Category: Uncategorized

The holiday season is a magical time on Lake Toxaway, and all of us here at The Greystone Inn would like to extend a warm invitation to come and experience all of the holiday magic with us. It’s a wonderful time of year to be in the mountains—the busyness of the summer season has faded away, the cooler temperatures beckon you outdoors to explore the hiking trails and waterfalls, and at night, the breathtaking view of the stars is unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Your days can be as busy and exciting, or as slow and relaxing, as you choose. Take your time waking up in the morning and breathing in the fresh mountain air. Enjoy a massage in our spa, a round of golf, or a scenic hike during the day before retiring later in the day in front of one of our crackling fireplaces with a drink in hand. No matter how you choose to spend your day, it’s sure to be a perfect one.

This Thanksgiving, we invite you to stay with us and enjoy all that The Greystone has to offer. With our Thanksgiving Experience package (rates starting at $143 per person, per night) you will enjoy:
A three-night stay
Sunset cruises on the Miss Lucy (weather dependent)
Evening turndown service
Deluxe cooked-to-order breakfast each morning


That’s not all that you have the option to enjoy during your stay, either. You can create wonderful new memories and traditions by adding on to your stay with our Experience Enhancements:
Thanksgiving Dinner … $55 / person
An afternoon of falconry … $135 / person
Private Golf Lesson … $85
& more!


Our concierge team is more than happy walk you through each experience enhancement option that is available to you during your stay over Thanksgiving Weekend. Our favorite enhancement might be the Thanksgiving Dinner. Our Executive Chef Regan and her team have curated a divine meal comprised of local, seasonal ingredients that is sure to delight you and your family. There will be three courses with three options within each course to choose from, including an incredible dessert course. There’s even a special kids menu for those 12 and under to enjoy.

To make your reservation, please visit our reservations page or call our concierge team at the front desk, 828-966-4700.

Is there any other more picturesque time of year along the shores of Lake Toxaway than autumn?


The fall foliage found in the Blue Ridge Mountains this time of year is nothing short of stunning.

Hints of color will slowly begin to take over the treetops in the distance before bursting into vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow that can be seen as far as the eye can see. The temperatures will begin to drop and bring us chilly mornings and evenings that are best spent with a cup of coffee in hand in front of a crackling fireplace. The days are still perfect for outdoor adventures and the mountains offer hiking and mountain biking, and everything in between.


How do you plan to enjoy this beautiful season? We have a few suggestions:

Book a Getaway to The Greystone—come and stay with us so that you can take in the best that autumn has to offer! Wake up to a brisk morning, spend your day exploring the area, and retire each evening before a crackling fireplace.

Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway—there are miles and miles of this scenic route for you to enjoy. Take a leisurely drive through the mountains and stop at each of the scenic overlooks to see the most breathtaking views of the fall foliage. Or, if you love to cycle, grab your bike and hit the road for a different, more thrilling experience along the parkway.

Hike to a Waterfall—Transylvania County is known as the “Land of Waterfalls” and fall is the perfect time of year to hike to some of the best ones around.

Day Trip to a Brewery—Asheville is known for their burgeoning craft brewery scene. Plan a day trip to one of their most well known breweries, Sierra Nevada, and enjoy their incredible craft beers, their delectable snacks, and live music outside on their expansive terrace.

The leaves will begin changing colors at the beginning of October, with peak time occurring towards the end of the month. We welcome you to come and stay with us so you can experience this beautiful time of year in person!

In 1915, Lucy Armstrong Moltz established the beginning of a lifetime of gracious hospitality at Lake Toxaway by building her beloved home, Hillmont. Today, we celebrate that legacy and the continuation of her desire to share her graciousness through The Greystone.

We invite you to help us honor Lucy’s legacy and the tradition of gracious hospitality on Lake Toxaway by becoming a Friend of The Greystone. It is our pleasure to provide our Friends with Greystone Concierge Services, as if you were our in-house guest. From organizing airport pickups, opening/closing homes, scheduling activities, or making dinner reservations, our concierge team will be there for our Greystone Friends. We will also host several events throughout the year for our Greystone Friends to enjoy here at The Greystone. This fall, we have three events on the calendar for our Greystone Friends to attend:


Cooking Demonstration with Rebecca Lang
August 29, 2018
Rebecca serves as a contributing editor for Southern Living, teaches cooking classes across the country, and is the author of 6 books including The Southern Vegetable Book, Fried Chicken, Around the Southern Table, Quick-Fix Southern, Mary Mac’s Tea Room, and Southern Entertaining for a New Generation. Join us for your opportunity to meet her and learn a few of her cooking secrets.


My Life in Horse Racing with Cot Campbell
September 26, 2018
Cot revolutionized thoroughbred horse racing with his idea of racing partnerships, a concept that’s landed him the sport’s ultimate honor, a spot in the National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame in Saratoga. He was awarded with this honor on August 3, 2018, and will be with us to talk about his storied history with horse racing throughout the years. Come and hear Cot’s story as we learn more about his lasting legacy on the thoroughbred horse racing industry.


The Story Behind Dracula with Dacre Stoker
October 31, 2018
Celebrate Halloween at The Greystone with Dacre Stoker, the great-grandnephew of the author of Dracula, Bram Stoker. Dacre is the co-author of Dracula the Un-Dead and of Prequel to Dracula, expected out this October. Join us as Dacre gives us a behind the scenes look at the life and writing of one of the least known authors of one of the world’s most famous books. Together, we’ll be exploring the issues behind the mysteries that have baffled Dracula scholars and fans since the book’s publication in 1897.

Come and be a part of Lucy’s legacy here with us at The Greystone Inn. Stop by our front desk today to inquire about becoming a Friend of The Greystone or give us a call at 828-966-4700.

Can you imagine it? Your fiancé is at the end of the aisle, waiting for you; all of your close friends and family have come from both near and far to see you say “I do” to one another; and you’re ready to take your first step towards forever. Where do you see yourself beginning the next chapter of your life?

Our idyllic setting, warm hospitality, and Southern Charm provide an unequaled backdrop for romance in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Here at The Greystone Inn, we have been inspiring generations of storybook weddings along the shores of Lake Toxaway. We offer our couples unparalleled personal service and the experience of a certified Southern Living wedding planner to help pull together all of the details of the big day. Our experts will custom design the entire wedding experience for you from the ceremony specifics to the wedding reception and additional celebrations from bridal showers to rehearsal dinners.

Spend a few hours with us one afternoon leading up to your wedding as your photographer captures magical portraits of you in your wedding dress. Our historic hotel and gorgeous grounds provide stunning scenery for bridal portraits. Take a look at some of the beautiful locations are The Greystone Inn that one of our recent brides, Meaghan, used for her portraits. She embraced both the natural landscape outside and the historical charm inside our hotel.

Gather with your friends and family for an intimate rehearsal dinner with us, catered by our award-winning culinary team, that will leave your guests astounded. Meaghan and Matt’s rehearsal dinner with us in our Lakeside Dining Room was truly one for the books. It was filled with lots of laughter, excellent dining, and plenty of love.

Begin your new life as a married couple with us! Give us a call today to begin planning your dream wedding at The Greystone Inn: 828-966-4700.

We are very proud to announce that The Greystone Inn has been invited to join the exclusive Southern Living Hotel Collection. It is a delight for us to be a member of this prestigious collection. Along with our sister property, The Willcox, we are among only 25 hotels across the South to receive this honor.

Hotels in this collection are rigorously vetted by some of the most discerning eyes in the business. Each invited property must provide a memorable experience through impeccable service, outstanding cuisine, high quality facilities and the finest amenities. These hotels often have breathtaking natural surroundings, like the beauty that surrounds The Greystone Inn from Lake Toxaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can learn more about the impressive collection here.

We welcome you to come and experience The Greystone Inn for yourself to discover all that Southern Living delighted in during their stay with us. Dine in our Lakeside Dining Room with a carefully curated and prepared meal from our chefs. Watch as the sun begins to dip down below the horizon on a sunset cruise on the Miss Lucy as you learn the history of our inn, of Ms. Lucy Camp Armstrong Moltz, and of Lake Toxaway. Retire each evening to your plush, luxuriously appointed room and spend the evening relaxing and reflecting. Find your own adventure each day—whether it’s a quiet day in our lobby with a book or out in the mountains hiking from waterfall to waterfall.

Your stay with us will be a wonderful experience that you won’t soon forget. Come see for yourself why Southern Living invited us to join their illustrious collection of distinguished properties. Thank you, Southern Living, for the honor!

When you come to stay at the Greystone Inn, we invite you to enjoy the exclusive and award-winning Lake Toxaway Country Club.

A short stroll from the Greystone Inn, their facilities include a Kris Spence-designed 18-hole championship golf course, five Har-Tru tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, and world-class croquet lawns. Guests can take a quick five minute drive down the road and enjoy Lake Toxaway Country Club’s state-of-the-art fitness facilities and the 20-acre Tom Fazio Golf Learning Center.

We sat down with John Schoenbeck, the manager of Lake Toxaway Club, to discuss the activities and amenities at Lake Toxaway Club that our Greystone Inn guests will be able to enjoy during their visit.

What facilities are included at your club and what are they like?
Golf Course – Our 18-hole golf course received a $10 million Chris Spence redesign and upgrade ten years ago which elevated us to one of the best courses in the area according to the NC Golf Panel. In our Tom Fazio designed Golf Learning Center, our team of professionals offers a comprehensive player development program with swing analysis, custom club fitting, and on-going training programs.

Croquet – we have a championship-quality croquet facility with two lakeside Bentgrass world-class lawns. The facility offers basic and advanced instruction by a full time Croquet professional.

Tennis Facility – five beautifully maintained Har-Tru tennis courts and a professional staffed pro shop with top merchandise are complimented by a full schedule of events, social outings, round-robin tournaments, and personalized training throughout the season.

Pool – a heated outdoor swimming pool is popular for both adults and children. Casual gatherings for the children are planned throughout the summer allowing for families to meet and get to know one another.

Fitness Center – our state-of-the-art fitness center is available seven days a week during our busy season. Equipment includes Nautilus Resistance Equipment, Cyber Treadmills, Octane and Precor Elliptical Trainers, and free weights. Yoga and Pilates group classes are offered several times a week, hiking and biking to beauty spots are available, and personal training with one of our certified trainers is also an option.

What differentiates you from other country clubs?
We are located on the shores of North Carolina’s largest private lake and surrounded by picturesque mountain scenery. As the social hub of this timeless mountain retreat, the Club is proud to offer a wide selection of first-rate amenities and a full calendar of social events designed to appeal to every member and guest. Many private clubs claim to offer the “home away from home” experience, but Lake Toxaway Club truly delivers on that promise. We pride ourselves on placing an emphasis on delivering personalized service and going the extra mile to treat all of our members and their guests like part of the family. We have a seasoned staff, some with over 30 years experience at Lake Toxaway Country Club, ready to show what true southern hospitality is. Our staff’s mission is to exceed every guest’s expectation.

What activities are there for children to enjoy?
Beginning the last week of June and carrying through the first week of August, emphasis is placed on ensuring that the kids are fully engaged in club activities. A Kid’s Camp with specialized clinics is offered three times a week to introduce young ones to golf, tennis, and croquet. Crafts, swimming, and hiking are also included on the weekly schedule. In addition, every Wednesday is Family Night at the Club with a buffet and show that is enjoyed by children and parents alike. A highlight is always our 4th of July Celebration with live music, games and prizes, bounce houses and obstacle courses, and multiple food stations featuring favorites like snow-cones, cotton candy, “The Southern Smokehouse”, Fried Chicken, and Philly cheesesteaks. Of course, we end the event with a BANG—a fantastic fireworks display with a mountain backdrop.

What are you most excited about in terms of The Greystone Inn re-opening and the relationship the club and The Greystone Inn will have?
Most of our club members were introduced to Lake Toxaway for the very first time by visiting the Greystone Inn. The impression on them from the Inn, the club, and the natural setting has proven impactful enough for them to buy a home and live at least part time in the community. Much like opening the new Clubhouse, the re-opening of the Greystone Inn is bringing great energy and new families to the community… many of which we expect will choose to stay here.

Visiting the Greystone Inn this summer? Our concierge team will schedule your activities for you and your activity and club charges will be billed to your account at the Greystone Inn.

Happy International Women’s Day!

International Women’s Day, observed throughout the world since the early 1900s, is a day that celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Here at the Greystone Inn, we are celebrating the life and legacy of the woman who dreamed up the residence that we now call home: Ms. Lucy Camp Armstrong Moltz.

You’re familiar with the story of how Lucy purchased acreage on Lake Toxaway to build a summer cottage on and how she spent a summer camped out on the property at her husband’s urging. The Greystone Inn simply would not exist without her summer cottage dreams, but there was more to Lucy Camp Armstrong Moltz than a beautiful mansion tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains in the land of waterfalls.

After the Lake Toxaway dam broke in 1916 and the lake disappeared, Lucy’s husband George built her the grandest home in Savannah known as The Armstrong House. Despite the elegance of the magnificent home in the southern coastal town, Lucy chose to make her Hillmont mansion on Lake Toxaway, her permanent home after her husband’s untimely early death.


Although the lake was gone, Lucy never disserted her Swiss chalet-style mansion or the people in the Lake Toxaway community. In a time when people were struggling to survive, Lucy opened up her home to teach women skills to take care of their families such as canning and sewing. She employed more people than she needed and graciously invited and welcomed pupils from the local school to her home where she hosted afternoon picnics and games.


Her giving spirit lead her and her daughter to donate their home in Savannah, The Armstrong House, to the city so that they could convert the home into Savannah’s first institution devoted exclusively to higher learning in 1935. Originally called Armstrong Memorial Junior College, the school thrived and outgrew the Armstrong House. The college is now known as Armstrong Atlantic State University and remains a testament to Lucy’s giving nature and her dedication to education.


Lucy strongly supported her local community both when she lived in Savannah and when she lived on Lake Toxaway. She was actively involved in the YWCA (where she served as president), in the First Baptist church, and as a patron and attendee of the Brevard Music Center and Asheville Symphony. She loved to see those around her succeed and Lucy did what she could to help others realize their own dreams and successes. In fact, she helped nearly two dozen pupils attend institutions of higher learning so that they were able to continue their education.


Throughout her life, Lucy loved her family and community fiercely, traveled extensively, and gave generously. We are proud to continue the legacy of Lucy’s gracious hospitality at the Greystone Inn and we look forward to welcoming our first guests later this spring.

On the shores of Lake Toxaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, you’ll find the historic and charming Greystone Inn. With rambling terraces, porches filled with rocking chairs, misty mountain mornings, and cozy fireplaces, the Greystone Inn is a serene retreat where nostalgic pleasures, gracious hospitality and quiet beauty awaits.

The Greystone Inn was originally built in 1915 by socialite Lucy Armstrong and her husband George, and was named Hillmont. When Lucy sold the property many years later, her only wish was that it would be enjoyed by many. Hillmont opened it’s doors for the first time as the Greystone Inn in the summer of 1985. The Willcox, an award winning hotellocated in Aiken, South Carolina, welcomed the Greystone Inn into her family late last year and renovations have begun with an anticipated opening date in May 2018. “We started renovations two days after we closed,” owner Geoff Ellis said. “There were holes in the roof and leaks all over the place. It was important to quickly try and put a seal around the property so that no more damage could be done.”

The Greystone Inn will have 30 guest rooms, a restaurant, meeting spaces, and a spa. Nearly every guest room will feature either a fireplace, a view of the lake, or a private deck. The property is being brought back to it’s original intention with the common ares and bedrooms, and will have modern finishes, lighting, and hardware mixed in throughout the property.

“The original mansion needs the most attention and we are focusing there with new bathrooms, a new bar, a new kitchen, larger common areas, new paint and wallpaper, upgraded electrical and plumbing, a new HVAC for the entire building, new carpet, and new furnishings,” Ellis said. “All of the buildings will be renovated in one way or another.”

Generations of families have come to stay at the Greystone Inn throughout the years, and those who are making their plans to come back once the doors are open again will notice changes throughout the property that have brought the home back to life. “You’ll notice the warm feeling that you get when you arrive,” Ellis said. “You’ll also notice that we have opened up the living rooms and common areas to be more like what it was when Lucy Armstrong owned it. It is more accessible and will flow more like Lucy intended when she built the home.”

One cannot help but notice all of the historical beauty that surrounds the Greystone Inn. From the exterior design and the original stone fireplaces to the shallow rise staircase (which allowed for women to easily walk the stairs in their long dresses), the original glass windows, the stone paths, the flower boxes outside the bedroom windows, and the stonework all around the property, it is evident that this elegant and grandiose home was designed just after the turn of the twentieth century. It’s historical charm is everywhere that you look and is becoming more evident as the home is coming back to life.

“From day one, we saw this magnificent property that had not been cared for in a very long time,” Ellis said. “All we wanted to do was breathe life back into her. Within hours of closing on the property, we began taking out the window air conditioners from all the rooms. We could instantly feel that she was starting to breathe again. We still find challenges everyday but can feel her smiling as we are getting things done to ensure that she will be around for another 100+ years.”

Renovations are anticipated to finish this spring and the Greystone Inn will open her doors again to guests on May 9. From board retreats to family reunions, weekend getaways, and weddings, you’ll find the perfect place to stay and celebrate at the Greystone Inn year-round. Reservations are open now—please visit www.greystoneinn.com to book your stay on Lake Toxaway!