Beautifully nestled in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, between the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, Lake Toxaway, N.C. sits today as one of the South’s best kept secrets.  That wasn’t always the case.  Less than three hours by car from Charlotte, N.C. and Atlanta, GA, a rustic chic getaway like few others, Lake Toxaway, N.C. once served as the respite of choice for many of the early twentieth century’s most elite members of society.  The likes of Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller and their families were frequent visitors to this exclusive mountain community for fourteen years, enjoying the crystal blue waters.  In the summer of 1916, heavy rains flooded the region and Lake Toxaway emptied quickly as its damn could not survive the heavy water flow.  This was the end of its early 1900s aristocracy.

Thanks to the vision and ingenuity of owner, Reg Heinitsh, today Lake Toxaway has been restored to its glorious previous self.  Lake Toxaway currently boasts the Tar Heel state’s largest private lake with over 14 miles of shoreline and 640 acres of pristine water.  The Greystone Inn at Lake Toxaway a charming luxury mountain inn, offers 33 guest rooms, its Sothys Signature Spa and award-winning dining.  Making it even more appealing, guests of The Greystone Inn gain access to the Lake Toxaway Country Club’s impressive facilities, including a newly redesigned championship golf course, clay and hard-court tennis courts and a stately professional lakefront croquet lawn.  Open for its first full season, since a $9.5 million redesign by noted Donald Ross restoration specialist – Kris Spence, the Lake Toxaway Country Club golf course offers a panorama of lakeside scenery and grand mountain backdrops.  In 2009, the North Carolina Golf Panel, responsible for ranking the state’s top courses, recognized Lake Toxaway Country Club as one of the best new courses of the year.  The 18-hole, par 71 golf course measures approximately 6,600 yards from the championship tees and provides stunning vistas and dramatic elevation changes throughout the round, all while challenging golfers of every skill level.

“Whether you are looking for upper-echelon mountain golf that beautifully showcases Nature’s picturesque fall canvas, or a relaxing lakeside retreat that offers an array of activities for the entire family, you are certain to find it at The Greystone Inn,” said David Dew, President of The Lake Toxaway Company.

After an exhilarating stint on the lake or a breath-taking round on the golf course, there is no better way to wind down the day than by enjoying a cruise aboard “Miss Lucy” at sunset.  Every evening guests of The Greystone Inn are invited to join the captain for a complimentary champagne sail on the 26-passenger 1900s replica mahogany boat.  During the cruise, members of the Lake Toxaway Company family regale guests with stories of past aristocracy equal parts historical fact and fairy tale. The Greystone Inn at Lake Toxaway is many things, but most of all it is an escape to yesteryear, with all of the modern amenities you would expect from a consistent AAA Four Diamond Award winner.

For those ‘foodies,’ who are as intrigued by fine cuisine as much as luxurious lake activities and golf, The Greystone Inn is also a perfect destination.  Guests of the Inn are treated to a 7-course gourmet dinner every evening, concocted by classically trained Executive Chef extraordinaire – Michael McDonald. Chef Mike leads both the Inn kitchen staff and the Lake Toxaway Country Club kitchen staff.  His 30 years of experience is seasoned with a heavy French influence garnered under the tutelage of a French-Canadian Master Chef. His signature temptation is a rich lump crab cake served with a decadent lemon aioli sauce.  Dinner and a full high-country breakfast, as well as afternoon tea is all included in the daily room tariff. 

For more information, please visit www.greystoneinn.com.

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