#10. To experience staying in a 116-year old Queen Ann Victorian, located in one of the oldest established villages in the Blue Ridge.
#9. Easy access to all the area’s entertainment and attractions, including; theater, live music, waterfalls, hiking, cycling, tubing/kayaking, art classes, festivals, restaurants, shops, boutiques and golf.
#8. Delectable gourmet breakfasts served each morning.
#7. Cool evenings on the verandas.
#6. Personal, courteous and knowledgeable hosts.
#5. Hand pressed and starched sheets, pillow cases and napkins.
#4. Fresh flowers in every room.
#3. Lavender bubble bath.
#2. Those cute little soaps wrapped in paper.
And the NUMBER ONE reason to visit The Oaks Bed and Breakfast this summer. . . CROQUET anyone?

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Landscape improvements proceed-Spring 2011.

My wife, Donna, and I took over The Oaks Bed and Breakfast in the summer of 2007. Every year since, we have focused on an annual project to keep the inn shiny as a new diamond!

That first winter it was decided that we would reestablish the original foundation to insure that the structure would remain stable and stand proud for another 100-years. Jacks were used to raise the house ever-so-carefully, allowing the contractors to pour concrete footers, install new pillars and build additional floor joist for added support.

We shared a fantasy that the crew that labored beneath the house would surprise us by unearthing a crest of “Civil War gold” or some relic of untold wealth.  Truth be told, the workers did find an antique tea spoon, an old medicine bottle, a frontier ladle and a croquet set. It wasn’t exactly what we had hoped for, but it was a connection to our home’s past and a treasure none the less.

It was then we decided that one day, we would have a gorgeous tournament quality lawn on which guests, dressed in summer white and straw-hats, would play the regal game of croquet.

 

The granite peaks of the Blue Ridge.

The Mountains are calling.

We’re up before dawn

Sunday morning was always special as a kid growing up in our house.  Having worked long hours at GM through the week, my Dad would round-up us kids and hustle us into the kitchen, leaving our Mom to sleep-in — something she rarely did.  There we would participate in an event called breakfast!
Dad would delegate the responsibilities, with my youngest brother, Brian, in charge of “toast”, my next youngest brother, Alan, was the “chopper” and, as the eldest, I would work the stove.  Baby sister, Lori, would stay safe in my father’s arms.  Like a scene from the Wizard of Oz, bread was buttered, potatoes got diced and eggs and sausages were cooked in the pan.
Alternately, some Sundays would be oat meal and others pancakes.  Sure there was the occasional cut finger or burned hand, but what we had in abundance was a kitchen filled with laughter.  My Mom would rise and would wonder what had happened to her kitchen.
Before the clean-up commenced, we would come together as family over a breakfast so fine.  The laughter continued as we got ready for church — shoes polished to a high gloss shine and cowlicks plastered down with something called “Wave-set”.

This morning, it’s Donna and I in the kitchen and a house filled with splendid guests, who will soon gather for a delightful meal.  They will talk about where they’re from and where they are going and most importantly… there will be laughter.

is built as the residence of Dr. E.B. Goelet, one of the first practicing Physicians in the Blue Ridge.  In modern times this lovingly restored home welcomes travelers year round as The Oaks Bed and Breakfast.

Asheville, NC – The Biltmore, a spacious French Chateaux, is built as the residence of G.W. Vanderbilt and is recognized as the largest home in America

New York, NY – Thomas Edison opens his first Kinetoscope parlor where New Yorkers can enjoy a film for 25-cents.

The White House – President Grover Cleveland delivers his State of the Union address targeting immigration and national finances

Washington DC – The United States Supreme Court declared income tax to be unconstitutional in Pollock v. Farmers’ Loan & Trust Co.

Latrobe, PA – John Brallier is paid $10 to play football making him the first professional football player.

Rochester, NY – George B. Selden is granted the first U.S. patent for a combustion-powered automobile.

In this fast paced, ever changing world, it is nice to know that there is still a place where things have pretty much remained the same for more than 100-years.  Visit Historic Saluda and The Oaks Bed and Breakfast – Call 828-749-2000 for reservations.

Donna and I stay close to the inn and welcome all holiday travelers, whether their highway leads through Saluda, or if they have chosen The Oaks as their destination, we welcome all.  It seems that many modern families have dispersed around the country and people are looking to fill the void and a relaxing visit to a quiet mountain town is a reflection of less complicated times.

Thanks to family members who had made the journey to help, The Oaks had been decked out for the holidays with garland and wreaths at every archway and entry; antique nutcrackers danced with the candles on the mantles; the Snow Village collection was warmly illuminated by the fire that burned brightly in the parlor; and the crowning glory of the perfect tree that adorned the library and reached nearly to the very pinnacle of our 10-foot ceilings.

Only one week before, the snow had fallen and created a winter wonderland found only in a Christmas card.  A few guests shot down the icy hill at the school yard on swatches of cardboard I had cut from boxes I found in the basement, while others ventured out to view the countryside and waterfalls in their frozen state.  One gentleman (Dave) graciously shoveled the sidewalk out front – claimed that he needed the workout.  Who was I to argue?

It was wonderful to have these special people find their way to our door and create holiday memories that will live with us forever.  I have always said, “You are a stranger here but once”.  And to these precious friends, and all that the New Year will bring, all the best . . .  We look forward to hosting your visit to The Oaks Bed and Breakfast!

The days are warm and rarely humid. Daytime temperatures linger in the 80s. We have gotten some rain this season – unlike previous years, where we have spent the majority of our summer months, like most of the country, under burn bans and water restriction. When the rain comes, it is usually gentle and when it falls overnight, it contributes a sedative-like effect. Before the raindrops make it to the ground, I have learned recognize the familiar percussive clatter as they play upon the leaves of the giant trees that surround us.

This past Independence Day will stay in my memories forever. We expected a moderate crowd at the inn – a mix of old friends and new. After enjoying a lavish breakfast, some guests headed down to Main Street, while others relaxed on the veranda.

An impromptu cookout materialized late in the afternoon and while the burgers sizzled, guests gathered to enjoy the perfect summer day. The highlight of any Independence Day celebration would be the fireworks. Many of us have witnessed massive fireworks displays in major metropolitan areas. Some, where mirrored skyscrapers reflect the flash of the rocket’s red glare and the explosions resonate through the buildings. Some with symphonies and operatic accompaniment.

Here in Saluda, the event is planed and executed by the local firefighters. Just before sunset, guests gather as Donna passed out the comforters and blankets. We join the procession of vehicles that make their way up Greenville Street to Orchard Lake and find our place on the grassy hill by the lake.

Family and friends laugh n’ chat as children tumble like gymnasts. Fireflies and sparklers interrupt the darkness competing for attention.

The event begins with a brief invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment to remember and recognize those serving in the military.

From one end of the lake, torches ignite and fireworks take flight. It is relaxing and beautiful. The pops echo off the surrounding pine draped mountains as dazzling colors fill the nighttime sky. Our guests offer nothing but complements and praise calling event “impressive”.

The Saluda Firefighters serve up a superb slice of Americana every Fourth of July. They spend their time and money so that we may celebrate the nation’s birthday and honor our Armed Forces. For this we say a special “Thanks” to Shane Bradley, Daryl Russell, Zak Pace and all the dedicated personal of the Saluda Fire Department.

Before we became residents of Saluda by taking over The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, my wife and I would stroll Main Street and visit its shops and restaurants. It was here we heard the stories and developed an appreciation for the people who told them. We learned where the train depot was originally situated before it was moved to where it sits today and how the locomotives chugged through town on their way down the Saluda Grade.

Walk past the cafés and the shops and you find yourself at the “heart” of Main Street, the veritable “Center of the Universe” here in Saluda. A large diagonal crack runs through the thick pane of glass, yet does not disturb the hand lettering on the window, which proclaims this particular business as “M. A. Pace General Merchandise”. Push open the door and enter a world of curiosities, history and camaraderie. Ceiling to floor shelves heaving with memorabilia and collectables all belonging to the man behind the counter, Robert Pace – a robust man for his years, bright, alert and talkative.

This place is what a General Store is supposed to be, before others calling themselves “General Stores” began selling hemp fabric garments and Life is Good T-shirts. This is where local folk find all of life’s daily needs; a barrel bolt and hasp; cake mix or tub caulk; Vienna Sausages or a garden rake; fishing tackle to a Moon Pie; locally made jams and jelly or PVC pipe — Robert has it all!

Robert grew up in this unique place, a place where every picture and magazine has a special place and story. He remembers when Main Street was home to a bowling alley, a tearoom and a movie theatre and celebrities like Perry Como shopped his store.

He is a living-breathing history lesson and a treasure, as is his store. No visit to Saluda is complete without a trip to our Main Street. And no trip to Main Street is complete without a visit with Robert at M.A. Pace General Store.

Was a time when restaurants and shops closed for the winter and the only folks on Main Street lived here year-round.  Guests that have visited The Oaks Bed and Breakfast these past few months have shared a unique parcel of life in the Blue Ridge.  Music is still alive in the night and it seems a little easier to get a beer and a table.  Infinite vistas appear out of nowhere with unobstructed clarity.  In the resolute darkness of the country night, the lights of the residences sitting high on the mountain seem to twinkle and shine, competing with the stars and making it difficult to discern where house lights leave off and the heavens begin.  Some nights, here on the mountain, the stars are so close you feel like you can wear them like a crown.  Stars like diamonds and planets like rubies and gems.

The bird feeders need to be filled almost weekly, proving that we are still a popular stopping off place on the migratory trail.  Soon the snow will melt and invigorate the rivers, waterfalls and the streams.  A hike to Pearson Falls and the Green River is on our list of things to do.

As the temperatures dip, town folk plan for the holidays.  A traditional kick-off to this most joyous of seasons is Saluda’s Hometown Christmas – a gathering on Main Street that offers a storybook vision of Christmases.

Join locals and visitors on Main Street for a candle light stroll past decorated storefronts and restaurants.  Members of the Saluda Business Association provide entertainment, spiced cider and confections at venues along the way.  Stay at the closest lodging to Main Street, The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, for this annual event from 6:00 to 8:00 in December.  This is so not the mall.

Enjoy our glorious Victorian Inn, decorated to the hilt in holiday style, anytime this holiday season.  Give the gift of mountain memories, purchase a gift certificate for friends or family – call The Oaks Bed and Breakfast, 828.749.2000

The gifts that autumn bestows upon us are many. Cooler temperatures allow us to sport about in the fashionable new sweaters and jackets we received last Christmas. On a beautiful 50-degree day, a lengthy bike ride or a vigorous hike can be undertaken without the serious threat of dehydration and with all the trees vacant of their foliage, the view goes on forever! Unobstructed panoramic vistas now appear where previously a lush jade curtain had hung. On a recent drive to Columbus for pizza, the fading light of day ignited thousands of glistening lights, the evidence of distant cities and towns — a view you might have only experienced from an airplane in flight.

During the recent lunar eclipse, we watched from the lawn as the shadow of the earth stretched out across the silver moon. For the brief time the moon and its glow were blotted out from the sky, we stood breathless beneath an explosion of brilliant stars. The absence of leaves above us and the lack of city lights provide us the perfect view of the heavens above.

Saluda, and the mountains that surround us, are in a constant metamorphosis with every seasonal change. This wintry visitor has brought us intense blue skies by day and an abundance of constellations by night

A recent guest pointed out the first signs of an impending spring. Tiny shoots waking from their winter nap, dreaming of the summer days ahead. Fall and winter are a concert of sights, sounds, smells and tastes. A time to rest and renew. A time to rediscover the beauty of our surroundings and beauty of ones own self.

We remember each of the guests and friends that have traveled here to share this time and place. And we look forward to sharing all this with the friends we have yet to meet.

Heralding my approach from the top of a tall forgotten locust, the local birds chirp wildly, sounding the warning of an approaching stranger. Ahead I recognize a pyramid shaped rock – a miniature monument – perched deliberately upon another stack of rocks, placed there by another passerby.

Cross the tracks and past the Purple Onion, I drop my quarters into the coin slot – clink, clank – the door cranks open and I extract my copy of the daily news. Securely stuffed under my arm, I make my way back up the hill. Back to the inn, where happy guests munch on crunchy bits of bacon and Baked Apple French Toast.

Bob Dylan had it right when he said, “You don’t need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.” It is already a beautiful morning at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast and a splendid day to stroll down to Main Street.