Month: June 2023

As temperatures warm and the air buzzes with summer excitement, we’re eager to highlight our sommelier’s wine picks of the season. From France to New Zealand to the Piedmont region of Italy, our selections offer a little something for every palate. Whether it be an elegant Rosé Champagne, a floral Sauvignon Blanc, or a full-bodied, velvety Barolo that you choose, the essence of summer’s delights can be captured in just one sip.

Billecart-Salmon, Brut / Rose / France / NV

The Brut Rosé is an elegant Champagne made from Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir. It has a radiant color, fine bubbles, and a persistent mousse. The wine offers subtle aromas and a red berry flavor with citrus zest, evolving to strawberries and a raspberry finish. It is light, balanced, and perfect for any happy occasion. The Champagne pairs well with charcuterie, sushi, grilled salmon, langoustine carpaccio, and lightly sweetened red berry desserts.

Cloudy Bay, Te Koko / Marlborough / New Zealand 2020

Selected for its expressive red berry flavor and citrus zest, Te Koko 2020 is a complex and appealing wine that features notes of white flowers, warm hay, and summer fruit. It has a textured palate with layers of white peach, pear, and white flowers that blend with mineral characters and subtle brioche notes. The wine has a fresh acidity that underpins its density, leading to a long and elegant finish.

Fontanafredda / Serralunga D’ Alba / Piedmont 2019

Serralunga Barolo is characterized by superb structure and power. Dry and tannic but with a velvety texture, enjoy a delicate balance of vanilla, spices, withered roses and underbrush. The bright finish is long-lasting and pairs well with charred red meat dishes, summer vegetables, and mature cheeses. With a cherry color, the pleasant aromas of raspberries and hints of leather, dust, and dried flowers collide in this medium to full-bodied wine that boasts a fine tannin, plenty of acidities, and a good core fruit finish.

 

What could be better than curling up with a good book on the deck, with the warm breeze rolling off the lake?

LOCAL AUTHOR: Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen

Known for her rich magical realism, Allen resides just up the street in Asheville. Set in rural Southern Georgia,this book follows Eby, who is bringing a lakeside campground back to life with the help of a quirky cast of characters.

Taste: My Life Through Food by Stanley Tucci

Award-winning actor Tucci embraces his Italian heritage and its iconic recipes in this hilarious and heartfelt memoir.

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim

Described as “Full of shocking twists and fascinating questions of love, language, race, and human connection, Happiness Falls is a mystery, a family drama, and a novel of profound philosophical inquiry…” What else could you ask for in a summer read?

Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin

The bestselling author of The Happiness Project returns with this thoughtful investigation in how to make our lives richer and more profound, just by tuning into our five senses.

Happy Place by Emily Henry

Henry has taken the world by storm with her realistic and witty romantic comedies. Her newest release follows a couple who broke up months ago make a pact to pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends. What could go wrong?

On or off the water this summer, the Blue Ridge Mountains prove to be a hotbed for family adventure time and time again. Although you could stay firmly planted on our grounds throughout your stay here, a slew of day-time activities awaits you in the surrounding area that is only a short drive away.Traveling with the entire family can often present challenges when finding something everyone can enjoy, but Bear Tracks Travel Center is a family favorite for spirited, warm-weather outings.

Sift through the dirt to discover a treasure trove of unique gems at Bear Tracks Gem Mine. Under a covered patio with benches, spend the afternoon combing through stones to find amethyst, rubies, sapphires, citrine, and more. Gem mining in North Carolina dates back to the late 1700s, and although it proves to be a tried and true source of joy for children and parents alike in the current day, this is not the only summertime activity that happens at Bear Tracks Travel Center. River tubing is also a favorite, with the nearby river being another source of peace for travelers and locals alike during warmer months.

Located just eight miles down the road from The Greystone Inn, Bear Tracks Travel Center lends itself to adventure-seekers, natives, and families, all hungry for the great outdoors. We encourage you to discover the beauty of Western North Carolina this summer and bring your loved ones along with you.

Nestled on the shores of the largest private lake in North Carolina, immersing yourself in everything The Greystone Inn offers this summer is best done by water. People have been drawn to water for thousands of years now, which is no different for the modern-day explorers of Lake Toxaway. Whether you dive into a refreshing local watering hole at the base of a breathtaking waterfall, swim in the restorative waters of this secluded lake, or opt for a kayak, paddle board, or fishing trip, you will discover that traditions run deep here, especially in our crystal waters.

As far back as 8,000 BC, humans have used boats to cure our insatiable need for discovery. There is something nostalgic and beautiful about a wooden vessel. Since the turn of the century, a favorite past-time here has been discovering the nooks and crannies of Lake Toxaway by boat – from the Fords and the Edisons to the Rockefellers and beyond. With three wooden ships in our fleet here at The Greystone, we offer boat rides on these magnificent vessels to our guests and the surrounding community. Miss Lucy sets sail once daily during the boating season, a complimentary adventure that we offer guests of The Greystone.

As we forge ahead in the modern age, the art of wooden boats offers a glimpse into time-honored traditions. “My major hobby for the last forty years has been restoring antique wooden boats,” Les Rue says. Les, a retired business school professor at Georgia State University, is a passionate local restorer known for his expertise and care for the art of wooden boats and canoes. Before modern technology, boaters relied on peak craftsmanship and expert handbuilding, which is alive and well here today in our region. Les began woodworking as a boy, and his admiration for antique boats and the stories they tell keep him as captivated today as he was when this unique hobby first began. He continues, “We have a wooden boat club here on Lake Toxaway and we have between fifteen and twenty wooden boats.” With plans to restore a canoe this summer and a boat this fall, Les Rue’s passion for antique wooden vessels is alive and well here in Western North Carolina.

The storied traditions of wooden boats are a unique characteristic of the waters here, with the Lake Toxaway Boat Parade being a highlight of the summer season. For the modern-day boater, participating in the Fourth of July Boat Parade on Lake Toxaway is a quintessential expression of patriotism. In a fast-paced world, slowing down this summer on the waters of Lake Toxaway might be just what the doctor ordered to soothe the soul and quiet the mind.

The story of American music history would not be complete without mentioning sounds originating here in the sleepy mountains of the Southeastern United States. With a geographic region that almost acts as a time capsule of traditional sounds unique to the people of this area, the surroundings of Western North Carolina are rich in more than just our natural landscapes but our musical and cultural roots, too. This summer, we invite you to explore the musical soundscapes of our lands and discover an area that is booming with rich festivals, music series, outdoor concerts, and more.

Brevard Music Center’s Summer Festival:

World-class arts can be found in this summer series through the end of August, with offerings spanning from Broadway, to classical, bluegrass, jazz, opera, and more.

Groovin’ on the Green:

This open-aired concert series in nearby Cashiers boasts a lineup of local, regional, and national touring acts that range in sound from rock, to bluegrass, oldies, modern favorites, and more.

Music on the Mountain:

Located just minutes from the grounds of The Greystone, this summer roster of music is sure to tap your toes and stir the spirit on the shores of Lake Toxaway.

Brevardaversary

A favorite for craft beer and music lovers alike, the Oscar Blues taproom in Brevard offers avariety of musical events and film screenings throughout the summer season.

 

Down To Earth: A Note on Grounding

What is grounding? You might have heard this term in passing, often whispered in spiritual communities that embrace non-traditional healing methods. The truth is that although grounding might repair something for the soul, placing our bare feet in direct contact with the earth below us boasts physical health benefits, too.

What Happens When You Ground:

• Improved sleep
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved cellular and tissue repair
• Enhanced blood flow
• Increased heart rate variability
• Improved electrical activity in the brain

 

These are just a few of the physiological effects of this simple act of grounding on the human body. As humans, our connection to the earth is undeniable.

When you picture summers on Lake Toxaway, walking through the grass barefoot often comes to mind. Start and end your days with us this season and find the peace your soul craves. Wake up slowly and enjoy hot tea or coffee as the day begins. Skip the shoes as you take a lovely morning walk on dewy grass. Before you head off to enjoy your day of summer adventures, notice the feeling of your feet on the ground and the warmth on your shoulders. As the sun retreats, so do we. Before the day draws to a close, unwind, relax in your luxurious room, and end your day with our Ancient Minerals magnesium lotion with melatonin to repair cells, soothe skin, and encourage a restful night’s sleep.