting has you covered with guided whitewater adventures on the Pigeon River. From beginner-friendly floats to heart-pounding rapids, it’s the kind of day the whole family talks about for years.
Smoky H2O Sports
The team at Smoky H2O Sports bring the fun straight to the water with rentals and guided experiences that make the most of the Smokies’ lakes and rivers. Whether you’re paddling, floating, or just soaking it in, they’ve got everything you need for a perfect day out.
Cruze Farm
Cruze Farm brings a taste of authentic Tennessee right to your Smoky Mountain getaway — from creamy, small-batch ice cream to farm-fresh products made with real ingredients and genuine heart. It’s the kind of stop that turns a good trip into a great one, and once you try it, you’ll be planning your next visit before you’ve finished the first scoop.
Pizza Rio
When the crew is hungry after a day of hiking and hot-tubbing, Pizza Rio delivers bold, made-from-scratch flavors that hit the spot every single time. With a menu built on fresh ingredients and a whole lot of love, it’s become a go-to for Smoky Mountain visitors who want something a step above the ordinary.
La Crème Cheesecake
La Crème Cheesecake is the Smokies’ sweetest secret — handcrafted cheesecakes so rich and indulgent they deserve their own spot on the vacation itinerary. Whether you treat yourself to a slice in-store or bring a whole cheesecake back to the cabin, it’s the kind of dessert that makes the whole trip feel even more special. Read their story →
Key Dates
| DATE | WHAT’S HAPPENING |
|---|---|
| June 1, 2026 | Giveaway opens, entries accepted starting today! |
| All of June 2026 | Direct bookings made at hapeycabinrentals.com earn 5 bonus entries. |
| June 30, 2026 | Entries close at 11:59 PM Eastern. |
| July 1, 2026 | Winner announced publicly, one grand prize winner takes everything. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can enter?
Anyone 18 or older in the United States. One entry account per person.
How many times can I enter?
You can complete each entry action once, except tagging friends (max 3 tags) and the direct booking bonus (5 entries per qualifying booking). There’s no limit on the booking bonus if you make multiple direct bookings during June.
Do I have to spend money to enter?
Absolutely not. Joining our email list, following us on social media, and tagging a friend are all completely free. The direct booking bonus is for guests who were already planning a trip — it’s just a little extra thank-you for booking direct.
When does the prize have to be used?
The 2-night cabin stay can be used anytime after winning, subject to availability. It excludes major holidays (Memorial Day weekend, July 4th weekend, Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s). You’re welcome to extend your stay by booking additional nights at your own expense.
Can I choose any cabin?
Yes! All 7 Hapey cabins are included — including Sunny View Cabin, our brand-new property launching in June 2026. Winner gets first pick.
Are pets welcome?
This is Hapey. Of course they are! Zero pet fees, no breed or size restrictions. Bring the whole family.
How will the winner be notified?
The winner will be contacted via the email address used to enter within 24 hours of the drawing on July 1. We’ll also announce the winner publicly on our Facebook and Instagram pages (first name and last initial only).
What if I already subscribe to the Hapey email list?
You’re automatically credited with your email list entry — no action needed. We appreciate you being part of the Hapey family!
Ten Years Down. A Lifetime of Mountain Memories to Go.
Whether you win or not, the Smokies are calling. And when you book direct at hapeycabinrentals.com, you skip the service fees, you talk to real people, and you get the full Hapey experience — stress-free, pet-welcome, and no surprises.
From all of us at Hapey, and from every local business who made this giveaway possible — thank you for 10 incredible years.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal U.S. residents 18 years of age or older. Void where prohibited. Giveaway begins June 1, 2026 at 12:00 AM ET and ends June 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. One (1) grand prize winner will receive: a 2-night stay at one Hapey Cabin Rentals property (winner’s choice, subject to availability); plus prize contributions from participating sponsors. Prize subject to availability; excludes major holiday dates (Memorial Day weekend, July 4th weekend, Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve/Day weekends). Winner may extend stay at their own expense. Total approximate retail value: over $1,100. Sponsor prizes are provided by third-party businesses and are subject to each sponsor’s individual terms. Winner selected by random drawing on or around July 1, 2026. Winner will be notified by email within 24 hours. Odds of winning depend on total number of entries received. Hapey Cabin Rentals is the sole sponsor of this promotion. This promotion is not affiliated with, administered, or endorsed by Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media platform. By entering, you agree to these official rules. For complete Official Rules, contact hapeycabins@gmail.com.
Connect with CookinGenie
If you want to book a private chef for your next Smoky Mountain trip — whether you win the giveaway or just decide you deserve a dinner you didn’t cook; here’s where to find them:
Laura and the CookinGenie team are easy to reach, and booking is designed to be fast. Take a look at the local chef roster and you might find yourself planning dinner before you’ve even finished planning the trip
Hapey Cabin Rentals has been welcoming families to the Smoky Mountains for 10 years. We’re celebrating with the people and places that make this region special — and CookinGenie is a perfect example of what we mean. Book your cabin at hapeycabinrentals.com and bring the chef with you.