Our Mission
At Snug Hollow, nestled in the serene beauty of the Red Lick Valley in Central Kentucky, our mission is to offer a peaceful, authentic retreat where the simplicity of country life meets the wild beauty of Appalachia. Just 20 country miles east of Berea and a short drive from renowned attractions like Natural Bridge State Park, Red River Gorge, and Renfro Valley Music Hall, Snug Hollow offers a truly immersive experience in Kentucky’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Our 300-acre organic farm is a haven for those seeking to reconnect with nature. From babbling creeks and glorious wildflowers to abundant wildlife and the wooded mountainsides that surround us, every corner of Snug Hollow invites guests to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the tranquility of the land. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from our organic farming practices to our commitment to preserving the natural beauty that makes this place so special.
Whether you’re here for a quiet weekend getaway, a creative retreat, or a family reunion, we offer an authentic experience steeped in the warmth and generosity of Appalachian “holler hospitality.” Here, we honor both the past and present of rural life in Appalachia, creating a space where time feels slower, simpler, and more intentional. Our mission is to provide a place where guests can relax, recharge, and connect—with nature, each other, and the sustainable values that guide our way of life.
Leadership Team
Meet Our Expert Team
Will Dawson
Owner Operator
With a heart rooted in hospitality and a master’s degree in psychology, Will brings both warmth and insight to every aspect of Snug Hollow. From your first booking inquiry to heartfelt conversations on the porch, he cultivates connection with intention and care. A seasoned cook in his own right, Will crafts breakfast and dinner from the scratch-made kitchen, using decades of experience to serve meals filled with love, comfort, and Appalachian charm. Whether he’s tending the garden, curating guest stays, or helping a traveler feel truly seen, Will’s presence is the heartbeat of this place in welcoming all as if they were old friends.
Ryan Joseph Allen
Owner Operator
Ryan is Snug Hollow’s resident storyteller, photographer, and steady hand. He greets guests with warmth, offering the history of the land, and ensuring each person feels truly cared for. Holding a doctoral degree in post-traumatic spiritual growth and leadership, Ryan brings depth and compassion to the heart of the guest experience. He hosts dinners with grace, captures the beauty of the land through his lens, and quietly weaves soulfulness into the daily rhythm of life at the holler. His presence is both grounding and uplifting, helping guests feel nourished in body and spirit.
Brenda Clair
Executive Chef
With decades of soulful Appalachian cooking under her belt, Brenda brings warmth, wisdom, and unforgettable flavor to every dish served at Snug Hollow. Her menus celebrate the seasons, the land, and the deep joy of feeding others well.
Brittany Clair Brinegar
Head Breakfast Chef
Whether she’s welcoming guests, answering inquiries, checking folks in, or crafting a warm breakfast, Brittany does a bit of everything with ease and grace. Her thoughtful presence and deep care help keep Snug Hollow running smoothly, ensuring guests feel seen, supported, and right at home.
Crystal Chapman
Breakfast Lead
Crystal is the kind of host who remembers not just your name, but your favorite tea and how you take your eggs. Thoughtful, attentive, and deeply kind, she helps ensure every guest experience runs smoothly from arrival to farewell.
Olivia "Livy" Knuckles
Breakfast Lead
Born just over the hill from Snug Hollow, Livy Jane has been a beloved part of this place for years. As a steady morning presence, she helps create a welcoming breakfast experience with warmth, care, and a remarkable memory for the guests who return year after year.
Jay Stevens
Groundskeeper
Jay tends the land with a quiet presence and a thoughtful hand. Living just a couple hollers down, he’s become a trusted part of the Snug Hollow rhythm by keeping the grounds cared for and the days moving smoothly. Guests may spot him walking the trails or working in the garden, always kind, always steady, offering the kind of neighborly warmth that doesn’t ask for attention but leaves a lasting impression.
Kasper
Trail Scout & Guest Relations Supervisor
Kasper may be furry, but he’s family and he takes his job seriously. As Snug Hollow’s official greeter and porch guardian, he welcomes guests with soft eyes, joyful spins, and the occasional nudge for a belly rub. Whether watching over the hills or supervising breakfast with quiet devotion, Kasper brings a gentle, grounding magic to this place.
Penelope
Assistant Greeter, Porch Lookout & Snack Enthusiast
With a tail that wags faster than a mountain breeze, Penelope offers a cheerful welcome to all who arrive—often with a few joyful barks just to let the hills know company’s here. She’s most often found curled up in her favorite chair on the porch, keeping a loving eye on the comings and goings, or waiting patiently on the golf cart, ready for her next ride. Always up for a snack and never too far from the action, Penelope brings a gentle charm and a whole lot of heart to life at Snug Hollow.