The Firehouse Inn Is As Warm As It's Name Suggests
The first weekend in Spring we were lucky enough to find ourselves in Rutherfordton, North Carolina, attending a wedding. Our lodging had been kindly provided by the brother of the bride. None in my family was acquainted with Rutherfordton, but now we can imagine future visits there. The people are warm and witty and Sandi and David at the Firehouse Inn made us feel as though we were part of the family. We extend kind thanks to them for their hospitality and generosity.
The Firehouse Inn used to be a fire station. Luckily, it is an old building, having won awards for restoration of historic properties. Perhaps because of its age, the quality and ingenuity in the craftsmanship and architecture create at once a feeling of place. I walked into the building believing, "I am about to experience something I won't forget." The "get acquainted" dinner on Friday night was wonderful. The lemon chicken was moist, the broccoli perfect, and the pasta salad was refreshing with an interesting mix of flavors and textures I have not experienced to date. The perfect espresso cakes and lemon tarts were thoughtfully wrapped and left behind for us to enjoy later in the evening.
The ceilings are dramatically high and the decor is traditional. The colors are warm and inviting and the interior so beautifully designed that you get the feeling of having gone back in time, to an era of grandness and appreciation of finer things.
Breakfast at The Firehouse Inn was a wonderful experience. The crustless quiche was interesting and it certainly woke us up! We hadn't expected Dijon mustard in our morning quiche, but were delighted in how it blended with the eggs, cheese and spices. The coffee was excellent. The continental breakfast offered something for everyone.
Because this was a family event, we had our two kids in tow. Their cousins (and new cousin) enjoyed playing hide and seek in the Inn until way past bedtime. Because The Firehouse Inn offers high-speed wireless Internet access, the adults were able to pull up Websites and share ideas and stories with each other. The kids were able to go to their favorite sites too. We did a little work-- and a lot of relaxing!
Our room was #2, and it was beautifully apportioned. I can't say enough about how perfectly the restoration of the room was done. The furniture was beautiful, yet comfortable. There is also a loft in rooms #2 and #3. In the loft, there are two twin beds which frees us living space in the main level below. There are huge fireplaces in each of the rooms. Outside rooms #2 and #3, there is a courtyard with an amazing water feature. Listening to the water lulled me off to sleep both nights.
Go to The Firehouse Inn if you are planning to be within 60 miles of Rutherfordton. You won't regret it. I'm saving up for my next trip. And the bonus? If you have kids, the Children's Museum is within walking distance and is amazing.
