Peace in the Southern States

by Mike Mitchell

The Greystone Inn in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

About 50 miles Southwest of Asheville, NC and tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Greystone Inn is a romantic getaway for the passionate and sophisticated couple. Built in 1915 on the banks of Lake Toxaway, the main house boasts nineteen guest rooms with antiques and lavish appointments. The owners of the Inn have opened two annex buildings, the 12-room Hillmont annex and the more family-oriented Lakeside suites. When we stayed, we were in the Hillmont building with a room that had a balcony right on top of the lake. Even though it rained most of the time we were there, it didn't matter. We spent plenty of time by the fire in the large, cathedral-ceilinged room, listening to the rain patter on the surface of the lake. It was serenity itself.

The Inn offers golf, boating, hiking, swimming and tennis. The Inn also has a spa that offers numerous indulgences: massage, facials, foot reflexology, yoga, yoga massage, pedicures and manicures. You can also get a special package that combines spa treatments with other activities.

The dining experience is splendid. I think I had the best rainbow trout meal ever. The restaurant really provides a nice blend of southern fare and gourmet dishes.

The Greystone Inn is absolutely exquisite and is a "must-go" - if only for a weekend getaway. However, most of the weekends are booked, so make reservations early.

The Inn at Blackberry Farm, Walland, Tennessee, USA

By Mike Mitchell

When our travel agent told us that we just HAD to go to the Inn at Blackberry Farm, we were skeptical. A Relais & Chateaux resort near Knoxville Tennessee? It just did seem possible.

But it is. The Inn at Blackberry Farm is one of the most deluxe and comfortable destinations for true permanent honeymooners. When we visited, it was one of the only Relais & Chateaux (the European Hotel Association that rates super luxury hotels worldwide) resorts in the United States. And it is well deserving of this nod.

The Inn is located on a large (2,500 acre, according to their website) rural property in Walland, Tennessee. With rolling hills and mountain views, the Inn is a wonderful place to escapes from the everyday grind. Guests are encouraged to stroll around the property, which boasts beautiful lake, a wedding chapel, rocking chairs with views and bike and horseback riding with arrangements. The property is now home to a Spa and an excellent restaurant. Activities include relaxing (of course), a cooking school, hiking and other outdoor activities. The Inn was once in a dry county, but it seems that that law has been rescinded, since they now boast a large wine cellar.

We stayed in one of the Estate Rooms, which was nestled into the eaves of the one of the two main houses on the property. They also have cottage rooms and, if you want to take the family, a full three-bedroom house for rent. All of the accommodations have an ample supply snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Our room shared a large common room with the others in the cottage -- which initially we thought of as a bother, but it turned out fine. At night, we sat by the huge fireplace, played board games and read. All in all, an incredibly tranquil getaway.

Live like a Robber Baron

by Mike Mitchell

The names include J.P. Morgan, Vanderbilt, Rockefeller and Pulitzer… these families got together in 1886 and founded a hunting club on the Georgia’s faraway Jekyll Island. This club is the Jekyll Island club, on of the most prominent resorts on the barrier islands around Georgia and South Carolina. In the late 1800’s the club was an exclusive retreat for the nation’s most moneyed families. It was home to one of the nation’s first transcontinental phone calls, the richest of bankers and industrialists and can taut guests including presidents and senators.

In 1986, the club was renovated and became a hotel and resort. The resort now has 157 rooms in three buildings, a grand dining room, a lending library and numerous indoor and outdoor activities year-round.

When we went to the Jekyll Island club, we stayed in the Annex building rather than the main building (the Club itself). The club boasts beautiful Victorian architecture including a huge flag-crested turret. In the Annex we had arguably the world’s largest whirlpool bath – it was at least six feet across and was ours exclusively. We also had a fireplace; however, as Juliana and I liked to joke long afterwards, “due to the historic nature of the property”, the attendant had to maintain the fire. The stay of course included many calls to the attendant to stoke the fire.

The property itself is exquisite. Close to area beaches, the resort offers many packages including winter and summer packages, family getaways, a culinary school and golfing vacations. For a weekend away from the grind, the Jekyll Island club provides millionaire surrounding to the rest of us.