There’s something almost magical about stepping into The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina—especially when you’re escaping the everyday routines of the Triad.

Just three hours from Greensboro (or 2.5 hours from Winston-Salem), this legendary 1913 stone resort feels like stepping into another era. The massive stone structure, hand-carved fixtures, and historic Arts & Crafts architecture transport you instantly. Add in the world-class subterranean spa, award-winning dining, Friday night seafood buffets, and mountain romance, and you’ve got the perfect couples getaway—whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, stealing a weekend away, or just rediscovering why you fell in love in the first place.

We’ve updated our complete Grove Park Inn couples guide for 2026 with current hours, dining details, and booking tips.

FRIDAY: Arrival

Getting There

From Greensboro, take I-40 West toward Asheville (approximately 3 hours). From Winston-Salem, it’s roughly 2.5 hours via I-40 West. As you wind through the Blue Ridge foothills, the anticipation builds.

Pro tip: Arrive early afternoon to avoid evening traffic and claim your preferred parking spot.

Check-In & The Legendary Fireplace

The moment you step into the lobby, you’re struck by the sheer scale of it all. The 1913 stone columns rise three stories. The massive fireplace—yes, that fireplace—is 43 feet high and 43 feet wide, with an opening you can literally drive a car through.

During check-in, the bellhop will handle your luggage (tip accordingly—this is old-school hospitality at its finest). Don’t miss asking about the ghost tour or the resort’s history; staff members are genuinely proud of this place.

Your Room

Grove Park rooms feature original Arts & Crafts furnishings, heavy wooden beams, and large windows overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. The “hydro-shower” (a rainfall + body jets combo) is legitimately spa-level luxury. Settle in, crack open the mini bar, and watch the afternoon light dance across the mountains.

Friday Night Seafood Buffet

One of Grove Park’s most beloved traditions, the Friday Night Seafood Buffet is the way to ease into your weekend. Held in the main dining room, it features:

Chilled options: Shrimp, crab, oysters, smoked salmon
Hot selections: Grouper, mahi-mahi, scallops, seasonal specials
Sides & accompaniments: Drawn butter, cocktail sauce, multiple salads
Dessert station: Chocolate cake, seasonal fruit, pastries

2026 Details: Typically $65–$75/person (plus tax & tip). Reservations strongly recommended; book through the front desk or online at omnihotels.com. Usually runs Friday 6–9 p.m.

The Pink Lady Ghost Tour (Optional)

After dinner, if you’re game for a little spooky atmosphere, the resort offers guided ghost tours highlighting the legend of the “Pink Lady”—a guest said to have lingered after her passing. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the tour is a charming, quirky way to learn the resort’s real history while building anticipation for a romantic evening.

Evening by the Fire

End your first night in the main lobby, tucked into a chair beside that magnificent fireplace with your partner, a cocktail, and absolutely nowhere to be. This is what a getaway feels like.

SATURDAY MORNING: Mountain Air & Restoration

Wake-Up Ritual

Request breakfast in your room when you book. Watching the sunrise over the mountains while sipping coffee in your luxury suite is chef’s kiss.

Walking the Grounds

Grove Park sits on 23 acres of manicured grounds with winding stone pathways, gardens, and mountain vistas. Take a leisurely walk before the crowds arrive. You’ll find:

Quiet garden alcoves perfect for photos
Historic plaques marking the resort’s 1913 construction
Mountain overlooks ideal for those “we needed this” moments
Stone bridges and hidden nooks throughout the property

Optional Activity: Blue Ridge Parkway

If you’re energetic, take a short drive (20 minutes from the resort) to explore the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway scenic drive. Stop at one of the many pullouts for a bracing walk and unobstructed mountain views.

Fall Foliage Bonus: If you’re visiting in fall (Sept–Oct, the absolute best time to visit Grove Park), the Blue Ridge Parkway is absolutely stunning with peak fall colors. The Parkway is only about 20 minutes away—consider this a must-do if you’re there during foliage season. See our complete fall foliage guide for timing and peak color weeks.

Return by late morning to prepare for the afternoon spa.

Brunch at Edison or Blue Ridge Dining Room

If you skip in-room breakfast, grab brunch at one of the resort’s restaurants:

Edison (Modern American): Think wood-fired pizzas, eggs Benedict, Benedictine sandwiches
Blue Ridge Dining Room (Farm-to-Table): Locally sourced proteins, mountain trout, seasonal vegetables
Sunset Terrace Café (Casual): Lighter options, perfect if you’re saving room for spa cuisine

SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Subterranean Spa Bliss

The Subterranean Experience

The spa sits 75 feet below ground level, carved into the mountainside. It’s part water park, part wellness sanctuary—but on a luxury level most visitors have never experienced.

Therapeutic Mineral Pools

There are two main mineral pools fed by naturally sourced thermal springs. These aren’t your typical hotel pools; they’re crafted like natural grottos:

Heated to therapeutic temperatures (around 92–94°F)
Naturally mineralized water
High ceilings with stone archways
Incredible acoustics—the sound of water echoing through the cavern is meditative

Spend 20–30 minutes floating in one of these. Let the mineral-rich water work on your muscles. This alone is worth the trip.

Four Cavern-Style Hot Tubs

Set into the stone walls at varying temperatures (one cold, one tepid, two warm). The cold plunge is intense but invigorating.

Indoor Lap Pool

Modern lighting (including underwater LED stars), lap lanes, and that underwater sound system that plays ambient music while you swim. Surreal and centering.

Outdoor Heated Pool

A heated lap pool overlooking the mountains. Swim or float while gazing at the Blue Ridge peaks.

Eucalyptus Steam Room

Gorgeous tile work, aromatic eucalyptus, and a small cold-water plunge nearby.

Dry Sauna

Classic wood-paneled sauna with mountain views through a small window.

Spa Lounge & Café

Climate-controlled lounges with plush seating, filtered water stations, herbal teas, and fresh fruit. The Spa Café offers light salads, smoothies, and snacks (additional cost, but worth it for a full day).

Massage & Personalized Treatments

Book a couple’s massage or individual treatments in the spa’s treatment rooms. Available options include:

Swedish Massage (60–90 min)
Deep Tissue (for those mountain hike sore spots)
Hot Stone Massage (especially luxurious)
Couples Massage in a private spa suite
Facials & body treatments (various options)
Customization: Request specific oils, music, pressure level, and focus areas

Pro tip: Ask for a massage overlooking the mountains if available. Some treatment suites have small window alcoves with views.

2026 Pricing: Treatments typically range from $120 (Swedish, 50 min) to $300+ (specialized treatments, 90 min). Book directly with the spa for current pricing.

The Spa Flow

Most couples follow this rhythm:

Arrive 30 min early to change, shower, and acclimate
Thermal pools (30–45 min): Float, decompress, let the minerals work
Treatment time (60–90 min): Massage or facial
Post-treatment relaxation (30–45 min): Lounge, hydrate, soak in hot tubs
Sauna/steam (15–20 min): Finish strong
Final pool time (20 min): A last dip before heading out

Total immersion time: 4–5 hours. Plan your day accordingly.

After the Spa

You’ll emerge feeling like new humans. Shower in your room, hydrate, and maybe take a 30-minute rest before dinner.

SATURDAY EVENING: Sunset Romance

Dinner at Sunset Terrace

As the sun begins its descent, head to Sunset Terrace for dinner. The name says it all.

Ambiance: Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the mountains during golden hour. Warm light, mountain views, and that peaceful pre-sunset glow. It’s legitimately romantic.

Cuisine: Farm-to-table with North Carolina ingredients. Expect locally sourced trout, heritage pork, seasonal vegetables, and carefully curated wine pairings.

Sample Menu Items:

Charred local trout with herb butter
Dry-aged ribeye with seasonal sides
Roasted mountain vegetables
Desserts featuring local berries and chocolate

2026 Details: Reservations essential. Dress code is smart casual (no flip-flops or athletic wear). Budget $65–$90/person for entrées, plus drinks and tip.

Alternative Dinner Options

Not in the mood for farm-to-table? Grove Park has several other dining venues:

Edison (Modern American): Casual, wood-fired flavors, craft cocktails. Great for a lively vibe.
Vue 1913 (Lounge & Bites): Intimate lounge with small plates, cocktails, and live music some nights. This is where you might catch an acoustic guitarist or pianist.
Blue Ridge Dining Room: More formal, with views and seasonal specials.

Evening Entertainment at Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

After dinner, if you’re not ready to wind down, head to Elaine’s On the Terrace—Grove Park’s dueling piano bar.

What to expect: Two pianists performing in a lively lounge setting. Requests welcome. Singalongs encouraged (though not mandatory). Cocktails and appetizers available. The vibe is upbeat, fun, and genuinely entertaining—even if you’re not a performer.

Hours: Typically 8 p.m.–midnight (verify current schedule).

Nightcap by the Fireplace

End the evening the way you started it: tucked into the main lobby beside that magnificent fireplace, nursing a nightcap, holding hands, and marveling at the architecture around you.

SUNDAY: Brunch, History & Goodbyes

Blue Ridge Dining Room Brunch

Sunday brunch at the Blue Ridge Dining Room is a leisurely affair. Expect:

Omelet stations with custom preparation
Shrimp & grits (a Southern classic done right)
Fresh pastries & breads from the in-house bakery
Carving station with local meats
Salads, sides, and seasonal fruits
Mimosa or Bloody Mary bar

Vibe: Relaxed, unhurried, with soft background music and mountain views.

2026 Details: Typically $55–$65/person (brunch beverages sometimes separate). Sunday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Explore the Property One More Time

After brunch, take a final walk through the property:

Photography spots: The stone archways, the lobby, the outdoor terraces
Boutique shops: Gift-wrapped soaps, resort robes, artisanal chocolates (excellent for bringing home a piece of the experience)
Historic photo gallery: Framed images throughout the resort showing celebrities, presidents, and guests through the decades
Architectural details: The hand-carved woodwork, original tile work, and stone craftsmanship (this building truly is an artwork)

History Moment: Did You Know?

The Omni Grove Park Inn opened in 1913 and has hosted:

10 U.S. Presidents (including Franklin D. Roosevelt)
F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda Fitzgerald (they spent the summer of 1935–36 here)
Countless celebrities, dignitaries, and luminaries
The resort’s founder, E.W. Grove, was a pharmaceutical magnate who built this retreat as a “palace for the people”

It’s genuinely one of the most historically significant resorts on the East Coast.

Check-Out & The Drive Home

By noon, you’ll head back to Greensboro or Winston-Salem with:

Relaxed muscles from the spa
Full hearts
A shared memory of genuine escape
That “we needed this” feeling that lasts for weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

How Far Is It From Greensboro?

3 hours via I-40 West. From Winston-Salem, it’s 2.5 hours. Easy day trip or weekend escape.

What’s the Dress Code?

Casual during the day. Smart casual for dinner (no athletic wear, flip-flops, or tank tops). Business casual for brunch.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Spa Bag?

Nope. Robes, slippers, lockers, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and towels are provided. Just bring your underwear and any personal toiletries you prefer.

What’s the Best Time to Visit?

Spring (April–May): Flowers blooming, mild weather, fewer crowds
Fall (Sept–Oct): Peak foliage, comfortable temperatures, stunning sunset views. This is peak season—book early.
Winter (Dec–Feb): Quieter, lower rates, but chilly. Still magical, especially around the holidays.
Summer (June–Aug): Warm, busy, but the outdoor heated pool is perfect

Is It Worth It With Kids?

Short answer: Save this one for adults-only. While kids are welcome at the resort, the vibe is adults-focused, the spa requires leaving kids behind, and honestly, you need the mental break from parenting. Plan a kid-friendly Asheville trip separately and save Grove Park for the couples escape.

Can I Bring My Own Wine?

No outside alcohol in the spa areas, but you can enjoy wine in your room or at the restaurants. Room service offers a full wine and beverage menu.

How Much Should I Budget?

Conservative estimate for a weekend:

Room: $250–$450/night (rates vary by season)
Meals: $200–$400 (breakfast, lunch, dinner with drinks)
Spa treatments: $200–$400 (one massage/treatment per person)
Parking: Complimentary (included with stay)
Gratuity: 18–20% on meals, $5–$10 per spa staff member

Total: $900–$1,600 for the weekend. Worth every penny for a genuine couples escape.

What If I Can’t Get Spa Reservations?

The spa is popular, but the resort itself is still magical. You can still enjoy:

The resort grounds and architecture
All the restaurants and dining
Exploring Asheville (15 minutes away)
Donald Ross Golf Course (on property)
Simply resting and reconnecting

But honestly? The spa is the star. Book early.

More Asheville & Western NC Adventures

Looking for other ways to spend your Asheville weekend? Check out:

Final Thoughts

The Omni Grove Park Inn is more than just a hotel; it’s a destination in itself. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, rediscovering romance, or simply escaping the daily grind, this 1913 masterpiece delivers.

Three hours from Greensboro, the Blue Ridge Mountains feel like a different world. The spa transports you even further—underground into a wellness sanctuary unlike anywhere else in the Southeast.

Couples deserve this getaway. Plan it soon.

Ready to book? Visit omnihotels.com/groovepark or call (828) 252-2711. Reserve your treatments 60+ days in advance to secure your preferred time slots.

Looking to extend your stay? Explore nearby Asheville attractions, hiking trails, waterfalls, and dining—see our Asheville & Western NC travel guide.

For a complete spa-focused experience guide, see our dedicated Omni Grove Park spa post.

Have you stayed at Grove Park? Share your favorite memory in the comments below!