CAROLINA FEATURE

The Hound Ears Lodge
Simply Exudes Relaxation

By Douglas Scarboro,
Staff Writer

Blowing Rock, NC - Imagine this; it is Friday and you just completed another week of juggling life's responsibilities. A weekend of downtime at home sounds good, but a weekend get-away sounds even better. Hound Ears Lodge and Golf Club located in Blowing Rock, North Carolina is the perfect destination.

The relaxed mountain setting enables you to either spend countless hours observing the beautiful scenery surrounding the Inn or enjoy one of many other pursuits available. Set in the beautiful Blue Ridge mountain region of North Carolina, this inn exudes relaxation.

The Hound Ears Club sits on 750 acres in the shadow of Grandfather Mountain. Opened in 1964, the club's unique name came from a rock formation on site.

Now the club includes an inn and over 300 home sites for the migrating vacationer or the relaxed retirement set. It is not unusual to see license plates in the parking lot from places all over America. During the warmer summer months this is a popular stop for those seeking relief from hot and humid areas.

The Inn is located a short drive from the entrance gate overlooking the ninth hole of the George Cobb designed golf course. Tom Jackson redesigned the course in the 1970's and included the memorable hole number 15. The course proves to be beautiful and difficult as it is situated in the valley of a mountain ridge with the Watauga River and it tributaries snaking its way between holes.

During the colder months probably the most comfortable room in the Inn sits off the main entrance. This lounge area has a large fireplace built for warming not only your body but also your heart. Soft couches invite you to spend hours sitting with others in conversation or simply only soaking up the warmth.

The lounge also includes a piano for music and a fully stocked bar in the back for relaxation of different type. Guests that spend any amount of time at the Hound Ears lodge are sure to enjoy this area.

Hound Ears on-site restaurant is located in the downstairs portion of the lodge. Discreetly tucked in the left corner of the bottom floor, this eatery provides a good view of both the golf course and the mountain range.

Serving everything from local fare, to items that are always sure to excite the taste buds. These dishes are sure to add a few inches to the waistline and also some comfort to the soul.

The Hound Ears Lodge and Resort is a peaceful mountain destination that should be included on your list of weekend relaxation spots. It offers wonderful golf, beautiful views, food that feeds the soul and a staff that seeks to make you feel that your comfort is their only goal.

So the next time you are at your wit's end and you have a weekend approaching, take a trip up to the mountains and get away from it all.

Hound Ears Lodge and Golf Club
Rt. 3, Hwy. 105
Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828) 963-4321
www.houndears.com

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.