Scenes from 2012 Competition Display!
Get your photo made in the sleigh in the lobby!
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Nov. 20, 2012 - Jan. 2, 2013
For a sweet treat, tour the amazing display at the National Gingerbread House Competition at Grove Park Inn. Except for the base, the entries are constructed entirely of edible materials.
While guests with hotel, spa or restaurant reservations may view the display at any time, others can stop by to view entries on Mondays-Thursdays, 8 AM until 11 PM (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day). While there is no admission charge to view the gingerbread creations, there are new parking fees this year: limited outdoor self-parking is $10, garage parking is $12 and valet parking $15.
Most entries are on the main lobby floor in both wings. Get a map at the information desk in the lobby. As you walk to the various display areas, see some of the 80 decorated trees in the historic, grand hotel.
The grand prize winning entry and selected other winners will be removed from the display during the third week of December as the resort transports them to New York City for its 13th straight appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Groups traveling by any vehicle that seats 15 or more passengers in size must make parking reservations prior to arrival. For additional information please call 1-800-438-0050, ext. 1281.
Entries were judged on overall appearance, originality/ creativity, difficulty, precision and consistency of theme.
This year marks 20 years since Grove Park Inn began The National Gingerbread House Competition. It will also serve as a kick off to a much larger milestone – the 100th anniversary of the opening of The Grove Park Inn.
Judging took place on November 17. The panel of judges represent culinary experts and rising stars. The grand prize winner received over $7,500 dollars in cash and prizes.
Contestants from across the country bring their architectural masterpieces to The Grove Park Inn. Delight in the imagination shown in these sugar-and-spice creations, strolling through the competition is a sure way to be swept up in the holiday spirit. A new award of $1,000 will be presented to the competitor who traveled the farthest distance. Other categories include, Adult, Teen, Youth and Child.
For those who want to get some professional tips in design and building a winning gingerbread creation, they are offering GINGERBREAD 101 on August 11. For beginners, learn the basic skills required to create a successful gingerbread structure and for more seasoned bakers. They will alsol offer an afternoon session for advanced pastry techniques and judging criteria.
The AAA Four-Diamond Grove Park Inn will undergo a $25 million dollar restoration and renovation, half to be completed by the end of 2012, to coincide with The Inn’s centennial. In addition to the gingerbread overload, see the beautiful holiday displays throughout and warm by the giant fireplaces in the grand lobby. Pick up a map in the lobby to find the various areas where the entries are displayed.
Additionally, a group of entries are on display at the Grove Arcade in downtown Asheville starting November 20.
For more things to do during the holiday season, see our Top Asheville Holiday Outings and Events. |
