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The Inn On Mill Creek
Asheville, NC
Jim was busy, helping construction workers build more rooms that will overlook the lake. He stopped working and took me on the tour. He was excited about the improvements they were making, which included a new fishing dock. He threw feed out while I took pictures of the Brown and Rainbow Trout.
The orchards were large and provided a great view of Old Man Mountain. They were across the road on a sloping hill. Blooms were just starting to show. And are gorgeous according to Jim, "This place comes alive in Spring. The Orchard Room really shows it off!"
Jim had to fly out and do his "other" job as a consultant and left me in the capable hands of Aline. She was wishing I had come in the Spring but when I explained about our schedule she understood. I could tell they already have a winner here, that could be featured in any magazine. But innkeepers like these always try to do it just a little bit better.
Breakfast is served outside in the solarium. There were decks to relax on. Outside porches, hiking trails and games around the house gave you options for relaxation/aggression as you wished. This inn could be used as a retreat, conference meeting hall, reunion meetings, family (they love kids) get-together or romantic get-away. Heck it would even be perfect for the lone business person looking for peace from the bustle of life. You could even have them contact their on-call licensed certified massage therapist. This inn has everything.
My room was the Lake View Suite. The four-poster king size bed was great. It overlooked the solarium and the garden. I also had the perfect view of the lake. There was a vanity area and then a separate large bathroom. It had two showers for "no waiting". One shower was unique. It had the usual functions but was also a tub, so you could turn on a whirlpool/Jacuzzi effect. Also you could close the doors and sit down to enjoy a steam sauna. Nice...
After meeting Jim's brother and his girl friend that were in visiting, I went to Black Mountain to eat. I came back early and watched movies on the VCR until I had to get to sleep. Inns like this make me wish I had a week to do my reviews. There just wasn't enough time to do it all. I was instantly asleep in the middle of a mountain of pillows.
Aline had been up making heart-shaped (February/Valentines) Blueberry Gingerbread with whipped cream. There was maple custard hot out of the oven. A smoothie made of blueberries, peaches, apples, oranges and frozen bananas was on the side. She explained frozen fruit replaces the ice, so the drink isn't watered down. Tea, with apple and orange wedges finished off the meal and me, I was stuffed.
The drive back to the inn was deceiving. The road takes you slowly across a mountain and puts you in a beautiful valley, that after you visit will agree is "Heaven" on Earth!!!
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * * 336-984-9648 * freedom04@awindingroad.net