My mom, dad, sister and I planned a Thanksgiving trip -- and we decided to stay at Glade Valley B&B. My mom and dad are B&B veterans and immediately saw online how nice the place looked. I'm a rookie -- and I've now set the bar super high -- almost unattainable -- for the next B&B I stay in.
This place is huge, and new (about eight years old). The cabin has six guest rooms and a private cabin. The owners Jim and Margaret Connor did a lot of traveling to the National Parks so they've modeled and names the rooms after National Parks. All the rooms are great, but I think my parents got the best one. The Mauna Loa is the only room upstairs and it has vaulted ceilings, a Hawaiian theme, fireplace and a jacuzzi -- oh, and heated towels. My sister and I shared the Yellowstone Room -- since it had two twin beds.
The place is immaculate, I couldn't find a speck of dirt anywhere. It was also beautifully decorated for Christmas -- a huge tree, lots of decorations, and some very really cool quilts (Margaret made them). Beds were comfortable, you had all the amenities you needed and wanted in the bathroom.
Margaret is truly the "hostess with the mosses". She had lemonade, hot coffee and tea, even a Keurig ready to go when we arrived the first night. Oh -- and an unlimited supply of freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies. The next night -- more cookies, coffee, and a freshly baked bread.
Breakfast -- as you might imagine -- was superb. Eggs, country ham, cinnamon buns, sausage, biscuits and gravy, cinnamon buns, cheese grits, just to name a few items. Oh, did I forget to mention the cinnamon buns? A house specialty -- these things are amazing. I was on my second and headed for my third before I put on the breaks. They're not crazy sweet -- and they have so much goodness and flavor. #Amazing!
This place is also on a beautiful plot of land -- right in the mountains -- just about a mile from an entrance to the Blue Ridge Parkways. Hiking at Pilot Mountain State Park, and Hanging Rock State Park is about an hour away. Stone Mountain State Park is about five miles away. There's also Mount Airy, Dobson, and Elkin close by.
I recommend Twenty One and Main in Elkin for dinner. Exceptional food -- they have Orin Swift's The Prisoner" and a bottle of Caymus for $100. Great values. Harvest Grill at Shelton Vineyards is also a great place to eat -- though the drive is a little tough to get there.
The wineries of the region are also great places to visit.
A Yelp review wouldn't be complete without mentioning Hunter. He'll greet you when you arrive and hang with you while you're outside. A great hound.
Jim and Margaret are great people -- their stories are amazing -- and their Bed & Breakfast is one-of-a-kind. Don't miss it when you plan your next trip along the Blue Ridge Parkways - or just a weekend getaway! read more