Spring in the Smokies

Pennsylvania has Punxsutawney Phil, Brookside Mountain Mist Inn has Chippy! Well, we think it was Chippy, it could have been Chipette or Chip-off-the-old-block. It really is hard to tell them apart. They are all part of the chipmonk family that lives in the gardens at our Wanesville, North Carolina bed and breakfast.

The sighting of Chippy can only mean one thing, spring is not far away. Boy, are we ever ready for that! The snow and cooler temperatures are nice, especially when you are relaxing by the warmth of the fire or having fun while skiing on the slopes at Cataloochee Ski Area. But spring in the Smoky Mountains is the most amazing thing I have ever seen. First come the tulips, then the daffodils, followed closely by the blooming of the rhododendrons, mountain laurels and azaleas. The Smokies seem to come alive with greenery and blooms of every color.

Take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, see the elk at Cataloochee Valley, hike the numerous trails among the Smoky Mountains or tour the numerous waterfalls in the area. Spring also brings more events and activities in the town of Waynesville, North Carolina. Be sure to check out our 12-page travel guide for up-to-date information on upcoming events in the western North Carolina area.

Carolyn Gendreau & Dina Giunta
Brookside Mountain Mist Inn

Asheville gets direct flight to Tampa

AirTran Airways has just announced it will offer four, non-stop flights a week between Asheville, North Carolina and Tampa, Florida over the summer. Direct flights between Asheville Regional Airport and Tampa International Airport begin May 5th and will end Labor Day, in early September. They may extend the time period longer, if passenger demand warrents.

The typical roundtrip fare for several dates in May and June will be $139 including taxes and fees on AirTran's website, although roundtrips on a few dates will be as low as $119! The service will be provided on 117-seat passenger jets.

This is great news for me and Dina, being from the Tampa Bay area originally. Now our families can come for a visit at a more reasonable cost and save hours in travel time! It also makes for a much more affordable vacation for anyone in the Tampa Bay vacinity considering a Smoky Mountain destination. Asheville Regional Airport is a short 30-minute drive to Brookside Mountain Mist Inn Bed & Breakfast, centrally located in western North Carolina and in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. See our 12-page travel guide on our website for ideas on "things to do" during your Smoky Mountain adventure. Let us be your "Luxury Smoky Mountain Escape"!

Carolyn Gendreau & Dina Giunta
Brookside Mountain Mist Inn

Smoky Mountain Valentine's Day Getaway

We all want to find the perfect gift to give to that special someone in our lives. Something that they will remember for years to come. Something that lets them know they are cherished above all else. Give your sweetheart the gift of a romantic weekend away from the job, the kids and the stresses of everyday life. Bring back some of that sparkle and magic. Bring your special someone to Brookside Mountain Mist Inn.

Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, Brookside Mountain Mist Inn is not your ordinary bed and breakfast. You won't find your grandmother's doilies here. You won't find antique furniture you aren't sure will support you, should you decide to actually sit on it. You won't have to hassle with climbing into old, clawfoot tubs or antiquated plumbing. This isn't a B&B that's just for "chicks"! At Brookside, we want to make you comfortable. We want you to feel at home. From our large living room with overstuffed leather furnishings to our oversized guestrooms with comfortable beds, sitting areas, 26" LCD flat screen TV's and newly renovated, private bathrooms with state of the art plumbing and fixtures. You'll know you're someplace special from the moment you drive up to our single-story, ranch-style bed and breakfast inn.

Let's talk food!!! Dina is the bomb when it comes to putting together an unforgettable breakfast experience. The first course is just a tease. Dina will whip up something like homemade biscuits, scones or muffins. Next is the fruit dish, which could be anything from blueberry cloud (yum!) to fresh fruit topped with Dina's special custard sauce. Then the grand finale. Just when you think you've had enough. The breakfast entree! Dina has a wide variety of different breakfasts sure to please every palate. She has so many french toast recipes I've lost count! Then there's the savory sausage casserole or egg souffle with fresh veggies and special seasonings. I think my favorite is the sweet potato pancakes with chicken-apple sausage. Check out our reviews from previous guests. There aren't too many that don't mention Dina's scrumptious breakfasts. She even puts together a great breakfast for those with special diets. Not a problem!

Make this a Valentine's Day weekend you can both enjoy with fond memories for years to come. We only have two rooms left for this special weekend so call now for your reservation, toll free 1-877-452-6880.

Carolyn Gendreau & Dina Giunta
Brookside Mountain Mist Inn