Personal Retreat

I should have said more about my nephew and his family that moved here last summer to help Lainey and I here at the inn. Some of you have already met Chad Gilbert and his wife, Maggie, and their two young sons, Seamus and Declan. They have already been such a big help.

Recently, they volunteered to take on the task of coordinating our “social media” which includes Facebook, Trip Advisor, and internet (we are not into tweeting yet thank goodness). If you know me very well, you know that is not my strength. I love sitting and talking with our guests, but don’t so much enjoy sitting at the computer doing daily Facebook posts, keeping up with Trip Advisor comments, and keeping our internet pages fresh and current. They have already been successful in raising our Trip Advisor ranking. I will still be writing this blog and making occasional Facebook posts. I can’t keep my hands off it completely.

“Social Networking” is very popular and has become a necessity in today’s business world. It is a way many folks prefer to communicate both professionally and personally. It is fast and constant and we will use it as much as we can to let as many folks as possible learn about and keep up with Hemlock Inn. When they get here though, we will do our best to get them to slow down, turn off, and relax.

We live in a fast paced world and it is not going to change. That is why I am convinced more than ever that we need places like Hemlock Inn. I once asked my sons what one word best defined the inn. Without a blink, one of them said “retreat”. He is right. The very meaning of the word is a place where folks can go to experience peace and quiet and a change of pace from whatever gives them stress. So one phrase we are beginning to use more and more is that we are a place for your “personal retreat”. Up here, our guests enjoy the peaceful setting of the mountains, wonderful company of friends around lazy susan tables full of genuine homecooked southern meals, and simple pleasures such as a steaming cup of coffee each morning while sitting around a roaring fire. If you can stay just a few days, you will feel the stress melt from your body.

In preparation for our new season, Lainey and I went off for a few days this past week. It was a place we go often and is our place of peace and relaxation. I took a lot of work to do and two books. I read the two books and did nothing else. I came back ready to face the new season. You need that too. Let us help you find your peace…and be your “personal retreat”.

Hemlock Inn will open for our 60th year on April 16. Hope to see you this year….

— Mort