Hawk & Ivy

This is the coziest and loveliest place to stay! And surprisingly affordable. Just 15 minutes north of Asheville, it’s easy to get to, but waaay out in the country. My bed was soft and comfy, piled up with just the kind of pillows and antique quilts you’d hope for in a B&B. The room had bookshelves filled with every kind of book and game you might want to use. The hosts, James and Eve, are the perfect B&B hosts. Warm, welcoming and chatty, they seem genuinely interested in talking with all their guests.
Best reasons to stay there:
— The breakfasts! Freshly made from ingredients either grown in their organic garden or bought from a local farmer. Unbelieveably good every time, and presented as beautiful artwork, decorated with edible flowers. (the rooms have kitchens, so you can make your own lunch and dinner if desired.)
— The setting! They have over 25 acres of rolling forested hills, with no other houses in sight. I really felt far away from everything. There is a huge organic garden with flowers interspersed between all the veggies, great for strolling through. The pond and gazebo are a good place to sit and read a book and gaze over the landscape, listening to the birdsong.
— The hosts! It’s just plain nice to go somewhere so friendly and pleasant, where you are welcomed and assisted in every way… and then left alone to pursue whatever brought you there.
— Weddings! They have weddings there, in their big renovated barn with a wraparound deck. If I were getting married, this is where I’d want to do it.