The Mast Farm Inn, tucked deep into North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, is a boutique hotel deeply committed to celebrating its Appalachian roots. Located in Valle Cruces, the Mast Farm Inn is one of the best preserved homesteads in the south, earning a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places and Historic Hotels of America. Driving up to the green and white Victorian past log cabins and pastoral family farms, it was clear to me that time has done little to change this area and the Mast Farm provides a warm homey welcome to travelers today much as it did in the 1800’s.
That homespun welcome started as soon as we entered the Inn. We were warmly greeted by the innkeeper Danielle who presented us with a gift bag as well as personal recommendations of how best to enjoy our time in North Carolina’s Highlands. Aside from the peaceful Valle Cruces sitting at its front door, the Mast Farm Inn is wonderfully situated near the Blue Ridge Parkway. This area of North Carolina has a wealth of natural attractions including Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls and Gorge and the Appalachian trail. You can also explore the charming mountain towns of Banner Elk, Boone and Blowing Rock, where you can find a vibrant arts scene and restaurants showcasing the best of Appalachian cuisine.
Walking around the property its easy to imagine the people and events of the last few centuries. I envision Joseph Mast first setting eyes on the peaceful valley which her would eventually call home in exchange for his rifle, his dog and a pair of leggings in the late 1700’s. His two room log cabin, built in 1810, still stands today as one of the oldest inhabitable log cabins in the United States. His descendant, Josie Mast and her husband Finley, later expanded the property and began welcoming visitors in 1915. It was at this time the property became known as the Mast Farm, but many simply knew it as “Aunt Josie’s and Uncle Finley’s”. Josie was also a master weaver and turned the two room cabin into a loom house where she crafted rugs, coverlets and handbags. Some of her creations are now housed at the Smithsonian.
The buildings and rooms of the Mast Farm Inn have all been updated with an eye on preserving the historic, rural spirit of Valle Cruces. Rooms in the main building are cozy and comfortable. Walls line with antiques tell the story of the Inn while sitting areas supplied with books and games invite you to relax.
What you won’t find at The Mast Farm Inn?
TV.
The folks at The Mast Farm inn look to foster a sense of simplicity. Slow down. Read a book. Chat with you significant other over afternoon cookies and tea.
We had the pleasure of staying in Mam’s Refuge, one of The Mast Farm Inn’s newly built cabins which are just a short walk away from the main property. As soon as we entered the cabin we were greeted with a personalized note welcoming us to our home for the weekend. This modern log cabin features two bedrooms and a kitchen making it perfect for families, a group of friends or anyone wanting to stay a while.
The rustic luxe detail found throughout the cabin made it feel like my own personal mountain getaway and I loved ending my day in front of the cozy fireplace with a glass of wine and a good book.
Note: the new cabins do have TVs but they are only for watching one of the classic movies the Inn provides.
Helmed by Chef Andrew Long, the Inn’s restaurant Simplicity is focused creating upscale Appalachian cuisine as locally and organically as possible. At breakfast we were greeted with a friendly “Good mornin’ ” and a warm cup of coffee served in a handmade stoneware mug (which I think makes coffee taste better on a chilly morning) quickly followed by an elegant goat cheese stuffed pastry with balsamic drizzle. French toast bread pudding topped with local Carolina blueberries was a deliciously hearty way to fuel the day’s mountain adventures. This was served with a few slabs of thick cut applewood smoked bacon.
Because bacon makes everything better, no?
Dinners at Simplicity are just simply superb. You can choose from the chef’s featured 5 course tasting menu but a few of the offerings on the a la carte menu were calling my name so I chose to go that route. The drink menu features local wine and beer, but no drink is more synonymous with Appalachia than moonshine. I started my night’s meal with a cocktail crafted with Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon Apple Pie Moonshine.
You read that right. Apple. Pie. Moonshine.
This drink was sweet, a little bit spicy and way too easy to drink. The chilly mountain air called for something to help warm me up, a big bowl of sweet potato bisque was just the ticket. Fried sage and chow chow, a traditional southern condiment of pickled vegetables, provided a tangy compliment to the velvety soup. For my entree I went with the smoked pork tenderloin with blueberry-moonshine BBQ sauce. This had all the best flavors of a backyard BBQ done in a more refined manner. As much as I wanted to try one of their decadent homespun desserts, it just was not going to be tonight. I was just too full from all the other delicious food I had that day.
The Mast Farm Inn is a historic treasure hidden among the natural beauty of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, and after experiencing its gracious hospitality and delicious high country cuisine I know I’ll definitely be back.
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Jowita says
Oh, it looks so peaceful! The fact that there is no TV makes it even better. I would love to stay there and to try Apple Pie Moonshine 🙂
samiya says
Looks like such a wonderful place to stay in! Love the pictures and the beautiful description of the place and the food! Hospitality at its finest 🙂
Brianna says
The family is committed to preserving both the history and hospitality of this beautiful place and it was a pleasure to stay here.
Megsy says
I love that there is no TV – people really should learn to chill and read a book or have a conversation. I have to admit though, you won me with the picture of the bath tub – looks divine!
Brianna says
It was so relaxing unwinding by the fireplace with a glass of wine and a good book.
The Roaming Renegades says
This looks lovely, really cosy and homely and away from all the busy distractions of the world. I would love to spend some time here just relaxing, taking walks and clearing my mind a little!
Brianna says
It was a wonderfully cozy place to disconnect and unwind.
Lauren says
I love how quaint, rustic and peaceful it looks here! Thanks for linking up with Weekend Wanderlust!
Brianna says
I loved stepping back in time while still having a few modern amenities.
Maria from Nerd Nomads says
What a great place to stay! Looks so relaxing and cozy. And the surroundings look stunning! I am really getting hungry here, looking at your beautiful pictures of the delicious food….mmmm.
Brianna says
The Blue Ridge mountains are indeed stunning. I’m still thinking about the food there too!
christine says
This place looks great! It has a very “homey” feel to it and the food looks delicious 🙂
Brianna says
The rustic luxe feel of the place was very relaxing and made it a great weekend retreat.
Heather Cole says
Looks like the perfect accompaniment to a bit of good old outdoors and fresh air, think I’d go just for the breakfasts alone! Cosy cabin in the woods without TVs (although love that they have classic films on offer!) sounds like my kinda retreat 🙂
Brianna says
The breakfasts were scrumptious, I wish I had that puff pastry to go with my coffee right now 🙂
Charlie says
What a history! Looks very warm and cosy.
Brianna says
It was hard to tear myself away from the cozy fireplace but surrounding countryside is far to beautiful to be ignored.
Tamara @ We3Travel says
This looks so lovely! I love these type of quaint, rustic places for romantic getaways. We once stayed in a converted barn and I have very fond memories of that trip.
Brianna says
I really love how they updated the existing homestead while still keeping the rustic charm of the farm intact.
Tim says
I am in the mood for a destination like this. Cozy, homey, full of history, and charm. Great photos as usual.
Brianna says
Thanks Tim, who wouldn’t love waking up in the Blue Ridge Mountains to a gourmet country breakfast?
Sandra @ Tripper says
Absolutely in love with this place after reading your post. And I won’t even mind not having the TV. And the food looks amazing except I might pass on the bacon… Then again, when in Rome…
Brianna says
American bacon is much different than its cousin in Europe, definitely give it a go.
Christina says
What a wonderful way to step back in time! I’d love to visit the Mast Inn, for so many reasons, but one thing I cannot do without is good food and it’s obvious that it’s not missing here! Wonderful post-I do hope I can visit someday.
Brianna says
Thanks Christina! Food is one of the reasons I travel and the offerings here did not disappoint.
Andi says
I want to go to this cabin and spend the winter with nothing but a pile of books! I’ve had moonshine and it isn’t bad!
Brianna says
Andi, apple pie moonshine is even better!
Paula Schmitt says
This Inn looks and sounds so lovely! And no TV?! Perfect. I hope to visit this area in 2015 and I will definitely remember The Mast Farm Inn! Thanks for sharing.
Brianna says
Paula, the Blue Ridge area is stunning. Be sure to stop by the Mast Farm Inn for dinner, you will not be disappointed.
Darren says
Fantastic photos, and I love historic inns like this. Great work.
Brianna says
Who doesn’t love stepping back in history?
Escaping Abroad says
Looks cozy! I’ve stayed in some old wood cabins in Northern Arizona and always had a great time. Getting out and relaxing in the country is always fun!
Brianna says
The Mast Farm Inn is the perfect place to escape the rat race for a bit.
Laura says
Oh wow how lovely does this place look – I am in love with the rustic interior – so homely and cosy would love to stay here – thanks so much for sharing
Laura x
Brianna says
Laura, I really loved the rustic luxe details here. It made for a cozy and relaxing getaway.
Bianca (@ItsAllBee) says
Beautiful! Oh it looks like a cosy, warm and inviting place.
Brianna says
It was hard to tear away from the fireplace but the Blue Ridge Mountains are too pretty to pass up, even covered in snow.
Sumit Surai says
Just loved the place. The rooms looked cosy, rich and classy. Food pics were awesome. Drooling over them
Brianna says
I’m still thinking about the meals I had at the Mast Farm Inn!