Category: Uncategorized

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.

The Healing Powers of the Mountains

There’s something magical about Lake Toxaway. Maybe it’s the pure, stream-fed waters that make ​it one of the cleanest lakes in the region. Or the picturesque, meandering shoreline that invites ​fisherman and nature lovers alike. Or perhaps it’s the backdrop of majestic mountain ranges that ​serve as faithful sentries watching over the community. Whatever it is that connects with one’s ​mind and soul, visitors over the years have felt it. Watch the video below to learn more.

 

Eat Locally & Sustainably

Drive along the backroads of the Lake Toxaway community and the surrounding Western North Carolina area anytime from the spring to fall seasons, and you’ll stumble across a plethora of local farms, farmers markets, produce stands, and orchards. You’ll find them from the Highlands to Asheville, and particularly in the Mills River area. The rich soil and temperate climate yield exceptional conditions for a wide variety of produce that local residents and visitors are fortunate to be able to readily enjoy.

These farmers often focus on sustainable, organic agricultural practices. They employ natural vegetation, solar panels, and rain water collection systems to tend to their fields. Many have even cultivated unique experiences that encourage visitors to come and learn first hand about their practices.

It’s a way for the farmers to share their passion and to inspire customers to shop their produce. Their customer base includes our culinary team, too!

Our chefs seek out the freshest ingredients and they love to employ local, seasonal produce in our menu offerings in The Restaurant.

Here at The Greystone, we’re also practicing sustainable and organic methods in our gardens. Our gardens are inspired by the rich soil, are tended to by our team, and are shared with our guests. We have both flowers and vegetables that are used on our property for garnishes, display, and even to eat!

Ways you can Engage with our Local Farms!

Pucker Up Berry Farm
• Flower delivery service
• Kombucha classes
• Soltice/Equinox events

Jeter Mountain Farm (seasonal)
• Wagon Rides
• U-pick apples
• Meet a Farmer
• Cider Making

Farm Heritage Trail (includes several local farms)
• Nursery Open Hours
• Vineyard Tasting Tours
• Wednesday Farmers Market
• Goat Yoga

Meet Tammy Fender, a world-renowned holistic skin guru who is passionate about sharing her love of the holistic lifestyle, embracing natural beauty, and utilizing pure plant remedies. Our team at The Greystone is beyond thrilled to be partnering with her this season as we bring her practices and products to Lake Toxaway for our guests and visitors to enjoy.

It’s an honor to partner with Tammy. Her approach to the ingredients used in her products, skincare, wellness, and nature are all ideas and practices that we align with, and we’re excited for events we’ll be hosting throughout the year.

Watch the video to learn more about Tammy and her exceptional skin care line, available now in our spa.

 

 

Did you know? Our Director of Operations, Regan, has been planting and cultivating the gardens at The Greystone Inn over the last few years. Many of the plants in our gardens are varieties that Tammy uses in her skincare products.

Stay tuned for more information on our partnership with Tammy Fender and for events that you can attend!

Sommelier Wine of the Season Pick: Natural Wines

What is “natural wine” according to a sommelier?

It’s a hands off approach to wine making, simply letting the grape juice make wine as it naturally would with zero additives and no manipulation. It starts in the vineyard, where the vineyard manager does not use any synthetic materials to treat concerns such as pests, mold, or mildew, but instead uses natural ingredients or biodynamic methods of farming.

Once the grapes are harvested and the wine making process has begun, nothing additional is added. No sugar, no acid,no sulfites. Once the wine is made, it’s aged in a naturally occurring material such as an oak barrel or clay amphora.

Natural wines are ones that are made in a way to allow the grapes speak to who they truly are without the manipulation of man.

The next time that you’re at The Greystone, ask to see our natural wine list. Our collection boasts a variety of natural wine options for you to enjoy.

The Greystone in Bloom

See what’s coming to life this season on the shores of Lake Toxaway.

It’s a season of rebirth as the brilliant colors surrounding us in the Blue Ridge Mountains and on Lake Toxaway are awakened. Step outside and breathe in deep. What can you smell? The scent of flowers blooming from the tulip, daffodil, and hyacinth bulbs that we planted last fall; the sweet aroma of trees beginning to flower, like the dogwood trees; the smell of freshly cut grass at our hotel; and the subtle smell of fire pits in the evening as guests gather around to roast marshmallows.

Take a moment to look around outside. Vibrant, beautiful colors are coming back as the leaves begin to grow on trees and blooms pop up in the garden. Look closely and you might be rewarded with the sight of the wildlife that likes to call our property home. You can see baby deer, bunnies hopping along, and even the elusive white squirrel.

Bees are flitting from flower to flower, pollenating as they go and keeping our flowers looking stunning. It’s a time when everyone wants to be outdoors! You’ll hear the hum of a boat’s motor as one cruises by, enjoying the warm sunshine and the splendor of Lake Toxaway. You’ll see kayakers dropping their kayaks into the water and heading out for a leisurely paddle or an afternoon of fishing. Guests are taking their morning coffee outside as they look over the lake, and next door, the Lake Toxaway Country Club is busy preparing for their opening weekend in April.

All of your senses are engaged with the coming of spring as all of The Greystone and Lake Toxaway begins to bloom. Winter has come to an end and we’re excited to welcome Spring.

Flora and Fauna you can spot at The Greystone:

• White squirrels
• Rabbits
• White-tailed deer
• Geranium
• Marigold
• Jasmine
• White Lilly
• Ranunculus
• Mint
• Spearmint
• Chamomile
• Rosemary
• Sage