Karen Hultin greeted us and welcomed us into her home. She offered snacks after our tour. Mom and Louise were in heaven on the sun porch enjoying their treats.
I went to my room to download pictures taken around Black Mountain. There was a queen 4-poster bed, 2 nightstands with lamps and an alarm clock. I also had a nice desk with plenty of books and magazines. A large rug on the floor covered most of the room. There was a sitting in the back of the bedroom with 2 comfortable, stuffed chairs, a 4-drawer dresser with mirror and lamps. It had a door that led to a similar area in Mom and Louise's room, making this a perfect family suite.
Louise found a surprise in the inn's library. Above the desk was a painting she has been searching for everywhere, entitled "Bubbles". I was able to take a picture of it for her and promised we would look around for a print for her.
Jack, Karen's husband, arrived home and met everyone. We talked for a while and heard of his adventures in Alaska, then he explained why Cindy and I should choose Asheville as a retirement spot for us.
After dinner, we sat around in a common area near our rooms. It had a nice gas fireplace. Mom curled up in a blanket on the couch, while Louise and I relaxed in the comfortable side chairs. We talked about the two of them opening a B&B someday. I headed off to be smiling.....only their second B&B......they want their own and they love the industry! Our beds had been turned down and a candy mint was waiting on the pillow......aaaaahhhhh.....
The next morning, Karen had tea, coffee and orange juice ready and was anxious to hear about our travels. She had been in the kitchen getting our first course ready as soft music played in the background.
We started off with bananas with fresh wildflower honey and cinnamon. Then came pumpkin and lemon poppyseed muffins. Our entree was a quiche with ham, spinach and Cindy's favorite (!????not!) mushrooms. There were English muffins and country potatoes with onions. Too soon, we had to leave, but after hugs, getting directions and an umbrella (just in case) we headed off to Biltmore Estate. We promised to return the umbrella, just down the street to the Inn on Main Street that evening.
Make sure to check out their website and let Karen pamper you in her Secret Garden.
A Winding Road * (formerly Cruising America) * 2408 Becker St., New Braunfels, TX 78130 * 850-292-1599 * freedom04@awindingroad.net
