Your Guide to Winter Wellness

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massage

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

-Your Guide to Winter Wellness-

The winter season can present challenges to our mental health due to inactivity that comes from shorter days, cooler temperatures, and limited sunshine. We believe that self-care is important as it allows you to digitally disconnect and personally revitalize. A visit to Chetola Resort allows the perfect opportunity to exercise, eat well, enjoy spa treatments, and experience the great outdoors all while nourishing your mind, body, and soul. We’ve developed a guide to winter wellness to aid your efforts to overcome those winter blues and feel warm both inside and out.

-Spa Services- 

Colder temperatures and shorter days typically bring about dry skin, tense muscles, and certain hibernation tendencies making it more difficult to alleviate stress. The Spa at Chetola offers a wide variety of services including massage therapies for couples, facials, nail treatments, cosmetic applications, and a hair salon to help reverse these tendencies with a focus on overall well-being.

One of our favorite treatments for wellness involves the Healing Touch Program. Chetola’s Healing Touch practitioners clear, balance, and energize your energy field, thereby placing you in a position to initiate or accelerate the self-healing process. Through heart-centered intention and skill, practitioners use their hands to re-establish your natural flow of energy. Healing Touch practitioners do not force or push energy but allow balance and harmony to “reboot” the energy system. Consider booking a spa day for you and your significant other where you can be pampered with various spa services and spend time in our cozy Chetola relaxation room.

A visit to Chetola’s sauna is another great way to begin your guide toward wellness. Saunas help tense muscles relax which can alleviate feelings of stress. Higher temperatures help your body to work up a sweat, which is a great way to detoxify your body and skin.

-Connecting with Nature- 

Given the winter weather, time spent outdoors is often sacrificed for warm evenings spent indoors by a fire. Taking time to connect with nature is a great way to gain much-needed vitamin D which will help to boost your mood. We encourage you to take an early morning or early afternoon walk to clear your head and eliminate the stressors of the day. The Blue Ridge Mountains allow the perfect setting for fresh air, extraordinary vistas, and a calming silence. Located just minutes from Chetola Resort you can best connect with nature on the Blue Ridge Parkway and the miles of trails that can be found there. Or, take the 5-minute walk from your Lodge room or condo to Moses Cone National Memorial Park and enjoy the 27 miles of carriage trails. When the snow falls, the trails are perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Chetola Resort also offers programs that can take your connection with nature to the next level. We recommend taking advantage of our Orvis Endorsed Fly-Fishing Service to spend some time deep in the woods while trying your hand at something new. The act of trying a new activity is incredibly rewarding because of the feeling it evokes. A spirit of self-challenge helps to keep you humble and open to new ideas that very well may be better than the ones you already have. There’s no better place to experience self-challenge than on a beautiful stream meandering under a canopy of North Carolina evergreens.

Fly Fishing Chetola TDA

-Fitness and Nutrition- 

The common “post-holiday slump” makes it difficult to find the motivation to exercise and eat healthy-but we promise you’ll be thanking your endorphins once you get moving. Chetola offers a variety of fitness classes throughout the week open to both our guests and the public. We encourage you to practice mindfulness and meditation with our Gentle Yoga session. Our Gentle Yoga class allows you to ease into strengthening postures with a slow, gentle restorative pace. This class is a mindful practice with hands-on guidance that will reduce stress for beginners and long-time practitioners alike. Chetola’s yoga instructor, Catherine Scantlin, suggests “Gentle Yoga is a fantastic respite for the hardcore athletes and fitness enthusiasts because of the focus on flexibility and balance - two often overlooked aspects needed for overall balanced fitness."

Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola offers daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner options consisting of a variety of locally sourced vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. We recommend you begin each day with a protein-packed breakfast to keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Consider implementing a light lunch into your routine such as Timberlake’s Seasonal Berry Salad. This salad is full of fresh berries (high in natural antioxidants) and pecans (pack an immunity-boosting punch). After enjoying dinner, we find that sipping an herbal tea really hits the spot. Herbal tea is known to help digestion and ease anxiety which helps you to sleep better. Our favorite bedtime tea is the Mighty Leaf Chamomile Citrus with a drop of local honey. Made with soothing Egyptian chamomile flowers and subtle slices of citrus fruit, this tea blend is sure to rejuvenate your spirit.

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-Find your Haven of Rest- 

Chetola Resort is named after the native Cherokee meaning a “haven of rest.” We encourage you to find your own haven of rest in daily life to practice mindfulness and meditation. All you need to start is a quiet room to sit in by yourself. Begin your meditation by closing your eyes, relaxing your muscles, and directing your attention to being present in the moment. This focus will help to empty your mind of all thoughts which gives your brain a chance to recharge and revitalize. There’s a great application on the Apple App Store called “Headspace” that helps guide you to meditation.

Finding a haven of rest at Chetola is as simple as curling up with your favorite book by one of our many cozy fireplaces. Reading a book is an excellent alternative to scrolling through your phone because it reduces your screen time allowing a sounder sleep. Sleep is an incredibly beneficial resource when on the road towards winter wellness. Make use of longer evenings to wind down and begin relaxing before bed. Getting to bed bit earlier allows your body more time to sleep during a time it needs it most.

reading in bed

We encourage you to stay positive while participating in our guide to winter wellness. It may be difficult to incorporate all the suggestions so make use of the activities that benefit you the most. Visit the Spa at Chetola on the second floor of the Lodge to make an appointment, or Chetola’s Concierge to get more information on yoga and other wellness offerings.

The Seamless Ski Experience

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skiing

Interested in finding out more information? Call Chetola at 828-295-5500, or Click Here to email Chetola.

-The Seamless Ski Experience-

There's nothing like skiing or snowboarding on a blue bird day in the mountains of North Carolina. The rush of soaring downhill, the scent of fresh pine in the air, and the satisfaction of successfully completing a challenging run. Not to mention the Blue Ridge Mountain views that quickly allow for a new perspective.

Often, achieving this bliss means dealing with a variety of frustrations. Whether its unfortunate weather, long lines, screaming kids or stressed out parents, a day on the mountain can be exhausting, even before you get on the snow. Although seasoned skiers may see these frustrations as necessary evils, we see them as an opportunity to create a better, more memorable trip.

The Chetola team is here to take the pain out of skiing by offering you some helpful tips to make the experience a seamless one:

-Tips for New Skiers and Snowboarders-

-When to Visit-

Typical ski season: December-March
Holidays to avoid: MLK Day & Presidents' Day Weekends
Check the weather: Check reliable forecasts at Ray's Weather 

-What to Bring-

Rentals:
-The shorter the ski, the easier to maneuver
-Make sure boots are snug (and dry!)
-Poles are your friend

Clothing:
-Layers, layers, layers
-Waterproof outer shell
-One pair of performance socks

Accessories:
-Goggles or sunglasses
-Warm headgear
-Waterproof gloves & liners
-Granola bar and water

Not sure whether to ski or snowboard? Take our quiz to help you decide!

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appski

If you're a first time skier/snowboarder, we recommend paying a visit to Appalachian Ski Mtn. Their process makes ticketing, rentals, and scheduling lessons super easy which helps you get on the snow quicker. Make use of the French-Swiss Ski College and their helpful staff to get started on the right foot.

Find the best run for you and your crew:
-Families: Strudel
-First Timers: Appaltizer
-Freestyle: Appaljack
-Experienced: Hardcore
-Best all Around: Orchard Run
All runs can be found at Appalachian Ski Mtn

family around firepit

A day on the mountain isn’t for everyone; sometimes a seamless ski experience means not skiing at all. We encourage groups to explore their individual options before signing up to do something they might not enjoy. Chetola has an onsite spa for those who would rather spend the day soaking than shredding. Take some time for yourself and join the rest of your group after their trip at our on-site après ski bonfire and s’mores at Timberlake's Restaurant. You can’t go wrong!

Now that you have some ski day tips, make use of our amenities and book a stay with us!

 

Last Minute Flash Sale – 25% off

Stay two nights during the month of October and receive a special rate! Enjoy cooler temperatures and the beautiful mountain scenery during the peak of our leaf season.  It’s the perfect time to visit and take in all of the amenities at Chetola Resort.

  • 25% off any Sunday-Thursday two night stay in Chetola Condominiums

*The Flash Sale booking must be made within 5 days of arrival.

Use code LASTMINUTE when booking.

BOOK NOW >>

* Discount does not apply to groups of 10 guests or more.

Note from the CSR Team

From the desk of the CSR Director, Fall 2019 Like many of you reading what is expected to be the first of many CSR Newsletters, the love of the Outdoors was passed on down from a Grandfather. Back in the day, in rural England, the right to even own a shotgun was a privilege, not

From the desk of the CSR Director, Fall 2019

Like many of you reading what is expected to be the first of many CSR Newsletters, the love of the Outdoors was passed on down from a Grandfather. Back in the day, in rural England, the right to even own a shotgun was a privilege, not a right. ‘Grampa’ had a .410 and his dog Sport, a Brittany Spaniel. To own a shotgun, one had to prove a level of need, along with written permission to hunt from the landowner that owned enough land that hopefully would produce game. This documentation was given to the local Constabulary and a gun maker, and if approved, away we went; and the few rabbits that lived in the burrows of the Cotswold’s in western England were on their guard.

We living in the US are indeed fortunate to have rights through Amendment procedures to own weapons of nearly all types, and I can feel a little smirk coming on when considering nearly three centuries ago, the British helped to create this ‘Right.’

At the CSR, your Reserve, as owners and guests, we want you to exercise these rights, and practice the fine art of shooting to your hearts content. The main purpose of the Newsletter, which is scheduled for every season of the year, or four issues per year, is to keep our members abreast on what is happening, and what will happen. We enjoyed seeing many of our members at the October Dinner, and hope to plan more gatherings in 2020. Remember, we are indeed a membership driven entity, so these dinners and other events are being designed to get folks with like-minded interests, together.

The good news is that the CSR membership is steadily growing. Grayson reported to me just last week that this past August was the most successful month yet, and we have had more members join the CSR in the past eight months than the previous two years put together since opening. To all our members that have joined a big ‘Thank YOU!

We will put links to photos to see how the various seasons affect the CSR facility and the lands it sits on. Whether it is high summer or snow, we are aiming to be open for our members. Hence the newsletter being planned for four times a year. We will also bring you updates on the Chetola Fly Fishing activities which is also growing by leaps and bounds. Consider a trip on the river at some point as well, Dustin and our guides in this department are truly dedicated people and know the waters in the High Country like no others.

So, shoot straight and keep your eyes open for further news from the goings-on in the Chetola Outdoors!

-George F. Ellis

AENC October Promotion

For AENC Members only!

lake at fall

Stay 2 or more nights during the month of October in one of Chetola’s Premier Vacation Rentals, and receive 20% off your stay! Use your savings to enjoy a spa treatment, shooting experience at the Chetola Sporting Reserve, or a private guided fly fishing trip. With the leaves beginning to change, it is the perfect time to visit NC’s High Country.

When booking, use code: AENC

*Must mention AENC at time of booking; 2 night minimum; available any night of the month with the exception of October 18 & 19; cannot be combined with any other offer, not available for groups of 10 or more; valid on Chetola Condominiums only

BOOK NOW >>

Chetolafest 2019

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Friday, October 4th, 2019
Chetola Resort's Lakeside Tent

4:00pm - 9:00pm

Join us for a family friendly event accompanied by musical group The Mason Jar Confessions.
Chetolafest is the official kickoff to the beautiful leaf season!

Free and open to the public

4-6pm lawn games and kids activities, cash bar opens at 5pm

6-9pm live music and s'mores

 

are you ready for blowing rock?

We've created a tailor made guide for romantic getaways to enjoy the best of the high country.

48 Hours as a Local

Late Afternoon Exit Strategy
Whether it’s the weather, or “personal” errands, it is important to begin your exit strategy from life’s craziness as early as possible. Less than 2 hours from Charlotte and Greensboro, and less than 3 hours from two-thirds of NC, Blowing Rock is easily accessible for a 2-night retreat. It is a beautiful drive, and we recommend taking the Blue Ridge Parkway for as much of it as possible.

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View from Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock

Settle In
Check into Chetola Resort & Spa, one of the best stays in the Blue Ridge according to Southern Living Magazine. The resort sits on 78 gorgeous acres nestled right in the heart of Blowing Rock. Choose from Chetola Lodge, the Bob Timberlake Inn, or one of their hilltop vacation rental condos. The Resort offers an outdoor patio, as well as indoor dining, weekend bonfires, a full-service spa, Orvis fly-fishing, a sporting reserve, a fitness center, yoga, and more. To celebrate a special occasion or each other, there is a mid-week romance package that includes overnight accommodations in the Lodge, a $50 gift card to Timberlake's Restaurant, and complimentary ice-cream treats at check-in. Guests can call the Resort direct at 800-243-8652.

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Bonfire at Chetola Resort

First Evening
Walk from Chetola to downtown Blowing Rock (less then 15 minutes) to stretch your legs, enjoy some local boutique shopping & art galleries, and then head over to Chef & Somm for a glass of wine or cocktail, and their irresistible salmon dish. After dinner, head back to Chetola and take a stroll around the lake, complete with trails, resident swans, and geese. Finally, warm up by the outdoor fire pit before settling in for the night.

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Dinner at Chef & Somm

Next Day
Enjoy Chetola’s outstanding cooked to order breakfast that may include stuffed french toast, chicken and biscuits, power bowls or house made quiche. See here for their breakfast menu. Next, create your own adventure with endless outdoor pursuits. Guests at Chetola enjoy a short walk to Bass Lake in the adjacent Moses Cone National Memorial Park, which offers a mile loop trail. Or, explore the 3500 acres with 27 miles of trails. Less then 3 miles away is the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering trails, stunning views, and a good excuse to pack a picnic. If you decide to stay in town, Bistro Roca, just off main street in downtown Blowing Rock, offers a warm and welcoming environment with local cuisine-perfect for lunch. After your adventure and a bit of refueling, return to Chetola for their signature Swedish massage and facial combo-a must do after exploring the high country.

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Walking in Moses Cone Park

Second Evening
Now that every muscle is relaxed and your mind is completely at ease, take a stroll down by the lake and enjoy a book, a cocktail, or a good conversation just before dinner. Timberlake’s Restaurant is only steps away from the lake or your room at the Resort. They offer outdoor seating on the patio, picnic delivery along the lake, or inside dining. Try their famous Ahi Tuna Nachos, a Locally Sourced Salad, and their Elk Strip Loin for dinner. Their pastry chef (trained at Johnson & Wales University) creates house made desserts daily, perfect for sharing. Live music completes the evening, as the Resort offers entertainment several nights each week (check the calendar of events for evening schedules).

Timberlake's Restaurant, Chetola Resort

Departure Day (or, extend it!)
Sleep in. For those of you who are unable to do this (that’s ok), walk over to Bald Guy Coffee for a pour over or nitro, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the morning in Blowing Rock. There is virtually zero traffic noise early in the day, and it is a great time to walk through the Blowing Rock Park. For breakfast, visit Sunny Rock Eggs and Things, as it offers southern hospitality with scratch made biscuits, eggs, French toast, along with healthy options as well. Next, venture over to Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (aka BRAHM to locals). Walk through one of their modern art exhibits, or participate in an educational program. And, admission is always free! Be sure to grab a treat from The Backstreet Bakery before heading out for a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. During the winter months, the views from the BR Parkway are unobstructed, allowing for long range vistas. There are plenty of pullouts for taking photos, enjoying your house made treats, and being in awe of the natural beauty of this place. Plan a hike along the way home, or just take your time getting back. Or, better yet, extend your stay another night!

If this is your first visit to Blowing Rock, we know that this won’t be your last visit. If you have already visited the area, then we personally invite you to come back for fresh mountain air that will leave you energized, recharged, and ready!

-Your Blowing Rock Ambassadors, Outdoor Recreational Aficionados, NC Foodies, High Country Enthusiasts, Winter Weather Nerds, and hopefully your hosts from Chetola Resort & Spa

mother and child art gallery

Art exhibit at BRAHM


Lodging

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Your first visit to Blowing Rock won't be your last