Guest Author - Karon Warren

Headed to North Carolina’s high country for some snow skiing and snowboarding, but not sure where to stay? Then check out the Inn at Crestwood. Nestled in the woods approximately five miles outside of Blowing Rock, this charming inn offers a wonderful retreat that feels worlds away from the ordinary ski destination.

Originally built as a private home, today the property features 34 rooms plus four cottages and a spa on 30 acres that offer panoramic views of nearby Grandfather, Seven Devils, Sugar and Beech mountains.

Time to relax
Each guest room is quite comfortable and offers a wonderful respite at the end of an activity-filled day. My room, the quite expansive No. 7, featured a queen bed, two nightstands, a comfortable chair, a desk with coffee pot and a TV armoire with cable TV. The bathroom was quite large as well, providing plenty of room to get ready each day.

While the inn advertises wireless Internet capabilities in its many public spaces (the lobby, the library, etc.), thanks to my room’s location, I was able to log in from the comfort of my bed, a perk for which I was quite grateful.

If you want to do more than unwind in your room, the inn’s spa provides additional opportunities for relaxation, with body treatments, facials, massages and nail services available. A fitness center, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and tennis courts also can be found on site.

Time to Eat
While breakfast is provided as part of each guest’s room rate, it’s dinner that should bring you to the table. At Dominic’s Table, the inn’s restaurant, executive chef Dominic Geraghty takes great pride in putting together a menu that not only visually impresses but also leaves the palate and the appetite satisfied.

Featuring a range of beef, chicken, fish and seafood items, there’s something for every diner–including vegetarians, who will love the crostada vegetarian tart. For an appetizer, I particularly enjoyed the New England lobster pie with dill and lemon crème fraiche.

As my meal, I chose one of the chef’s nightly specials–pan-seared scallops on a bed of sautéed asparagus and lobster-potato pancakes. This was presented as an appetizer, but the staff accommodated my request to serve me with an entrée portion. I’m so thankful they did!

If you’re looking for a unique place to rest your head while visiting North Carolina’s high country, look no further than the Inn at Crestwood. You won’t be disappointed.

www.crestwoodnc.com