The Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC is revolutionizing the 28th National Gingerbread House Competition – the largest in the country – by conducting the event virtually and announcing new virtual and socially distanced activities for hotel guests and fans at home.
Instead of cancelling the event, the resort has pivoted to create a plethora of virtual and in-person experiences – their way of continuing the legacy (despite COVID-19 and all things 2020) and telling the stories behind the gingerbread houses like never before.
Their goal? To preserve a slice of happiness, normalcy, and tradition as people across the country continue to navigate the new normal while still seeking to truly enjoy the holiday spirit. (We could all use a little of that.)
Virtual activities for fans at home:
- Baking Spirits Bright: Gingerbread Making Class Series: From Oct. 21-Jan. 3, families can learn how to make gingerbread houses at home with a three-part video series ft. all-star chefs + competition judges (including celebrity chef Carla Hall) for $29. A portion of the series’ proceeds goes to ACFEF’s Chef & Child Initiative – so the more you bake, the bigger difference you make. Participants have access to the classes until Oct. 2021, and also receive 15% off future stays Jan.-Mar. 2021.
- The 12 Days of Gingerbread: A new way of celebrating the 2020 National Gingerbread House Competition finalists together, while staying apart. From Dec. 1-12, the hotel will announce one finalist per day, with the Grand Prize winner revealed on Dec. 12 (which just happens to be National Gingerbread House Day). Tune in via Facebook or Instagram.
In-house activities for guests:
- Best In Dough: Gingerbread Finalist Showcase: A rare view of the finalists’ entries via a docu-style film for hotel guests, running from Nov. 23-Jan. 3. The film includes interviews with competitors, judges and 360º footage of the finalists’ confectionary creations to create an up-close experience. Tickets are available exclusively to overnight guests to ensure safety measures remain intact and can be reserved as part of their stay.
- Holiday Mountain Magic Package: Guests can create lasting holiday memories surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season. The resort will be covered with lavish decorations at every turn, with the warmth of the hotel’s two 36-ft. fireplaces creating the perfect mountain setting to celebrate the holidays for stays through Nov. 23-Dec. 31. With every stay, the resort will donate to MANNA FoodBank as part of Omni Hotels & Resorts’ Say Goodnight to Hunger program.
- The Great Gingerbread House: The Great Hall will be transformed into a holiday destination with a life-sized Gingerbread House modeled after the historic hotel. Guests can enjoy housemade hot chocolate, specialty craft brews and sweet treats by the glow of the iconic Grove Park Inn fireplaces.
Safety first:
- Enjoying the hotel grounds this season will be available for guests with confirmed reservations (i.e. dining reservations, room stays, etc.). For those who arrive without a reservation during high occupancy times, admittance onto the property will not be guaranteed and will be subject to capacity protocols to ensure safety restrictions remain intact.
- As in years past, a $25 per car fee will be charged for all drive-on day guests with a portion of the parking proceeds benefiting 7 local nonprofits. Since 2013, The Omni Grove Park Inn has contributed over $535,000 through the Holiday Parking Program.
Stay tuned to The Omni Grove Park Inn’s website for campaign and competition updates. To book your stay, click here. Ⓟ
