19-03-2025
‘Remarkable' woman transformed old Townsend campground into luxury outdoor resort
TOWNSEND, Tenn. (WATE) — We are shining a spotlight on a woman who has helped transform an area in Townsend, turning an old campground into a luxury outdoor resort. Carmen Simpher doesn't just run a business; she's a mentor, a true friend to many, and a remarkable woman.
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend provides a peaceful way to enjoy the outdoors. It has won national awards as one of the best glamping spots around, thanks in large part to Simpher.
Her friends gathered to surprise her with the news that she is one of WATE's finalists for our annual Remarkable Women series. Simpher is credited with breathing new life into the Little Arrow property seven years ago.
'What we want people to experience here at Little Arrow is a good quality outdoor experience,' she said. 'We want to mix luxury and the outdoors so people make forever memories in the indulgence of nature.'
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It's all about an elevated experience; glamping at its finest. Be outside, go for a hike, but come back to a real bed with real sheets and a shower.
'We have full hookup RV spots, we have two Airstreams that we rent to guests that are here on the property and have great structures around them, we have 10 cozy cabins which are our smallest units, we have luxury tents which have heat and air but they are canvas structure so there is that weather element,' Simpher explained, adding, 'and then we have tiny homes and those are really luxury units with kitchens, bedrooms, bathroom.'
There are also four large vacation homes at Little Arrow, providing a little something for everyone.
This busy woman with a head for business also has a heart for those around her. Brooke Webb, Townsend Mercantile owner and friend, nominated Simpher for our Remarkable Women series.
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'She is the glue that holds so many of us together. I was a young businesswoman, entrepreneur, and I knew nothing about small business, but I knew Carmen owned Little Arrow,' she said. 'I just reached out to her and said, 'Hey can we have lunch one day?' and she said, 'Sure.' So, we met for lunch and after that, we became great friends. She's been a great mentor to me.'
Leslie Woodall with Realty Executives added, 'She absolutely exudes 'remarkable' and everything that entails; whether it's personal , professional, Carmen just exemplifies 'remarkable'.'
'She's willing to be honest about her struggles either at work or just in general,' said Serv-Pro owner Andrea Pope. 'She doesn't dwell on it. She wants to fix things, move on to the next step, and just keep growing as a person and as a leader.'
Simpher is the ringleader of a group of successful women who aren't just all business. They make room for balance. Whether it's a Mrs. Roper party or just hanging out, they know these are remarkable times with a remarkable woman.
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'That is a woman of integrity and good character of strong faith, a woman that is steadfast, ' said Tina Rhea, owner of REO Cheesewagon. 'I think all of those things exemplify who Carmen Simpher is, not just to us but anybody that meets her.'
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