Thursday, December 16, 2010

Gingerbread Houses

We went to the Mountains of NC to visit the Grove Park Inn. They had a display of Gingerbread houses we wanted to see. The Inn is over 100 yrs. old and is quite massive in size. They had a new blanket of snow that fell and everything was white......and freezing!!!Many famous people have stayed here. In fact, the Obama's have been there in the last year when they visited Asheville and the Biltmore House..

They have two massive fireplaces in the lobby. This one is set up for photo shoots in the sleigh.

Decorated trees are everywhere.


A local school choir was singing in the lobby. The schools were closed for the day but the choir came anyways.


There were so many Gingerbread houses located in several areas of the hotel I could not post them all. Here are several that were my favorites.
The Grand Prize is at the end. The house and artist will be featured December 24th on Good Morning America. They fly the Gingerbread House there and make any repairs that are necessary. The one criteria for the cakes is that every piece is edible not necessarily made of Gingerbread.
I was surprised at which one was the winner.
Ok, here we go!





They even had a dog body inside this dog house. So cute!


Anyone seen the Disney movie Ups? This was an amazing replica. The balloons are a bit small though. They used jelly beans. Enlarge the pic and see the boy scout and old man. They are so much like the real characters.





This is a small display in a section of the Inn. They had sooooooo many to judge!


This is the Grand Prize! Surprised? I was! Very different from the others.


The creator, herself, that you will see on Good Morning America next week. She is from GA.


This is a view of outside taken from a hallway in the Inn.

This is pic was taken from the same hallway looking out the window at another wing on the Inn. It's like a big horseshoe shape.


Thanks for stopping by and for all your comments.
Have a great day!
Till next time!

15 comments:

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Oh I love it. Wish I had seen it in person!! I really like the grand prize winner. Definately different, but that took some doing to make those russian dolls. Looks like a great adventure!!

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

That is a beautiful place. We have eaten there before, but did not stay there. I am sure it was beautiful in the snow. That winner doesn't look like a gingerbread house. I am confused.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

Looks like a fabulous place!

I'm disappointed in the grand prize, they should have added a Russian house! LOL!

I'm sure this was a very enjoyable time!

Katherine

Thanks for the card!

Kristens Creations said...

Thanks for stopping by Rose! Loved seeing the gingerbread houses...You can tell by my kitchen I really like the gingerbread theme! I'm a little confused by the winner too...very neat though.I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!! Kristen

Alicia said...

Looks like a lot of fun, but I really think they should have picked a house. I love the building with the Father Christmases at the doorways.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh, how fun!
What a neat place to view that contest. And your right, I don't quite get the winner.
And I so love your header! Your home is so pretty and cozy too!
Cindy

Anonymous said...

Hi Ro! Oh, my goodness! This is gorgeous! What a unique looking place and love seeing the pretty trees and those gingerbread houses!! You always have such a wonderful time.
Be a sweetie and come on over! ;)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Sue said...

What a gorgeous fireplace. Lots of eye candy here this morning...I love it.

Happy@Home said...

This post brought back memories of our trip to Asheville last year. We went to the Grove Park Inn and saw the gingerbread houses too. Amazing the talent some people have, isn't it? I was surprised by the winner too. Although they aren't houses, I can't believe she made those out of gingerbread. I hope I remember to watch GMA.
Your header photo is so pretty.

Happy@Home said...

Just read your comment. We are about 2 hours from Asheville.

Painter's Place said...

Love your pictures of all the gingerbread houses! We stayed there a couple of years ago and it was beautiful.

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Sweet Friend,
WOW this is amazing. Love the pics and could spend hours there looking around. The grand prize winner is awesome.
What a blessing to have such fun times during the holidays visiting these unique places.

Yes, I did custom design my new stationary chair from LB and ordered extra fabric for pillows on the sofa and piano bench seat.
Can't wait till it all is ready in about 6-8 weeks.
Have a wonderful weekend my friend.
Love to you and hugs from Texas,
Celestina Marie

Sue said...

What a beautiful place to visit. I need to get to more places when I go to the furniture market. We just work it and come home. I know there is so much else for us to see... I think of something a lot more traditional when I think "First Place" in a gingerbread house contest. Was it the only non-house? I'll have DVR GMA next week so I can catch the episode. Hope you're having a wonderful holiday season. :-)
~ Sue

FABBY'S LIVING said...

What a beautiful place...and the ginger bread hauses! WOW!
I'd love to be close to go visit.
Thank you for sharing with us and thank you for your lovely comments and for visiting my blog.
Wishing you many blessings for this Christmas.
FABBY

Tricia said...

Oh my, that looks like a wonderful place to visit! I bet you had fun looking at all those gingerbread houses/cakes. I'm so surprised about the grand prize winner. Hope you're having a good weekend :)