By Cathy H. Burroughs, Adventure and Travel Blogger, journeyPod
We’d been longing to stay at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC for ages. As we ascended the mountainous roads leading to Asheville through the mist, the first snow of the year began to frost the imposing Arts and Craft style granite stone fortress-like façade of this historic resort. Against the Westerly face of Sunset Mountain at the hilly entrance we were greeted by a warm and friendly porter in Regency tailcoat and black top hat.
Thus began a perfect beginning to a very nearly picture perfect stay. Whether it was huddled up in the lobby sitting in a row of rocking chairs at the foot of the two 36’ foot wide multi-ton stone twin hearths by the roaring fires each evening amidst the backdrop of sensational live entertainment; or feasting on what seemed like a 100 course seafood and shrimp (or alternately prime rib) buffet at the Blue Ridge Dining Room – one of its multiple restaurants; or nestled in our extravagant and roomy avocado and russet-toned newly-refurbished room in the Vanderbilt wing with a timeless view of the bucolic snow-covered rolling hills and mountained skyline; or swimming laps in the sports complex; or excavating mermaid-like the mysterious decorative heated caverns and cold pools; or dipping into an outdoor hot tub while the icicles crowned our heads outside the massive 43,000 square foot ecstatically luxe subterranean spa – our visit was profoundly revitalizing and a thoroughly posh, delightful and idyllic way to enter the year recharged.
We were, and you’ll be, also, in good company: Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, John D. Rockefeller, Actors Daniel Day Lewis, Anthony Hopkins, basketball great Michael Jordan, Eleanor Roosevelt, author F. Scott Fitzgerald and scores of other luminaries including ten Presidents all slept and enjoyed the spell spun by the place and its bucolic surroundings.
According to Director of Public Relations Tracey Johnston-Crum: “Originally, Grove Park Inn was the brain child of the rags to riches creator of Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic – Edwin Riley Grove. In its hay day his tonic – a distasteful but effective antidote for malaria – sold more bottles than Coca Cola making Grove a very wealthy man. In concert with his son-in-law Fred Loring Seely the two men embarked on real estate venues including the noted Grove Park Inn. Working feverishly to complete the ambitious health resort, four-hundred men worked 10-hour shifts six days a week with only the use of mules, wagons and ropes, unearthing massive granite boulders from Sunset Mountain to make Grove’s demanding deadline. Just three days short of a year, the inn opened with then Secretary of State, William Jennings Bryan addressing four hundred of the region’s most distinguished men. Bryan would have no idea how prophetic his words would be when he proclaimed that The Grove Park Inn “was built for the ages.”
Since that time, The now Omni Grove Park Inn has been a premier health and wellness destination consistently voted as one of the top resort spas in the world. The underground spa focuses on the area’s prominent natural surroundings by bringing the outdoors in with mineral water, natural light and rock formations. The $50-million subterranean spa features cavernous rock walls, arches, and tunnels, with fifteen water features. Therapeutic treatments include massage, facials; wraps; hydrotherapy; aromatherapy and more. As the sun sets, fireplaces, starlight, candlelight, and moonlight add a transcendent dimension to the extraordinary stone facility. Grove’s original vision of a place of rest, comfort and healing continues to evolve and thrive; Today his Inn continues to be an American treasure and a beloved destination.” We’ll second that!
Big thank you to TRACEY JOHNSTON-CRUM, Director of Public Relations & Community Outreach
THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN 290 Macon Ave Asheville, NC 28804 828-252-2711
Reservations or information: (828) 252-2711
Cathy H. Burroughs is an international travel writer and adventure blogger. Follow her amazing expeditions worldwide!
