Asheville, NC has a piece of my heart. I have been going to Asheville since I was a little girl. Asheville has a little bit of everything, from the mountains to the boutique restaurants. I love the hippieish vibe and the laid back feel. Here are a few of my favorites, it’s hard not to go on forever but these rank at the top of my list!
My Favorite Asheville Hotel:
The Grove Park Inn has a huge piece of my heart! I have been coming to GPI my whole life. We have spent so many Thanksgivings and had our Family Christmas celebrations here as well. During the holidays you will get to see all of the beautiful gingerbread houses, GPI even makes a huge gingerbread house of the hotel. The Christmas Trees are breathtaking in the lobby, while you are surrounded with two 36-foot-wide stone fireplaces, rising two stories high in its Main Lobby. Each fireplace was designed to burn eight-foot logs. The outside views are indescribable, I could stare at the mountains forever. We love watching the sunset while eating at The Sunset Terrace, which is a great place to have a local beer, cocktail or small plate while watching the sunset behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. I remember being a little girl and thinking I was in a castle as I walked around. My cousins and I would spend hours exploring. Now I get to bring my daughters here and watch them experience the same feelings. It doesn’t matter what time of year you come, GPI is amazing year round. My Dad and Uncle’s have spent a lot of time on their course and think it is a great one. It is a historic course and has even played host to numerous PGA Tour events. Golf legends such as Harry Vardon and PGA stars, including Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus, have played here. We went to the pool yesterday, my girls loved it. The pool is huge, they have a bar, food and great service. If you haven’t been, I hope you can and end up loving it as much as my family and I do.
Here are a few more facts about The Grove Park Inn:
Walls of hallways throughout The Omni Grove Park Inn are lined with photographs that tell the fascinating story of the famous guests who have visited since 1913. Notable guests include F. Scott Fitzgerald, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, John D. Rockefeller, I have to add my aunt Andie MacDowell and many others. Ten U.S. Presidents have also visited:
• William Howard Taft
• Woodrow Wilson
• Herbert Hoover
• Calvin Coolidge
• Franklin D. Roosevelt
• Dwight D. Eisenhower
• Richard M. Nixon
• George H. W. Bush
• William J. Clinton
• Barack H. Obama
The Omni Grove Park Inn has had a ghost roaming its halls for over half a century. She is referred to as the Pink Lady because of the flowing pink gown she wears. It is believed that this young woman was a guest in Room 545 in 1920 and that she either jumped or was pushed to her death in the Main Inn. New reports of her sightings still occur, especially by young children. Some say they just see a pink mist, others a full apparition of a young long-haired beauty in a pink gown.
The Spa at The Omni Grove Park Inn is a subterranean oasis. Inspired by its natural surroundings, The Spa features cavernous rock walls, arches, and tunnels, with 15 water features throughout the facility.
Asheville is the spot for my family get togethers. My mom has a big family and we all love Asheville so, I asked a few of family members for their favorites to share.
My Aunt Beverly:
Mt. Pisgah. Asheville’s iconic mountain seen from many points around town. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, a national treasure that runs around part of Asheville. Almost a 360 view atop the vigorous, yet only 3 mile round trip hike. Right next to it is the Pisgah Inn & Restaurant, one of only two commercial establishments on Parkway. Plus, Pisgah Campground across the street. Fabulous! Hot showers added recently and if you get tired of camp food cross the street and have breakfast at the Inn.
My cousin Alice:
Laughing Seed restaurant- try the Tempeh Reuben!!! They have a lot of great 5 and 10Ks. Those are my 2 fave Asheville things! Running and Food 😂
My mom Julia:
The Biltmore area is charming and your trip would not be complete without seeing the fabulous Biltmore Estate.
My favorite places:
Tupelo Honey one of my favorite restaurants originated in Asheville. I have been going to this location for years and thankfully we now have one where I live in Franklin, TN. The shrimp and grits and sweet potato pancakes are fabulous. When you finish eating walk all around the fabulous downtown and explore. You will find lots of neat shops etc. that are not chains.
Enjoy Asheville,
Emily