something special about Asheville, and the world is just beginning to discover it. This thriving mountain city features a funky and eclectic downtown, 30-plus art galleries downtown alone, a burgeoning culinary scene, a thriving live music scene and, of course, the awe-inspiring scenery of the Appalachian Mountains.” Just minutes from this city’s thriving downtown you will discover the one-of-a-kind escape known as The Omni Grove Park Inn. This award-winning 513-room resort that originally opened in 1913 boasts an historic 18-hole Donald Ross designed golf course (considered among the top golf experiences in the state), a world-class spa, and signature restaurants offering stunning panoramic views of the mountains and chef-driven menus focused on local ingredients.
DRIVEABLE DESTINATION
The resort is also home to one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events. It all began back in 1992, with a small group of gingerbread houses built by community members as a way to celebrate the holiday season – with no plans to continue the following year. At that time, there was no way to know that The Omni Grove Park Inn National Gingerbread House Competition would become one of the nation’s most celebrated and competitive holiday events, and remains so almost 30 years later. As the event grew, so did the caliber of judges and competitors. Today, the panel of judges represents nationally-renowned food,
THE NATIONAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION
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all in the western part of our state is one of most beautiful times of the year. With the idyllic Blue Ridge Mountain’s extreme elevations and more than 100 species of deciduous trees that grace us with “one of the most dramatic displays of fall foliage in the country” (exploreasheville.com), it’s easy to see why visitors return year after year. Nestled within the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains is the inviting city of Asheville (approximately a four-hour drive from Wake Forest). As described on exploreasheville.com, “Asheville is that type of unique, special place that lingers sweetly in your mind and memories for years to come. The city’s rich architectural legacy with its mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts, and Neoclassical styles is the perfect retro-urban backdrop to the edgy energy that emanates from the locally owned-shops and art galleries, distinctive restaurants, and exciting entertainment venues. A bastion of cutting-edge art and technology in the Blue Ridge, the city also prides itself on its fascinating Appalachian past and celebrates this culture with annual events. While many cities underwent major overhauls in past decades, Asheville’s historic and architecturally diverse downtown remains beautifully preserved. There’s 32
CIRCA Magazine
| October • November • December 2021
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circamagazine.com
