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Winter at Chetola Resort is one of our favorite times of the year. Although winter winds and snow can impact our plans, the wonders of the season can also make it magical. The Festival of Lights, an annual tradition at Chetola Resort, originally began as a way to encourage visitors and locals to come experience winter holiday magic at the resort, even in the middle of winter.

When Kent Tarbutton, the proprietor of Chetola Resort, first arrived in the late 1990s, there were only four or five light displays around the grounds. Since then, additional displays have been added every year to the original collection and the current Festival of Lights now consists of over 30,000 lights for visitors, locals, and guests to enjoy.

Those 30,000 lights don’t just appear from Christmas magic- our grounds team begins working on the light displays in late September. It takes about 3 weeks to check and replace all the broken or dead bulbs, and an additional 6-8 weeks to get all the displays ready and set up. And, even when all the lights are set up, they must constantly be checked to ensure Christmas magic is at 100%.

This year’s new displays include a Nativity scene and dancing holiday lights with music. The Megatree, a part of the dancing lights display is the “ultimate creation” of Chetola Grounds Manager, Craig Lesowski. Craig’s intention in creating the Megatree was to create a new display that would allow families to create memories during their visit to Chetola.

The Megatree is exciting by itself, but what makes it extremely unique is that much of the display was created using recycled materials. The Megatree is made up of PVC pipes that have been glued together. The snowflakes near the tree were created using pieces of rebar that were welded together. And the hoops in front of the tree were created from an old cascading waterfall display that has been repurposed into accessories for the Megatree. The only new pieces of the Megatree are the lights themselves, the equipment to synchronize the lights, and the tomato cages which make up the baby trees in front of the Megatree. In total, this magnificent holiday light display is made up of 3,900 dancing lights with 2,200 just for the Megatree.

The dancing lights for the Megatree and surrounding accessories were programmed by Chetola’s IT Manager Mike Osborne to dance along to various Christmas songs. Many of the lights had to be connected to various circuits that allow them to actually “dance”. The work that goes into this enchanting Chetola tradition is endless, and we are grateful to every team member who helps to make this display memorable each year.

Looking ahead to next year, Craig promises a few new surprises, including more Megatrees made from recycled materials and a few other displays made of reused materials that we can’t quite share yet. You’ll just have to make Chetola’s Festival of Lights a winter tradition! We hope you have a wonderful winter and holiday season - we can’t wait to see you at the Festival of Lights!

Chetola Resort’s Festival of Lights is on display now through the end of Winterfest on Sunday, January 31, 2021. Enjoy a walk or drive around Chetola Lake to view stunning holiday lights, music, and more! Order a meal to go, or join us in Timberlake’s Restaurant for an unforgettable dining experience.

Candace's Ooey Gooey S'mores Recipe

Candace’s Ooey Gooey S’mores Recipe

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Interested in finding out more information? Call Chetola at 800-243-8653, or Click Here to email Chetola.

- Candace's Gourmet Campfire Salted Caramel S'mores Dip -

"Feel like a kid again with this ooey-gooey take on your classic s' mores. Enjoy them over a campfire or in your oven!"

- Candace Hagaman, Pastry Chef | Timberlake's Restaurant

- Ingredients - 

Small cast iron skillet 6" - 8" and/ or heavy-duty tinfoil
Non-stick pan spray
1 package of mini marshmallows
1.5 cups of good quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (preferably Ghirardelli)
1 box of Honey Graham Sticks or Honey Graham Crackers
1 bottle or jar of salted caramel (ex. Ghirardelli Sea Salt Caramel sauce)

Directions:
Place a grate over the campfire to set the cast iron skillet on. For easy clean-up, spray the cast iron skillet with non-stick pan spray
Spread an even layer of mini marshmallows in the bottom of the skillet. Spread the chocolate chips evenly over the marshmallows. Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the chocolate chips. Top with another layer of mini marshmallows.
Cover the skillet with tin foil, place on the campfire. Let it cook until the marshmallows and chocolate are completely melted, about 5-10 minutes. Uncover the skillet and let the flames brown the marshmallows. Remove from the fire, drizzle with additional salted caramel.
Serve with Honey Graham Sticks or Graham crackers for dipping. Enjoy!
Add toppings such as sliced bananas, peanut butter, cinnamon pecans, etc

Special Notes:
*If you do not have a cast-iron skillet, you can use several layers of heavy-duty tin foil to make a bowl for the dip
*If you do not have a grate to place on the campfire, simply just wrap the entire skillet in tinfoil and place in the fire
*If the weather does not permit a campfire, you can make this dip in a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe baking dish, by baking in the oven until melted and marshmallows are brown and bubbly. About 10 minutes @ 350 degrees

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Candace's Apple Cobbler Recipe

Candace’s Apple Cobbler Recipe

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Interested in finding out more information? Call Chetola at 800-243-8653, or Click Here to email Chetola.

- Candace's Apple Cobbler with Cinnamon Swirl Biscuits -

"Capture the sweet, warm flavors of fall in this gorgeous apple cobbler! After all, is there anything better than your home smelling like freshly baked cinnamon apples? Three of my personal favorites, apples, biscuits, and cinnamon rolls come together in this unique, satisfying dessert. Enjoy!"

- Candace Hagaman, Pastry Chef | Timberlake's Restaurant

- Ingredients - 

For the biscuits:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons of butter
1/3 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla

 

For the cinnamon swirl filling:
½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter, melted

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For the apples:
2/3 cups brown sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch
6 cups sliced and peeled granny smith apples
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ginger
1/8  teaspoon allspice
2/3 cups water

- Preparation - 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

  1. For biscuits, in a medium bowl combine flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until fully combined. With a pastry blender, cut in 4 tablespoons of butter into the flour mixture. It should resemble coarse crumbs. Stir together milk and vanilla. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the milk and vanilla all at once. Using a rubber spatula, stir the dough together just until it forms a ball. Do not overmix.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently for about 5 strokes. Roll the dough into a 12" x 16" rectangle. Combine, nuts, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Brush the dough with 1 tablespoon of butter and sprinkle with nut mixture all the way to the edges. Roll up in a spiral, starting from the short side. Pinch seam to seal. With a sharp knife, cut into six 1-inch thick slices, set aside.
  3. For the apple filling, in a large saucepan stir together 2/3 cups brown sugar, corn starch. Add apples and water. Cook and stir until bubbly and apples are tender. Carefully pour hot filling into an ungreased 2-quart rectangular baking dish.
  4. Arrange biscuit slices cut side down, onto the hot filling. Bake about 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until biscuits are slightly golden. Serve warm, with vanilla ice cream.

Cooking not your thing? Taste this tasty treat by Pastry Chef, Candace Hagaman, herself at Timberlake's Restaurant.

5 Favorite Autumnal Beer Pairings at Timberlake's

5 Favorite Autumnal Beer Pairings at Timberlake’s

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Oatmeal Porter

 

 

- 5 Favorite Autumnal Beer Pairings at Timberlake's -

These featured cozy beers are sure to get you ready for sweater weather! As temperatures start to drop, there are plenty of reasons to get excited about fall beers. Crisp nights in the mountains call for darker, richer, more complex beers to warm us up. Luckily, Timberlake's Restaurant features eight rotating North Carolina made craft beers at a time and most are inspired by the upcoming change in season. If you're planning a trip to Timberlake's or are planning your own harvest dinner at home, make sure to consider these beer and food pairings for the ultimate fall dining experience.

Oatmeal Porter | Highland Brewing

This Oatmeal Porter is a unique Highland creation. This robust beer is black in color, very malty with hints of chocolate-roasted flavor, and a mild hop character without being heavy. We recommend you try this beer with your favorite chocolate dessert! The malted chocolate notes in this beer are sure to please those who don't normally consider themselves to have a sweet tooth.

ABV: 5.9%

IBU: 35

Timberlake's Pairing: Pairs with our Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart with Toasted Coconut Crust

 

 

Mystic Dragon Cider

Mystic Dragon Cider | Appalachian Mountain Brewery 

This apple-based cider is infused with green tea, rhubarb, and strawberries to give it a mysterious sweetness while drying it out slightly. It's a perfect complement to soft cheeses and cured meats.

ABV: 5.0%

IBU: 10

Timberlake's Pairing: Pairs with our Charcuterie and Artisanal Cheese Board

Abby's Amber Ale | Double Barley Brewing

Abby's Amber Ale is a dark copper, medium-bodied beer with a nice malt balance. Maris Otter and Crystal malts give this beer a rich character while not being overly malty. It's hard to go wrong when considering a pairing for this beer because of its adaptable flavor profile. We recommend pairing this beer with grilled meats, spicy cuisine, or a fruit-flavored dessert.

ABV: 6.0%

IBU: 31.7

Timberlake's Pairing: Pairs with our Quattro Burger

Pumpkin Ale

Clawhammer Oktoberfest | Highland Brewing

The Clawhammer Oktoberfest is Bavarian-inspired and Asheville-made. Being a  Märzen lager, this beer is known for a smooth and well-rounded toasty malt character. This beer pairs best with hearty spicy foods, especially sausage or pork.

ABV: 5.0%

IBU: 25

Timberlake's Pairing: pairs with our Sweet Tea Brined Pork Ribeye

Pumpkin Ale | Foothills Brewing

The Pumpkin Ale by Foothills is a crisp, dry ale. The brewery uses pumpkin pie spices brewed with real pumpkin and a blend of malts to give Mom’s pumpkin pie some serious competition. Easily a fall favorite. We recommend pairing this beer with rich, slow-cooked meats, or your favorite comfort food.

ABV: 5.7%

IBU: 5

Timberlake's Pairing: Pairs with our Shepherd's Pie

Pine 6

Pine 6

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$499,000 | Partially Furnished

3 bedrooms |  3 baths | 1,600 square feet. Private parking space allows level entry to the condo | Centrally located for easy access to all Chetola amenities | Granit counter tops | Fireplace | Cathedral ceiling

Wren 203

Wren 203

Posted on by Admin

$350,000 / Furnished

1 bedroom, 1 bath * Approximately 700 square feet *

Turn key ready to move in or continue renting. Total renovation, most everything is new throughout. Level entry, level interior, a rare quality in the mountains.
Excellent rental history. Centrally located, a short 5-minute walk from the sports complex, spa, Timberlake's restaurant, downtown Blowing Rock, Tanger Outlet, and all that Moses Cone park has to offer.
This is a popular rental unit and an appointment to see is needed.

Request More Information >>

Why You Need to Go On a Solo Corporate Retreat

Why You Need to Go On a Solo Corporate Retreat

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solo corporate retreat

Interested in finding out more information? Call Chetola at 800-243-8653, or Click Here to email Chetola.

-Why You Need to Go On a Solo Corporate Retreat -

 Many of us have attended a corporate retreat in the past. Whether it is an annual event we enjoy (or not) or a quarterly trip off-site to help teams bond with one another, retreats allow individuals a much-needed break from the office to aid in proper reflection. It enables those to evaluate processes that are working, those that are not, and then establish the proper steps or procedures for moving forward. The goal is to come back renewed, refreshed, and ready to go!

 

 With the recent change in how businesses operate, corporate gatherings of anything over 10 people are generally not happening. Many individuals are working from home or working alone in some capacity. If you have been working from home the past few months, you may be ready for a change of office scenery. With summer in full swing (at least with regards to temperatures and hours of sunlight), it is the perfect time to think about a solo corporate retreat. While we certainly don’t need an excuse to get away for a few days, if you haven’t considered a solo business retreat, now would be a perfect time.

 

 Being able to refresh and reset is so important for our professional performance. Stepping away from the office helps clear the mind, especially if you have been at a home for the past four months. Getting yourself out of the day-to-day environment allows your brain to reset. We also gain a clearer perspective on our roles and responsibilities, as well as our professional goals. Our minds require that purposeful reset every so often to be able to perform at peak levels in today’s stressful environment. 

 

 Here are some tips on how to make the most of it:

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#1. Give yourself at least two days away

 To get the most out of this, you need to give yourself some space and time away. This will help settle into the right frame of mind. You want to avoid rushing through this. Include some time to get outside and enjoy some healthy, fun exercise as well.

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#2. A retreat is getting away from your usual surroundings

 Pick a place that looks and feels nothing like what you are used to. Go someplace beautiful. In the summer, go someplace cooler away from the heat. Get some fresh air. Yes, we are partial to the mountains!

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#3. Make a schedule with room to breathe...and allow yourself to change plans if necessary

 This is supposed to be an exercise away from the daily stresses, so make it easy on yourself. Have some goals, along with a loose schedule for each day. Don’t overwhelm yourself with this retreat. It is supposed to be a retreat- an exercise to refresh your spirit while focusing on you.

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#4. Include some time for fun

 This is not just about business. It is mostly about you. If you are in a beautiful mountain retreat, go outside for a hike, enjoy a run, or try something new. Treat yourself to a massage or spa treatment. Read a book by a lake or waterfall. Pack a picnic instead of eating in front of your computer. Try your hand at sporting clays, fly fishing, horseback riding, shopping, or take time to meditate.

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#5. Schedule it now and do it!

 We are all very busy, and it is really easy to come up with excuses as to why you never have time to do something. Typically, it becomes more of what is a priority. A solo retreat should be a priority, as you will come back refreshed, rejuvenated, and everyone around you will thank you for doing it. 

 

 One additional note: 

 For those that work from home, or are working from home during COVID-19, have you ever thought about working from a resort or vacation rental for a week? It is similar to the retreat idea, as it enables you to get your job done from a different place. Resorts have business centers, wifi, office space in rooms or vacation rental units, and offer beautiful grounds, room service, spas, and access to a plethora of adventures. If you are looking for a change of scenery where you can enjoy yourself while getting work done, we invite you to discover Chetola Resort!

Fun and Easy Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

Fun and Easy Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

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Interested in finding out more information? Call Chetola at 800-243-8653, or Click Here to email Chetola.

- Fun and Easy Ways to Beat the Summer Heat -

Summer has officially begun, and it certainly feels like it. Temperatures are warm, humidity is high, and when combined, it can feel very uncomfortable. With everything going on this year, you deserve some easy and fun ways to beat the summer heat. Your friends at Chetola have some ideas to share with you, which also encourage you and your family to get outside this summer, all while staying cool. Please note that in order to get the most out of our recommendations, we highly suggest that you visit the High Country (Blowing Rock/ Boone area and elevations above 3000 feet).

As locals of the High Country, here are our top 5 ways to stay cool this summer:

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Wine Picnic

#5. Enjoy A Cool Beverage Under a Shady Tree

This one should be fairly easy, and although we recommend one of the large oaks by Chetola Lake, it can work almost anywhere in the High Country. Sitting in the shade can reduce the temperature by 10-15 degrees. Add some ice to your beverage, relax and enjoy.

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#4. Find A Nice Level, Shaded Hiking Trail

As many have come to realize, finding large stretches of flat land in the High Country can seem challenging, but the Moses Cone National Memorial Park (adjacent to Chetola with private access!) has 27 miles of trails to explore. While there are some trails that go up in elevation, the walk around Bass Lake is flat and offers several shaded areas. Avoiding too much incline in your hike can help you stay cool, as your body doesn't have to work as hard. Also, just like #5, the shade can keep you cool

Sunset

#3. Take A Sunrise or Sunset Walk

Enjoying a morning walk or an evening jaunt can keep you cool, as temperatures may be 20 degrees cooler than during the heat of the day. Summer offers almost 16 hours of sunlight, so there is plenty of time early or late in the day for enjoying the cooler hours. Unlike the lower elevations, evenings can be quite comfortable and may even require a light jacket or hoodie. Get the latest local forecast by visiting Ray's Weather featuring a report directly from our very own weather station.

High Elevation

#2. Go Even Higher

Air pressure is lower at higher elevations, which cause the temperatures to be lower as well. Think of it like inflating a bicycle tire- as you increase the amount of air, the pressure increases, producing more heat. The opposite is true with less pressure, which produces cooler temperatures. So, although it is cool in both Blowing Rock and Boone (each above 3000 feet), it is even cooler above 5000 feet. Grandfather Mountain and Beech Mountain both offer incredible views, trails, food, fun, and cool temps. The average high temperature on Beech Mountain even in the middle of the summer is around 70 degrees!

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#1. Waterfall Hikes!

There are some areas of the High Country that are considered tropical rain forests due to the amount of precipitation that falls each year. All of this water has to come down, and since we are in the mountains, a lot of it flows over steep terrain. This results in a plethora of waterfalls. There are a number of easy to moderate waterfall hikes near Chetola Resort. These make for the perfect hike, as they are beautiful, often in shady areas, and may even allow for swimming. We assure you that you will certainly cool off when you swim in a mountain creek. Water temperatures are typically in the 55-60 degree range, so be sure to limit your time, bring a towel, and a change of clothes.

Summer is here, so get outside and enjoy it. We would love to welcome you to Chetola Resort, and North Carolina's High Country.

Top 5 Cocktails at Timberlake's

Top 5 Cocktails at Timberlake’s

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cocktails

Interested in finding out more information? Call Chetola at 800-243-8653, or Click Here to email Chetola.

- Top 5 Timberlake's Cocktails -

Nothing pairs better with summertime than a deliciously crafted cocktail. Our bartenders have compiled a list of their top five favorite drinks sure to please the cocktail connoisseur. Whether you're sipping from our lake-front patio or your own front porch, we invite you to treat yourself with a classic from Timberlake's Restaurant. Cheers!

Watch as Timberlake's Bartender, Vincent, crafts one of our new summertime cocktails.

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Blue Ridge Breeze

Ingredients:

.5oz Tiny Cat Vodka

.5oz Peach Schnapps

.5oz Coconut Rum

Top with equal amounts of cranberry and pineapple juice

Add a splash of Grenadine

Served in a Collins glass with an orange slice and cherry

 

This drink is the definition of a vacation cocktail, truly a tropical escape in a glass. This fruit-forward beverage uses local North Carolina based Tiny Cat vodka, fragrant peach liqueur, and fruit juices to create an easy-sipping summertime treat. We recommend shaking all ingredients in a cocktail shaker before pouring over ice. Enjoy!

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Blowing Rock Bramble

Ingredients:

1.5oz Tito's vodka

.5oz Chambord

Juice from a half lemon

Muddled fresh blackberries

.25oz simple syrup

Served in a Highball glass with blackberries and a lemon twist

 

Enjoy our twist on this classic English cocktail. Traditionally, bramble cocktails are made with gin but we've opted for vodka because who doesn't love Tito's?!  We love this cocktail because of its simplicity and fresh taste. We recommend using extra ripe blackberries in this recipe for a deeper flavor profile.

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Headwaters Sour

Ingredients:

1.5oz Disaronno

.5oz Maker's Mark

.25oz Rosemary mint simple syrup

.5oz Egg whites

Topped with housemade sour mix

Served in a Highball glass garnished with a rosemary sprig

 

Tangy. Rich. Nutty. Frothy. This cocktail requires five high-quality ingredients and they all come together beautifully to create our version of a classic sour. Our bartenders make their sour mix by hand and we recommend you do the same! The recipe consists of equal parts of lemon juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. For a vegan version of this cocktail- try whipped chickpea juice instead of egg whites.

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Brown Derby

Ingredients:

2oz Makers Mark

1oz Ruby Red Grapefruit Vodka

.75oz Honey simple syrup

Served "up" in a martini glass and garnished with dehydrated grapefruit

 

If you're into brunch cocktails, the Brown Derby is perfect! The tart grapefruit flavors in this cocktail are sure to wake up your palate while the softer honey and bourbon notes soften the overall taste. The honey simple syrup in this drink can be made by mixing equal parts honey and hot water. We recommend shaking this cocktail with lots of ice before straining into a chilled martini glass.

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20th Century

Ingredients:

1.5oz Sutler's Gin

.75oz Lillet Blanc

.75oz Creme de Cassis

Half of a lemon's juice

Served "up" in a martini glass with a lemon twist

 

This classic gin cocktail is sure to bring you a glimpse of what pre-prohibition era Chetola may have felt like. Our bartenders have placed their twist on this cocktail by using Creme de Cassis, a black currant liqueur. This cocktail is perfect as a before-dinner aperitif to stimulate your appetite. We recommend shaking all ingredients with lots of ice and straining over a chilled martini glass.