Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast

541 Hickory Street, Highlands, North Carolina 28741
Innkeeper(s): Chris & Donna Alley
  • Exterior In Winter with Wrap-Around Porch

    Exterior In Winter with Wrap-Around Porch

  • Master Bedroom, 1st Floor, TV, Mtn. View, Private Bath

    Master Bedroom, 1st Floor, TV, Mtn. View, Private Bath

  • The Harris Room, 2nd Floor, King Bed, Private Bath

    The Harris Room, 2nd Floor, King Bed, Private Bath

  • The Audubon Room, 2nd Floor, King Bed, Private Bath

    The Audubon Room, 2nd Floor, King Bed, Private Bath

  • The Queen Suite, 2nd Floor, Queen Bed, Sitting Room w/Mtn. View, Two His & Her Baths

    The Queen Suite, 2nd Floor, Queen Bed, Sitting Room w/Mtn. View, Two His & Her Baths

  • The Bargain Basement, Guest House Lower Level, King Bed, Cable TV, Bath w/Shower, Outside Entrance

    The Bargain Basement, Guest House Lower Level, King Bed, Cable TV, Bath w/Shower, Outside Entrance

  • Guest House Apartment, 2 Bedrooms (Queen + 2 Twins), Eff. Kitchen, bath, Cable TV, Deck

    Guest House Apartment, 2 Bedrooms (Queen + 2 Twins), Eff. Kitchen, bath, Cable TV, Deck

  • Miss Rebecca's Cottage, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Great Room w/Fireplace, Kitchen, Wi-Fi, Cable, W/D

    Miss Rebecca's Cottage, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Great Room w/Fireplace, Kitchen, Wi-Fi, Cable, W/D

 
Previous
  • Exterior In Winter with Wrap-Around Porch
  • Master Bedroom, 1st Floor, TV, Mtn. View, Private Bath
  • The Harris Room, 2nd Floor, King Bed, Private Bath
  • The Audubon Room, 2nd Floor, King Bed, Private Bath
  • The Queen Suite, 2nd Floor, Queen Bed, Sitting Room w/Mtn. View, Two His & Her Baths
  • The Bargain Basement, Guest House Lower Level, King Bed, Cable TV, Bath w/Shower, Outside Entrance
  • Guest House Apartment, 2 Bedrooms (Queen + 2 Twins), Eff. Kitchen, bath, Cable TV, Deck
  • Miss Rebecca's Cottage, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Great Room w/Fireplace, Kitchen, Wi-Fi, Cable, W/D
Next

May Special & Polenta Lemon Squares 3 May 2012, 10:04 am


Take a 25% discount on all stays for two nights or more through May 24!
Visit anytime, including weekends, and
we'll bake these melt-in-your mouth lemon-lovers' "brownies" for you
...or try them at home using our gluten-free recipe:

GLAZED POLENTA LEMON SQUARES
(makes 25 small squares)

1/3 cup plain yellow cornmeal
1/3 cup almond flour/meal
1/3 cup millet flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp xanthan gum
1 tsp baking powder
1 stick softened unsalted butter
2 eggs
1 lemon - juice & zest
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a 9X9 baking pan with foil. In mixing bowl, combine the three flours with sugar, salt, gum, & baking powder.  Mix well.  Add softened butter and mix until blended. Zest & juice the lemon. Reserve 1 Tbsp lemon juice for the glaze.  Beat the remaining juice with the eggs and half of the zest in a small bowl. Add to flour mixture and mix until blended. Spread evenly in pan and bake at 350 for 25 minutes until golden brown.  While baking, prepare glaze:  Combine 1 Tbsp lemon juice with remaining zest and 1/2 cup powdered sugar.  Mix until smooth. Remove from oven and while still hot, spread glaze evenly over top.

Perfect with afternoon tea in a rocking chair on our breezy porch!

Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll-Free







April Deal at Miss Rebecca's: $600 Per Week - WOW! 30 Mar 2012, 8:29 am

 Miss Rebecca's is a charming "in-town-but-in-the-woods" cottage on a beautiful two-third acre site and if you can walk one-third of a mile, you will be in the middle of Highlands' shopping and dining on Main Street.
 You'll be right across the street from the six-acre Highlands Nature Center and Lindenwood Lake (above) and next door to Sunset Rocks Hiking Trail, so you don't need a car to enjoy two of the area's most pristine spots.
 The Great Room with a fully-equipped kichen and large farm table for dining means you don't have to eat out every single meal, and you can take advantage of some of the new inexpensive carry-out options available at places like Sweet Treats, Mountain Fresh Grocery, or Flipside.
 The Master Bedroom has a queen bed, a private bath, and a wall of windows. Two additional bedrooms share a bath and have one queen bed and two twin beds. You can bring up to a family of six which will make the washer-dryer a handy thing to have.  However, the house is cozy and equally appropriate for just the two of you on a private getaway.
 In the Great Room, a sunny and open living area with a wooded view has comfortable upholstered seating, Amish rockers, Cable TV, CD/DVD, free Wi-Fi.
Around the corner, a second cozy seating area with a wood-burning fireplace is great for those April evenings which are sometimes quite chilly. A game table invites puzzles and games - bring your own or use ours!
A BONUS!
Mention this blog when reserving to receive a copy of our postcard cookbook,
"Best Recipes from Colonial Pines Inn"
OR, a jar of our home-grown Black Currant Preserves!!
Call for more information or to check availability,

We hope to be your host in the mountains!
Donna & Chris Alley
(828) 526-2060 or (866) 526-2060 Toll-Free

Cool Cornbread and Red Hot Music 11 Mar 2012, 2:27 pm

Our cornbread won (again!) at the annual Chili Cook-Off in Highlands 
on March 10, and as promised, here's the recipe:

LEMON-BLUEBERRY-RICOTTA CORNBREAD with JALAPENOS

In small bowl, whisk & set aside:
1 cup flour
1 cup plain yellow cornmeal
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp soda
Mix in large bowl, then add the above dry ingredients & combine:
3 eggs
1/2 cups buttermilk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup melted butter
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
2 Tbsp grated lemon peel
2 tsp minced jalapenos

Combine, then fold in:
1 cup fresh blueberries
3/4 cup cut corn
2 Tbsp flour

Pour into a foil-lined 9X13 baking pan and bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees until lightly browned. Best served warm, but we couldn't do that at the Cook-Off, so we made a topping with mascarpone cheese whipped with confectioners sugar (to taste) and fresh lemon juice (to taste), then garnished each square with a fresh blueberry.  When we ran out of mascarpone, we used cream cheese which worked just fine!
Combine that with red-hot music by Tom Hill & The Midnight Suns and you have a really fun evening and a nice break in the Highlands mid-winter cabin-fever blues! The band attracted the best crowd ever and was sponsored in part by Colonial Pines Inn.

Debbie Grossman (on right) and her crew from Fresser's Eatery entered several types of chili and won "Most Unique" for her fabulous Crab Chili.  But my favorite was her Ginger-Pear Salsa which was, without a doubt, THE BEST.  Maybe she'll give me the recipe - what ya say, Debbie?

People of all ages danced to the great music.  Here's Steve Day, DJ of our local radio station, dancing with Della, 88 years old.  I also have a photo of Steve dancing on her table!  (Saving that one in case I ever need to blackmail him...)

The band gave maracas as prizes to the best dancers
and a "Happy Time Was Had By All!"

Thanks to husband Chris, and especially niece Lauren who came over from Virginia to help out. The blueberry cornbread with mascarpone/cream cheese sauce ideas were hers! Please email me if you have any questions on the recipe.  I apologize for not having the exact ingredients for the sauce, but it was a last minute addition and we were experimenting.  
Sometimes those situations have a pleasant ending!
Thanks for checking in & Happy Trails!
Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll Free
email:  sleeptight@colonialpinesinn.com





Half a Century is a Long Time... 10 Jan 2012, 3:22 pm

Irene Coal Parr from Florida opened Parr's Guest House in the early 1960's, later renaming it Colonial Pines Inn. Three owners and 5 decades later, the Inn is having its 50th Anniversary!!! 

How do you celebrate something like that? Well, read on...

 First, you partner with your friends Rick & Helene of the 4 1/2 Street Inn (who are celebrating their Inn's 100th anniversary), you pick a date (praying for no rain), and you plan a street party & picnic celebrating a total of 150 YEARS OF HOSPITALITY. That's a lot of cracked eggs!

You commission local artist Duncan Greenlee to design a really fun poster, invite everyone in town, and send out email invitations to all your past guests.

 You get permission to block off the street between the two Inns, load up on supplies from Sam's, order a keg of beer, and make TONS of cole slaw, hot dog chili, and brownies.

You get a noise permit and hire your brother's blues band, "Tom Hill and The Midnight Suns." Whatever happens, at least you will have great music!

You borrow a HUGE grill from Bill & Sara Mann and grill 250 hot dogs.

  When you run out, you get more and keep grilling.  You run out again...
 
...but you are thrilled at the huge turnout!

The weather's even more beautiful than you imagined and everyone's happy. 
It's an event to remember!

The saxophonist does a great job with his brand new instrument..
 
...and you make sure even the children are glad they came.

The sun goes down but the band plays on.

You dance and a have a great time at your own party. 
What a magical evening!

You are extremely grateful to all your relatives who came from three states to help out: Meghan, Aunt Pam, Aunt Susan, Tommy & Rosie.

You think:  "OH WHAT FUN! LET'S DO THIS AGAIN NEXT YEAR!"

Later, when you're cleaning up, you have second thoughts about that...

...instead, you invite EVERYONE to come celebrate 
and be a guest at Colonial Pines Inn in 2012!

Hope to see YOU soon in the mountains!
Chris & Donna Alley
Innkeepers Since 1984
Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast

We are open for the 2012 season!
Enjoy the quiet side of Highlands with
"Second Night Half Price" through April.
(828)526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll Free


Magic at Miss Rebecca's through Dec 25 12 Dec 2011, 10:52 am

A twinkly twig tree at Miss Rebecca's Cottage creates magic for both children and adults. A cozy fireplace, a collection of nutcrackers and all the comforts of home (with none of the responsibility) make this a perfect holiday getaway for couples or families.

Stay anytime through Dec 25 and you can take a 25% discount off regular rates. This means two adults can stay for $150 per night, two couples for $206, and three couples for $281. Children are welcome at no charge! Two night minimum required.

The weekly rate of $1200 has also been reduced by one-third to $800. Stay through Dec 25 and enjoy a special holiday with your loved ones with all there is to do in Highlands during this bright and festive season.

Avoid cooking by attending the sumptuous "HANDS" Chrismas Dinner with all profits donated to charity. This worthwhile event has become a not-to-be-missed Christmas tradition in Highlands. Check out this and other events at www.highlandschamber.org.

Innkeepers Donna & Chris Alley
wish You and Your Family
a Lovely and Peaceful
Holiday Season.

We'd love to be your host!
Colonial Pines Inn Bed and Breakfast
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 toll-free

Trimmed Turkey Tariff! 12 Nov 2011, 11:11 am

I know - that's a little corny but I was trying to think of a cute way to say that
we're giving DISCOUNTS for Thanksgiving Weekend.
Arrive on WEDNESDAY and stay SATURDAY night free.
That's your FOURTH night on us!
This applies to cottages as well as rooms still available at the time you call.
So call NOW!

Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll-Free

Thanks so much to the Johnsons from Tennessee (Go Vols!)
for the absolutely gorgeous Fall arrangement you see in this photo.


The Best Color in Highlands.. 18 Oct 2011, 9:43 am


...might be right here at the Inn! Our two maples are absolutely glorious and, as predicted, the colors all over the area are especially intense.



Thanks to Cal Tuggle who took these photos of the large, old maple in front of the Guest House.




Cal stayed in the Bargain Basement, on the lower level of the Guest House, which has been the most occupied room this October. With only one exception, it has been rented every single night!


To find out more about this in-demand room, see our April 2009 blog post. Which night not rented? October 23 - this Sunday. We'd love to have you as our guests for the best deal on color in Highlands!

Happy Leaf Looking!
Colonial Pines Inn
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll-Free

(Scroll down to the next post for reduced rates
on Miss Rebecca's Cottage.)

Leaf Season Special! 6 Oct 2011, 6:24 pm

"MISS REBECCA'S COTTAGE"

Fill a cancellation and get a rare Leaf Season bargain!
Available Starting Monday October 24
Sleeps Two to Six Guests
Stay 10 nights for $1000 plus tax!
Please call for a quote on shorter stays.

Here's a chance to enjoy our charming in-town cottage tucked away next to Sunset Rocks and the Nature Center just half a mile from the center of town. Three bedrooms, two baths, great room with full kitchen & stone fireplace.
Click here for interior photos and complete details.

Colonial Pines Inn
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll Free


Buckwheat Brownies 17 Sep 2011, 12:47 pm


I was planning to post photos from our Block Party, but so many folks requested my Buckwheat Brownie recipe ("Hurry!" they said), that I'm providing it first. The party was FANTASTIC to say the least - so check back soon for a long post that will make you feel you were there, too!

BUCKWHEAT BROWNIES
(gluten-free, dark, chewy, delicious)

3/4 cup cocoa
3/4 cup buckwheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
10 Tbsp melted butter
1 3/4 cups dark brown sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
6 oz Ghiradelli Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 375 and line sides & bottom of 9X13 pan with foil. Combine cocoa, buckwheat, soda & salt. Set aside. Melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Add brown sugar, stirring to blend. Stir in flour mixture, then remove from heat. Whisk eggs with vanilla and add to mixture, stirring just until well blended, about 40 strokes. Mix in chocolate chips & walnuts, then quickly turn into foil-lined pan. Bake 20 minutes. Cool in pan, then remove with foil intact and cut into 20 squares or 40 triangles.

Tip: Remove 1/2 cup (packed) brown sugar from a 1 lb box and you will have 1 3/4 cup - just enough for this recipe.

Colonial Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast
(828) 526-2060
(866) 526-2060 Toll-Free



Colonial Pines Turns 50! 28 Aug 2011, 7:14 pm


YOU'RE INVITED TO A BLOCK PARTY!

Celebrate 150 Years of Hospitality
at Colonial Pines Inn (50 Years Old)
& 4 1/2 Street Inn (100 Years Old)
Tuesday September 13, 2011 5:30 - 7:30pm
Join the Innkeepers for a cookout with live music by
"Tom Hill & The Midnight Suns"
Tour the Inns, dance, and enjoy old-fashioned hospitality.
Parking available courtesy of the PAC Center on Chestnut St.
Contact Donna & Chris at (828) 526-2060
for more information.

www.colonialpinesinn.com