Travel

A Cozy Treehouse Retreat: Our Weekend Getaway in North Carolina

May 26, 2021

Treehouse retreat in the woods of Hendersonville, NC

Last weekend, I took Max on a surprise trip to celebrate our four-year anniversary. I’d planned the trip well in advance, asking him to block out the weekend on his calendar two months ago but omitting the details of where we were going and what we were doing. On the Wednesday before our getaway, I gave Max a packing list and told him to be ready to go at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Only once he got in the car on Saturday did I share the itinerary for the weekend. The surprise destination: Asheville, North Carolina.

Lunch at the Omni Grove Park Inn

After Max admitted that Charleston, SC, had been his suspicion, I put the car in drive and we set off for our first stop, the Omni Grove Park Inn, enjoying the scenic drive through the Blue Ridge mountains as we went.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the hotel’s signature stonework, grand lobby, and ambiance that makes you want to sit and stay awhile. We resisted the urge and made our way to the Sunset Terrace, where we dined for lunch. The terrace boasts what I consider to be the best view of the city of Asheville and the surrounding mountain range. It’s no surprise that presidents, inventors like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison, and authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald have flocked to the Grove Park Inn since it opened in 1913.

We had a lovely dining experience on the Sunset Terrace. The food, view, service (and company, of course) were stellar. My salmon burger was delicious, and Max went as far as to say that he’d choose the lobster cobb salad as his last meal. We ordered the apple cobbler for dessert, but our server also brought out a complimentary chocolate torte that said Congratulations. It was a nice touch. After lunch, we explored the property a bit and added staying at the Grove Park Inn for a week to our bucket list.

Drinks at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Next, we drove to Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Located south of Asheville in Mills River, the expansive property is the company’s Eastern headquarters. There, they grow hops, provide tours, and of course brew their beer.

While at Sierra Nevada, we enjoyed the outdoor patio space as we sampled some of their 23 beers on tap. I stuck with the Marzen, which is sometimes packaged in stores as the brand’s Oktoberfest beer, while Max had both Hazy Little Thing IPA and Big Little Thing Imperial IPA.

We largely had our pick of tables, thanks to Sierra Nevada’s limited capacity COVID-19 policy. If you plan to visit soon, know that they are requiring reservations to enter the complex.

Treehouse Retreat

In the late afternoon, we left the brewery to check into our Airbnb. After parking our car and walking up the short, winding path, we arrived at our abode for the night: a cozy treehouse tucked into the woods of Hendersonville, North Carolina. Equipped with fairy lights, an outdoor shower, and a translucent roof that let in the moonlight, sleeping in the treehouse was a childhood dream come true.

We started our evening by eating our packed dinner on the raised patio, then lighting a fire in the nearby fire pit. The flames kept us warm as the temperature dropped in the mountains, and I was reminded of the simple pleasure of a campfire. As the embers cooled, we turned in early, sleepy from a day in the sun, full bellies, and happy hearts.

On Sunday morning, we rose with the sun (plus a little help from a nearby rooster’s crow). It was an amazing feeling starting the morning in the midst of nature, with birds chirping and squirrels scurrying in the surrounding trees. I was content to stay in bed for a while, soaking it all in.

Eventually, I ventured out to try the shower. You never know what you’re going to get when it comes to outdoor showers, but this one rose to my scorching hot standards. Standing under the water, I again noticed the ease I felt. Our stay in the treehouse was enchanting, both as a beautiful backdrop for quality time together and a respite from the stressors of everyday life.

Brunch in Downtown Hendersonville

After packing up and saying goodbye to our cozy treehouse retreat, we spent the rest of the morning exploring downtown Hendersonville. Strolling down the quaint, picturesque Main Street, we popped into local artisan shops, stopped for coffee at Black Bear Coffe Co., and then ate brunch at Arabella’s, a Latin eatery with generous portions and a drink menu that rivals the flavorful food. If you visit, I highly recommend the Cuban Mojo Pork.