Peace in the North Carolina Mountains
Sunday, July 1st, 2007
Greystone Inn, Lake Toxaway, NC
It isn’t cheap and it isn’t easy to come by, but it’s well worth it. “It” is 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.