Good Value, Great Location
Review Submitted: December 29, 2008
Date of Stay: December 2008
We arrived on Friday evening in early December after a leisurely trip from Columbia via Black Mountain, where we ate at a wonderful cafe in Cheshire Village called the Morning Glory Cafe. The directions were perfect and we had no trouble finding the property. The owners had let us know that a futon frame had gotten broken recently and that they were aware of it. We arrived in time to unpack, relax, visit Spruce Pine and stock up on breakfast supplies.
We had a wonderful dinner at the Mountain View Restaurant (NC 226 & NC 226A, where the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses - about 7-10 miles from the lodge - shorter when the Parkway is open). They make a great house apple walnut vinagrette and all the food was excellent, from Pasta Primavera w/shrimp to Chicken Parmigiana (a full chicken breast, not a cutlet) to a French cut pork chop to steak, service was attentive and helpful and just right. Prices are very good.
We went back to the lodge to plan our next day - studio hopping as part of the Toe River Arts Council (TRAC) studio tours. We visited Burnsville, loved the Yummy Mud Puddle (its owners have a band called Hot Duck Soup), the Amish store, and had a great time visiting the Energy Exchange which houses several studios (ceramics and glass) and a gallery on a former landfill. They use the methane from the landfill for power and have done so for about 10 years. We topped the day off with a visit to Nielander glass where we spent time with Joe and got to see his 12 year old son Duncan, who has been blowing glass since age 5. They are both great folks and very hospitable. Duncan is a charmer and has his work being sold at The Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree in Spruce Pine.
Our trip ended much too soon on Sunday as we had commitments at home. We went to St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Asheville, once a black church, but now a wonderfully welcoming melting pot for all.
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the lodge. The owners communicated clearly and frequently and everything was as described. If you love peace & quiet, this location is ideal, especially in winter. We would highly recommend this property to anyone who wants peace, quiet, and an out of the way location that is still close enough to a myriad of wonderful activities and beautiful scenery.
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Helpful votes: 5/5