Are Your Ready for Some Snow?

Snow Musings
Last year we had a little snow in November. Not so this year. December is always fair game time for snow but we never promise it. HOWEVER, it sure looks like its coming this Thursday through Saturday! Today (Thursday) will only rise to 41 (hit it at 1 pm). The air is rich with moisture so its really only a matter of time.

I have to admit I'm looking forward to it. Snow is a great way to "pretty up" the landscape. We are also very lucky to be located on Hwy. 67. The road--should we need it--is plowed by City, County AND State trucks. The highway to Boone, NC, is well traveled by many (despite crossing the state line at well over 3,000 ft. elevation) and well-maintained. Both states apply deicing chemicals in anticipation of snow storms. They are a pretty good snow predictor if you happen to be traveling that way!

On a whole, you need not worry about travel issues getting to the inn. Should you have a reservation at our cottage.... 4x4 is a good idea in big storms. We also have the agreement of a neighbor for shoulder-of-the-road parking in the event you feel the small, somewhat sloped driveway is too much for you. The neat thing is that the cottage does get more snow than the inn. It's elevation is about 2950 ft.

Holiday Decorating
Our holiday decorating is coming along. Stockings are hung in the guest rooms and the tree is up (with silver bead garlands going on soon as the finishing touch).

This year we are changing up the decorations a bit. 1. The tree is in the foyer (see photo). 2. The staircase will have LIVE evergreen roping for the first time along with 3. Purple lights. That's right, folks, purple lights. As well as silver ribbon.

I LOVE purple and I think it will go well with the color scheme we are using for a corporate party here Dec. 18. (The colors are purple, red and old gold.)

Also being added for the first time will be "canopy of lights." I've been wanting to do this for a long time. I LOVE the lights above the outdoor tables in the South of France (think white lights at used car lots in 1955 gone upscale...)

Over the patio we plan to string several lines of LEDs between the party room and the Summer Kitchen. This will make a star-filled ceiling to the patio which should be comfortable because we also have a freestanding wood-burning fireplace for it.

Inside, in the Gallery (or foyer) the party will locate its bartender. Above, in the two-story area, I plan some multi-colored lights (or white if I have enough). That will make another twinkling sky.

Lastly, the big, antique table (54 inches across when closed into a circle) will have a 23" wreath and at least three of our tall tulip tea lights which many guests at the inn have seen on the dining room mantle. We will light them, decorate around them and use them in a different way this year. Multiple swags of white pine with bright red fresh berries from the Itea bushes in the yard and ornaments in the signature red, purple and old gold will complete the special decorating this year.

Special Offers
IF you are booking a room just a few days ahead, there is a discount button on the top of the reservation screen where booking online. Look for it. Discounts can be substantial.

If you need a last minute gift, our gift certificates for $250 come with a free Deneen Pottery mug. If your gift certificate is of lesser value, you will also receive a 33% percent off mug purchase coupon for each $100 spent.

We have a Spring NASCAR package which includes dinner for two and a free mug. See our NASCAR page for that.

Our gift selection (generally used while you are visiting the inn) includes a very interesting new offer: Bacon and Chocolate Heart Candy. Would you eat it?