The Inn on Church - Beauty, Charm, and Great Eats near the Blue Ridge Mountains

By now, you know that Jay and I love to get-away for short, little trips whenever we can. This past weekend, we ventured up to Western North Carolina {my college stomping grounds} to visit my grandmother in Brevard. We stayed our second night in a historic bed and breakfast in downtown Hendersonville, The Inn on Church.
Within a few minutes of arriving and stepping into the inn's lobby, 
I had a feeling we were in for a treat.

The owners, Joe and Stephanie Carlton bought the inn in 2011. Hailing from Nashville, TN, they were attracted to the home town feeling of downtown Hendersonville. The couple was gracious and friendly from the moment we arrived, helping us get settled in and even making restaurant recommendations for the perfect bite {more about that deliciousness later}. I've stayed in several bed and breakfasts where the owners weren't involved in the day to day running of the inn. Not here. The Carlton's actually live right next door and take a hands-on approach to ensure that guests are treated with genuine Southern hospitality. 

Ok, so let's talk about this place. There's history here! The inn was built in 1919 as a hotel. It was deemed a historic building in 1989. It has been described as having a Classic Revival Style that reminds you of the roaring 20's. Love.
Besides having a nifty cocktail bar in the lobby and space for wedding rehearsals and receptions, they have a romantic tea room and window-filled sun room. I really didn't realize how cool this place was, until Stephanie offered to show off some of the other rooms in an impromptu tour. The inn has 21 rooms and they each have a unique theme that is represented in the decor and furnishings. It is clear that the Carlton's have really had fun putting it all together, even incorporating vintage art, prints, quilts and linens from Stephanie's grandmother.
Stephanie has an eye for the shabby chic {she might be my soul-sister} and it was lovely to see her spring decorations with bunnies, nests, bird houses, flowers, and such.

Jay and I stayed in the "Gatsby" room. It was lovely with a huge and elegant bathroom, hardwood floors, and pretty linens. On our tour, we got to see a bunch of other rooms and I have to say I fell in love with  quite a few of them. Stephanie shared that they have a lot of guests who have "their" favorite room and always want to stay in the same one when they come back to stay. I totally get that now.
Here are a few of my favorites:

The Giuliani Room

The Rebecca Suite

The Lucille Room

The Lucille Room Bathroom

Having someone prepare a fabulous breakfast for me is one of my life's simple pleasures. Jay and I loved the one we had at The Inn on Church. The coffee was ever-flowing and the homemade muffins were a special touch. Jay enjoyed a ham and cheese omelet and I treated myself to the cinnamon roll french toast which was filled with creamy, sweetened cheese. Divine.

The Sun Room

The Tea Room

More important things to know about The Inn on Church and some Happily Edible After tips for visiting the area:

• It is within walking distance of all the shops and restaurants of downtown Hendersonville.
• There is a wrap-around porch which is a fantastic place to sit and rest a while, sip a glass of afternoon wine, or enjoy your delicious, gourmet breakfast.
• If you are into a memory foam mattresses {you know who you are}, then pick the "Lucille" room. Or if you just have a spirit for fun. This was my favorite!
• If you want a fancy-pants jacuzzi bath and are inspired by an Asian motif, then pick the "Tokonoma Suite".
• If you are a man or just like a masculine room, pick the "Go for Gin" room. Dark, earthy colors and an equestrian theme. My husband's eyes lit up when we toured this one.
• Need some dinner plans? Go for Umi Japanese Fine Dining {thank you big time to Stephanie and Joe for recommending it}. Simply amazing. Pics coming up below.
• Sierra Nevada Brewery in nearby Mills River. If you like any of the following, it's a must: beer, beer tours, good food, corn hole, chilling on a huge patio with music. I've got more to share with you about this brewery and will be back soon to the blog with more info on it.

 THE PLACE TO EAT IF YOU LIKE SUSHI: UMI

One word for this gem of a restaurant in Hendersonville.....heaven.
This is some of the best sushi I've ever had anywhere. I'm kinda of sad that it isn't in Atlanta - it would be my go to for some unbelievable rolls. I simply couldn't get enough of the roll shown below, the Sunset Roll - Tempura shrimp, crab, avocado, mango wrapped in sweet & sour daikon radish. Super refreshing.

So, all in all, a wonderful trip to Western North Carolina. Thank you to Joe and Stephanie for all the hard work you put into The Inn on Church. It really shines through and is such a restful and relaxing place to be. We can't wait to come back and visit again with you both.
Cheers,
Shannon

Inn on Church 

Boutique Hotel-Event Center-Cocktail Bar 
201 Third Avenue West, Hendersonville NC 28739  

(828) 696-2001

Umi Sushi
633 N Main St Hendersonville NC 28792
(828) 698-8048