Wednesday, June 20, 2012

North Carolina's Westglow


Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge, just outside of Blowing Rock, sits a house that looks like a painting.  Painting is in this house's DNA as it was once the summer retreat of writer and artist Elliott Daingerfield, one of America's best-known landscape painters at the turn of the 20th century.  The house sits on 20-acres that is listed on the National Historic Register right in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain near the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Built in 1917, the house features Grecian columns that were shipped from Italy.  85 percent of the current furnishings are original pieces from the era.


The good news is that you can stay here!  Westglow is what is termed an "adventure spa".  Glynda Valentine purchased the historic property in 1978 as a private home and has converted it into a day spa with an emphasis on fitness and health.  In 2005, Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer bought the property and remodeled the mansion.


Westglow also offers a luxury camping excursion which follows a 13.5 mile trail paralleling the Blue Ridge Parkway.  The campers end up at the Julian Price Park Campground where tents are set up and waiting with queen size bed frames, air matresses, 500-count sheets, cocktails and appetizers.  A gourmet chef prepares dinner.  That is my kind of camping!


Needless to say, the venue is popular for weddings and just a relaxing visit to the country of North Carolina which oozes sophistication.  

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