It took 400 men 10 hours a day, six days a week to build the Grove Park Inn in less than a year. When it opened in 1913, none other than William Jennings Bryan delivered the keynote address. When Bryan said the inn was “built for the ages” he was not kidding. The impressive hotel is perhaps more beautiful today than it was the day it opened. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the stone main building looks like something out of a romance novel.
You don’t have to be a guest of the inn in order to enjoy its dining options. In fact, you may be tempted to swing by often enough to give each of the six restaurants and cafes a try. Here’s an idea of what you can expect from each:
- Sunset Terrace features hand cut steaks, seafood, and chops. They partner with local farmers to prepare the freshest possible meals. Attire is “resort casual” and the view of the mountains is spectacular. If you’re a wine connoisseur, you will appreciate the fact that Sunset Terrace is a nine-time recipient of the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
- Vue 1913 is a nod to the year the inn first opened and offers a tasteful setting for a delicious meal. Like a French brasserie, the finest local ingredients are featured and paired with a broad selection of wines. Vue 1913 features a unique program called “Wild Food Adventure.” April through September you can take part in the adventure by exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina, choosing various forms of produce, and delivering them to Guest Services. Once delivered, the chef will use the ingredients to prepare a personalized appetizer for you. Between the food adventure, cool art deco décor, and spectacular views, Vue 1913 is not to be missed.
- Edison Craft Ales + Kitchen is both a bar and a restaurant, bringing together more local flavors. Fun historical fact: the venue is named in honor of the frequent trips made to the inn by Thomas Edison and his cronies, including Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. While you’ll enjoy the craft beers, bourbons, and handcrafted cocktails, make it point to try one of their innovative burgers or sandwiches. A particular favorite is called the Hot Brown, a delicious combination of braised turkey leg, applewood smoked bacon, green tomatoes, and beer cheese.
- Another farm-to-table option is the Blue Ridge, an artisanal buffet featuring an array of breakfast options each morning, including a doughnut buffet and yogurt bar. On Friday night it becomes a seafood buffet and on Saturday, a prime rib buffet. Sunday brunch is the perfect way to begin or end the week. Don’t worry if you’re gluten free. Blue Ridge offers creative alternatives.
- Make a day of it and follow a relaxing spa treatment with a light meal (or glass of champagne) at the Spa Café. There are plenty of house-made juice and smoothie options, a healthy breakfast fare, sandwiches, wraps, and salads.
- Cabana Grill and Bar is open seasonally near the outdoor pool and golf pro shop. Like the Spa Café, you can enjoy lighter fare here with salads, sandwiches, and snacks. The fresh food and fresh air make for an intoxicating combo.
It may seem silly to visit a buffet when you’re not very hungry or get all dressed up just to sit by the pool and watch the sun go down. That’s the great thing about the Grove Park Inn. You can customize your experience to fit your appetite and mood.
Insider Tips:
- You will need reservations for most of these popular dining venues.
- Dress for the weather if you’re visiting either Sunset Terrace or Cabana Grill and Bar. Both are entirely outdoors.