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The Serenity of Snowbird Mountain Lodge

The Serenity of Snowbird Mountain Lodge

written by Jill and Robin Harrison | photos courtesy of Snowbird Mountain Lodge

In the 1913 poem “Trees,” Joyce Kilmer penned, “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree.”

I must admit, I’m not a huge admirer of poetry, but in a few short days I have come to appreciate these particular linesof verse. It’s easy, at times, to overlook the beautiful or the magnificent, even when it looks you squarely in the eye. Ibelieve it’s all about context. Remove the ordinary from its mundane surroundings, place it in the midst ofindescribable beauty and a metamorphosis occurs. Its colors become more vibrant, its purpose much clearer — itbecomes the extraordinary.

Nestled under a canopy of poplars, dogwoods, numerous large oaks and pines, Snowbird Mountain Lodge manifeststhis notion poetically.

A Natural RespiteJust three hours north of Atlanta, a short distance from Robbinsville, N.C., Snowbird Mountain Lodge is not anobtrusive, man-made building forced into a setting in which it does not belong; it is an extension of its surroundingnatural beauty, serving as a respite and sanctuary for all who come to stay.

Located in the Western North Carolina Cheoah District, Snowbird Mountain Lodge, originally established in 1941, hasa very rich history. Brothers Arthur and Edwin Wolfe had both the vision and deep conviction to make the woodlandsof the Nantahala National Forest and the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest available to the general public. Nearly 75years later, Robert Rankin, the lodge’s current innkeeper, is still keeping that dream alive.

Snowbird offers guests a choice of accommodations that are divided between its Main Lodge, Chestnut Lodge andWolfe Cottage. Each option is distinct, and yet equally warm, rustic and beautiful. My wife Jill and I stayed in the MainLodge and from the moment we walked through the front door and stepped onto the well-worn hardwood floors, wefelt as if we had arrived at the home of a dear friend.

Equipped with a stone fireplace, an extensive library and an impressive view of the North Carolina mountains, thelarge common area is also furnished with buttery soft leather chairs and couches.

For the sojourner, rest and relaxation can easily be achieved in one of the main lodge’s 15 picturesque rooms,showcasing hand-sewn quilts, paneled hardwoods and idyllic views.

A Day Well SpentSnowbird is well prepared for active travelers, offering plenty to see and do, both on and off the property. Guests canchoose from hiking the forest trails to Sunrise or Sunset Point, mountain biking through one of the many backcountryroads, canoeing or paddle boarding on Lake Santeetlah, or admiring the impressive remnants of old-growth trees inthe nearby Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. At every turn, the Lodge’s helpful staff is ready to assist, ensuring guestsare equally prepared for their adventures.

If, however, relaxing while reading a good book sounds more along the lines of a day well spent, fret not. Among thewell-manicured lawns, wraparound deck and the lodge’s screened-in summerhouse, finding a comfortable and quiet

place to kick off shoes and dive into a favorite novel is easily achieved. The details make Snowbird shine, even theseemingly smallest ones like insect repellant and binoculars located in storage boxes on the hiking trails, or supplyingice for sore muscles after a long trek.

A Pampered PalateSnowbird includes three freshly prepared gourmet meals each day. Daily breakfast is prepared to order while picniclunch requests are placed during dinner the night before and include one of their signature sandwiches like thehomemade pimento cheese accompanied by a bag of chips, fruit, dessert, a pickle and bottled water. The staff packsyour lunch in an insulated backpack, which makes it convenient for your day’s adventure.

As the sun sets, there’s no better way to end a day of hiking or canoeing than a chef-prepared, four-course meal,made with fresh local ingredients, many of which are grown in the property’s garden. Freshly caught local trout is astaple on the menu and is served a variety of ways. Also tempting our palates were the lightly seasoned and searedduck breast served with a cheesy risotto cake and braised kale with cranberry-plum sauce, and the grilled-to-orderlamb chop loin, marinated in red wine and served with Montchevré whipped potatoes, haricot verts, jalapeno honey-glazed carrots and a mint demi-glace. The dinner menu changes daily, providing a different culinary masterpieceevery evening of your stay.

Choose a vino from the extensive wine list or enjoy an evening coffee on the deck while watching the sun melt behindthe silhouette of the mountains.

Need more reasons to visit? Wine dinners with professional sommeliers, hiking excursions with experienced guidesand photography classes with the trained pros are just some of the events remaining on the 2015 calendar. Theupcoming Fly Fishing Festival Nov. 5 through 7 will help novices and pros alike to improve their skills. Space is

limited, so the early bird gets the worm.

A getaway at Snowbird Mountain Lodge is unlike most and the best reason to visit just might be to experience it foryourself.

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