Hemlock Inn

The only problem was too much delicious food. I had to let my pants out another notch after our stay. Very friendly and helpful staff. Thanks!!!!1

Shared the weekend with friends from the Knoxville, TN area and enjoyed the fellowship, scenery and relaxing atmosphere. Light snowfall added to the magic scenes around the Hemlock Inn.

Will be going back to the Inn. Very relaxing and great people, Mort and Lainey made us feel at home.

The hospitality of the Hemlock Inn was excellent! The home cooked meals are served family style. There were plenty of delicious dishes for breakfast and dinner. We enjoyed sitting by the fire in rocking chairs before and after meals. The view of the mountains is great! We've been twice and will definitely go back.

The commons room was beautifully and warmly decorated for Christmas. The host and hostess were delightful and made us feel welcome.

We liked the "feel" of Hemlock Inn enough to book an additional night instead of moving on to Raleigh. The atmosphere and decor of our room as well as the dining and common areas was cosy, quaint and obviously chosen with love and care and captured perfectly the atmosphere that these Aussie travellers wanted in the Appalachian Mountains in late November. With this additional night on our 7 night tour of the Smoky Mountain region we were able to take an exhilarating "hike in the woods" in the close by Deal Creek area , visit the Cherokee Museum and spend more time pottering in Bryson City. Because our dinner was Saturday night and many of the other guests, both old and young, were bound for the Polar Express train excursion, dinner was a little rushed , noisy and chaotic and it would be unfair to make a judgement on this experience. There is no dinner served on a Sunday; but it was not far to Bryson City where we enjoyed watching all the activity of the departing train and the excited families and had excellent pizzas and then onto another local store for cup cakes and hot spiced cider. Breakfast was at a set time and very hearty. We were intrigued by the tableware ( pewter?) and enjoyed the conversations with other guests at the large shared table. Mort is an excellent host who seems to have a genuine interest in his guests. After many years of involvement in school camps I did not have a problem with his ringing of the bell to let all know breakfast was being served. This is a lot more fun and hospitable than the impersonal breakfast buffet from dispensers on disposable plates that is offered at most chain accommodation. Yet another additional night would have been desirable but unfortunately our North Carolina extension to our stay in New York City had come to an end. We will always have fond memories of our stay.

A beautiful weekend at the Hemlock Inn. The rooms are clean, the food is fantastic, and the overall experience is exactly what I was looking for. Peace and quiet surrounded by beautiful mountains. Thanks

We have been coming to Hemlock Inn for the last 15 years either for family reunions or with close friends. In all those years, we have never been disappointed in the facility, the food or the staff . These weekends at Hemlock Inn have provided rest from the "rat race" of the week, interesting new acquaintances, and many great memories. We are already looking forward to visiting again next year!

The Hemlock Inn is the place to go if you just want to "be". Quiet, great food, low key and beautiful. A wonderful value.

We have been visiting the Hemlock Inn for more than thirty years. We love this peaceful, friendly sanctuary in the Smokies.

The room we were given was nice and very clean, but it had a strong scent of air freshener, and fabric freshener that stuck to our clothing. We opened windows and added fresh air with our fan, however it did not subside. The location of the property is in the heavily wooded mountain area where moisture may create musty smells, but one can usually smell the musty with the air freshener, however we did not notice any musty odors. It would have been better to eliminate the air freshners that can cause some people to have headaches. The service and staff were fantastic. We met guests that had returned for their 35th year. We had a wonderful time talking with other guests who were obviously enjoying the relaxed atmosphere, good food, and lovely view. The food was really good. Southern and vegetables were seasoned with meat as would be typical. We did not notify the staff, however; we eat mostly a vegetarian diet with some fish eggs and cheese. We would advise you notify the staff if you would like your vegetables prepared without meat or meat fat. I suspect they would be very happy to modify some of the vegetables for you, but call them first.

Food was wonderful and the coffee was the best I have ever had!

The inn was a nice variation from regular hotel rooms and we enjoyed our brief stay there. There were only around 25 rooms keeping it cozy. The rooms themselves were dated, but clean and had charm. I felt it was a great value for it included dinner and breakfast and the food was very tasty. I read other reviews and received exactly what I expected (family dining, older rooms, nice views). The guests were mostly retired couples and bikers, so my family with 2 kids did not have much in common with them. But they had the shuffleboard and ping pong to themselves. The owners were friendly and ate dinner with us. I would definitely stay there again - don't think we could find a better value.

Loved the peace, the people and the GREAT food--WILL be going back!

My family and I have been vacationing at Hemlock Inn for many years. This is the place for you if you enjoy learning about history in the area, visiting a National Park, eating Mason-Dixon style food and sharing conversation with other travelers during breakfasts and dinners. Practically all dishes are available in an updated cookbook written and produced by the Inn Keepers.

Have gone to Hemlock Inn off and on for 20 plus years. Always pleasant and comfortable. Warm Southern welcome and great Southern food. My kids at now 35 years old and they remember it from when they were tots and welcome the chance to go back.

Marvelous time ... great atmosphere and outstanding food. I am eagerly looking forward to my next visit there. This place is a real jewel

Our stay at this Inn was very pleasureable. It was rustic, quaint, in a perfect location for relaxing and enjoying the outdoors and we throughly enjoyed our stay. Breakfast was a real treat, all made from scratch and shared with other guest. It was a great stay for our final night on a recent vacation.

The setting and atmosphere of Hemlock Inn is conducive to rest and relaxation! A great place to take the family and get away from everything. If you like being busy, opportunities are close enough by for you to have that type of experience. But the serene surroundings of Hemlock Inn make it a most restful place to vacation. And the food could not be better - delicious southern fare served family style. You won't leave the table hungry or disappointed! Mort and Lainey are great hosts.

We had a wonderful time and hope to go back this Fall. Strongly recommend you visit them. Food was really good, room nice and the atmosphere fantastic.

The Inn was secluded, but close enough to everywhere we wanted to go. We were caught off guard by the price because we had four adults. The on-line web page booked us for a room for four people at the price for four people in one room, but in fact it was actually two rooms with two people in each room and therefore twice as much. That should have been called out in the pricing on the web page. It was only after I called to inquire about a late arrival that we were made aware of the true cost and it was too late to make different arrangements. The bathroom sink in our room did not drain at all and the portable air conditioner was very noisy. The room was clean and neat, but not on a par with other accommodations in this price range. Dinner was included at a very reasonable cost.. The staff was super friendly and helpful. All in all it was a good experience.

Two minor items: There were some ants in the bathroom around the sink. We hiked the 1.5 mi trail on the property and noted that a downed tree/branches across the trail need to be cleared.

We stayed two nights and hope to return for a longer stay. It is a charming place.

This place is a true gem. The home-cooked southern meals are absolutely wonderful. The food is only enhanced by sharing it with others at your large dining table. We got to know other people who were staying there and found that so nice. The fact that there are no TVs in the rooms gave my kids the impetus they needed to go out and meet other kids there and enjoy themselves doing (gasp) non-electronic activities. There were many multi-generational families there that have been going there for years and years. I wish I had known about it sooner and could have made that one of our family traditions. I encouraged my kids to that when they have their own families. And I haven't even mentioned the views and front-porch rocking chairs. Both are amazing. If you want to escape reality, this is the place to go.

Excellent accomadations and service. Will vist again in the near future.

This was our 5th trip to the Hemlock Inn. My children are now 13 and almost 16 and "demand" that we visit every summer. There is so much to do in the surrounding area, within an easy drive (hiking, whitewater rafting, tubing in Deep Creek, shopping downtown, ice cream at Soda Pops, ect) or playing ping pong, cards, games, baseball on the front lawn, sliding down the hill on cardboard at the Inn. We enjoy it very much and are always treated to delicious breakfasts and dinners. Meeting new friends and seeing friends from previous summers is special. We will return next summer.

This is old school vacationing. No TV. We stayed 3 nights, enjoyed the inn and the surrounding Bryson City/Smokey Mountain activities. Be sure to do the Deep Creek tubing. The inn is exactly what it advertises itself to be. Maitland, Fl

Rooms are dated and very tired, portable A/C ran all night like a jet plane, rooms have no phone, TV's or cental heat/air. Only mountain view is from deck off dining room. All this being said, families come form all over the country to stay here and do it year after year. Pefect place to just read a book. Food and family style dining saved the place for me. Seems like a little effort in improving the facilites would make it a special place, as it is I will not return.

We especially enjoyed the poached eggs at breakfast. Much better than scrambled.

We really enjoyed our time at the Hemlock Inn--very relaxing, great food, and lots to do in the area.

Members of the 3rd and 4th generation of our family recently stayed at the Hemlock - again. As usual - every aspect of the stay was outstanding plus.

This place was exactly what we were looking for. A great mountain getaway for rest, relaxation, and enjoying the beauty of the NC mountains.

If you are looking for a peaceful, quaint setting with a homey feel, great Southern food, and a friendly staff, this is the place for you. Though there are few frills, it is a great place to gather with friends or family to eat together, play games, read, relax and enjoy the beautiful mountain areas nearby. When you look at the price, be sure to remember that you are getting a plentiful breakfast and dinner along with your room. Meeting others around your table during meal times is part of the fun.

I cannot say enough about this wonderful place. It was beautiful. So very relaxing and inviting, and the people couldn't have been nicer or more accomidating. The rooms were homey and comfortable. It was very clean and equipt with everything we needed. The food was fabulous. There is an incredible view of the mountains from the deck. You just feel really at home when you stay at Hemlock. 5 stars friends!!!!!

My Mother and I enjoyed a restful and peaceful stay at the Hemlock last week. Our visit gave us an opportunity to spend time together enjoying each other and the other guests at the Hemlock. Scenery was lovely and the rocking chairs made it perfect. Food was amazing--country fare with fresh vegetables. After dinner, we joined others to put together a lovely puzzle. Sorry our visit was only one night. Fantastic.

The room decor is dated but clean. Like someone else said, it kind of reminds you of visiting grandma - quilts on the bed, etc. The staff is super-friendly and helpful. We visited in very late April to early May, so the Inn wasn't full. The setting was very peaceful and we enjoyed the on-site hiking trail and especially enjoyed hiking in the National Park (there is an entrance just 3 miles down the road). Our son enjoyed the ping-pong table at the main lodge.

What a pleasant surprise to find a wonderful inn like the Hemlock Inn! I was impressed by the service, the wonderful congeniality of the staff and other guests and the sense of community that made us feel so at home. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly!

Friends have been staying at the Hemlock for over 20 years, but this was our first visit. The inn is charming, warm, and welcoming. The innkeepers and staff were fantastic. The dinners in the evening were very good and meeting the other guests at the table a real treat. We will definitely return to the Hemlock. The Vances

From the moment we drove up the lane and saw the lovely view, we knew Hemlock Inn was the place for us. Hemlock Inn is a very peaceful, homey, and wonderful place. The decor is simple and comfortable. Mort and Lainey are very hospitable and delightful hosts. The staff is gracious and competent. The food was Southern cooking at its best! We highly recommend Hemlock Inn for those wishing for a "get away from it all" vacation!

We have spent a nice, relaxing and enjoyble time in Hemlock Inn.

It had been 26 years since we last visited Hemlock Inn. Not because we did not enjoy our stay but because of a growing family and work related commitments etc etc. My in-laws joined us and we stayed in the Innkeepers Cottage. Perfect for the four of us! Also, and unexpectedly, our son and daughter in law, both Navy pilots, joined us from Norfolk where they left town to escape Hurricane Irene. The innkeeper arranged to have them stay in the closest room to our cottage. They arrived late and well after dinner but Mort and his team arranged plates of food that we took back to the cottage and kept warm. The home cooked meals were fabulous, the opportunity to meet and visit with other guests at meal time was also fun. We enjoyed a train ride to Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Smokey Mountain Railroad, ate at some nice restaurants in Bryson City and also enjoyed visiting Cherokee. Yes, Cherokee is a touristy place but the museum in town is a must see. The weather was perfect Aug 26-30 and the view from the Inn fabulous. Hummingbirds were everywhere and the night sky was like being in a planetarium. We will visit more often, for sure.

We happened upon this inn when we needed a last minute anniversary destination. At four hours away from Charlotte we were game. We checked in and headed to our room, which on first glance we were scared of. It was decorated with flowered wall paper and rustic furniture. We settled in and found that the bed and pillows were super comfortable along with the plethora of warm blankets. The bathroom looks original to the 50s but the water pressure and hot water are modern. It is nice being transported back to days of yore. There is no TV or phone in the room; Internet is available in the main lodge for free and cell phones work (typically outside of the rooms). We always get a room with a porch so nature, along with board and card games, becomes our TV. We have only been married 5 years, but it is really nice to unplug and have "us" time for a week with no distractions. We enjoy the closeness of the Smoky Mountain National Park. There are many trails ranging from easy and paved to the more difficult hill and mountain climbs. Downtown Bryson City is about 15 minutes away and has some cute shops and an awesome deli. Ingles (a grocery store) is just past downtown and where you can pick up makings for a great picnic. We have visited the Hemlock Inn two times and are going for our third this year. We went to Hawaii last year instead of the Inn and talked about how we missed the Inn the whole time. We have been looking forward to visiting all year and plan on making it a yearly trip. If you are young and wary of visiting because of the lack of electronics, give it a shot. We are only 30 and love every minute there! Get back to together time; It is well worth it!

We enjoyed the location, meals, and especially the other guest. Great family atmosphere!

Outstanding location, beautiful mountain views, and excellent staff support/services!

My wife and son stayed at the Hemlock recently and it was great. The "campus" area is beautiful and it far exceeds the run-down feeling of nearby Bryson City. Hemlock's staff is friendly and the food was delicious and well-presented. The room was a bit stale but very clean. We will stay there again if we are in the area.

Great hosts...great food... great service...magnificent scenery! Met folks who have returned year after year...one couple for 40 years! It is a great base for taking in many of the Smoky Mountain attractions. Would do it again. J B Bowman

Go for the peace and serenity of the place. Enjoying a glass of wine on our screen porch with the sound and smell of an evening rainfall as a backdrop. Easy access to hikes and creeking. Good food and new friends at the family-style dinner. It isn't fancy, but it doesn't have to be.

Christian atmosphere, wonderful fellowship with others who have also visited Hemlock many times over the years. Remarkable meals served in family style, just like Mom would have made if she could have done them this well.

As usual, it is a blessed retreat to be at the Hemlock. It is a place where you can relax and refresh your mind, soul, body, and spirit. I recommend it to all I know!!

The Hemlock Inn is located at the edge of the Smoky Mountains National Park. A 10 minute drive and you are at the head of many hiking trails through the Smoky Mountains, one of our premier national parks. The inn is unpretentious, no frills, no TV, but very comfortable and in a beautiful setting. From the front deck, high on a ridge, the view is nothing but mountains, with an occasional rising mist, or bird in flight – very peaceful. The delicious home cooked meals are served family style. The inn keeper and family are warm, gracious hosts. On a chilly day, the fire in the fireplace is cozy. The communal living room is good for a reunion of family or friends.

It was fun to introduce Hemlock Inn to someone who had never been. Two days of exploring the surrounding countryside, then back to the Inn for delicious meals, and comfortable rooms. Just as I remember from YEARS ago...I knew Lorene Haynie, and visited when she first ran the Inn. She let me ride with her as she drove around to pick up local produce, crafts, and more.

We had a wonderful stay at the Hemlock Inn. Mort White the Inn-Keeper went out of his way to make our stay the best. The Inn was actually supposed to be closed, but Mort accommodated our 40th anniversary request to stay in the area. The cottage that we stayed in was great and we had complete access to the facilities in the main lodge. I would recommend the Hemlock Inn to anyone vacationing in the Great Smoky Mountains.

Loved it! The rooms were a bit dated but it made it unique. I will stay there again!

The only bad thing about the Hemlock Inn, was that we could'nt stay longer. Staff made us feel like we were home. Some of the nicest people we've ever met. They even let my grandson ring the dinner bell. He loved "calling everyone to supper" We had dinner and breakfast at the Inn, and both were amazing!!!!!!! The views were beautiful and the peace and quiet wonderful! If you can get away and go.....GO you wont be sorry!!

The only thing wrong with our stay was that it wasn't long enough. We are looking forward to another stay at a later date.

We have stayed there over 30 times in the past 20 years. Meals are wonderful with two meats and many veggies, rolls, delicious deserts-served on a lazy susan. Meet many very nice people and easy to have a conversation and to learn about the area from someone at the table. Its about 53 years old so don't expect modern rooms-no TV-no phones (except in library)-no pool-all plus benefits. VERY RESTFUL just sitting and rocking even if you don't do anything else. Central to a lot of other small and interesting cities. Innkeepers are very friendly and helpful in every way......we usually stay two nights-many stay for a week.....can't beat the price when you consider it is a B & B but also serves a BIG DINNER! Highly recommend.

We have stayed at the Hemlock occasionally over the past 25 years. Never a dissapointment, lets a person get back to nature and the simple things in life. Food is excellent.

The Hemlock Inn is a wonderful place to spend time in a refreshing mountain setting away from the hustle and bustle of modern day life. The dinners around the lazy susan tables are delicious and enjoyable, sharing stories with newly acquainted friends. God's creation is unfolded in it's simple splendor for all to experience. Personable service, great food, and nice accommodations make for an excellent value and one to remember. If you ever come once, this will be a repeat performance for years to come!