Instead of buying a real present for Christmas, I postponed my yuletide expense to a weekend in January by giving my wife essentially a coupon for a vacation she could help pay for as well. Sweet, ain't I? Actually, that is a very cynical way of looking at things, I know. My intent was to make sure we took time to get reacquainted and to take a real break from my new job. (A whole long story in itself.) So at Christmas, I gave her ski related clothing and prepaid for reservations to
Grove Park Inn in
Asheville. She loved the idea and was excited and a little nervous about the ski trip. So this weekend we went on a little vacation in the
new car so we could use the navigation system. The directions given by the navi were a little disappointing. I am assuming that Grove Park Inn and the
Wolf Laurel Ski Resort comprise more acreage than front gate address, because we were in the vicinity of both but had to read signs or drive around to get to the correct location. Jayne's theory has to do with the mountains and satellites.
First Day "I paid to get felt up..."
The first day was highlighted by a mas
sage and fancy dinner in downtown Asheville. The hotel allowed us to check in early but decided to "upgrade" our room. The upgrade was to an "art deco nightmare" of a room that was definitely bigger than the room we reserved but was also a smoking room on the lowest floor of the hotel. We walked around in it for bit but ultimately decided to pass and take a regular mountain view room on the highest floor. The view was amazing. Watching a sunset from king size bed is not overrated. Next on our list was the spa. I was in for my first professional massage. We had signed up for the couples massage. The facilities were very nice. I have no basis of comparison for places like this but it was pretty impressive to me. There was a mineral pool, lap pool, waterfalls, and attendants available but not in the way. The masseuse was great. Definitely not the last time that will happen. Dinner in downtown Asheville was fantastic.
The Flying Frog Cafe is a upscale German/Indian restaurant. Not fusion cuisine, just two menus - actually three counting the house specials. Ask for the B-Section and you will get special table for two curtained off with white linen.
Second Day"Why is it so hot?"
We went skiing early on Saturday. I am not saying I suck but you can judge by the pictures. Jayne did really well and looked cute doing it. I must say I have a new found respect for the abductor muscle. I never
knew it should be exercised or even used. My outer hip hurt for three days. Wolf Laurel Resort is a resort in a very loose sense of the word. It is barn with snowy hill and snack bar. The conditions were really icy and think that contributed to my downfall - pun intended.
We then ran over to the Biltmore Estate for a wine tastin
g. Good but not great. The grapes just aren't the same as California. But we grabbed a couple bottles to fill the wine cooler and commemorate the trip. I think the most striking thing was the number of openly gay men in Asheville. It was really kinda cool. Gay in Charlotte seems to be a less subtle - either closeted or advocates. It was nice to see two people out and just enjoying each other company.
P.S. We also stole chocolate from Oh' Chocolate! in The Grove Arcade.
Third day"Are we there yet?"
I was not ready to go home. So after a tasty breakfast at
Tupelo Honey Cafe , we headed in. Thanks to Sean and Hunter for taking me the last time I was in Asheville. Jayne loved it. They had a fried porkchop special for brunch. You had me at "fried". I tried to take side streets and get the navi to keep us off I-40 but it kept trying take us back. Eventually, I just turned it off and took 74 and was much happier. Back to our pups and our home, we had a great time.
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sage and fancy dinner in downtown Asheville. The hotel allowed us to check in early but decided to "upgrade" our room. The upgrade was to an "art deco nightmare" of a room that was definitely bigger than the room we reserved but was also a smoking room on the lowest floor of the hotel. We walked around in it for bit but ultimately decided to pass and take a regular mountain view room on the highest floor. The view was amazing. Watching a sunset from king size bed is not overrated. Next on our list was the spa. I was in for my first professional massage. We had signed up for the couples massage. The facilities were very nice. I have no basis of comparison for places like this but it was pretty impressive to me. There was a mineral pool, lap pool, waterfalls, and attendants available but not in the way. The masseuse was great. Definitely not the last time that will happen. Dinner in downtown Asheville was fantastic. The Flying Frog Cafe is a upscale German/Indian restaurant. Not fusion cuisine, just two menus - actually three counting the house specials. Ask for the B-Section and you will get special table for two curtained off with white linen.
knew it should be exercised or even used. My outer hip hurt for three days. Wolf Laurel Resort is a resort in a very loose sense of the word. It is barn with snowy hill and snack bar. The conditions were really icy and think that contributed to my downfall - pun intended.
g. Good but not great. The grapes just aren't the same as California. But we grabbed a couple bottles to fill the wine cooler and commemorate the trip. I think the most striking thing was the number of openly gay men in Asheville. It was really kinda cool. Gay in Charlotte seems to be a less subtle - either closeted or advocates. It was nice to see two people out and just enjoying each other company.
