OK, so nobody wants to be overwhelmed by Christmas come-ons in early November. But our Inn on Main Street guests apparently are eager to feel the seasonal glow.

We’ve helped about a dozen couples obtain tickets to the Biltmore Estate Candlelight Christmas tours, and the season just started last weekend. The tickets we sell are a bargain, just $70 combined with a daytime pass good for two days. The Biltmore folks have made the tour extra fun this year by continuing the Tiffany exhibit through the end of the year. Our guests have been marveling over the work of the famed artist best know for his stained glass.

This week, the Grove Park Inn also begins its annual National Christmas Gingerbread House competition.  Our guests can see the entries Sunday through Thursday. The inn is offering guided tours this year as well.

Many of our guests do their Christmas shopping at on of our Weaverville galleries, the Folk Art Center or at local studio strolls. In a world flooded with trendy electronics and flimsy foreign-made gift items, it’s refreshing to get a mug or bowl or watercolor crafted by an Appalachian artist.

And sometimes getting away is a great gift to ourselves. There’s nothing like a comfy bed, beautiful mountain views and a great breakfast cooked by someone else. We’ll leave the light on for you.