ASHEVILLE – This fall, The Omni Grove Park Inn will reopen following Tropical Storm Helene, and its popular holiday gingerbread program will resume with changes.
Grove Park Inn’s hotel reservations and spa discounts
On Nov. 15, The Omni Grove Park Inn will welcome back overnight guests at the historic hotel, which opened in 1913.
As of Nov. 11, Blue Ridge Buffet, Vue 1913, The Spa Café, Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar, Restaurant In Room, Sunset Terrace and Seasons remain temporarily closed, according to the hotel’s website.
“Western North Carolina has displayed remarkable strength, and as Asheville reopens, we’re honored to welcome visitors back to our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains,” Gary Froeba, managing director, said in a news release. “We are grateful to be reopening, especially in time for the holidays, as this is a meaningful step in our shared journey of recovery, one that brings hope and support to our community. Tourism holds an important role in Western North Carolina’s path forward, and each visit brings encouragement to our employees, neighbors, and friends as we work together to rebuild and heal.”
On Nov. 8, the inn’s spa, golf course and sports complex reopened. Special discounts are offered to first responders and state residents until Nov. 15. Identification badge verification is required.
First responders in North Carolina, including those involved in power restoration, internet restoration, search and rescue, evacuation assistance, public safety and emergency medical services, may receive 50% off any treatment or day pass.
North Carolina residents may receive 20% off any treatment or day pass.
Free parking is available for spa guests in the Vanderbilt Wing only.
For more discounts and packages and to make hotel reservations, visit omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park or call (888) 444-6664.
Grove Park Inn’s Gingerbread House program
The 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition, hosted by The Omni Grove Park Inn, was canceled for the 2024 holiday season due to Tropical Storm Helene.
However, 100% edible handmade gingerbread creations will be displayed across the city and featured online.
The Gingerbread Trail of Giving, to be held from Nov. 23 to Jan. 5, will feature more than 45 original structures at the hotel and local businesses to spread joy across the city.
“We are proud to continue the great tradition of our National Gingerbread House Competition in this reimagined way, spotlighting the extraordinary talent of the entrants throughout Asheville,” Isabel Miller, director of marketing and communications, said in a news release. “We aim to foster a sense of connection during the holiday season following such a challenging time while also supporting local establishments and encouraging our guests to explore the opening of our community.”
The creations will not be judged or awarded.
Each gingerbread creation will have a QR code for donations to the Always Asheville Fund, benefiting small independent travel and hospitality businesses impacted by Helene throughout Asheville and Buncombe County.
The 12 Days of Gingerbread, a virtual display, will return Dec. 1-12 with gingerbread creations shared on the company’s Facebook (@omnigroveparkinn) and Instagram (@omnigrovepark) channels.
Holiday Parking Partner program
As part of the Holiday Parking Partner program, parking rates will be $40 for valet and $30 for self-parking from Dec. 1-31. The program, launched in 2013, has raised more than $1.1 million, benefitting Western North Carolina nonprofit partners.
For more details and updates, visit omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/national-gingerbread-competition.
The Gingerbread Trail of Giving participating businesses:
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The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave.
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Grovewood Village, 111 Grovewood Road.
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Dancing Bear Toys, 518 Kenilworth Road.
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Mast General Store, 15 Biltmore Ave.
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Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave.
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The S&W Market, 56 Patton Ave.
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Woolworth Walk, 25 Haywood St.
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Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave.
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Sierra Nevada, 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Fletcher.
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Hazel Twenty Boutique, 16 Patton Ave., Suite 02.
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Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Highway.
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Horse + Hero, 14 Patton Ave.
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Good Hot Fish, 10 Buxton Ave.
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Gallery Melange, 67 Biltmore Ave.
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Bender Gallery, 29 Biltmore Ave.
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Gallery Cor, 19 Biltmore Ave., Suite 102.
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Mark Bettis Gallery, 123 Roberts St.
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Russell and Armstrong Gallery, 60 Biltmore Ave.
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The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way.
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The Cottage Collections, 30 North Lexington Ave.
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Fired Up! Creative Lounge, 26 Wall St.
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Element Tree Essentials, 18 Wall St.
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Rocket Fizz, 21 Battery Park Ave. Suite 102.
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Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave. #2803.
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Curio, 2 Battery Park Ave.
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Union, 18 Haywood St.
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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. She is a graduate of Michigan State University and covered the arts, entertainment and hospitality in Louisiana for several years. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Omni Grove Park Inn: What to know about reopening, gingerbread display
