Chat with us admin – Page 5 – Greystone
BOOK A ROOM BOOK A TABLE Order Takeaway
Close

Ready to See Red?

Football fans and pumpkin spice fanatics may be celebrating the arrival of fall, but there’s no group more eager to welcome the season than leaf peepers. With a full tank of gas and trusty binoculars in hand, color chasers everywhere will soon venture out to witness the deep reds, fiery oranges, and brilliant yellows of the season.

The Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains have one of the longest color seasons in the country, typically spanning five weeks with peak season starting around mid-October. Sunlight exposure and weather – both before and during the dwindling of chlorophyll in the leaves – determine what kind of show the trees will put on. Chilly, sunny weather speeds up color change while warm weather and rain prolong the process.

So what can we expect this autumn? We asked Howard Neufeld, professor of plant ecophysiology at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, more affectionately known as the Fall Color Guy. “The trees look great right now,” said Neufeld. “As long as the weather cools and we have an abundance of sunny days, we should be in for a good fall color season. However, the long-range forecast is calling for slightly warmer than normal temperatures through October, which could delay colors by several days.”

Our proximity to the Smokies and the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most scenic stretches to see the annual kaleidoscope of colors, makes us an ideal stop on your leaf peeping journey. Pop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner at our award-winning restaurant, enjoy a cocktail overlooking the changing foliage around beautiful Lake Toxaway, or spend the evening with us and wake up to an absolute dream.

5 things you can do in Lake Toxaway

If you’d like to escape the city and head on a relaxing getaway, look no further than Lake Toxaway. Only three hours away from Charlotte, this secluded oasis is the largest private lake in North Carolina and has breathtaking and stunning views unlike any other. Previously frequented by the likes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, Lake Toxaway was also aptly named as “America’s Switzerland”.

No matter the time of the year, you’ll be blown away by the incredible views while taking in the abundance of nature around the area. When it comes to accommodation, stay at the luxurious Greystone Inn and you’ll have complimentary access to the Lake Toxaway Country Club that houses a plethora of amenities from restaurants to golf and the marina.

There’s also plenty to do around the Lake Toxaway area, and we’ve highlighted five things that’ll make your trip extra special.


With over 250 waterfalls in the area, it’s no wonder Lake Toxaway is also known as the “land of the waterfalls”. Whitewater Falls is one that you absolutely have to visit. It’s the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains and consists of a 400-foot drop. While you’re there, follow the paved walkway to soak in some excellent views. Be careful when you’re heading down the steps however, and avoid veering off the paved path. If you’d like, you can also head further down the trail for a swim or to just hang out on the big rocks.

Another gorgeous waterfall is Rainbow Falls. As the name suggests, it’s highly likely that you’ll catch a glimpse of a rainbow while you’re there, especially when the water is high. The waterfall is 150-foot tall and you’ll be able to see it from all angles – top, bottom and even from the side. It’s situated in Pisgah National Forest and when the water is low, you can even sit by the rocks for a picnic. After exploring the falls, continue on the trail to another falls – Turtleback Falls.

Other great falls that you can visit around the area include the stunning Looking Glass Falls and the popular Sliding Rock. Lake Toxaway Estates also has some private falls that you can visit – perfect for when you want to avoid the crowds.


Head on a Bee-to-Honey Farm Tour
For a unique hands-on experience, you’ll want to head to the Killer Bees Honey Farm. As the farm’s committed to protecting the biodiversity of the surrounding forests, you’ll be treated to some of the purest artisanal honey while you’re there. If you’d like to go on a group tour, you’ll need to sign up beforehand. On the tour, you’ll get to taste some delicious honey, and they’re all complimented with individual pairings. You’ll get to discover the different honey varieties and what makes them different.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can sign up for another tour that allows you to be a beekeeper for a day. You’ll get an up close experience of the apiary, learn about how honey is made, and put on a bee suit and follow the beekeeper. The tour also includes a light lunch, and you’ll get to pour your own 4 ounce bottle of honey to take home.


Hike at Panthertown
While there are plenty of hiking trails surrounding Lake Toxaway, you wouldn’t want to miss Panthertown Valley that’s part of the Nantahala National Forest. This area is also known as the “Yosemite of the East” and you can find some breathtaking formations along with plenty of trout streams and waterfalls. Choose to explore these trails however you wish, you can hike, bike, and even ride a horse.

Along the way, keep an eye out for plenty of biologically diverse habitats for wildfires and rare plants. There’s also campsites along the trails if you’d like to stay for the night. Just remember to bring bear-proof food canisters as bears sometimes roam around the area.

Otherwise, if you’re there for a day hike, check out the Schoolhouse Falls hike. The whole hike is about 5 miles roundtrip and you’re sure to love the spectacular mountain views from Little Green Mountain and Greenland Creek Falls. Other hikes around the area include the Panthertown Valley main trail, Salt Rock Gap, and the Overlook Trail. Each of these trails have varying difficulties, but all of them come with striking views that’ll make the hike well worth it.


Explore the Nearby Towns
Even though there’s plenty to do at Lake Toxaway, you should still try out and venture out to the nearby towns. The charming mountain town of Brevard is close by and is an area that’s known for both its natural and cultural resources. As its situated near to Pisgah National Forest, you can head for a hike to explore the surrounding waterfalls. It also has a local arts and music community and is home to the esteemed Brevard Music Center.

Another great nearby town to visit is Asheville. It’s a town that’s both charming and sophisticated and is known for its vibrant arts scene. It also has a plethora of restaurants and cafes and shopping options that’ll keep your busy and entertained throughout the day. Outdoor activities and seasonal festivals are also aplenty – it’s no wonder this town is named as one of the 10 most beautiful places in America.


Enjoy Activities at the Lake
There’s plenty to do at Lake Toxaway from boating to recreational water activities. You’ll also have plenty of privacy since it’s the largest private lake in North Carolina. Spend the afternoon fishing on the lake, go for a swim or enjoy some sailing while taking in the picturesque views.

The Lake is home to eight species of game fish and as a bonus there’s also minimal boat traffic in the area. As the lake is supplied with spring-fed waters, it ensures that the fish have good health and normal growth. Some fish that you can catch include catfish, rainbow trout and walleye.

If you’d like, you can also head on the Wooden Boat—Miss Lucy. This mahogany boat was crafted by the Hacker-Craft Company and you can head onboard for a nightly sunset cruise. It’s ideal for taking in the serene and expansive lake while admiring the homes that dot the area.

There’s plenty to do in Lake Toxaway, and it’s truly one of the best areas to head to if you’re looking for something that’s both private and relaxing. After you’ve spent some time at Lake Toxaway, there’s also a lot to explore in North Carolina from Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Charlotte.

Updated Guest Care Guidelines – July 10, 2020

Our commitment to your health and safety is a priority. We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization statements regarding the coronavirus. Our industry is regulated by strict local, state and federal guidelines. The Greystone Inn is a proud member of Count On Me NC, a public health initiative that empowers guests and businesses to keep everyone safe from COVID-19.

In addition to these guidelines, we have put the following steps in place in an effort to best take care of our team and our guests health and well-being. We will continue to adjust our behavior and operation as the situation evolves.

TO OUR GUESTS
We kindly request that if you have traveled through an airport in the last two weeks, have a cold, a sniffle, a cough, fever, or are feeling unwell, please stay home. We are waiving all cancellation fees during this time of heightened personal responsibility.

All hotel guests are required to complete a health declaration form prior to checking in.

All guests to The Greystone must wear a face mask upon entering, checking-in and while moving through all indoor public areas of the hotel. Face masks can be removed once seated to dine and during specified spa services.

We are providing more room between gathering areas in the lobbies, living rooms, and dining rooms. We kindly ask that guests abide by social distancing recommendations, wave hello to friends from a distance and respect others’ personal space at all times.

Many of the amenities typically found in our guest rooms have been removed to provide a more personal and safe experience for all guests. It will be our pleasure to set up prior to your arrival or deliver to your room the following fresh and sanitized items: coffee machine and coffee set up, bath robes, water glasses, wine glasses, ice bucket, Bible, sewing kit, and yoga mat.

Hotel guests will be given the option for housekeeping service during their stay. For guests who prefer housekeepers do not enter their rooms during their stay, we will pick up trash and deliver additional linens, towels, and amenities in plastic bags upon request.

OUR EMPLOYEES
All employees returning to work must be able to sign a declaration form confirming they have followed, and will continue to follow, the personal guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Prior to returning to work, all employees go through a thorough COVID-19 training program which includes training on new protocols at work and personal hygiene requirements.

We reinforce training and the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at daily meetings and on our communication boards, which are prominently displayed in each department.

All employees have completed the ServSafe Takeout, Delivery and Reopening Guidance: COVID-19 precautions program.

Employees with cold or flu-like symptoms are required to stay home.

All employees have their temperature taken and recorded prior to starting work each day. Employees with a temperature of 100 or greater are sent home.

We have enforced a no-handshake and no-hug policy when greeting each other and our guests.

All employees are trained on enhanced cleaning and sanitizing practices specific to their departments that include, but are not limited to: disinfecting surfaces, pens, and keys between each guests’ use, and frequent cleaning of work spaces including desks, keyboards, telephones, radios, mouse, mouse pads, and cell phones.

HOUSEKEEPING
High touch point areas throughout the public areas in the hotel, restaurant, and spa are being sanitized at regular intervals throughout the day.

Covered garbage cans with foot pedals to open are spread throughout the public areas for guests to discard their tissues and other items they’ve touched and wish to discard.

Housemen are wearing gloves when they’re assisting housekeeping in stripping beds and carrying linens.
Housemen are sanitizing their hands between guest interactions.

Our housekeepers are wearing masks and a clean pair of gloves for each guest room they clean and sanitize. All housekeepers are using safe practices to change their gloves after they clean each room.

Prior to check-in, each guest room is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Touchpoint sanitation includes, but is not limited to: door handles, head boards, desks, tables, chairs and lamps, light switches and thermostats, drapery pull handles, mini-fridges, room collateral, telephone and keypad, television remote control, alarm clock, trash receptacle touch points, umbrella handle, iron handle, ironing board, hangers and luggage rack, towel rails, makeup mirror and switch, faucet and toilet handles.

Stay-over service is available for guests. No contact delivery of linens, towels, and bath amenities are available for guests who prefer to not have stay-over service.

Housekeeping carts are disinfected several times throughout the day.

Cleaning products used are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging viral pathogens.

UV light is used to enhance sanitation in all areas of the hotel including, but not limited to, antique furniture, fabric, carpet, and draperies.

An electrostatic misting machine with hospital grade disinfectant will be used to sanitize guest rooms (after guests check-out) and all public areas each evening (anticipated arrival June 12th)

We use the MondoVap 2400 Vapor Steam cleaner and disinfectant in all areas of the hotel and as our green alternative for guests who prefer chemical free cleaning and disinfecting.

THE RESTAURANT
The Greystone Inn is a proud member of Count On Me NC, a public health initiative that empowers guests and businesses to keep everyone safe from COVID-19.

Our restaurant is open for socially distanced outdoor and indoor dining.

Servers, hosts, and bartenders wear masks.

Restaurant patrons arriving with masks will be given an envelope to safely store their mask while dining.

All dining menus are single use. Each menu is also available by scanning our QR codes on your personal device for no-contact menus.

Table cloths are changed after each customer. Salt and pepper shakers are sanitized between guests and delivery of sugar, condiment jars, and honey are delivered in single serving sizes upon guest request.

Guest checks are being presented with the pen wrapped in a sanitary wipe.

Our Chef is ServSafe certified as are all the managers in the kitchen, in the areas of food safety and restaurant sanitation. Our Chef ensures his team maintains rigorous ServSafe operational practices, which include proper hand-washing and safe practices for wearing gloves.

Sanitizer buckets have been set up at each food preparation station and are being changed multiple times during shifts according to recommended guidelines.

We work with some of the best food suppliers in the country who are proactively following CDC guidelines and aligning themselves with current best practices, some of which include having drivers wear gloves that are changed with each delivery and doing health checks on drivers before deliveries.

Our kitchen proudly submits to voluntary DHEC Retail Food COVID-19 Safety Checks.

GROCERY MARKET & RESTAURANT TAKEAWAY
Restaurant orders and payment are taken over the phone. Guest can choose from curbside pick-up, non-contact curbside pick-up, or non-contact delivery.

Curbside pick-up – If there is no one in the front seat, the order is placed through the guest window on the front passenger seat. If there is someone in the passenger seat, the order is placed in the back seat through the window. We will also put the order in a guest’s trunk if preferred. This service allows distance and does not require our staff to touch the car. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.

No Contact Curbside Pick-Up – A six-foot table is set up by our pool gate where the take-away items will be waiting for the guest to pick up. Our staff will watch the items on the table to ensure their safety until the guest arrives. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.

No Contact Delivery – We will call as we’re pulling up and put the delivery outside the front door and wait in the car until we see the guest has retrieved their food. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.

Our takeaway menus are single use

SPA
Our therapists are certified with Dermalogica’s COVID-19 Clean Touch certification.

Like all employees, spa therapists’ temperature is checked prior to being permitted to work.

Therapists wash and sanitize their hands prior to service, wear a clean disposable apron for each service, and wear a mask and/or face shield during service.

All clients must have their temperature taken and complete a health declaration form prior to service.

Limited contact and no contact check-in and check-out available for clients.

It is required that spa clients wear a mask for their safety. The client must wear a face mask from the time they enter to the time they leave the facility.

Therapists will not perform work on the client’s face or head.

Massage tables will be covered with a heavy-duty plastic sheet or table protector. Disinfect the plastic sheet over the massage table with an EPA-registered disinfectant between clients.

Massage table linens will be removed after each client and placed in a closed container until taken to laundry at the end of the day.

Rooms will be disinfected between each client.

A 30-minute gap between therapists’ appointments will be scheduled to allow adequate times to sanitize rooms and limit the number of guests in the Zen room at one time.
Hair and nail clients will go directly to the salon to assist in keeping clients comfortably distanced.

Magazines and blankets are available upon request. Neither will be left out.

Testers have been taken off the shelves and are available upon request.

Our printed spa menus are single use. No contact spa menus are also available by scanning our Spa Menu
QR code on guest’s personal devices.

We have adapted our cancellation policy during this time of heightened personal responsibility. If a guest is feeling unwell, they can cancel their appointment four hours prior to service without penalty.


Please note that these steps are in addition to local, state and federal guidelines already in place to guarantee a safe lodging, dining and spa experience.

Guest Care Guidelines – May 22, 2020

Guest Care Guidelines – May 12, 2020

Our commitment to your health and safety is a priority. We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization statements regarding the coronavirus. Our industry is regulated by strict local, state and federal guidelines. In addition to these guidelines, we have put the following steps in place in an effort to best take care of our team and our guests health and well-being. We will continue to adjust our behavior and operation as the situation evolves.

OUR GUESTS
We kindly request that if you have traveled through an airport in the last two weeks, have a cold, a sniffle, a cough, fever or are feeling unwell, please stay home. We are waiving all cancellation fees during this time of heightened personal responsibility.

All hotel guests are required to complete a health declaration form prior to checking in.

We are providing more room between gathering areas in the lobbies, living rooms and dining rooms. We kindly ask that guests abide by social distancing recommendations, wave hello to friends from a distance and respect others personal space at all times.

Many of the amenities typically found in our guestrooms have been removed to provide a more personal and safe experience for all guests. It will be our pleasure to set up prior to your arrival or deliver to your room, the following fresh and sanitized items; coffee machine and coffee set up, bath robes, water glasses, wine glasses, ice bucket, bible, and yoga mat.

OUR EMPLOYEES
All employees returning to work must be able to sign a declaration form confirming they have and will continue to follow the personal guidelines to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Prior to returning to work, all employees go through a thorough Covid-19 training program which includes training on new protocols at work and personal hygiene requirements.

We reinforce training and the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at daily meetings and on our communication boards which are prominently displayed in each department.

All employees are certified in the ServSafe Takeout and Delivery: COVID-19 precautions program.
Employees with cold or flu like symptoms are required to stay home.

All employees have their temperature taken and recorded prior to starting work each day. Employees with a temperature of 100 or greater are sent home.

We have enforced a no-handshake and no-hug policy when greeting each other and our guests.

All employees are trained on enhanced cleaning and sanitizing practices specific to their departments that include but are not limited to disinfecting surfaces, pens and keys between each guests use and frequent cleaning of work spaces including desks, keyboards, telephones, radios, keys, mouse, mouse pads and cell phones.

HOUSEKEEPING
High touch point areas throughout the public areas in the hotel, restaurant and spa are being sanitized at regular intervals throughout the day.

Covered garbage cans with foot pedals to open are spread throughout the public areas for guests to discard their tissues and other items they’ve touched and wish to discard.

Housemen are wearing gloves when they’re assisting housekeeping in stripping beds and carrying linens.

Housemen are sanitizing their hands between guest interactions.

Our housekeepers are wearing masks and a clean pair of gloves for each guest room they clean and sanitize. All housekeepers are using safe practices to change their gloves after they clean each room.

Prior to check-in, each guest room is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Touchpoint sanitation includes but is not limited to: door handles, head boards, desks, tables, chairs, lamps, light switches, thermostats, drapery pull handles, mini-fridges, room collateral, telephone and keypad, television remote control, alarm clock, trash receptacle touch points, umbrella handle, iron handle, ironing board, hangers, luggage rack, towel rails, makeup mirror and switch, faucet and toilet handles.

Stayover service is available for guests. No contact delivery of linens, towels and bath amenities are available for guests who prefer to not have stay-over service.

Housekeeping carts are disinfected several times throughout the day.

Cleaning products used are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging viral pathogens.

UV light is used to enhance sanitation in all areas of the hotel including but not limited to antique furniture, fabric, carpet and draperies.

An electrostatic misting machine with hospital grade disinfectant will be used to sanitize guest rooms after guests check-out and all public areas each evening (anticipated arrival June 12th)

GROCERY MARKET & RESTAURANT TAKEAWAY
Restaurant orders can be placed on line or by calling Guest Services. Payment is taken over the phone.

Guest can choose from curbside pick-up, no-contact curbside pick-up or no-contact delivery.

Curbside pick-up – Guest to call when arrive. If there is no one in the front seat, the order is placed through the guest window on the seat. If there is a driver in the passenger seat, the order is placed in the back seat through the window. We will also put the order in a guest’s trunk if preferred. This service allows distance and does not require our staff to touch the car. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.

No Contact curbside pick-up – Guest to call when arrive. We will place the order on a table outside of the Lakeside Dining Room. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.

No-Contact deliveries – We will call guest when we pull up and put delivery outside their front door and wait in the car until we see the guest has retrieved their food. Hands are sanitized and gloves are worn by our staff and changed between each transaction.

Our takeaway menus are single use.


Please note that these steps are in addition to local, state and federal guidelines already in place to guarantee a safe lodging, dining and spa experience.

Guest Care Guidelines – April 6, 2020

**Please note this blog was written on April 6, 2020.

These are extraordinarily challenging times, and we want to thank you for your support of The Greystone Inn. The safety and well-being of our loyal guests, team members, and community is paramount. In an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus and in accordance with national and state guidelines, we have temporarily closed areas of our business and adapted others to provide for the changing needs of our community.

We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization statements regarding the coronavirus. Our industry is regulated by strict local, state and federal guidelines. In addition to these guidelines, we have put the following steps in place in an effort to best take care of our team and our guests health and well-being. We will continue to adjust our behavior and operation as the situation evolves.

FRONT OF HOUSE TEAM

We have a limited number of employees at this time.

In response to the challenges presented by COVID- 19 ServSafe has developed additional training courses – ServSafe Food Handler and SerSafe Takeout and Delivery: COVID-19 Precautions. All staff and delivery helpers are certified.

We are taking the temperature of our employees prior to work to ensure they don’t have a fever and we are insisting employees with cold or flu like symptoms not come to work.

We have trained our staff on cough etiquette and proper handwashing procedures and require they wash and moisturize their hands every hour to keep their hands clean and healthy.

There is no physical contact between our staff and guests. We have enforced a strict social distancing policy.

We reinforce training and the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at daily meetings and on our communication boards which are prominently displayed in each department.

KITCHEN TEAM
All kitchen staff wear masks when working in the kitchen. They do not take the masks on and off but keep them on throughout their work.

Our Chef is ServSafe certified as are all the managers in the kitchen, in the areas of food safety and restaurant sanitation. Our Chef ensures his team maintains rigorous ServSafe operational practices, which include proper hand-washing and safe practices for wearing gloves.

Sanitizer buckets have been set up at each food preparation station and are being changed multiple times during shifts according to recommended guidelines.

We work with some of the best food suppliers in the country, who are proactively following CDC guidelines and aligning themselves with current best practices some of which include having drivers wear gloves that are changed with each delivery and doing health checks on drivers before deliveries.

MARKETPLACE
MarketPlace orders and payment are taken over the phone. Guest can choose from curbside pick-up, non-contact curbside pick-up or non-contact delivery

Curbside Pickup – If there is no one in the front seat, the order is placed through the guest window on the seat. If there is a passenger in the front seat, the order is placed in the back seat through the window. We will also put the order in a guest’s trunk if preferred. This service allows distance and does not require our staff to touch the car. Face shields or masks are worn by our staff and hands are sanitized before and after each transaction

Non-Contact Curbside Pickup – There’s a table on the front porch outside the entrance to the Mansion. Guests call to let us know they have arrived. We then place the guest’s food on the table with their receipt for pick up. Our staff wears face shields or masks to deliver the meal onto the sanitized table. Guests pick up their food, return to their car and our staff sanitizes the table and wash their hands again.

Non-Contact Deliveries – We will call as we’re pulling up and put the delivery outside the front door and wait in the car until we see the guest has retrieved their food. Masks or face shields are worn by our staff, and hands are sanitized between each transaction. Once driver returns to hotel, their car door handles and interior touchpoints are sanitized.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations are available for medical professionals and people needing to self-isolate for 15 days or longer.

Contact-less check-in and check-out procedures.

Contact-less meal service can be delivered daily

Dishes, drinking glasses, cups and eating utensils are washed in a commercial dishwasher

All common areas are closed to the public. This includes the Mansion, Lakeside Dining Room and Spa.

Fresh linens and amenities are available upon request and will be placed outside the door. Used linens and trash are to be put in sealed bags and placed outside the door.

Housekeeping carts are disinfected several times throughout the day

Our housekeepers wear masks and a clean pair of gloves for each guest room they clean and are using safe practices to change their gloves after each room.

Our housekeepers are performing touchpoint sanitizations with the cleaning of guest rooms that include but are not limited to – door handles, desk, table, chairs and lamp, light switches and thermostats, drapery pull handles, mini-bar, room collateral, telephone and keypad, remote control keypad and alarm clock, television, safety hatch and peephole, trash receptacle touch points, iron handle, hangers and luggage rack, towel rails, makeup mirror and switch, faucet and toilet handles

Rooms are cleaned with products approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against emerging viral pathogens. Disinfectants are applied during routine cleaning of guest rooms.
Disinfectants are left to sit on surfaces for several minutes in order to work.

Everything on the bed is carefully removed, washed and cleaned between guests including bed skirts, blankets and duvets. All linens are disinfected when washed.

Note: there’s a difference between cleaning and disinfecting. Disinfecting must be done to remove pathogens.

Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs. But by removing the germs, it decreases their number and therefore any risk of spreading infection.

Disinfecting works by using chemicals, for example EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. But killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning further reduces any risk of spreading infection.

PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING PACKAGES
Staff wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after signing for a package or use disinfectant wipes or spray when using stylus pens.

Boxes are opened very carefully. Contents are wiped down and placed on a sanitized surface.
Packaging is carefully disposed of immediately, surfaces sanitized and hands are washed again.

Guest Care Guidelines – March 16, 2020

**Please note this blog was written on March 16, 2020.

We are closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization statements regarding the coronavirus. Our industry is regulated by strict local, state and federal guidelines. In addition to these guidelines, we have put the following steps in place in an effort to best take care of our team and our guests health and well-being. We will continue to adjust our behavior and operation as the situation evolves.

OUR GUESTS
We kindly request that if you have traveled through an airport in the last two weeks, have a cold, a sniffle, a cough, fever or are feeling unwell, please stay home. We are waiving all cancellation fees during this time of heightened personal responsibility

EMPLOYEES
We are taking the temperature of our employees prior to work to ensure they don’t have a fever and we are insisting employees with cold or flu like symptoms not come to work.

We have trained our staff on cough etiquette and proper handwashing procedures and require they wash and moisturize their hands every hour to keep their hands clean and healthy.

We reinforce training and the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at daily meetings and on our communication boards which are prominently displayed in each department.

We have enforced a no-handshake and no-hug policy when greeting each other and our guests.

HOTEL SPECIFIC
We disinfect our reception desk, pen and pencil after every transaction

We are thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all hard surfaces including desks, keyboards, telephones, radios, room keys, mouse, mouse pads and cell phones.

Our housekeepers are wearing a clean pair of gloves for each guest room they clean and are using safe practices to change their gloves after each room.

Our housekeepers are performing touchpoint sanitizations with the cleaning of guest rooms that include but are not limited to – door handles, desk, table, chairs and lamp, light switches and thermostats, drapery pull handles, mini-bar, room collateral, telephone and keypad, remote control keypad and alarm clock, television, safety hatch and peephole, trash receptacle touch points, iron handle, hangers and luggage rack, towel rails, makeup mirror and switch, faucet and toilet handles.

Housekeepers daily cleaning and evening turndown attendants are performing touchpoint sanitizations in all occupied rooms

Public restrooms are being cleaned twice daily and touchpoint sanitations are being done at regular intervals throughout the day on door handles, sink faucets and toilet handles, soap dispenser handle and counter tops.

Door handles, light switches, hand railings, elevator buttons, hard surfaces and other touchpoints throughout the hotel are being sanitized at regular intervals throughout the day.

Housemen are wearing gloves when they’re assisting housekeeping in stripping beds and carrying linens.

Housemen and valet are sanitizing their hands between guest interactions.

RESTAURANT **Please note this was written on March 16, 2020.
Our restaurant will remain open with limited seating. The bar stools will be removed from the bar area and many tables will be removed to provide more space between tables for social distancing. We also provide open air dining with space for social distancing.

Our dining menus are laminated so they can be sanitized after each use.

We replace the top table cloth on all dining tables between customers and are now sanitizing our salt and pepper shakers between guests and delivering sugar, condiments jams and honey based on guest request for an individual serving size of each.

Guest checks are being presented in a glass. The pen and glass are being cleaned after each transaction

Effective Monday, March 16th our breakfast buffet will be replaced a la carte room service delivery.

Our Chef is ServSafe certified as are all the managers in the kitchen, in the areas of food safety and restaurant sanitation. Our Chef ensures his team maintains rigorous ServSafe operational practices, which include proper hand-washing and safe practices for wearing gloves.

Sanitizer buckets have been set up at each food preparation station and are being changed multiple times during shifts.

We work with some of the best food suppliers in the country, who are proactively following CDC guidelines and aligning themselves with current best practices some of which include having drivers wear gloves that are changed with each delivery and doing health checks on drivers before deliveries.

SPA
For the safety of our therapists, we will take the temperature of all spa guests prior to providing service.

We disinfect our spa reception desk, pen and pencils after every transaction and all door handles and hard surfaces are disinfected at regular intervals throughout the day.

Guest checks are being presented in a glass. The pen and glass are being cleaned after each transaction

Massage table linens are changed between guests and all supplies used for waxing, facials and massage are sanitized between guests.

Spa restrooms and locker rooms are being cleaned twice daily and touchpoint sanitations are being done at regular intervals throughout the day on door handles, sink faucets and toilet handles, soap dispenser handle and counter tops.

Please note that these steps are in addition to local, state and federal guidelines already in place within our industry.

Annual Angel Tree Lighting


The holidays are just around the corner, and as we anticipate all of the wonderful new memories that we’ll be making with our friends and families, we want to take a minute to stop and share some of our generosity with our community.

Mark your calendars and save the date: we will be hosting our Annual Angel Tree Lighting celebration at The Greystone Inn on Thursday, December 5th, from 6:00-8:00 in the evening.

Christmas was a little brighter last year because of the overwhelming generosity of the Lake Toxaway community. In partnership with Lake Toxaway Charities, we have once again identified local families who need our help who will be anonymously represented as an angel on our Angel Tree this year. Choose an angel from our tree and give back to the community that we all love so much.

It will be an evening filled with festive fun! You can grab a handcrafted cocktail, pint of beer, of glass of wine from our Mansion Bar and gather around the tree as we light it for the first time this season. Mingle with your Lake Toxaway neighbors and enjoy live music throughout the evening.

If you’re unable to attend but still wish to help, please write a check for $250 to Lake Toxaway Charities. They will ensure that your monetary donation goes towards making someone’s Christmas more special than they could have ever imagined.

We’re looking forward to celebrating the start of the holiday season with you! It’s a magical time around The Greystone and Lake Toxaway—it’s like a Christmas card come to life. You can experience the magic yourself by reserving a stay with us. We’d love to host you and your family this season!

Celebrate Oktoberfest at The Greystone

Energetic Bavarian music, large biergartens filled with thousands of happy people dressed in traditional dirndls and lederhosen enjoying pints of freshly brewed beer, tents filled with German artisans and vendors… the scene around Germany in early autumn is one of celebration as the annual Oktoberfest festival arrives to town.

What is Oktoberfest?
Oktoberfest is a German festival that celebrates the Bavarian culture and is held each year in Germany from mid-September through early October, typically lasting 16-18 days. It began more than 200 years ago as a wedding celebration between Bavaria’s Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen—the celebration lasted multiple days and included drinking, feasting, and horse races.

Have you always wanted to travel to Germany during autumn for Oktoberfest? You don’t have to hop on a plane to get a taste of this festival—we’re bringing a sample of Oktoberfest to our guests here along the shores of Lake Toxaway.

Celebrate With Us!
In honor of the largest Volkfest in the world, we are offering a range of locally brewed Oktoberfest beers this fall season. We invite you to sit back in one of our Adirondack chairs overlooking Lake Toxaway and enjoy a cold Oktoberfest brew from:

Catawba Brewing — Asheville, NC
Foothills Brewing — Winston Salem, NC
Hi-Wire Brewing — Asheville, NC
Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. — Franklin, NC
Sierra Nevada Brewing — Asheville, NC

Each one of these beers is brewed locally from the foothills of North Carolina to the Southside slope of Asheville. Western North Carolina boasts a robust craft brewing community and we’re excited to bring our guests some of the best locally brewed beer in the Southeast to enjoy from our Mansion Bar.

Come enjoy a pint of Oktoberfest beer with us this fall. We’ll save a seat for you by our fire pit!

Experience the Blue Ridge this Fall

There’s nothing quite like a fall getaway to the mountains. The air is crisp and cool, and it’s a refreshing break from the hot, humid days of summer that you’ve been living through the last few months. If you plan your trip right, you’ll even get to experience the beautiful fall colors as the leaves during peak season!

We have five great things that you can experience—outside of the changing of the leaves—this fall when you visit The Greystone Inn. Haven’t booked your trip yet? Call us today to reserve your room!

Hike to a Waterfall.
The biggest dilemma that you’ll face when it comes to exploring waterfalls in the area is narrowing down which one you want to go to—there are 250 of them to choose from! Transylvania County, where our inn is located, is also known as the Land of Waterfalls due to the abundance of waterfalls that are located within just a few miles of one another. Take your pick—you can start with the most impressive (Whitewater Falls, the highest falls east of the Rocky Mountains) to the most iconic (Looking Glass Falls) and the most fun (Sliding Rock). Fall is a perfect time of year to check out the falls—the summer crowds have died down, the temperatures are a little cooler, and you have the added bonus of the beautiful fall leaves as a backdrop to the already stunning falls.

Take a Drive.
If you’re going to plan a trip to Western North Carolina in the fall, one thing that must be on your bucket list: a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The parkway stretches from Cherokee, North Carolina along the Great Smokey Mountains and winds north through Asheville, Blowing Rock, Fancy Gap, and Roanoke before ending in Afton, Virginia, just outside of the Shenandoah National Park. Along the Parkway, you’ll find Mount Mitchell (the highest mountain peak in the eastern United States), the New River (the oldest river in North America), Linville Gorge (the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon), Whitewater Falls, and so much more. The views here are even more amazing in the fall with all of the deep oranges, reds, and yellows that grace the canopy of the mountains.

“Bee” a Keeper.
Looking for something completely different to do this fall? Try your hand at beekeeping! With our Beekeeper For a Day experience, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a honey apiary tour where you’ll wear a traditional bee suit, participate in a personal meet and greet with bees, and inspect a hive with a beekeeper. Afterwards, you’ll be able to taste the delicious honey that they produce in a honey tasting & food pairing guided by one of only 4 Americans registered with the Italian Registry of Honey Sensory Experts. This experience is only available through the month of September, so be sure to book your day early!

Explore a Mountain Town.
Half an hour down the road from our inn, you’ll find the charming mountain town of Brevard, North Carolina. Start your morning out with breakfast in our Mansion before hitting the road to Brevard where you can spend the remainder of your morning walking through their charming downtown district. Stop for a bite to eat and grab lunch at The Square Root on Broad Street. Love craft breweries? Oskar Blues Brewery is located in Brevard, and is a great place to stop for a pint and a tour of their production facility.

Fish the River.
There are countless miles of trout water in Western North Carolina, and Lake Toxaway is at the epicenter of incredible trout fishing. For the beginners, we offer a Fly Fishing Clinic down by the lake and in the grass at The Greystone with the Fly Fishing Guides of Headwaters outfitters. You’ll learn the basics of fly fishing from casting to knot tying and rigging. We also offer half day and full day fishing adventures for everyone from the beginning fly fisher to the expert angler.

How do you plan to explore the mountains this fall? We’d love to see your photos! Be sure to post them to social media and tag @thegreystoneinn and #thegreystoneinn—we’ll share our favorite ones throughout the season.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM