How to make your Asheville Christmas just as magical in 2020 as last year
*please call ahead to book reservations and inquire about COVID19 closures and restrictions
This article is going to:
1) highlight the things you can do in Asheville this Christmas (2020)
2) alert you of important changes to famous winter traditions
3) offer details on how to make your holiday trip just as magical this season
Destination: Asheville, NC
Drive time from Nashville to Asheville: 4.5 hours
Beloved winter traditions in Asheville, NC
Travelers often head to Asheville during the fall and winter season in search of famous holiday experiences like:
Source: The Biltmore
What to expect this Christmas 2020 at the Biltmore?
Here are some health and safety updates that are affecting visits to the Biltmore in 2020:
Cashless payments only
Social distancing
Face covering requirements for those 2 years and older when indoors
Limited capacity
Only clear bags 12” x 6” x 12” allowed inside
What Biltmore experiences are available this year?
Wine tastings at the winery
Antler Hill Village
What to expect from Omni Grove Park Inn this 2020 holiday season?
Source: Omni Grove Park Inn
Is Grove Park Inn’s beloved gingerbread house competition still happening in 2020?
Yes, but it will be different.
Before we give you all the details, if you’ve never been to Omni Grove Park Inn, the holiday season is a perfect time to plan your first visit.
From the gorgeous mountain views to the roaring fireplaces to the life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby, many families make an annual trek to visit this property each winter. Unfortunately, a number of these traditions will be impacted this year because of COVID. Services like the world-class spa (ranks in Condé Nast Traveler’s top resort spas in North America) and the fine dining have been amended for guest and staff safety.
But, don’t fear.
We’ve got key tips to help you plan a visit.
We spoke with Susan Rotante, Director of Public Relations and Community Outreach for Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, this week. She shared insider tips on how to enjoy Grove Park Inn’s Gingerbread Competition this year (but also the entire property during the holidays).
What’s available this season?
There is no public display of gingerbread houses this year, HOWEVER, the gingerbread competition is NOT CANCELED. It is being shown virtually around the world during the 12 Days of Gingerbread (December 1 - 12, 2020).
If you can’t visit this year but want to get into the gingerbread spirit, you can learn HOW to bake a gingerbread house from famous chefs like Carla Hall. Grove Park Inn’s new Baking Spirits Bright Gingerbread Class Making Series will help with all your Gingerbread 101 needs.
What things should you know to make the most of your visit to Omni Grove Park Inn this year?
The best time to visit this winter will be during the weekdays. Weekends are busy and often sell out. Since dining and spa activities are limiting capacity, you want to time your visit just right.
Masks are mandatory indoors.
Guaranteed access to hotel grounds are only available to overnight guests of hotel or those with reservations to on-site restaurants. In previous years, you could visit the hotel even if you were not an overnight guest. But due to COVID, capacity is limited. Bottom line: if you don’t have a reservation, you may not be able to gain access to the hotel, especially during busy times.
Only overnight guests will be allowed to book a dining reservation on prime holiday dates: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.
Stay up to date on hours and changes to policies, here.
What’s the biggest mistake people make when visiting Omni Grove Park Inn?
Not booking a reservation for dining or spa services when booking a room. To ensure that your visit is exactly what you want, book your room AND your dining AND your spa services all at the same time! **Expect dining and services to be booked 6-8 weeks out.
What to expect from NC Arboretum this year?
This year, the lights are drive-thru only. Read the details and plan your visit!
Pin this trip for later!
#RoadTripUSA, #BestWeekendRoadTrips: These beloved winter activities have people traveling to Asheville each year!
