This is a good room for writing, a good inn for writing. Comfortable feeling, spacious, quiet. It's definitely out in the midst of nature, an ant the size of a small dog scaring the daylights out of me by deciding to show up on my bed for a visit. And a long-legged flying insect surveys the window to my left, as I type. Soothing green and mauve tones decorate this room. I can hear birdsong from the grassy hillside just outside. I have morning time, a good hour before breakfast is served, to lean back against pillows, wrapped in high thread count linens, and ease into the day.
I didn't choose Capt. Morris' room (which was available,) nor the room known as "The Secret Room," (#22) which has a trap door to a room below the floor where valuables were hidden from Union Soldiers. Instead I chose The Peony Room (#38), on the top floor in the far corner, for it's light and view of the English Garden and gazebo. New innkeepers Wayne and Rhonda Nelson, who purchased the inn in August of 2002, have done a beautiful job redecorating the rooms, many of which have fireplaces. Two are spacious family suites, another a bridal suite. Each room is different, and all are wonderful. If Wayne Nelson's name sounds familiar to music fans, it's no coincidence. Wayne is bass player and lead vocalist for Little River Band. Away for a concert the night I was there, I did not get a chance to tell him how much I enjoyed both his historical inn and many years of fabulous music from his band. The 18 elegant rooms are not the only treats at this historic getaway. Chef Michael Atkinson whips up some mouth-watering dishes in the Garden Dining Room, as I found out when I feasted that evening on Sauteed Chicken Breast with lemon, wine, garlic and capers, served with an absolutely fantastic medley of fresh vegetables. Presented on a square, contemporary dish, which provided a fun contrast to the historic surroundings, this delicious meal gave me a chance to sit peacefully in the Garden Dining Room and look out over Woodfield's 23 acres of blooming gardens. A culinary and visual treat combined. I only regretted knowing I would only be staying one night, faced with other menu choices such as Potato-Crusted Crab Cakes, Blackened Mahi-Mahi and Maine Lobster. Seafood is a specialty here, though meat-lovers can be tempted with Filet Mignon, Rack of Spring Lamb or Pork Medallions with Shitake Mushrooms and Slivered Almonds. If I had thoughts of going easy the next morning after my evening splurge, those thoughts were dashed when I sat down to a complimentary breakfast. On a sage satin placemat, with swirls matching the leaves outside my tableside window, landed a plate with a Belgian Waffle topped with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Banana Slices and Rum Raisin Caramel Sauce, Served with slices of Applewood Smoked Bacon. OK, so there was an option for a granola and fruit cup meal instead, as well as some divine-sounding Huevos Rancheros and other egg dishes. But I'm not one to pass up a waffle ;)
Typical of many historic inns, phones are not located in guest rooms. Before leaving, I hooked into one of two guest lines provided downstairs, checked email, then reluctantly packed up and headed into Flat Rock and on into Hendersonville, just three miles away. One stop on the way deserves a note, though. I popped into Hand in Hand Gallery, located next door to The Wrinkled Egg, home of Flat Rock Bakery and the delicious Carribean Root Stew I had upon my arrival the day before. It turns out The Wrinkled Egg is housed in a building formerly known as Peace's Grocery from 1890 to the early 1980's, a regular destination of locals. Also representative of the community actvity on this block for so many years, Hand to Hand Gallery is packed with stoneware, paintings, stained glass and other works of art by local artisans. Owners David Voorhees, who makes wonderful floral pottery creations, and Molly Sharp, who adds inspired, peaceful jewelry selections to the mix, were both present and very welcoming. I enjoyed browsing and visiting. David and Molly have created a gallery that feels like more than just a shop offering quality art. On this particular morning, it felt like a peaceful resting point before continuing on my way. All in all, Flat Rock was a breath of fresh mountain air. I never did see the ghost of Capt. Morris at Woodfield Inn and I wasn't able to purchase all the goodies I found at The Wrinkled Egg and Hand in Hand Gallery. All the more reason to return someday. But there's always something else waiting ahead, down the highway, when experiencing life on the road. I finally pulled myself away and headed out.
 If You Go:
Woodfield Inn
Hand in Hand Gallery
The Wrinkled Egg
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A cool mist floats across the Blue Ridge mountains, hovering above the gazebo and stretching across the gardens. I love this particular room, a corner room on the top floor. Instead of one window, like many of the rooms, it has three. The extra two make all the difference.
After breakfast, I settled into one of many rocking chairs on the front veranda and took in the view., the same view that travelers have enjoyed for over 150 years. Blue Ridge foothill vistas, nature trails, soothing downslope of green grass, woodside pavilion below: all enjoyed by guests for many years before my own arrival. It's no surprise Woodfield Inn is a popular choice for weddings and corporate functions.