Posted by Kim Nelson on Wed, Sep 01, 2010
Corporate meetings event planning and family reunions are where I feel totally in my element! I love the mental gymnastics of attempting to meet a group’s expectations through the proposal and contract
phase, and then so enjoy the expediting as it unfolds!
Recently we had the honor of hosting a Fortune 500 company's global meetings at our conference center. What a major undertaking that was during the contract phase since so many of the attendees were coming from France, China, Mexico, as well as the USA. Travel schedules, meal planning, conference calls, and break-out space was just a small part of the intricate details that needed to be gone over with a “fine tooth comb”!
The fun part of this was seeing it all come together! Between early morning conference calls in front of our cozy wood burning fireplace in the lobby, to hearing the French brag about our wine list, to making sure all the food was delivered on time to the breaks in the conference center…the smiles on their faces was all the “reward” I needed.
The last family reunion/50th Wedding Anniversary I was involved with at our banquet facility almost brought me to tears as I saw how engaged this family was through the time they spent on a power point presentation with many family photos and music. By the time they got to the champagne toast and cake cutting phase, I thought “this is the way every anniversary/reunion should be”. We all wound up on our big veranda porch taking a photo to document the event and to give one more round of applause to the Mom and Dad who made it all happen. Talk about the perfect anniversary getaway celebration!
Experiencing all facets of event planning is a full extension of my personality. My emotions and mental energy passionately engage with the time making the financial arrangements, assisting with agendas, working through tedious menus, detail sheets… and then watching the team come together for what I call “show time” on the day of the event is such a rewarding experience. Nothing could be finer!
-Linda Darling
Posted by Kim Nelson on Fri, Aug 27, 2010
As we say goodbye to the summer months here in Western North Carolina, the glory of fall greets us with promises of cooler temperatures, intensely vibrant colors, and refreshing brisk mountain air. The Blue Ridge Parkway is the place to be in the fall
and with this year's 75th Anniversary, there is no better time to come and explore.
A brisk hike is perfect for viewing the colors, and the enjoying crisp autumn air. The "Graveyard Fields" is a very popular hiking spot boasting two waterfalls and having peak views of the Blue Ridge Mountains reaching 6000 feet! The hiking spot got is name from some damaged trees resembling gravestones; a huge wind storm hundreds of years ago, and one fierce fire did some damage that has resulted in a slow recovery but leaving a very interesting landscape. The hike is about four miles long including a bridge to cross, stone stairs to a look out point, and even an area to slide down the waterfall! Directions to Graveyard Fields: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway south to Milepost 418.8, about 37 miles southwest of downtown Asheville.
Want to check out the views from the top of the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi? How do 85-mile views sound? Then go check out Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet!) for some of the most breathtaking sights around. Part of the Black Mountain range and formed over a billion years ago; the landscape, foliage, and wildlife will truly be something to remember. Take along a picnic and share a romantic meal (many shelters available), or enjoy the park's restaurant. Don't forget to soak up fall's color palette from their new observation deck, and drop in for a visit to their exhibit hall boasting an interactive weather station. With free admission, multiple hiking trails, a concession stand, and a restaurant–Mt. Mitchell State Park makes a trip along the Blue Ridge Parkway unforgettable! Directions: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway going northeast away from Asheville and take Highway 128 all the way up to the summit, about 34 miles from downtown Asheville.
A visit to North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway wouldn't be complete without including a visit to a winery. We recommend The Biltmore's Winery in Asheville, and with 2010 being their 25th winemaking anniversary it couldn't be a better time to visit. Wine tastings, cellars to explore, culinary demonstrations, grape stomping, tours, and with over 50 different wines to choose from (producing 2 million bottles a year) this is a must for any wine enthusiast. Directions: From I-40 near Asheville take US Highway 25 (exit #50) going North and follow signs to the Biltmore entrance.
Whether your planning a romantic vacation, looking for weekend family getaways, searching for honeymoon ideas, or simply looking for a pleasant distraction; Western North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains are calling your name. Answer them!
-Kim Nelson
Posted by Kim Nelson on Tue, Aug 03, 2010
One of the best ways to reconnect with a loved one is to spend a romantic weekend getaway together. Come to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to pamper your loved one and enjoy the luxury of our quaint and historic bed and breakfast. The splendor of the Foothills is absolutely breathtaking, inspiring, and will certainly make you pause for a moment to count your blessings. Here at the Pine Crest Inn in Tryon, we can help you plan your afternoon excursion along the Blue Ridge Parkway and make sure your ready for romance when you arrive back to your retreat.
A stay in our Windsor suite is just what the doctor ordered to get that romance smoldering again! A bottle of wine in the room upon your arrival and homemade chocolate truffles sound good? Got it covered. Our Heaven Package greets you with Champagne, one dozen long stem roses, truffles and a fruit platter; we also include a $75 credit towards dinner in our award winning restaurant, Carter's. The second evening's stay with us heats up things again with another $75 dinner credit, as well as a lovely bottle of our house Chardonnay, and an artisian cheese platter. And of course our gourmet award winning three course breakfast is included each morning of your stay with us. We are sentimental here at the Pine Crest Inn and want you to carry your amazing weekend memories home with you; our gift to
you are two beautiful champagne flutes etched with our famous logo.
Seeking some excitement outside of the comforts of our inn? If an adventure is on your list of things to do the possibilities are limited only by your imagination! An afternoon of gallery hopping and antiquing up your alley? Asheville, Hendersonville, Saluda, Tryon and Landrum are overflowing with amazing galleries hosting local and nationally known artists. The Biltmore is always a must see for anyone visiting our area, truly an amazing experience. Looking for something a little more physically demanding? White water rafting down the French Broad River just may suit you then! How about some site seeing? Whether your up for a leisurely drive, or hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains you never know what you may encounter; a black bear crossing the road, a deer pausing for a moment to see who you are, or a butterfly flitting along showing you the way to blooming gardens. Pearson's Falls is perfect for a moderate hike, picnic lunch, and just watching the ceaseless beauty of the falls while you tell your partner how much you love them.
Any activity you choose, these mountains will not disappoint, nor will we. Here at the Pine Crest Inn we are known for charm, romance, and service. Join us for your Heaven package and be ready for one memorable, exciting, and heat filled weekend!
-Kim Nelson
Posted by Carl Caudle on Tue, Jul 27, 2010
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Charm and character abound as you roam The Pine Crest Inn property and explore the main lodge upon arrival for your stay. Lush leather sofas invite you to rest a while and enjoy the complimentary coffee and home made treats set out for guests. Antique furniture adorn the rooms and cottages at our historic inn as well as a variety of interesting prints, art, and pottery. Each room is lovingly decorated and color coordinated to compliment it's interior. Martha would be proud.
Don't forget your favorite book you've been trying so desperately to finish but just can't seem to find the time. Large comfortable rocking chairs line the front porches of our home-like vacation cottages just waiting to be gently swayed as you dive into those pages. No book? No problem; check out our library for an interesting page turner to enjoy on your weekend getaway.
Take a stroll in our bountiful gardens blooming with perennials, daylilies, cleome, flox and roses. All lovingly tended to by our master gardener. Our stone walking paths will take you on a tour all around the cottages and the Pine Crest Inn property for a refreshing evening stroll as you breathe deeply in the fresh Blue Ridge Mountain air. Don't forget to stop and rest a while in our gazebo where you can share an intimate moment and tell your loved one how much you care for them, or even perhaps pop that question you've been conjuring up the nerve for!
Looking for some interesting libations to get the nerve? We have-resized-600.jpg)
over 35 single malt scotches to choose from, the second largest win list in the Carolinas, and a mixologist that can make one hell of a cocktail for you and your partner. Sip and relax in our Fox and Hounds Lounge in front of a stone fireplace and perhaps engage in a game of chess, or just reminisce over the good old times.
Whatever activity you choose at our charm and character filled inn, rest assured that you will unwind, feel pampered, and recharge your soul. Guaranteed; you will not leave our Western North Carolina Inn without thinking "When can I get back there?"
-Kim Nelson
Posted by Carl Caudle on Wed, Jul 14, 2010
I have had the pleasure of working at the Historic 1906 Pine Crest Inn now for five months. On a regular basis I get asked from friends and acquaintances "Do you like it?", to which I always respond "Yes, very much!" Inevitably their next question is always, "What do you like most about it?" Without missing a beat my honest reply is always, "The guests!"
Let me explain why...
#1 Top Reason
The guests are always in a great mood! What's not to enjoy about working in a service related industry when the guests are always happy? They are on vacation, or visiting family, or on a romantic weekend getaway, riding at a horse show, celebrating an anniversary, site seeing, vineyard hopping, hiking, shopping, the list is endless! But be sure that whatever the reason, they always have a smile on their face, and who doesn't want to come to work everyday to experience that?
#2 Top Reason
I love meeting new people and discovering what brought them to Tryon in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and then asking them about themselves. I have met a former service man who was a trumpet player in an Army big band; what a character! Quite the charmer! I have also had the pleasure of meeting; bankers, authors, interior decorators, horse trainers, a chef in training, a business owning Harley Davidson rider, and a hobby artist attempting to hone his craft with a workshop given by his favorite artist.
#3 Top Reason
I love it when the guests ask about the history of the 1906 Pine Crest Inn. We are such a unique and historic property, there are so many stories to share and the guests are always interested in my tales to tell! Topics usually discussed; how the Pine Crest became an inn, the history of all of our private cottages, and even a few ghost stories have been relayed!
Truly the guests enlighten each and every day I step foot onto the grounds of our historic inn. I never know who I will meet, and what I may learn from them each day. But my absolute favorite moment, is when I get to somehow make their stay with us... memorable.
-Kim Nelson