Tiffany Hill
By Maryann Hammers
With waterfalls, wilderness areas, small towns, and scenic drives, the mountainous Western North Carolina is the place to go for well-deserved R&R. Several of the region's B&Bs and cozy inns offer good discounts, too.
One night free in Chimney Rock
The first guests of The Esmeralda Inn in Chimney Rock probably arrived by stagecoach. In later years, the inn doubled as a post office; then a hideout of silent movie stars such as Mary Pickford, Gloria Swanson, Clark Gable, and Douglas Fairbanks. In 1997, The Esmeralda Inn - which was twice destroyed by fire - was rebuilt and restored from the ground up, carefully retaining its original historic character. Servicemembers who stay two nights get the third night free. Rates start at $129; breakfast is included. Call for information: (828) 625-2999.
15-percent off romantic B&B
Constructed in 2009, the casually elegant The Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill is located on six acres, near the Land of Waterfalls in DuPont State Park, Pisgah Forest hiking trails, and scenic stops along the Blue Ridge Parkway. "Hendersonville, Brevard and Asheville are minutes away for unique dining, festivals, and sightseeing opportunities," says proprietor Selena Einwechter, the daughter of an Air Force officer.
She offers a 15-percent discount, exclusive to MOAA members, off regular rates (which start at $195). Plus, when you take advantage of the offer, you'll be entered in a Veterans Day drawing, with the winner getting a free two-night stay in 2016.
"When booking, simply mention the MOAA military discount," Einwechter says. "My father spent 28 proud years of his life in the military. He was a World War II fighter pilot and transportation officer for Vietnam, and he raised me as a proud military brat. Now I want to offer something to an organization that helped define who I am today." Military ID or other evidence of military service is required upon check-in. For more information, call (828) 290-6080.
25-percent discount at the Lodge On Lake Lure
True to its name, The Lodge on Lake Lure is directly on the lake. "It is a gorgeous retreat for a little relaxation and peace," says innkeeper Susie Zimmerman. "We have a wonderful dining room that makes you feel as though you are sitting in the tree tops overlooking the lake, with a spectacular view of the Blue Ridge Mountains behind it." Servicemembers enjoy a 25-percent discount off regular rates, which start at $180 and include a full Southern breakfast. Call (828) 625-2789 for more information.
Big discounts at historic country inn
Mountains, forests, rivers, and streams surround the award-winning and luxurious Mast Farm Inn , just a few minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The 1800s country inn offers a variety of lodging options, including cozy farmhouse rooms with four-poster beds and claw-foot tubs, restored cottages, and family cabins. Rates start at about $160 a night, but the inn offers several generous discounts with savings of more than 35 percent for veterans , for servicemembers returning from deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan, for anyone over age 65 , for active duty servicemembers , and (the most generous discount of all) for active duty servicemembers and their spouses based at Fort Bragg . Call (828) 963-5857.
Wild food tour in Asheville
No Taste Like Home offers a different kind of foodie experience: You forage your own wild food. "Wild food is the truly natural food. Ideal for people and the planet, wild food is healthy, fresh, and flavorful. It's what we evolved to eat" says owner Alan Muskat. "Our expert guide leads go-getters 'off the eaten path,' gathering wild mushrooms, plants, and other extreme cuisine. You could call it Survivor meets Iron Chef' - but we call it 'find dining.' " Regular tour prices are $75, but until June 1, active duty and retired servicemembers and anyone over age 60 get a 20-percent discount. Uses discount code SENMIL. Call (828) 209-8599.