Old Stone Inn Mountain Lodge, Waynesville

If you want privacy (not chatterbox B&B), beautiful outdoor settings, and great food, this is the place. We return at least once a year to find it even better. David, the Innkeeper, has created an atmosphere of hospitality and warmth while also arranging lovely private and quiet cottages and rooms that provide a welcome escape from hectic careers. Cottages are nicely furnished. Comfortable living areas and ample sized bedrooms are paired with private porches where all one can see are tall, tall, trees. Beautiful vistas await summer and fall! A few steps from one's cottage, the lodge's restaurant offers wonderful, large, hot breakfasts: eggs, bacon, oatmeal, muffins. Something different each day. Afterwards, one can retreat to one of many cozy but private sitting areas for coffee, catching up on e-mail (lodge offers wireless), and reading. The charming town has bookstores, antique stores, lunch spots, and many shops. A short drive takes you right to Biltmore, the national park, and Asheville sites. Return from sightseeing or hiking to the delicious aromas emerging from Chef Terry's kitchen at the lodge in the early evening. Be sure you have reservations, because it is a very popular dining spot with the locals! Seafood, meats, and freshly grown vegetables come with local herbs and in the most interesting flavors and combinations. The pan-fried catfish and the rack of lamb are favorites. New items appear each season. The wine list is impressive and always has something new. Cocktails (the best Cosmopolitan ever!) await in the bar and you can take your favorite wine back to your porch.