The Omni Grove Park Inn will welcome guests back to its historic Main Inn starting Friday, Nov. 15, following recovery efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Originally opened in 1913, the Main Inn has served as a landmark in Asheville for over 110 years and remains a symbol of the area’s history and charm.
Alongside the Main Inn, the property’s world-class spa reopened on Nov. 8, providing a restored haven for relaxation. Full restoration efforts across the property are ongoing as Asheville continues its citywide recovery, supporting a gradual return of visitors to the region.
“Western North Carolina has displayed remarkable strength, and as Asheville reopens, we’re honored to welcome visitors back to our beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains,” said Gary Froeba, Managing Director at The Omni Grove Park Inn, in a press statement. “We are grateful to be reopening, especially in time for the holidays, as this is a meaningful step in our shared journey of recovery, one that brings hope and support to our community. Tourism holds an important role in Western North Carolina’s path forward, and each visit brings encouragement to our employees, neighbors, and friends as we work together to rebuild and heal.”
Omni Revives Gingerbread House Competition
Additionally, Omni Grove Park Inn has announced plans to collaborate with local businesses on the reinvention of its well-known National Gingerbread House Competition. This year, the event aims to bring holiday cheer to the community with a fresh take on the traditional competition, underscoring the property’s commitment to Asheville’s resilience and spirit.
Following the cancellation of its 32nd Annual National Gingerbread House Competition, The Omni Grove Park Inn is honoring the beloved tradition by displaying this season’s gingerbread creations across Asheville. Over 45 entries will be showcased at the resort and partner locations throughout the city, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy the artistry. Display sites include prominent spots such as S&W, Grove Arcade, Grovewood Village, WoolWorth, Sierra Nevada, CURIO, Dancing Bear Toys, Gallery Cor and Highland Brewing in East Asheville, among others.
Each gingerbread house display will feature a QR code, enabling viewers to make donations to the Always Asheville Fund to support community recovery efforts. For those unable to visit in person, the Inn will present gingerbread houses virtually through its “12 Days of Gingerbread” campaign on Facebook and Instagram, from Dec. 1 to 12, 2024.
Gingerbread displays at local businesses will be open from Saturday, Nov. 23 through Sunday, Jan. 5, bringing holiday magic to Asheville while contributing to local rebuilding efforts and encouraging tourism. This new format keeps the spirit of the event alive, sharing the creativity of competitors with a wider audience while directly supporting the Asheville community.
Support Asheville’s Recovery
By staying, dining, or participating in holiday activities at The Omni Grove Park Inn, guests can contribute to the community through the resort’s Holiday Parking Partner program. Launched in 2013, this initiative has raised over $1.1 million for not-for-profit organizations across Western North Carolina. From Dec. 1 to 31, 2024, parking rates will be $40 for valet and $30 for self-parking. Complimentary parking will not be available during this period, making each visit a meaningful contribution to local charitable efforts.
As the community works to rebuild, Omni Hotels & Resorts invites guests to join in the spirit of giving through its “Gingerbread for Good” campaign. This holiday season, guests can indulge in gingerbread-inspired treats at any of Omni’s 50 locations across the country, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Always Asheville Fund. By participating, guests can spread joy and support those in need, all while celebrating the magic of gingerbread.
As the property reopens, some service adjustments may be in place.
For more information, visit omnihotels.com.
