The Omni Grove Park Inn showcases the brilliant colors of its leaves
- Charles Reams 1
- Nov 9
- 2 min read
In the Fall, our thoughts turn to the changing colors of leaves. So, I took some pictures in Greenville and headed to Asheville to document the contrast in colors.
The gardens of the famous Omni Grove Park Inn were a fitting destination. You decide if the trip was worth the effort.
Why do leaves change colors in the fall?
Because the green pigment, chlorophyll, breaks down with shorter days and as temperatures drop. This response reveals yellow and orange, as well as red and purple hues, when sugars are trapped in the leaves and become visible as the chlorophyll breaks down.
According to Clemson News, higher elevations produce different leaf colors due to cooler temperatures and increased UV radiation.
Once on the site, new additions and upgrades lure us in for a closer look.
The new carpets, curtains, and holiday preparations are visible everywhere. A new sports area and marketplace offer souvenirs for travelers.
Various gingerbread constructions with real cream, which a friendly worker gave me to sample. Yum yum. It’s real for sure.
Construction began in 1912 and was completed within a year, in 1913.
The Inn has undergone a series of renovations, restorations, and expansions over the decades. There is no single, countable number of renovations, but rather a continuous development and restoration process since 1913.
However, there were significant updates in the early 1980s and a large spa addition in 2001.
The list of celebrities who stayed at the Inn includes President Woodrow Wilson, Thomas Edison, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Many other celebrities have been guests. The rates start at $400 a night. The rates for the top floors start at $1,000 per night and increase for a better view.
The rich and famous do not flinch at the room rates or the costs of meals, drinks, and souvenirs. After all, it is the Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa.
Parking for visitors is a cool $30.
