These three luxury inns provide pampering at its best. For travelers who enjoy a combination of gourmet food and outdoor recreation such as hiking and fishing, these inns strike the perfect balance. Rustic meets elegant.
All three inns are on the Select Registry listing, so they meet high level expectations. According to its website, The Select Registry conducts quality assurance inspections, sets standards for hospitality, and promotes niche specialty accommodations.
The Swag, Waynesville NC
The Swag keeps guests coming back year after year. It could be the meals, prepared by a well-trained chef using fresh ingredients. Guests meet others during mealtimes in a congenial atmosphere. Picnic lunches for day hikes are offered and evening meals are an event in themselves. Special barbeques and Sunday brunch add to the mouth watering memories.
Or it could be the pampering that brings people back. Coffee and snacks in the room, personalized hiking sticks, comfortable beds, and well appointed bathrooms. The feeling that there is nothing else you need.
It could be the location adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, hiking trails on the 250 acre grounds, spectacular views, outdoor hot tub with great views of the hills, sauna, and library. Check event schedules for special lectures and activities.
It's definitely the personal attention innkeeper, Deener Matthews provides and the warmth she gives her guests. And the guests have voted. The Swag was rated number two among the "United States Best Small Hotels" by Conde Nast Traveler (November 2009), number 72 on the "2009 Conde Nast Traveler Best in the World List" and it was on the National Geographic Traveler's "129 Hotels We Love" list (April 2009).
The Greystone Inn, Lake Toxaway NC
Located on a private 614 acre lake, The Greystone offers water activities, gourmet food, hiking, waterfalls, golf and spa amenities. It's great for a romantic weekend, wedding, or business retreat.
It will be difficult to leave the big fireplace and plush accommodations. If tearing away is possible, nearby Cashiers and Brevard offer shops and sightseeing. According to the website, rates at the Inn include high country breakfast, afternoon tea, mountain bikes, champagne lake cruise, tennis, health and fitness center, Tom Fazio golf learning center, complimentary hors d'ouevres, and a seven course dinner.
Snowbird Mountain Lodge, Robbinsville NC
Nestled on 100 acres at 3,000 feet elevation overlooking the Nantahalah Forest and Lake Santeetlah, The Snowbird has lured guests for 50 years. From the back porch private hot tub attached to some rooms, the Snowbird Mountains come into view.
Besides the view, comfy leather sofas in the main lodge, massive stone fireplace, chestnut beams and a variety of guest rooms, the food is outstanding. Room rates include breakfast, picnic lunch and full dinner.
To work off all that luscious food, try the flyfishing, canoeing, kayaking, tennis, or biking opportunities that are included in the room rate. Arrange for a massage to ease those newly used muscles or attend one of the scheduled events. The calendar is brimming with bluegrass, pottery, dulcimer, wine, cooking, and couples massage events. Check the website for details.
How To Choose A Luxury Inn in the NC Mountains
Look for the activities that seem attractive to you. Outdoors or indoors these three inns from the Select Registry offer a variety of interests and gourmet food.
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