Romantic get-away: Visitors to Landrum, S.C., will fall in love with Red ...

Former guests call it “the perfect romantic escape,” and “a cottage and setting that is ‘unbelievable’ in every sense of the word.” While another couple said, “we were able to reconnect and appreciate what we have together.”

A pair of honeymooners exclaimed, “This is the perfect, peaceful, enchanted beginning of our new life together.” While another spoke with resounding pride, “This is an absolutely amazing place. It’s everything I’d hoped for and more. Here we are, in this utopia, working on our 45th year of marriage.”

A wife surprised her husband with a trip to this haven. “This was the most romantic time I have ever spent with my wife, EVER,” he boasted. Another called it an “absolutely amazing place which was everything we had hoped and more.”

The resort has been called the most romantic inns in South Carolina, receiving numerous awards, including the AAA Four Diamond Award for lodging.

Now it was our time at The Red Horse Inn. As we turned into the drive, we began to twist and turn through the tree-covered mountains, we were waiting with anticipation what we would find. I’d say our arrival was at the perfect moment. We got a glimpse of the inn as the sun was setting. There was an array of purple, blue, pink and orange across the sky, with a backdrop of a rolling mountain range. I must say it was spectacular!

We quickly jumped out of the car to take in the fleeting glimpse of sun as it seemed to melt behind the mountain range. We were met with a warm greeting from proprietors, Mary and Roger Wolters. Then, Mary placed the golden key into our hands and sent us off into the evening, to find the perfect home away from home.

We pulled up and I immediately noticed two rocking chairs on the front porch. It’s been a long time since I rocked my cares away—but I had my chance at the cottage. It seemed hidden away with a variety of holly, Leland Cyprus and oak trees, along with flowing ivy and azalea bushes. We walked on the porch, put the key in the lock, and as we opened the door, we began to look around. I am convinced Mary and Roger thought of everything from the fresh flowers on the tables, to the welcome note on the door and bed, and everything in between—ribbons, doilies, a flashlight beside the bed, a nightlight in the bathroom, matches to light the candles, and the list goes on and on. At this point in time, we felt a little bit like royalty! The cottage had a full kitchen, a sitting area in front of the glowing fireplace, a comfy couch in front of the television, and a bathroom equipped with a Jacuzzi tub.

In our cottage, there was also a back porch, equipped with a hot tub, and a table and two chairs. This was the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast while gazing at the picturesque view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Mary and Roger have a unique way of providing breakfast to their guests. Before the guests arrive, they place items such as egg casserole, quiche, a fruit parfait, croissants or colossal muffins in the refrigerator. We also found freshly squeezed orange juice, along with coffee and tea which we freshly brewed in the coffee pot in all rooms. We thought this was the perfect idea for a bed and breakfast. Not only did we get to eat whenever we wanted to, it gave us some extra time to enjoy being together.

While we were greeted with warmth and hospitality, the guest book also gave us even more insight on the couple with a vision for a place of respite for folks to come from near and far to rest, relax, rejuvenate, and remember the good things in life. Roger and Mary were referred to as the “perfect hosts,” “a couple who seems like old friends,” and “two amazing and talented people,” and notes of gratitude. “Thank you for bringing your vision to light for others to enjoy.” Yet another. “Thank you for providing the setting for us a place to relax, rejuvenate, and rekindle our love and respect for each other.”

Mary grew up in the area, but left for college in New York. That’s where she met Roger. They later left the business world and came back to horse country, along with their two sons. It was their dream to start a bed and breakfast. I’d say this lovely lady traded in her briefcase for a bulldozer and the rest in history. They bought some nearby property and built a home and seemed content in other ventures. They were told this particular property would not be up for sale.

Suddenly their “dream come true” and it just “came out of heaven,” Mary said with excitement. Everything came together and the approximately 200 acres of land which was once a dream, was theirs. That’s when the family started putting in roads, building the inn and guest cottages that are making dreams come true for visitors every week. Today, accommodations include six charming cottages, six luxurious guest rooms, a conference center and dining room. It’s also equipped for wedding and other celebrations, and it’s also an inspiring place for a corporate retreat.

My recommendation for any special occasion is the Red House Inn in Landrum, S.C. It’s the perfect place to enjoy that special someone. For more information, call 864-895-4968 or visit www.theredhorseinn.com and start planning the getaway of a lifetime today.

DINING IN

Mary and Roger will bring dinner to your door. Their homemade pizza is wonderful Some other menu options also include filet mignon with béarnaise sauce, shrimp scampi or maple Dijon chicken. For dessert, they offer light and fluffy cheesecake or flourless chocolate cake with raspberry drizzle.

STONE SOUP

For a night out on the town, we had dinner at Stone Soup. It’s just about a ten-minute drive from the inn and worth every mile. The ambiance, the hospitality, and the food were unparalleled. Our server, Tiffany, came quickly to our table with a smile on her face and recommendations since we’d never dined at the restaurant before. I must say she was right with every suggestion. She also explained the culture in Landrum. It’s horse country where the people appreciate the rolling hillside and their way of life. It’s apparent by the photos all around the restaurant. It’s all local folks atop their horses. We struck up a conversation with the party sitting near us, and they were some of the local horse lovers. It’s a good sign when the locals eat at a restaurant. Without a doubt, these people love their city and they loved Stone Soup. The local flare is apparent with the items served at the restaurant. Tiffany explained that owners support local farmers and purchase local products whenever possible.

Now, let’s talk about our Stone Soup dining experience. We started with their special appetizer of the evening, antipasto salad. Shrimp, chicken, potatoes, and greens aligned the plate and each bit was delicious. Next, we tried a small plate of crispy artichoke hearts, which were perfectly battered and fried. For our main course, Chris had North Carolina trout and I had surf and turf, which included a tender portion of beef tenderloin and South Carolina wild shrimp. For dessert, we shared the sticky toffee cake with ice cream.

For more information, log onto www.stonesoupoflandrum.com

SIGHTSEEING

Roger and Mary have several package options for self-guided tours, including an adventure package, a gardener’s package, and a from the earth package, that includes a visit to two local potters. They are also offering a special Valentine’s Package for the upcoming holiday.
Chris and I opted for the covered bridge and waterfalls tour. We started at Campbell’s Covered Bridge, built in 1909. The red covered bridge is 35 foot long, 12 foot wide and spans Beaverdam Creek. The bridge is named after Alexander Lafayette Campbell, owner and operator of a nearby grist mill. We could see the foundation of the once active grist mill. There are trails and picnic table to enjoy.
Next, we checked out a 21st century bridge, the Klickety-Klack Covered Bridge. I imagine you can guess where that name comes from. It’s from the sound made when vehicles travel over the scattered patterned timbers that form the flooring.

As we made our way through the corridors of the North Carolina/South Carolina borders, the scenery was amazing. While traveling, we noticed several cars pulled off to the side of the road. So, we pulled over to see what all the fuss was about. It was a beautiful waterfall trickling out of the forest. A lady quickly volunteered to take our photo in front of nature’s masterpiece.

Other wonders that we encountered during our tour were Ballenger’s Mill which was originally built in the 1820s, along with Ballenger’s Covered Bridge, restored to its former glory. The bridge spans the Middle Tyger River, the same river that runs past the lower portion of the Red Horse Inn.

The oldest and most majestic bridge on the tour, Poinsett’s Bridge, will awe and inspire. It’s the oldest bridge in South Carolina; it’s one of three bridges on a road that ran from Charleston, S.C., to Asheville, N.C. Next, we headed up the mountain to Caesar’s Head. Located 3,266 feet above sea level, it provides one of the most panoramic views in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The final spot on the tour is DuPont Forest and Waterfalls. There are ancient rocks that line the riverbed that leads to three spectacular waterfalls.

For more information on the self-guided tours, visit www.theredhorseinn.com/adventure_packages.htm

Later that afternoon, we took time to explore downtown Landrum. I was pleasantly surprised at the shopping, restaurants, and antiques in the area.

OVERMOUNTAIN VINEYARDS

While touring around the countryside, we stopped in at Overmountain Vineyards in Tryon, North Carolina, where we met the owners, Frank and Lita Lilly, who were delightful and true experts in their field.

The couple opened the vineyard in 2002, but the property has a rich history. It’s named for the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail which commemorates the military campaign that led to patriot victory at the battle of King Mountain in the fall of 1780. Authorized by the U.S. Congress in 1980, the trail is administered by the National Park Service. Two miles of this trail is located on the property. It is available to the public for hiking. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic basket and have lunch along the creek side or on the front porch. Also, locals say the Cherokee Indians lived in teepees on Mill Creek located on the southern side of the property.

Presently, a majority of their crop is sold to the Biltmore House. The remaining grapes are used to produce five types of wine with the Overmountain Vineyard label.

The vineyard is open year round and the winter hours are Fridays-Sundays from 1-5 p.m. For more information, log onto overmountainvineyards.com

Great accomodations, delicious food, and a variety of activities makes Landrum, S.C., the perfect place for a weekend getaway.