Merry Christmas and Congratulations to Terri Davies and her family of Savannah, Georgia for being the recipients of our second vacation giveaway of the season! She was our first call, and she screamed excitedly when informed that she was picked out of only 615 entries to win the post New Year’s Trip. We’re not 100% certain why so few entered this particular contest, but we’re giving away SIX more this season…along with tons of free lift tickets, free rentals and more!
Terri explained that she is a single mom with two kids and that she could r-e-a-l-l-y use the time in the mountains. Funny thing is that she doesn’t ski, although her two teenaged sons do, so Terri plans on taking a girlfriend and just "chill" for the four day trip here! She will be staying in the new "The Lodge at Mill Ridge" and we have sent her four free tickets to ski and free ski rentals from Ski Country Sports in Banner Elk.
For those unaware, The Lodge at Mill Ridge is located in what USED to be the old Mill Ridge Ski Lodge, located just off Highway 105, between Boone and Banner Elk. A few years back the the small resort community in Foscoe, called Mill Ridge…was home to Mill Ridge Ski Area. The resort was once a nice little ski area that operated between 1971 and 1993. Even though it was small in comparison to most of the area’s ski resorts, it was surprising diverse. It had mostly east trails, but it DID have one trail called "Go For It" which was widely considered to be one of the High Country’s steepest trails!
A few years ago, the lodge building that seemed to have all sorts of little nooks and crannys was purchased and renovated as a private home, only after the purchaser made one limited shot at opening it as a bed and breakfast inn called "Golden Willows Inn". Recently, a homeowner within the Mill Ridge Community purchased it and is now offering it as a vacation rental for corporate getaways, family retreats and more.
Built in 1973 as a ski lodge, they now (after complete renovation) boast 5,500 square feet of southern charm and hospitality. They offer 2 suites: a 7 bedroom suite and a 2 bedroom suite. Both are complete with living room, dining room and kitchen.
All rooms have private baths, some with deep roman tubs, pillow top comfy beds, ceiling fans, cable TVs, and an all new decor.
Ideal for large family groups, business and professional groups. Up to 24 people can be accommodated. The Mill Ridge Club House, directly across the street, may be reserved for meetings and conferences. If you want to be able to say that YOU stayed in an old ski lodge, check the place out. Although it is setup for large groups, the owners are pretty open-minded in the sense that if they don’t have it rented for a large group, you can stay there all by yourself!
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact them at 828-963-4900 or visit their website at www.TheLodgeatMillRidge.com and tell them that you saw them on SkiNorthCarolina.com!
The place makes a GREAT getaway, convenient to Hawksnest, the Watauga River, and more. The Lodge is located within a few years of tennis courts, hiking trails, swimming pool, volleyball and more…and of course you can walk the old ski trails which offer wide grassy walking paths and new, woodsy hiking trails that interconnect them.
There’s a picnic table on the trail system and the paths make for convenient connections between the higher elevation homes at Mill Ridge and the tennis courts, pool, clubhouse, and other common grounds amenities that dot the scenic, stream- and pond-laced meadows beside the Watauga River. Check them out…as it’s a great new place to stay in the High Country.
Until Next Time!
Be sure to check out www.SkiSoutheast.com for more news and stories for all of the Southeast’s ski areas.
Be sure to email photos, snow reports and comments to: [email protected]