In April I moved my furniture up to the Hill House owner residence from my previous home in Florida and, before the furniture arrived we emptied out the room that holds our office and bodega (storage area) into the residence, for its total renovation -- floors, walls, ceiling. The move-ins now are more or less complete.
A big salute to assistant innkeepers Matthew and Crystal for keeping the inn going while I was away in Florida for nearly two weeks and then working for another few weeks in scattered disorganization. Nothing other than a door (don't ask) seems to have gotten lost in all the moving to and fro, and Matthew's and Crystal's professionalism kept most guests completely unaware of the mayhem just beneath the surface.
Now, heading into the season, we know exactly where every last screwdriver is, we've streamlined our reservations and record-keeping procedures, and are looking forward to a summer of breakfasts on our front porch. Yesterday's croissant french toast with a peach and strawberry compote was a big hit with everyone except a young, athletic couple who look like they don't eat that many carbs in a year. But they seemed to find today's Alsatian tart (puff pastry topped with baked eggs, bacon, asparagus and goat cheese) a lot more workout-friendly.
It's a full house this weekend (we began turning callers away around Wednesday) and almost full for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Want to come the following weekend? Check our homepage special.
david raphael smith
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
A Week in Asheville
What would you do for a week in Asheville? Bev and Jack from Michigan who just spent a week with us shared their itinerary.
Day 1 -- Asheville Trolley Tour and walking through the River Arts District
Day 2 -- Biltmore Mansion and Gardens and boutique shopping in Biltmore Village
Day 3 -- Blue Ridge Parkway Drive, Lunch at Pisgah Inn
Day 4 -- Smokey Mountain trip to Arrowmont Art & Craft School in Gatlinburg
Day 5 -- Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Day 6 -- Downtown Asheville Art Museum and galleries
Day 1 -- Asheville Trolley Tour and walking through the River Arts District
Day 2 -- Biltmore Mansion and Gardens and boutique shopping in Biltmore Village
Day 3 -- Blue Ridge Parkway Drive, Lunch at Pisgah Inn
Day 4 -- Smokey Mountain trip to Arrowmont Art & Craft School in Gatlinburg
Day 5 -- Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Day 6 -- Downtown Asheville Art Museum and galleries
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Full House at Hill House
All rooms filled up this weekend. Perhaps our most interesting guests are Larry and Janet from suburban Philadelphia, Pat and Paul from Michigan, and Diane and Cliff from central Pennsylvania. The three couples met many years ago as young marrieds when they lived next door to each other in duplex apartments. Although they all have moved on, they find a weekend to come together every year and reminisce. Hill House was honored to host them this year.
We also enjoyed the company of two couples from across the mountains in Tennessee -- Charles and Dianne, who returned to Hill House for an encore to their 1998 visit and Robin, who gave David a surprise 40th birthday present with their first trip away from three children in seven years.
The Cottage also had its first dog since we took over, a friendly Labradoodle of Joseph and Mary Alice, who were on their way home to Pennsylvania after wintering in Florida.
Finally, there are our longest-staying guests of the year, Beverly and Jack from Michigan, who will finish up a week of area touring on Monday night, and Rachel and Robert of Chapel Hill, on their first trip to Asheville.
Our office and storage area renovation begin this week. Wish us luck.
We also enjoyed the company of two couples from across the mountains in Tennessee -- Charles and Dianne, who returned to Hill House for an encore to their 1998 visit and Robin, who gave David a surprise 40th birthday present with their first trip away from three children in seven years.
The Cottage also had its first dog since we took over, a friendly Labradoodle of Joseph and Mary Alice, who were on their way home to Pennsylvania after wintering in Florida.
Finally, there are our longest-staying guests of the year, Beverly and Jack from Michigan, who will finish up a week of area touring on Monday night, and Rachel and Robert of Chapel Hill, on their first trip to Asheville.
Our office and storage area renovation begin this week. Wish us luck.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Spring Comes to Asheville
Tulips everywhere at Hill House.
Interesting crowd this past week. Five ladies from Virginia and Georgia, some who hadn't seen the other in years, took two rooms and enjoyed the slow life for a couple of days. Three high school students and Mama on college tours. They couldn't get enough of our new, signature fresh fruit juice and declared Asheville to be just like San Francisco. Jeff and Linda, on their 10th anniversary, who hadn't been away from the kids for 7 years. Justin and Emily from Arkansas, on their honeymoon, and so high on their love for the other. Molly and Liz, 20-something Missouri teachers on spring break, who mountain hiked one morning, and then did some boutique hiking in the afternoon.
Upcoming week is slow, but beginning Friday a string of busy nights, and then on Wednesday our office and storage area begin renovation and we move operations to the owner residence while I (yours truly, the innkeeper) go to Florida to pack up my house and move my remaining life to Asheville.
Interesting crowd this past week. Five ladies from Virginia and Georgia, some who hadn't seen the other in years, took two rooms and enjoyed the slow life for a couple of days. Three high school students and Mama on college tours. They couldn't get enough of our new, signature fresh fruit juice and declared Asheville to be just like San Francisco. Jeff and Linda, on their 10th anniversary, who hadn't been away from the kids for 7 years. Justin and Emily from Arkansas, on their honeymoon, and so high on their love for the other. Molly and Liz, 20-something Missouri teachers on spring break, who mountain hiked one morning, and then did some boutique hiking in the afternoon.
Upcoming week is slow, but beginning Friday a string of busy nights, and then on Wednesday our office and storage area begin renovation and we move operations to the owner residence while I (yours truly, the innkeeper) go to Florida to pack up my house and move my remaining life to Asheville.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Survey Findings
Some of you reading this no doubt responded to a recent guest survey we sent out. What we learned surprised us in some ways, but also confirmed other things Matthew, Crystal and I have been noticing in our first month at Hill House.
In February, the large majority of our guests were under 50 and perhaps a majority under 40. Our survey found nearly 40% to be less than 40. National surveys of bed and breakfasts show only about 18%.
Hill House guests also like the outdoors. When asked where in South Florida they would prefer to vacation, a huge majority spurned urban destinations like South Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or Palm Beach, instead preferring the Keys with their kayaks, snorkels, scuba dives and deep sea fishing boats.
When asked what they liked to do in Asheville, big numbers of former guests cited outdoor activities such as hiking or rafting, along with such pastimes as fine dining, browsing antiques and bookstores, arts/cultural activities, and of course driving the Blue Ridge Parkway and visiting the Biltmore.
We suspect also that a lot of Hill House guests who are older than 40 think young. Rock'n'roll far and away was the most popular kind of music among survey respondents, with pop, folk/bluegrass, and jazz/R&B all tied for second. A lot of you rock'n'rollers might have wanted to have been here this past weekend to have chatted with (Matthew's favorite band while in high school) Ben Folds Five bass guitarist Robert Sledge. He broke away from recording in Nashville to come to Hill House to meet his wife and 5-year-old son who had driven over from Chapel Hill.
Room ambiance followed by location are the most important things to our guests when selecting a B&B. Hill House scored more strongly than average for its gardens/grounds/porches and its breakfasts. And about breakfasts we heard good coffee, hearty/savory, good coffee, down home, good coffee....
What we're thinking is that little about Hill House needs to change. We just want to be sure its story gets out there.
In February, the large majority of our guests were under 50 and perhaps a majority under 40. Our survey found nearly 40% to be less than 40. National surveys of bed and breakfasts show only about 18%.
Hill House guests also like the outdoors. When asked where in South Florida they would prefer to vacation, a huge majority spurned urban destinations like South Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or Palm Beach, instead preferring the Keys with their kayaks, snorkels, scuba dives and deep sea fishing boats.
When asked what they liked to do in Asheville, big numbers of former guests cited outdoor activities such as hiking or rafting, along with such pastimes as fine dining, browsing antiques and bookstores, arts/cultural activities, and of course driving the Blue Ridge Parkway and visiting the Biltmore.
We suspect also that a lot of Hill House guests who are older than 40 think young. Rock'n'roll far and away was the most popular kind of music among survey respondents, with pop, folk/bluegrass, and jazz/R&B all tied for second. A lot of you rock'n'rollers might have wanted to have been here this past weekend to have chatted with (Matthew's favorite band while in high school) Ben Folds Five bass guitarist Robert Sledge. He broke away from recording in Nashville to come to Hill House to meet his wife and 5-year-old son who had driven over from Chapel Hill.
Room ambiance followed by location are the most important things to our guests when selecting a B&B. Hill House scored more strongly than average for its gardens/grounds/porches and its breakfasts. And about breakfasts we heard good coffee, hearty/savory, good coffee, down home, good coffee....
What we're thinking is that little about Hill House needs to change. We just want to be sure its story gets out there.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
New Life at Hill House
My name is David Raphael Smith, and beginning last week I became the third proprietor of Hill House. I've had three previous careers, as a commercial real estate appraiser, a journalist, and restaurant waiter. Thank heavens my assistant innkeepers Matthew Williamson and Crystal Barnwell are here to tell me what to do.
I have no big changes planned for Hill House. It's been so lovingly cared for during the past eight years by Terry and Bill Erickson that there's no need for anything dramatically new. I'm sure as I get my feet wet, I'll start tinkering around the edges here and there. But I feel very fortunate to have come across the opportunity that Terry and Bill have developed.
The Ericksons first grandchild arrived last year in northern California, where they and their daughter lived together for many years. They're moving back out West, to Prescott, Arizona, near where Terry's parents and a number of brothers and sisters live, and where they'll be able to savor some well-deserved free time. Bailey and Maisie tell me that everyone is looking forward to the southwestern climate, but that they're going to miss all the attention that Hill House guests give them.
Hope to see some of you readers soon.
A Message from Terry and Bill:
The past 8 1/2 years at Hill House have been incredible, and it has been an honor to have you as guests and friends. While we are excited about our new adventure, it is bittersweet to leave the Inn and the Asheville area. It has filled us with a lifetime of memories.
Our granddaughter, Katelyn, will be 1-year old next month and we are looking forward to being a bigger part of her life. Of course Bailey and Maisie will take good care of us, and are anxious to get settled in their new home.
We will miss seeing each of you, but hope you return to Hill House soon to start new memories with David and his staff. Come and enjoy their delicious new breakfast entrees and afternoon snacks! Hill House will always be a special place, and we thank you for filling the Inn with warmth, laughter and hugs.
I have no big changes planned for Hill House. It's been so lovingly cared for during the past eight years by Terry and Bill Erickson that there's no need for anything dramatically new. I'm sure as I get my feet wet, I'll start tinkering around the edges here and there. But I feel very fortunate to have come across the opportunity that Terry and Bill have developed.
The Ericksons first grandchild arrived last year in northern California, where they and their daughter lived together for many years. They're moving back out West, to Prescott, Arizona, near where Terry's parents and a number of brothers and sisters live, and where they'll be able to savor some well-deserved free time. Bailey and Maisie tell me that everyone is looking forward to the southwestern climate, but that they're going to miss all the attention that Hill House guests give them.
Hope to see some of you readers soon.
A Message from Terry and Bill:
The past 8 1/2 years at Hill House have been incredible, and it has been an honor to have you as guests and friends. While we are excited about our new adventure, it is bittersweet to leave the Inn and the Asheville area. It has filled us with a lifetime of memories.
Our granddaughter, Katelyn, will be 1-year old next month and we are looking forward to being a bigger part of her life. Of course Bailey and Maisie will take good care of us, and are anxious to get settled in their new home.
We will miss seeing each of you, but hope you return to Hill House soon to start new memories with David and his staff. Come and enjoy their delicious new breakfast entrees and afternoon snacks! Hill House will always be a special place, and we thank you for filling the Inn with warmth, laughter and hugs.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Picture Perfect Memories
It's nice to see guests taking pictures of the Inn and gardens to capture memories of their visit to Asheville, North Carolina. Of course we are always available to snap a shot of a couple together, since we know how often we come back from a vacation with lots of scenery photos and an occasional picture of each other posing by a tree or waterfall.
With digital cameras being so pervasive, it's easy to just click away. Our photo card is at capacity and I try to occasionally download pictures to the computer or share with friends on Facebook. But rarely do we actually print photos any more. Recently when I was composing a photo album for a big family reunion to celebrate my parent's 65th wedding anniversary, I became overwhelmed by how important these memories are to save and share with the next generation. My brother also compiled hundreds of photos on a disk with music to span the decades. Some pictures of our childhood I had never seen before.
And during the anniversary party, I was struck by an emotional moment that surprised me. The gathering totaled over 55 guests, mostly family, but also dear friends, neighbors and those special individuals my parents have known for years. After dinner and the champagne toast, my dad invited everyone to pass the microphone to each table and say a few words as an introduction. At first I thought, uh-oh, this is going to last forever... but quickly found so many fun and interesting things each guest had to say.
The most memorable was from a woman who was there with her husband and two young children, and her message was filled with admiration. She has provided household help for my parents for a long time. She said that while she had not previously met the family members, she felt like she already knew us. She explained that twice a month she would dust the cabinet that held the family pictures; she would clean each picture frame and carefully place it back on the shelf. Like many families, my parents proudly display photos to include all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren on one particular cabinet. After a baby is born, a spot is cleared for the new arrival. This woman has lovingly taken care of the family pictures for years, and at this gathering her family was finally able to meet our family that she knew so well.
So we hope you treasure the pictures of your life. Try to find time to print them or compile them into an album, so they don't just exist on your computer hard drive. At the Inn we are never too busy to help capture a photo of you with your special someone, whether it's on the front porch, with the dogs or in the garden. And at Hill House Bed & Breakfast we always appreciate being part of your picture perfect memories.
The picture above is a family visit years ago with my parents, sister and nephew -- you probably recognize the steps to the Inn's front wrap-around porch. And here we are with our daughter, son-in-law and baby Katelyn leaving my parent's Arizona home a few weeks ago.
With digital cameras being so pervasive, it's easy to just click away. Our photo card is at capacity and I try to occasionally download pictures to the computer or share with friends on Facebook. But rarely do we actually print photos any more. Recently when I was composing a photo album for a big family reunion to celebrate my parent's 65th wedding anniversary, I became overwhelmed by how important these memories are to save and share with the next generation. My brother also compiled hundreds of photos on a disk with music to span the decades. Some pictures of our childhood I had never seen before.
And during the anniversary party, I was struck by an emotional moment that surprised me. The gathering totaled over 55 guests, mostly family, but also dear friends, neighbors and those special individuals my parents have known for years. After dinner and the champagne toast, my dad invited everyone to pass the microphone to each table and say a few words as an introduction. At first I thought, uh-oh, this is going to last forever... but quickly found so many fun and interesting things each guest had to say.
The most memorable was from a woman who was there with her husband and two young children, and her message was filled with admiration. She has provided household help for my parents for a long time. She said that while she had not previously met the family members, she felt like she already knew us. She explained that twice a month she would dust the cabinet that held the family pictures; she would clean each picture frame and carefully place it back on the shelf. Like many families, my parents proudly display photos to include all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren on one particular cabinet. After a baby is born, a spot is cleared for the new arrival. This woman has lovingly taken care of the family pictures for years, and at this gathering her family was finally able to meet our family that she knew so well.
So we hope you treasure the pictures of your life. Try to find time to print them or compile them into an album, so they don't just exist on your computer hard drive. At the Inn we are never too busy to help capture a photo of you with your special someone, whether it's on the front porch, with the dogs or in the garden. And at Hill House Bed & Breakfast we always appreciate being part of your picture perfect memories.
The picture above is a family visit years ago with my parents, sister and nephew -- you probably recognize the steps to the Inn's front wrap-around porch. And here we are with our daughter, son-in-law and baby Katelyn leaving my parent's Arizona home a few weeks ago.
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