The Wright Inn & Carriage House

Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn "Gas Price Relief" Specials

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 18:19:00 +0000

Suffering from Cabin Fever but Gas Prices got you down? Check out our Asheville Inn, The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House. We have extended our highly discounted Winter Rates through the end of April. We also have St. Patricks Day special savings for the month of March.

Just do the math. If gas goes up $1.00 per gallon you will pay approximately $18.00 more per tank. The discounts we are offering more than cover most of your increase trip expense.

Hope to see you soon,

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn Open House Tour

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 18:21:00 +0000

Have you ever driven through an historic neighborhood and seen an old mansion that you would love to stop and see? Look no furthur.

We are pleased to announce that we, The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House, will be one of the many Inns participating in the Asheville Bed and Breakfast Associations "Tour of Inns" held on April 16 and 17, 2011.

There are numerous inns participating in this two day affair so you will have "Lots to See".

Hope to see you there!!

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Valentine's Day Specials at the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House, Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 17:47:00 +0000

FOUR THINGS YOU DON'T WANT TO HEAR ON VALENTINE'S DAY:

1. What did you get me?

2. Where are you taking me this weekend?

3. Am I still your Valentine?

4. Where are YOU sleeping tonight?

You can avoid sleeping on the couch February 14th. Come spend quality time with your Valentine in Asheville NC at The 1899 Wright Inn Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn . Take advantage of our great last minute specials. Call immediately to make plans. Great restaurants for dinner also.

Romance packages

are available

We will do the work and your Honey will think you're great because you've made the Day so special.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Valentine's Day Special Package at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 22:47:00 +0000

You owe it to yourself to look for the Savings on the Valentine's Day Special Package that we just added to our website.

We at The 1899 Wright Inn will do our best to help you rekindle the flames. All you have to do is bring your "Honey". We can not provide that.

Hope to see you soon.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore

Owners & Innkeepers

Asheville NC Bed and Breakfast Inn is Featured on the Montford Historic Home Tour

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:00:00 +0000

This historical masterpiece is currently a well known Bed and Breakfast Inn. This "Gracious Lady" will be open for your viewing pleasure on December 11, 2010, as part of the Montford Historic Home Tour.

Please come join us. Turn the clock back to a "Kinder, more gentle period of time.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Reasons to stay at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn in Winter

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:13:00 +0000

The winter months of January, February and March are the most peaceful and serene of the year in Asheville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. So it’s perfect time for a North Carolina mountain escape, including a Valentine getaway. The weather is usually on the mild side. Occasionally it does snow in Asheville. What is suprising to most people is that this does not happen often. The city is protected by the surrounding mountains, so it often snows about 20 miles away on the mountaintops. Meanwhile, the valley rarely gets a big snow. This year has been one of those exceptions. Here are 10 reasons to come to Asheville this winter:

1. Winter Getaway Packages: Since the winter months are the slowest months of the year for The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House, you will find the best deals of the year. See our website for a big variety of Winter Packages and Specials. Rates are usually higher on Valentine’s Weekend, so bring your Valentine before or after the big day to save even more!

2. Biltmore Specials: Enjoy the grand estate without the big crowds and get great deals on tickets through March. Go to our Specials Page to arrange your winter outing at The glorious Biltmore Estate.

3. Downtown Asheville: Browse through more than 200 shops, 30 art galleries and a dozen antique stores – all locally owned. No cookie cutter chain stores here. And if you need a break, stop at one of the many local restaurants. Tour the fascinating Thomas Wolfe Home and many art studios. This is the best time of the year if you want an unhurried and uncrowded experience.

4. Destination Spas: Be it a simple weekend of relaxation, a romantic couple’s getaway in the mountains or a chance to improve your health, Asheville is the ultimate destination for spas and wellness. Let us give your stay a personal touch.

5. Beer Crawl: Asheville (a.k.a. Beer City U.S.A) has an amazing selection of bars, brewpubs, microbreweries, and restaurants for a city of its size. In fact, Asheville (per capita) has one of the highest rates of craft brew consumption in the Southeast. Sample some excellent brews, enjoy some great food, and meet some very interesting people along the way. Ask us about our top picks for beer the Asheville area. If wine is more to your liking, there are numerous Asheville Wine Bars.

6. Coffee Shops: After exploring downtown, stop to relax with a hot cup of java or hot chocolate and something sweet at one of the many, cozy coffee shops, including French Broad Chocolate Lounge. There are many wonderful coffee shops and bakeries in downtown Asheville.

7. Live Music & Dance: Each evening, Asheville comes alive and offers a mulitude of places to go for a big variety of live music any day of the week – some jazz to plenty of bluegrass.

8. Biltmore Village: Ready for more shopping? Located across from the entrance to Biltmore Estate, the Village is home to more than 40 unique shops and 10 cafes and restaurants. Most businesses are housed in historic cottages and buildings. Tree-lined streets, brick sidewalks and period architecture make it a delight to stroll through and explore. This also is one of the best areas for antique shopping.

9. Arts & Crafts: With more than 100 galleries and even more artist studios, you will need plenty of time for exploring. In addition to the galleries downtown and Biltmore Village, head to the Folk Art Center and the River Arts District.

10. Winter Hiking: For the best views of the year, take a winter hike. With leafless trees, cool temperatures, less crowds and frequent bright blue skies, it may become your favorite time of the year to hit the trail. Don’t forget to find some of our spectacular waterfalls, including the roadside Looking Glass Falls. If you want a hike in the snow, head to higher elevations like Roan Mountain (photo on right).

All of us are tired of the DOOM AND GLOOM we hear about the economy. The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House invites you to create your own affordable HEADLINES by taking advantage of our Winter discounted rates. See for yourself how possible this really is.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Halloween at the 1899 Wright Inn, our Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 18:38:00 +0000

Halloween has come and gone again and October is now just a memory. As expected, the little Goblins (some not so little) made it a great holiday.

The Historic Montford District was filled with children and their parents.

Asheville is the perfect city for Halloween lovers. Some folks are in costume all year.

Nice Tutu and leggings

Will this cute little "Witch" cast an unbreakable "Spell" in a few years?

But Halloween marks the end of yet, another autumn month. Winters' chill is in the air, the leaves are almost all gone, and the weather folks on TV have already been using the "S" word. This opens another happy season here at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast, The 1899 Wright Inn.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Asheville Tops Blue Ridge Fall Color Display

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:36:00 +0000

ASHEVILLE TOPS "LEAF PEEPER" LIST

Leaf lovers in search of the country's best fall foliage have only to look to Asheville, NC. TripAdvisor.com, a travel sight parented by Expedia.com, has recently announced it's top 10 fall foliage destinations and Asheville ranks #1 as the top place to peep.

The trees that surround The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House are beginning to change as the color moves down from the higher elevations. Weekends are pretty much booked already, but if you can manage a day or two during the week we still have availability so check on line or call us TODAY!!!

Also important to note is The Elton John Concert in Asheville at the Civil Center on November 16, 2010. We are offering a $10 discount off your room for that evening here at the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House. Please mention the concert when you book a reservation.

Christmas at Biltmore is beginning November . Our Asheville Bed and Breakfast tickets are good for two consecutive day entrances so are quite a bargain. Should you choose to add an evening Candle light visit, we will be happy to arrange that for you at an additional $15 per ticket charge. Call us, book your room, arrange for your tickets and everything will be set upon your arrival.

Lots going on here in the mountains so we hope to see you soon.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore

Owners & Innkeepers

Leaf Colors at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:20:00 +0000

Amazingly, this is the last week of September. Here in Asheville and surrounding areas, it means our busy season is fast coming upon us. As I look out the window here at the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House, I see the leaves beginning to change colors quickly.

So if you are planning to visit us sometime this "leaf season" I urge you to phone now for reservations or book on line to insure you get the dates and room of your choice.

Color changes at the higher elevations first, so right now, you would need to drive "higher" to get more color but trees around the inn are beginning to do their autumnal work. We're looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and as always love to "Welcome" new guests.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Our Asheville Bed and Breakfast Recipe Book is--Finally DONE!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:56:00 +0000

We completed our sixth year of ownership here at the 1899 Wright Inn Bed and Breakfast in Asheville NC which was quite a milestone for us. Our predecessor left us very little information concerning food menus and prep. So we spent the whole first year experimenting to come up with the best food ideas possible.

After much work, trial and error and guest input, we perfected a large menu for us to choose from to determine what to feed our guests. Many of you have asked for our recipes over the years and we've gladly shared them with you. But I always wanted to compile them in a book format and have a cookbook of our recipes used at the 1899 Wright Inn.

There never seemed to be enough time to get around to doing it however. Recently, I decided enough was enough and put my nose to the grindstone. I also must compliment Bob on helping me so much despite his "two-finger typing." As we begin our seventh year I'm happy to say that the Wright Inn's Cookbook is back from the publishers and is available to you in time for Holiday giving.

The book is $12.50 with $2.50 added for shipping. If you would like a copy, please call us and we'll be happy to get one out to you. I know some of you are watching our site for this announcement, so I hope to hear from you soon. And come back to visit as we're still experimenting with new recipes!!!!

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

July 4th Celebration at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast, The 1899 Wright Inn

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 15:07:00 +0000

Spend Independence Day with us at our elegant Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn, The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House, in the mountain town of Asheville, NC. Fireworks may now be seen year-round at sporting events, big concerts and even Christmas shopping nights, but there's nothing quite like the big show on July 4th.

Come to Asheville, NC for the weekend parade, have a picnic, go to a concert or festival and you will be in the right patriotic spirit.

There are firework displays scheduled for the evenings of July 2nd and 3rd, 2010. Beginning July 3rd, Shindig on the Green begins its summer season at Roger McGuire Green in front of City Hall and the Courthouse. On Sunday, July 4th, starting at 4 P.M. the celebration gets into full swing with live music from Asheville's hottest bands, family activities and food from area vendors. The fireworks display will be at 9:30 P.M.

Check the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House's special rates for this weekend. Celebrate this special American Holiday with us, here in the mountains and experience life in small town America.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Spend "Fathers Day" with us at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn.

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:53:00 +0000

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

Are you still trying to decide what to do for the "Father" in your life this weekend? A weekend stay at The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House, our Asheville Bed and Breakfast , might be just what you are looking for.

Please call us while there are still a few rooms remaining. We are just a phone call away.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers
1-800-552-5724

1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House,
An Historical Asheville NC, Bed and Breakfast Inn

Traveller has arrived at his Asheville NC bed and breakfast Inn.

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 16:07:00 +0000

TRAVELLER!!!

What kind of a name is Spud for a dog? He was white but unless he was caught in the potato bin, I couldn't figure out the name. Nor did we like it. So after leaving Knoxville and spending five days with Civil War people, we left with a long suggestion list of names from North and South. Everybody had thoughts on what he should be named.

We decided to wait and let him choose a name for himself from our extensive list.

Maggie arrived with a very acceptable doggie name; although for the first few months she was mostly called--Maggie Dammit.

I couldn't for the life of me remember the name Spud so the initial instinct was to say Maggie. Now, Spud-Maggie-Whoever You Are, probably had an identity crisis!!

Luckily after a few weeks, we noticed a few patterns with him. He thumped his tail on the floor constantly so we thought about Thumper. But to a whole generation that was the name of a rabbit.

When we took him for his first vet appointment, upon opening the car door, he jumped out and made an escape. He also made an escape through the side yard gate that the landscapers left open and was on his way to the next block! He made a third escape through the front gate when Bob was taking out the trash. Fortunately he was easily "retrieved" on all three occasions simply because he seemed to have scared himself with not knowing where to go.

So rechecking the name list, we decided Traveller was an appropriate name. Since he is a Southern dog, we named him after General Robert E. Lee's most famous horse. Like Lee, we use the double "L" British spelling. Let's just hope Traveller does not keep traveling on......

Barbara & Bob Gilmore

Owners & Innkeepers

In Search of a Companion for our Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:11:00 +0000

Maggie, our Asheville NC Bed and Breakfast Inn Mascot, has left a vast emptiness in our day by her premature departure. She made her mark on our lives and with our guests at this Asheville bed and breakfast Inn.

Maggie never replaced Kelty. Kelty never replaced Judy. No pet ever "replaces" another. But if you're a dog person, it's difficult to be without a pet.

We got all our Goldens Retrievers when they were about a year old. Judy and Kelty were bought from breeders who no longer wanted them because they were not perfect for show dogs. They were well behaved and responded immediately to commands. They each had normal life spans of about twelve years. We got Kelty, an Irish girl, almost immediately after losing Judy. Our sons were young and it seemed to be the thing to do to help them over the loss.

After we lost Kelty, the boys were already grown and gone, we were close to retiring and moving so we decided to wait a few years to get a "Golden" for our golden years. It was during that time that I discovered the Golden Retriever Rescue efforts.

We bought our Asheville NC Bed and Breakfast Inn in July, 2004 and began our rescue search. As luck would have it, we found our Maggie in October, the busiest month for tourism in Asheville.

From the beginning, her tenure here was touch and go. She was an alpha dog with no manners and understood few commands, a far cry from our two previous well-mannered dogs. We all grinned and bit the bullet and in about six months she had us thoroughly trained. She had her forever home for five and a half years until she crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

On April 28th, on our way to Chattanooga for six days touring Civil War battlefields, we stopped in Knoxville, TN. to look at an eleven month old blond, male Golden rescue named Spud. Spud was very small and didn't seem to have the Golden mannerisms. He stayed with his foster dad and did his best to ignore us. Foster dad gave us his observations/opinions which were different than our initial thoughts. But based on the way he described Spud, we decided to give Spud a try to see if he could become a house and Inn dog and fit in with our life style and if we could be the parents Spud needed.

Next time..........Spud gets a new name.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

1899 Wright Inn and Carrage House

Our Asheville Bed and Breakfast has lost it's mascot, Maggie

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:25:00 +0000

Our blog has been silent for awhile because our hearts have not been in it. It's with a heavy heart that I finally write that on March 9th our beautiful 6 1/2 year old Golden Retriever, Maggie, died quickily and unexpectedly of lymphoma while we were on vacation in California.

As usual, during our absence, Maggie was in the loving care of our Asheville Bed and Breakfast inn manager, Shirley. Maggie collapsed after dinner, was rushed to the animal hospital, diagnosed and the decision made to let her go came within five hours.

Losing any pet is difficult as most of you know; but of our three Goldens, she had the best, most outgoing, silly personality. She was still so young and it was so painfully unexpected.

We grieved Maggie. Neighbors brought flowers in her memory as everybody in the neighborhood knew her. Our mailman was near tears as Maggie would always come to say hello carrying a stick of firewood to him. Guests here at the Inn who asked to see her were surprised. Some were repeat guest, some read about her on the blog.

Then on Easter Sunday, Bob had another heart attack and the immediate pain from losing Maggie resurfaced. She was not there to comfort him or to do his now doctor ordered walks. The need for a companion became obvious. We again contacted Tennessee Valley Golden Retriever Rescue (where we adopted Maggie) and began our search for a companion that needed a forever home. The results of that search will appear here on the blog.

If you have ever loved an animal, feel the heartbreak of rescuing animals, have met Maggie and loved her, please consider making a donation in her name to:
TVGRR
P.O. Box 32973
Knoxville, TN 37930

Barbara & Bob Gilmore

Owners & Innkeepers

1899 Wright Inn Bed and Breakfast "Asheville Winter Escape Specials

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:59:00 +0000

Please see our new SPECIALS recently placed on the website

Come join us at the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House for a "Winter Getaway", "New Years Romance Package", or numerous packages built around your visit to America's largest residence, The Biltmore Estate.

With times as tough as they are, we will do our best to make sure that your Asheville Bed and Breakfast stay is as affordable as possible.

Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Experience the Biltmore Estate's Candlelight Extravaganza while staying at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 17:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest tourist attractions in Asheville is of course, the Biltmore Estate. From now until January 3, 2010, the Biltmore offers candlelight tours in addition to their regular daytime house tours. The house by day is impressive and very beautiful; but by night, it's magical.

To help you enjoy a visit by day, we offer a Biltmore package that includes your room for two nights, breakfast daily, afternoon treats and two two-day passes to the Estate. If you wish to do a Candlelight tour also, let us know a date and time window and we will arrange it for you with Biltmore for an additional $10 per ticket charge.

So enjoy a stay at the 1899 Wright Inn, a three mile drive to the front gate (then about 3.5 miles back to the house) and we take care of your tickets for you so you don't have to go through the "will call" pick-up. While you're here, find out about the inn's connection to the Vanderbilts.

Whether by day or night, Christmas at the Biltmore is a wonderful Holiday experience.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

At our Asheville Bed and Breakfast, The 1899 Wright Inn, we were Home Again

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:08:00 +0000

You CAN go home again....

The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House is fortunate to have many returning guests. However, on Monday, we had an unusual and wonderful experience we wish to share with you.

Following the death of Mrs. Leva Wright in 1945, the house was purchased the following year from the bank handling her estate by Mr. and Mrs. James A. Banks. Mr. Banks was a plasterer who suffered from emphysema. Mrs. Banks ran the property as a boarding house.

In 1947-48 two young children, Larry and David, lived on the third floor of the house with their parents. On Monday, Larry and David came back to see where they had spent part of their childhood.

They walked around the third floor remembering where their bedroom was (now the Steven Van Winkle Room), their parent's room (now the Orr Room) the original bathroom up their is the one now used by the Orr Room. Their mother was a seamstress and had her sewing room in what is now the Hampton Room because of the light through those windows.

They can also remember an ice box at the top of the stairway. I can't help but think of that poor ice man carrying blocks of ice up those stairs every few days.

It's those small memories of the past that this wonderful house holds.

We're proud to maintain the house for those who can come back to remember or for those who want to step back into the past to a kinder, gentler time if only for a short while.

Life has taken David to California and Larry to homes in the southeastern United States. But relatives brought them here for a surprise visit back to their past. So maybe Thomas Wolfe....you can go home again, if only for a short visit.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Halloween at the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:20:00 +0000

What a fun Halloween we had here at the 1899 Wright Inn. We had a couple from the Netherlands, a lady from the UK and a gentleman from Ireland. It was interesting to learn of a similar custom celebrated in the Netherlands so we shared info on "International customs!" We also had two rooms of repeat guests, David and Dee from Raleigh, NC, and Winnie and Dean who are also from Raleigh, NC.

On Saturday evening, when the ghosts and goblins came out, Tina and Sam, our guests in the Celebration Suite sat on the porch with us visiting and watching all the children (and parents, some in costume) come to the door.

These kids were from hardy stock as they braved cool temperatures and a steady hard rain for most of the evening. We had about 175 children visit the Inn.

Maggie also sends her thoughts and Love to Cindy and Steven for her trick or treat surprise.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Our Favorite Asheville Bed and Breakfast is The Wright Inn and Carriage House

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:25:00 +0000

The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House is very lucky to have a high percentage of loyal, repeat guests. So when I thought about this, I was determined to get the reasons from the next "returns" through our door.

It happened to be Carol and Tony from Louisville, KY who come to spend another few days with us.

They make frequent trips to Asheville because they love the area, the diversity of the people and the limitless things to do here. The scenery and mountains attract them.

Like many people, they found our website and like the look of the inn and the pricing. Tony and Carol find the inn beautiful, warm and inviting, love the decor and our attention to detail. Carol especially like finding her big "staff" mug waiting every morning.

They have stayed in four different rooms and we tease them about sleeping around. So far they have decided they like the Bosse-Bryan room best because it is cozy, bright and cheerful.

They are B&B folks and have run the gamut of being badgered by innkeepers or the opposite experience of "here's your room, here's your key." They feel we are friendly and helpful enough but also know when to bow out and leave them alone.

They look forward to our breakfast every morning and enjoy visiting with the wonderful people this inn attracts.

Tony and Carol will be back in April and we look forward to greeting them like the growing family they've become.

Barbara, Bob and "Maggie" Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Guest Relations at my Asheville Bed and Breakfast, The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:36:00 +0000

EARNING MY "KIBBLES"

I was waiting in the residence quietly snoozing, waiting for daddy to return from serving breakfast at the Inn. The door suddenly opened well before the time I expected him back.

But it was Daddy. He said, "Maggie, get your little Halloween scarf (I call it my little dress) straightened up, smooth down your eyebrows and come to the Inn! Your public awaits!!" I was so excited I kept falling over my own paws getting there.

It seems that during breakfast, guests, Sharon and Jessica from Tyrone, GA and Sharon and Steve from Orlando, FL each discovered that one of the many reasons they booked The 1899 Wright Inn was ME....Maggie! And they wanted to meet the star of the show, the head innkeeper, the leader of the pack.

They all came out on the front porch and there I was. I tried to contain my excitement and tried to remember my manners and be on my best behavior. Dad was getting really proud of me when Sharon stooped down to love on me, speaking to me in that soft voice that all dog lovers use to converse with animals and babies. Unfortunately, she's so little and I'm so big, I knocked her off balance. Lucky for me everybody was laughing.

Dad got the camera but by that time, Sharon and Jessica were gone. But here are some photos of me with my new best friends, Sharon and Steve.

Now I can tell mom and dad I'm doing my share to bring guest to my beautiful Asheville home and earning my keep.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Fall Colors in the Blue Ridge Mountains and at the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 14:51:00 +0000

So, is it too late to come to the mountains to enjoy the beautiful fall leaf colors and stay with us at the beautiful 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House? In a word....NO!!

As I look out the window here at the Inn, there are currently not enough leaves on the ground to get a native Michigander into raking mode.

But at this time of year, leaf hunting and viewing success begins at the higher elevations where it is begging to peak.

Mt. Mitchell (Elevation 6089 feet) highest point east of the Rockies has a new viewing platform. Hiking trails abound, but dress for the colder weather at that elevations

Grandfather Mountain (Elevation 5946 feet) is the newest state park and a seventy mile drive from Asheville to view the mile high swinging bridge and wildlife that includes eagles, bear and cougar. Grandfather Mountain can also be accessed by the Blue Ridge Parkway which is a ninety mile drive. But because of the twisty roads and slower speeds, allow about two and a half hours for the trip.

Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville at Craggy Pinnacle is elevated at 5892 feet and offers spectacular vistas. There are many pull-offs that allow you to sit and contemplate the views. There is the new Blue Ridge Natural Heritage Visitor's Center at Mile-post 384 or the Folk Arts Center near Asheville. Both have hiking trails.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest (Elevation 3500) is the last remaining virgin timber forest in the mountains. Some of the trees are one hundred feet high and over four hundred years old. And for all you literary fans, Joyce Kilmer is the author of the poem "I Think That I Shall Never See a Poem Lovely as a Tree."

Maggie Valley (Elevation 3020) thirty minutes west of Asheville sits beneath mountain ridges. Go to the high ridges to hike or see rare herds of elk at the Cataloochee Ranch.

Brevard, also known as the-- "Land of Waterfalls"(Elevation 2230 feet) features DuPont Forest with it's hiking trails and fishing streams. At Pisgah Crossroads take US 276 to Pishag National Forest following the Davison River and see Looking Glass Falls, Shining Rock, Sliding Rock, Cradle of Forestry, Fish Hatchery and the top of Mt. Pisgah (5721 feet) where you can dine at the Mt. Pisgah Inn and enjoy wonderful views.

Lake Lure, Black Mountain, Saluda, Green River Gourge and Hot Springs also offer spectacular drives, hiking and interesting activities.

So, "Fall for Asheville" and join us at The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House, by a cozy fire and let us help you plan some wonderful adventures so you can be out making memories.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Don't forget me!!!

"Maggie"

Vacation for Innkeepers at the Wright Inn and Carriage House

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:05:00 +0000

Everyone needs a vacation, even Asheville Bed and Breakfast innkeepers who live in these beautiful mountains. So we planned our last get-away of the year to beautiful Lake Murray ,near Columbia, South Carolina. We rented a lake house with a wonderful wide-water view across the lake. It had it's own pool, putting green, ski boat, catamaran, jet ski, kayak and home theater for a rainy day of which there was one.

Our son, Tommy, who lives in Savannah, joined us, as did our friends from Birmingham, Bobby and Lynda Horton. Bobby performs with a well known musical group, "Three on a String" and for all you Civil War buffs, he's THE Bobby Horton who does all the "Homespun Songs" of the Civil War.

Bob always teases me when I get in one of my major cooking moods, I have Bobby's Civil War music blaring away in the kitchen. Well, Friday when I was cooking, I had live music to work by!!!

Our days were spent...eating...sitting by the pool...eating...on the boat...watching movies...eating and just relaxing.

It's a quiet time on the lake with temperatures between 70-84 degrees. Hardly any boats on the lake, just peace and quiet. Sitting here among all the palm and pine trees, I can understand more completely why so many people come to the mountains to enjoy the color of the fall season. While this scenery is beautiful and relaxing, it is totally different from the type of views you get at the mountain elevations in the fall. The contrast between the two is obvious, but then again, they are both wonderful, just totally different.

After resting up, we will be returning to the mountains for the beautiful color changes going on for the next month, followed by the Candlelight at The Biltmore Estate.

Innkeeping is a wonderful job, but being on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, without taking any breaks, can be exhausting. Now that we've recharged our batteries, we'll be ready again to welcome all those smiling faces who come to stay at the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House.

We know that budgets are still tight due to the economy, so we're offering some "last minute" specials as well as some November and December special rates. So check those out if the economy has kept you at home and you already have a case of cabin fever.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Maggie's Spa Day at her Asheville Bed and Breakfast Inn

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:01:00 +0000

Hi Folks!!

I figured you'd be missing me so I thought I'd drop y'all a note so you know what I've been up to.

Ever since dad told me that because of me someone booked a room at my Asheville Bed and Breakfast home, (The 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House) and somebody else asked to meet me last week, I figured I better start keeping up with my personal grooming for guest appearances.

So mom and dad took me to my spa in Hendersonville. We go all the way out there because Mattie at VIP (Very Important Pets) does the best job on me. Mattie....isn't that cute? Mattie grooms Maggie. They left me there for my bubble bath, trim, pedicure and new scarf. I got a Halloween scarf this time that I love. Only trouble is, Mattie puts it over my dark green collar which looks so good with my beautiful, soft, smooth, dark golden coat.

My parents visited the antique stores in town and had lunch at Mean Mr. Mustard's Cafe and really liked it. Sometime, I think they enjoy some private time away from me. I don't understand it.

I don't like having to wait for them in the cage, so when Mattie calls, they come right away. They certainly were impressed with how good I smelled and loved my orange and black scarf too.

I'm getting much better about riding in the car. Most of the time now, I lie down in the back seat. Before, I used to stand up and look out all the time and tell dad how to drive and where to go, but mom says that's her job. So I've backed off and left that to her.

I'm pretty possessive of my scarf. When it's time to wash it, I keep following mom around asking if it's out of the dryer yet. I tell you, a girl doesn't feel properly dressed without it.

I'm having mom type this note for me because I don't want to mess up my nails. I'm trying to stay nice and clean until you get here but it's tough because you see, I'm a tom-boy. I'm the third Golden my parents have had. Mom says the other two must have been hers because they were ladies. I'm dad's dog because I sometimes forget my manners when I'm playing or I meet new people and sometimes after being in the yard, I'm a real mess!!!

But whether I'm just out of the spa or not, I'm waiting with lots of love for my adoring public.

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers

Another Girlfriend Getaway at our Asheville Bed and Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (The Wright Inn & Carriage House) — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 11:33:00 +0000

This past weekend (Sept. 18-19) was a perfect example of a girlfriend's get-away. A lady from Ohio, celebrating one of those big birthdays with a "0" on the end, booked the complete 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House for her guests.

Torrential rains here in North Carolina, as well as all over the southeast, dampened some of their plans like picnicking on the Blue Ridge Parkway and a day at Chimney Rock; it did not dampen their spirits. They managed to see Biltmore Estate, visit the downtown shops and galleries and ate in some of the many fine restaurants. Time was also spent on the veranda and in the beautiful parlors.

We often have family members meet here or college friends looking for an informal place to gather, stay at the 1899 Wright Inn and Carriage House. If you don't need the whole inn, you might want to consider booking just the Carriage House which is also an 1899 structure with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, kitchen, living room and dining room all to yourselves. We can accommodate up to six people there. Umbrella table, chairs and a picnic table are there for your enjoyment; but you are also welcome to use the parlors and veranda of the main inn.

A second option for a small group are the three bedrooms/bathrooms on the third floor. In the center of that floor, is a small private sitting area with love seats. Bedrooms, baths, feed off that area. It's a great place for folks to meet and enjoy their time together. It's the quietest part of the house and the windows look out into treetops.

We have done travel groups, religious retreats, business groups, family reunions, friends gathering for a wedding nearby and a host of other special occasions.

If you are looking for something special for six to twenty-six people, call us with your dates and let's see what we can put together for you. It's much more "intimate" a gathering place then a hotel/motel; it's more like going to grandma's house!!!

Barbara & Bob Gilmore
Owners & Innkeepers