The Naked Truth about Swinging Naturally
The American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR)
states that nudists and naturalists see nude recreation
as a form of self-expression and a means in which
they can experience nature in the most natural way
possible. Those in the Lifestyle community view nude
recreation a little differently. According to the
North American Swing Club Association (NASCA), swinging
is social and sexual intercourse with someone other
than your mate, boyfriend or girlfriend, excepting
the traditional one-on-one dating. It has also been
defined as recreational sex. Despite these different
views on nude recreation, if you will, the two communities
have co-existed at clothing optional resorts for as
long as anyone can remember. So why did Mountain Creek
Grove Resort find itself in the middle of a whirlwind
of controversy last year when it went public in welcoming
swingers to its hallowed grounds?
According to The Grove's managing partner Jim Baker,
the trouble all began with the creation of its additional
website PleasureGroveResort.com. The new site announced
that the establishment was "Lifestyle friendly" and
was discovered to be associated with clothing optional
resort. Word soon spread among not only nudists, but
locals as well. The Grove had always catered specifically
to nudists and naturalist. In 2002 the resort event
hosted AANR-East's Annual Convention. Baker advised
that the purpose of the additional site was to separate
the two markets, nudists and swingers, out of respect
not deceit. He also acknowledged that he did not monitor
the site's work closely enough as it was being designed.
When asked why the change in marketing strategy Baker
replied, "It was a business decision. There are people
in the lifestyle at every nudist resort that I am
familiar with and it's a tremendous market." He also
stated, "Instead of looking the other way, we just
came out as management friendly." Baker stated that
once AANR learned of his intentions and could not
persuade him otherwise, his duties as an AANR East
board member were temporarily suspended and he received
an official notice that the resort's charter was under
suspension until further notice. AANR informed Baker
that the Board of Directors would make a decision,
as to the resort's charter, in November (2002) based
on the findings of its investigation. However, the
board was shocked once more when Baker joined NASCA
and then submitted the resignation of the resort's
charter before they could hand down the verdict. "I
definitely felt that there was a double standard there.
The only thing different that we had done from other
clothing optional resorts was to openly welcome business
from the Lifestyle community."
In an interview last year, with Carolyn Mathews of
The White County NewsoTelegraph, AANR Executive Director
Eric Schuttauf said the association would take whatever
actions were necessary to make sure its member clubs
met requirements offering "wholesome, family-oriented
nude recreation." AANR's website states, "People who
enjoy nude recreation distinguish between nudity and
sex and keep the two in their proper perspective."
According to Jim Baker, "We still feel it is important
to be discreet and have rules in place as we have
always had. Sexual activity in the common areas is
strictly prohibited. We have lodging accommodations
for that." During a telephone interview, White County's
Sheriff Neal Walden stated, "There are all kinds of
old laws on the books from adultery, fornication,
sodomy, the whole nine yards, but there has been nothing
there that I can open up an investigation on." The
Sheriff continued by saying that outside of a "loud
music" call last summer, his department had not received
a complaint regarding the resort during his ten years
as Sheriff. The loud music complaint was the result
of a concert the resort was hosting at its open-air
amphitheater during the AANR convention.
With all this in mind, one might still wonder just
what was the ruckus about? Perhaps it could be summed
up in one word, "change". But how could that be? During
two recent visits to The Grove, I saw little to no
change at all, except for the increase in attendance.
And according to some of the resident nudists neither
had they. Daily operations appeared to be "business
as usual". One change that onlookers have seen this
season is the resort has become ADULTS ONLY and has
planned an Events Calendar more for the Lifestyle
community than previous years. The resort is even
hosting its very first Erotic Arts Festival (Sept.
18th-21st). The four day three night event will showcase
the work of artist T. Michael Hawkins, metal sculptor
Gordon Chandler, photographer Kevin Stewart and others.
Another highlight to the festivities is comedian Ken
Reed who will be appearing for one show that Saturday
(Sept. 20th) at 8:30 p.m. Other resort events include
"Couples Club Weekend" (July 18th-20th), "Parrot-Head
Paradise" (August 8th-10th) and Fantasy Festival (Oct.
9th-11th). Baker advised, "The resort's management
welcomes lifestyle clubs and groups. We'll be happy
to co-host any lifestyle club's function."
With the uncertainty of today's economy some in the
lifestyle community are now thinking twice about spending
thousands of dollars and hours of travel time to reach
their favorite resort or vacation destination. In
time some will discover what others already know,
The Grove is perhaps Georgia's best kept sex secret.
The resort is located 90 minutes north of Atlanta
in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and was developed
to blend in with its natural surroundings. Guest can
lounge around the beautiful rock quarry swimming pool
while they soak up rays or make new friends under
the stars in the spacious hot tub. The gated resort
is nestled on 40+ secluded acres and features quaint
cabins, bungalows, a shaded RV Park with hookups and
a clubhouse complete with a restaurant and dance floor.
To take a virtual tour or to learn more about the
resort, visit its website at www.PleasureGroveResort.com.
Be sure to tell them Darien sent you!
