Sunday, August 16, 2009

Key Falls Inn

As the August heat engulfed the Sandhills last week, Judy and I headed to the North Carolina mountains we love so dearly. This trip was part of our 33rd anniversary celebration and we found a wonderful place to stay for the occasion.

The Key Falls Inn is a Bed and Breakfast just minutes from Brevard, NC, but away from the noise and bustle of town.


This white pebbled drive welcomed us to the Civil War era Victorian house and its beautiful and spacious grounds.

Everything about the place exuded relaxation and comfort.

Here's Judy in one of the two parlors adjacent to our ground-floor room.
In the other parlor, tea and delicous baked treats were served each day at four. When we informed our hostess, Pat, that we would not likely be around at that time most days, she assured us it would be there if we wanted it. And as it turned out, two evenings we had tea and snack around 8.

Our room was the Pisgah Forest room. It was spacious, with central air, private bath, and a queen-size bed.

Every detail was to our liking.

We also had the only room adjacent to the porch, where we spent time morning and evening.

You may glimpse a tennis court and horseshoe pits in the background.

Aahhh!

This entrance led into the foyer and dining area. We enjoyed three scrumptious (or is it sumptuous) breakfasts there. Think scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits, French toast, scones, breakfast casserole, all manner of fruits, plus coffee, juice, and more. We didn't need a full lunch after all that (even ME)!

The house has been lovingly cared for and decorated by the host family.

Plants of all varieties thrive here in Transylvania County, which has among the highest rainfall totals in the U.S.
The grass grows about an inch a day in these conditions and makes a lush, soft carpet. Luminary stands are visible in this field.
After a brief mountain shower, the rain slacked and we took a mini-tour of some of the grounds.
This arbor beside the pond might have been the scene of a wedding yesterday. Two wedding parties had reserved the Key Falls Inn the weekends before and after our visit. While we were there, we were the only guests for two nights. Part of the wedding party arrived late Thursday night and we met them before our departure Friday.

Although we had fresh fruit each morning, we didn't get any of Pat's peaches. Maybe next time!
Flower beds adorned every nook and cranny.

The second day Pat told us we could visit the upstairs rooms. (There was nothing scary about the place, but I told Judy this angle seemed like something from Hitchcock).
Each upstairs room was unique. Their website shows photos and gives descriptions of each.

Thursday morning we toured the rest of the grounds before heading off for adventures.

I LOVE gazebos! Don't you think everyone should have one?

We finally made the short but steep trek to the cascading waters of Key Falls, on the Inn property.

These falls could be viewed from the roadside or by following a trail to the top. We did both.
This cabin is only five years old and is much-loved by Pat. It can accommodate two couples, which would also make it more affordable for some. Since children under 12 cannot stay in the house, the cabin is a nice alternative for families with younger children.
There is no shortage of quiet, secluded spots.

This pavillion is perfect for receptions, reunions, or cookouts. This B&B also hosts such events, including catering.
Well, if you're wondering if we just hung out here for our whole trip, the answer is a resounding "NO." We did so many different things, I'm going to post several more blog posts in the next few days. Topics are: Happenings in Brevard, Waterfall Tours, Flora and Fauna of the Mountains, and The Discovery Center (or Cradle of Forestry in America).
After each day's outings it was wonderful to have the Key Falls Inn and its hospitality to come "home" to. Check it out at http://keyfallsinn.com/. Judy and I can promise that Pat and her family would take good care of you, too.

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