Grove Park Inn, in Asheville, NC is an historic hotel which opened in 1923. Although it has many dramatic features, the western view is the star of the show.
This view can best be taken in from the terraces on the backside of the inn. Here, it’s photographed from one of the two side wings. The stones creating the rugged facade were excavated on site. Note also the droopy roof shape, created with concrete.
Grove Park hosts a big gingerbread house competition every year. It started as a small local event and has grown to include hundreds of entries.
Like all the other entries, the hats above are COMPLETELY edible, and made from at least 75% gingerbread!
The swan above was one of my favorites. Check out these feathers!
And the lacy decorations on the sleigh.
There were some amazing feats of architecture.
As well as some whimsical ones.
There were categories for children, youth, and adults. Some of the children’s pieces were my favorites.
I mean, doesn’t that look like FUN?
This brought back memories of when my son and I did this. (One year there was even dog poop in the back yard snow!)
If these photos have piqued your interest, you can see ALL the gingerbread entries here. (Click on Gingerbread.)
Making any gingerbread at your house this year?
Ellen Lindner
We have a similar contest around here at State Fair time; the sugar competition, and the entries are mind-blowing. They are judged by Kerry Vincent (of Food Channel fame) and they are truly spectacular! I may not be able to do what they do with sugar or gingerbread, but it is awesome to see the beautiful creations others come up with, isn’t it?! The hotel you showed is spectacular….did you stay there?
Hi Andrea,
I saw a funny picture on Facebook. It showed a piece of bread with a jar of ginger (seasoning) sitting on it. Three more pieces of bread were propped to create 2 walls and a roof effect. The caption said, “I made a ginger bread house this year, but my kids weren’t impressed.” That’s about my speed! But, it IS fun to see what others do.
We didn’t stay at Grove Park, as it is quite expensive.
I’ve been to the Grove Park Inn, but not during ‘gingerbread season’! Thanks for showing the pics. I have never made a gingerbread house, though I have made gingerbread to eat.
Hi Kristin,
It’s definitely worth seeing, along with the WONDERFUL art gallery next door.
Like you, my relationship with gingerbread has always been more to do with eating and less to do with building. 🙂