We absolutely love the holiday season and are always looking for something festive to do. One of our favorite things to do, is visit the Omni Grove Park Inn and check out the hundreds of Gingerbread houses on display after they have hosted the National Gingerbread House Competition.

The hotel itself has incredible views, history, and food, and is lovely to visit year-round (even if you can’t afford to stay the night-there is plenty to do if you just stop by for an afternoon). But from Mid November until the beginning of January, it is extra special and full of Christmas cheer that will delight the whole family. Read on to hear about the hotel, the competition, and some other things you can do during your visit.

The Hotel

The hotel is perched atop Sunset Mountain and is only a 10-minute drive from the Ashville city center.

The Grove Park Inn Offers:

• Full-service spa (for resort guests only)

• 18 holes of championship golf

• 50,000 sq. ft. sports complex

• On-site shopping

• Indoor and outdoor pools

• Racquetball court

• Tennis (indoor and outdoor)

• Sports Complex (weight room, yoga classes, fitness training, tennis clinics and children's programs.

• Audio History Tour

• Wild Food Foraging Experiences

• Nantahala Outdor Center

• On Site Shopping

• Restaurants & Bars:

  • Blue Ridge

  • Sunset Terrace

  • Edison, Craft Ales + Kitchen

  • Vue 1913

  • Spa Cafe

  • The Great Hall Bar

  • Presidents Loung Wine Bar

  • Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar (Thursday-Saturday)

  • Sunset Cocktail Terrace

  • Cabana Grill and Bar

From March 31, 2023 through September 30, 2023, parking rates are as follows:

• Valet Parking: $35 for overnight guests; $30 for day parking

• Self-Parking: $25 for overnight guests; First (1) hour for day parking is complimentary. After that, 1-3 hours is $10, 3-6 hours is $20 and 6-24 hours is $25.

Check-in is at 4:00 p.m.
Check-out is at 11:00 a.m.

Rooms Start at around $323

ROOM & SUITE FEATURES:

• Serta mattress

• Mini refrigerator

• Spacious desks

• Pet-friendly accommodations are available in select rooms in the Vanderbilt wing for an additional charge of $250 for dogs under 60lbs.

• Premium high-speed internet

• In-room coffee and tea

• Bottled water (Two bottles, replenished daily)

• On-property shuttle service

• Access to the Sports Complex with indoor pool, outdoor tennis courts

• Access to seasonal outdoor pool

• Admission to the Introduction to Golf class (Tues. - Sat., reservations required)

• Access to the Sunset Trail

• Access to the Business Center

• WiFi Internet service

• Individual climate control

• USB Charging Stations

The Trees

My suggestion is when you arrive for your visit to the Grove Park Inn, to park in the parking garage and pay the self-parking fee. Once you come up the elevators, you end up beside the Heritage Ballroom and the Dogwood Suite. You are immediately put in the holiday spirit because the hallways are lined with Christmas trees, and each one is decorated with a different theme. Not only do you get to stroll and take in the Gingerbread houses, but the trees are lovely as well. Stop by one of the restaurants for a snack or meal, grab a drink at a bar, or meander over to the Great Hall for a special holiday treat.

The Hot Cocoa/Life Size Gingerbread House

Located in the Great Hall along with the famous 36-foot-wide fireplaces, is an incredible life-sized Gingerbread House. Made every year and serving up some delicious seasonal beverages (and of course some gingerbread cookies), this is a must do during your visit!

The house itself is made from 1600 pounds of flour, 12 pounds of ginger and takes 50 days to make!!

The menu varies a little each year, but for the past several years, the hot chocolate has come in a sweet glass commemorative souvenir mug.

The Sunset Terrace

Just outside the Great Hall, is the Sunset Terrace. Here, you can see the spa, the golf course, and breathtaking views of the surrounding great smoky mountains. During the holiday season, the Grove Park Inn decorates the Terrace with a beautiful sled (that makes for some great photos) and a little Santa’s Workshop scene. We love to pop out onto the terrace with our hot chocolate and take in the scenery. We also love to walk down the many steps and look back up to take in the silhouette of the hotel.

The National Gingerbread House Competition

The competition was founded in 1992 with a small group of community members making houses as another way to celebrate the holiday season. It is now one of the most celebrated seasonal events in the country!

The 2022 pot had grown to more than $40,000 in cash and prizes, which is a 60% increase from 2021.

Only one winner will claim the grand prize ― a $7,500 cash prize, trophy and a gift package that includes a two-night stay at the resort.

Everything above the base of the entry must be composed completely of edible materials. Competitors are permitted to use up to 40% mechanically produced components in their entry. Examples include: machine designed, 3D printed and laser cut components. 60% of each entry must be handcrafted. The main structure of your entry must be constructed of at least 75% gingerbread, some of which should be exposed.

Registration is open until Nov. 14 for those who want to get in on the gingerbread action. All ages and skill levels are invited to submit entries.

National Gingerbread House Competition awards will be presented across four age categories: adult, teen, youth and child.

JUDGING: All entries will be judged on five criteria: 1) Overall Appearance, 2) Originality and Creativity, 3) Difficulty, 4) Precision and 5) Consistency of Theme.

There are usually maps showing you where everything is displayed (so that you don’t miss anything). Again, I suggest starting just off the elevators from the parking garage.

Public Viewing begins around November 28 – January 2.

• After 3pm on Sundays.

• Anytime Monday – Thursday.

• Exclusion dates include December 23, 24, 30, 31 and January 1.

• Public viewing on December 26 and January 2 will open after 3pm.

• All Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for registered resort guests and closed to public viewing.

I highly suggest going during non-peak times to avoid the crowds so that you can take your time and really get up close to each house and take in all the intricate details without feeling rushed.

So, if you are in the area and looking for a fun way to spend a few hours, look no further than the Grove Park Inn. Grab some cocoa, take some lovely holiday photos with some gorgeous backdrops, and take in the beautiful sights (and smells) of the holidays.