Recently spent 2 weeks in NC but split between week #1 in Banner Elk and Week #2 in Arden and specifically, the Bent Creek Lodge. Typically, we rent cabins on these types of get-aways but decided t try a B&B rental for this one - Enter the Bent Creek Lodge".
What a fantastic experience!! From the moment we crossed into the lodge from the folksy porch, we felt welcomed and pampered. This B&B is setup in the most inviting rustic and natural setting ever but not lacking whatsoever in the creature comforts of modern day. My wife (and admittedly myself) were in awe of the back porch setting with comfy chairs, rockers, swings and tables as well as a huge fire pit (Propane) on the upper deck and tower heaters down below. But, was the most captivating was the beautiful garden beyond the 3 triple decks! I've never seen so may beautiful butterflies in one setting floating from plant to plant and of every type imaginable. The Gardner for BCL is to be commended for an exceptional job of creating a natural wonderland of the perfect blend of trees, shrubs plants, vegetables and flowers. The vast population of delightful butterflies was only outdone by the equal number of hummingbirds that buzzed in and out of the feeders and plants all day! Honestly, you could grab a rocker, a cold drink and just watch the garden show all day, LOL!
I heard about the epic daily breakfast at BCL and I have to say, it don not disappoint! Delicious in every sense and large portions to boot! Every day, the breakfast menu was varied so it wasn't like a cookie-cutter affair with repeat, processed breakfasts every day. To the contrary, all food was freshly cooked with fresh ingredients and served hot off the griddle. The cooks at BCL are amazing!!
The rooms were comfy and ours, "The Mountain Room" was fitted with a large King bed that could have accommodated a small family, LOL! Super comfortable and the bathroom was well equipped, furnished and stocked. The guest lobbies were fantastic with large mountain sofas and sofa-chairs, fireplace, large screen TV's and books galore lined the walls.
I have to say, the best part of the BCL in general, and our stay in particular, was the impact of the top-notch staff. 5-stars for each and every one of them. Randy, the owner, is the heart and soul of BCL and you can tell he loves his "baby" as much as we do! Every morning and sometimes in the evening, Randy would circulate amongst the guests to introduce himself, see if everything was ok and to offer sightseeing advice and restaurant recommendations. Randy is a laid back guy who owns a well-oiled establishment and is most definitely approachable and helpful in every way but also expertly navigates the line of not being intrusive to his guests ( I can tell you from personal experience that this is not a common trait with B&B hosts). Randy is a Master at this! He's also managed to hire an outstanding team of staff members. ALL of the girls we interacted with were extremely friendly, helpful and capable. They are just as tuned into the guests wants and needs as Randy and go out of their way to make sure everyone is comfortable and happy.
Can't say enough good things about the Bent Creek Lodge other than that my wife and I will most definitely be back!! What a gem of a find in the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I will simply close out by saying "Randy,...
Read moreThis was our third time here. There is just something special about this place. It's almost a fairy tale setting in the forest on a hill, trees all around. Just this quaint lodge not too far from town. That's just the outside of it.
The inside is just as spectacular. It's homie, comfortable, warm, and really an escape from stress at home. This time we stayed in the fern room which is on the lower level and was full of all those good touches. From wireless device charging to a Jacuzzi bathtub, it was much better than home. I believe every room has its own door to the outside patio and ours was just outside of some swinging benches and rocking chairs. The main floor has a wonderful living room setting with plenty of comfortable chairs and sofas with plenty of books to read and plenty of games to play. There are plenty of snacks to choose from and soda is free during your stay. Wine and beer costs and is on the honor system and freely available. There are plenty of information brochures about local touristy hot spots.
The best part about this place is the service. Randy the owner has really gone all out to make sure that everyone is impressed and wants to come back! The breakfast service has always been so great. The food has been pretty much gourmet and you are so getting what you paid for in the room with all of this stuff included. Maybe the best part is just the attitude here. It's always with a smile and always concluded with them asking if there's anything else they can do to help out. It's genuine and it's real. These days, customer service is different and a lot of us miss what it used to be. My family took a trip to a foreign country last year and we were caught a bit off guard by how friendly the customer service was. Bent Creek Lodge reminded me of that and it's a reason why this place deserves every praise and accolade it can get. Thank you to Randy, Alma, and Ashley for making our stay wonderful.
Did I forget to mention that we had our wedding here on this trip? Yes, they perform weddings and it was just a small eloping ceremony with our parents as witnesses. But it was special and romantic and something I will never forget. To finish out, my mother-in-law originally didn't want to stay here because it was a bit expensive for her. I covered her because we had a wedding fund and frankly I just wanted her to stay here and experience what we have experienced over the years. Afterwards she reimbursed me saying that it was such a great experience and completely worth all of the money we paid. That just goes to show you that this place is damn special! Looking forward to...
Read moreMy new husband and I recently had the pleasure of hosting our families and friends for our wedding at Bent Creek Lodge, and I cannot express how truly magical the entire experience was. From the moment we set foot on the grounds to the goodbye hugs in the parking lot, every detail was executed with unparalleled precision and warmth.
Randy and his staff at Bent Creek Lodge went above and beyond to make our special day absolutely perfect! From the initial planning stages to the beautiful ceremony, their professionalism and genuine dedication to making our wedding memorable was evident at every turn. The entire staff was not only organized and efficient but also exuded a level of enthusiasm that made the entire process enjoyable and stress-free.
One of the standout features of our experience was the exceptional level of hospitality we received. The staff treated us, our families, and our guests like cherished members of their own family. The warmth and friendliness extended by each team member created an atmosphere of joy and celebration, making our wedding day truly special.
The venue itself is a picturesque setting that provided a stunning backdrop for our ceremony and reception. The attention to detail in the décor, florals by Sweet Bouquets Florist, and the landscaping added an extra touch of elegance to the already beautiful surroundings. Our guests couldn't stop raving about the charming ambiance and the enchanting atmosphere that Bent Creek Lodge provided.
Now, let's talk about the food – an absolute culinary delight! The chefs at Bent Creek Lodge are true culinary artists. Our morning breakfasts, sweet treats, snacks, rehearsal and wedding dinner was nothing short of a gourmet feast, with each dish surpassing our expectations. The attention to quality and presentation was evident in every bite, and our guests are still talking about how delicious and beautifully crafted the meals were. We were even gifted with a few of Randy’s delicious recipes to bring home with us!
In summary, if you're looking for a wedding venue that goes above and beyond, treats you like family, and serves exceptional food in a breathtaking setting, look no further than Bent Creek Lodge. Our wedding day was a dream come true, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Randy and his staff and the unforgettable experience they provided. I wholeheartedly recommend Bent Creek Lodge to anyone looking to create lasting memories of their special day in a place that truly understands the meaning of love, family, and...
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