Making History… at The Grove Park Inn

By Blair Wilburn

Anticipation is building as we return to the Grove Park Inn this fall for the annual NC REALTORS® Convention & Expo. This year promises to be one to remember. Asheville is known for beautiful fall foliage and attending Convention will put you right in the midst of one of the most scenic areas in our great state.

A Rich histoRy

The Grove Park Inn is known as one of the most romantic places to stay in the United States. The hotel is an important example of American Craftsman style architecture and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, the historic resort is celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year.

Edwin Wiley Grove, a Civil War veteran and pharmaceutical inventor, was the visionary behind the famous hotel. Originally from Tennessee, Grove spent time in Asheville throughout the year per his doctor’s instructions – to take advantage of the clean mountain air. During the time at his summer home in Asheville, Grove purchased 408 acres in north Asheville, including what would become The Grove Park Inn.

Planning and building the hotel proved to be a task. Four hundred men worked 10-hour shifts, six days a week. With only the use of mules, wagons and ropes, granite boulders up to 10,000 pounds were hauled from the mountain to build the hotel. Just three days shy of one year, The Grove Park Inn opened on July 12, 1913. Secretary of State, William Jennings Bryan, delivered the keynote address to four hundred of the most distinguished men of the South at the opening banquet. He had no idea of how true his words would become when he proclaimed that The Grove Park Inn “was built for the ages.”

hoMe to FAMous Guests

The Inn has played host to 10 United States’ Presidents, including Herbert Hoover, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Barack Obama. The list of distinguished guests doesn’t stop at presidents. The hotel has hosted numerous celebrities over the years including Thomas Edison, Harry Houdini, Jerry Seinfeld, and John D. Rockefeller. F. Scott Fitzgerald stayed at the hotel for two years to write while his wife was in an insane asylum in Asheville. Plaques adorn the hallways, noting where the many famous guests have stayed.

PResent DAy

As The Grove Park Inn embarks on its 100th anniversary, there is a $25 million dollar renovation underway. With all the enhancements taking place, we’re pleased to still be able to offer great pricing on rooms; even less than members paid at our Conventions in 2002 and 2004.

We are not alone in singing praise for the historic property. The Grove Park Inn, a AAA Four-Diamond Hotel since 2001, continually receives high accolades, including a 2011 ranking in Travel + Leisure as a Top Hotel Spa in the U.S., and a 2012 Condé Nast Traveler — Top 121 Golf Resorts in the World.

Let’s make history at The Grove Park Inn. You can do it all this September at the NC REALTORS® Convention & Expo. Our Committee has worked hard all year to bring you one of our best Conventions to date. We hope you’ll plan on joining us! v SEE

Here’s a sampling of the highlights:

m This year’s minimal registration fee includes welcoming refreshments and the opening evening reception on Sunday, lunch on Monday, and coffee breaks on Monday and Tuesday.

m Our dynamic keynote speaker has been described as “one of the most innovative and inspirational” speakers around! Jared James, known as the “Why Guy”, has made quite a name for himself as the leading expert in identifying the intangibles that are necessary to help individuals achieve personal growth.

m Sunday night’s opening evening reception will feature local bluegrass from the Blue Kudzo Quartet, all while overlooking breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the Skyline Room and Mountain View Terrace.

m Later that night, impress your friends and showcase your trivia knowledge at the first-ever RPAC Trivia and Auction! The winning team will receive $1,000, along with bragging rights.

m Monday morning kicks off what we believe to be our best educational lineup to date! Learn about new technology that can increase your productivity at work. Discover new time saving techniques. Explore how to use videos to generate leads, grow sales and gain customer loyalty! With many more topics ranging from marketing, communication, stress reduction, and real estate investments, the Convention is one event your business cannot afford to miss!

m Back by popular demand… join us on Monday night for the Dance Party with The Nightlife Band!

m Stick around on Tuesday and sign up for one the exciting Asheville Adventures we have lined up. The more leisurely traveler can enjoy discounted rates at the world-famous Spa at The Grove Park Inn, embark on a half-day tour of the magnificent Biltmore House, take private studio tours of fine arts and crafts on the Asheville Art Safari, or join the Asheville Distillery & MicroBrewery Tour. The adventure-seekers can take off on the Urban Zipline Adventure, Navitat Canopy Adventure, or go Whitewater River Rafting down the French Broad.

By JOhN A. TuRNER PRESIDENT AND ShAREhOLDER OF TuRNER LAw OFFICE, PA