For a real treat, head to the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC to see this year’s contestants in the National Gingerbread Competition that are on display now through January 3rd. Contestants from across the country bring their architectural masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn every year. My husband and I were in awe last year during a trip to Asheville over New Year’s Eve to see the Biltmore at Christmas. We wished we had more time to spend there. Viewing of the entries is free even for non-guests of the hotel. Your only cost is $10 for valet parking. In addition to the gingerbread overload, you can see the beautiful holiday displays throughout the inn and warm by the giant fireplaces in the grand lobby. New for 2009 are the “Stories of Gingerbread” guided tours. Guides will share stories about the artists and their houses, details about the construction of unusual entries, and a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the judging, competition and display itself. These specialty tours are available Monday-Saturday throughout the display period.
One of my favorite houses from last year was based on the Civil War Homecoming, the detail was unbelievable.
**recent additional information- it appears that if you are not staying at the Inn and you do not book the tour, the public is only welcome to view the houses M-Th.
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