Hemlock Inn

06/02/2026

🚂 Soon, Thomas the Tank Engine will be making an appearance in our very own Smoky Mountains! 🚂

Come spend the day with Thomas at the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad with a train ride, music, food, games, and more!

Then, spend your night at Hemlock Inn with a home-cooked southern meal and even more fun for the family. Bring the kids and play co****le, or go cardboard sledding down the hill—a Hemlock specialty!✨

Make a weekend of it with your family in the beautiful Smoky Mountains! ⛰️

📅 Dates: July 23–26 & July 30–August 2
🏡 Book your stay here: hemlockinn.com or call us at: (828) 488-2885
🎟️ Get your tickets for Thomas here: gsmr.com/day-out-with-thomas/

🚂✨ BIG NEWS 🚂✨ The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad is bringing the magic back this summer… and Thomas is leading the way! 🎉 Day Out With Thomas™: a limited-time event packed with music, movement, and nonstop family fun. 🎶

Climb aboard a real train ride with Thomas, snap unforgettable photos, and explore a full day of activities designed to keep the whole family smiling—from hands-on play zones to live entertainment and more!

📅 July 23–26 & July 30–August 2

🔎 Learn more: https://brys.onl/thomas

’sRockLet’sRoll

05/26/2026

Memorial Day has come and gone. The focus now for everyone is SUMMER!

The flowers are in full bloom as evidenced by the clematis around of lamppost, so full you can’t see our sign.

Thanks to an abundance of rain recently, the numerous mountain streams are running full. The waterfalls are beautiful and the tubing and whitewater rafting is outstanding , the fishing is always wonderful.

Add in the delicious meals at Hemlock Inn, and you’ve got a great vacation.

Give us a call at (828) 488-2885 or use our online reservation system found on our website (hemlock inn.com) to make your reservation.

“The mountains are calling …”

05/15/2026

A Gem

A guest once posted this comment on Trip Advisor about Hemlock Inn…….. “This place is one of those gems that you would never find on your own “.

This is obviously a high compliment. After all, a gem is something that is rare and of high value. What higher praise could we ever wish?

But it is the second part of this compliment that is concerning….”you would never find it on your own”. Yes, we are off the beaten path, 4 miles from Bryson City, located on a remote hilltop with wooded acres and beautiful views, but is also kinda important that people can find us. Hard to stay in business if folks have trouble finding you.

For years, Hemlock Inn relied on repeat business and guest referrals and it worked very well for us , but new business is also critical.

So, what and where is Hemlock Inn?

Hemlock Inn is a 74 year old rustic mountain inn, located just a few miles between Bryson City and Cherokee.. on a peaceful plot of land. In addition to its setting, the inn is known for its delicious family style breakfasts and dinners (which are included in the daily rate). Our regulars will often admit that it is the food that brings them back so often along with personal attention and gracious southern hospitality they enjoy.

In addition to individual guests and couple, we welcome family reunions and other gatherings of friends and groups.

We are honored to be called a gem, but we don’t to be a “hidden gem”.

The weather has been absolutely beautiful and pleasant this spring. It’s a great time to be in the mountains.

We have rooms available Memorial Day week and throughout the year. We’d love to meet you.

04/11/2026

A Perfect Day

Almost every spring, Lainey and I, sit on the front porch of the inn and just marvel at the beautiful day and our blessings of being innkeepers of Hemlock Inn. It is simply a perfect spring day…. The dogwoods are in full bloom, the sun is bright and warm, and it is so peaceful.

We open for our 74th year in just two weeks from tomorrow, April 26. We have been working hard getting everything ready. The guest rooms are “spring cleaned “, the kitchen and dining areas are scrubbed (even the antique middle dining room table has been refinished), the porches and decks pressure washed, and the grounds trimmed and mowed. Our new addition of the four bedroom house is also ready.

Our biggest news to report is a complete upgrade on our internet service. We just completed installation of a WiFi system that now includes our entire property, even the cottages.

In a few weeks, we will see more of the spring growth as trees continue to fill out and the arrival of rhododendron and mountain laurel as well as many spring flowers. Earlier this spring, we even discovered large patch of trillium on our grounds.

The only thing missing is you. We long to see you this year and hope you will be about to visit. Even Domino, our cat, is anxious for visitors. It had been a lonely winter for him.

Thank you for your loyalty for so many years. We look forward to seeing you again

Mort

04/03/2026

The Resurrection Was Real !

The late Chuck Colson was special counsel to President Richard Nixon and was known as the “hatchet man”. He was one of the most powerful men in the White House and was heavily involved in the Watergate cover-up. He famously said, “I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me”. He argued that while 12 trained, powerful men from the White House could not maintain a lie for three weeks, the apostles exhibited a lifelong dedication to the resurrection story and endured torture and eventual ex*****on over the next 40 years. Colson believed this proved the resurrection was a historical reality, not a made-up conspiracy. Men will not die for something they know to be false.

Happy Easter everyone. Rejoice..... the Resurrection was real!

Hemlock Inn Opens for the season on Sunday, April 26

03/23/2026

For those of you who are not on our mailing list, here are excerpts from our spring mailing that just went out.

2026 SPRING LETTER

Hemlock Inn will open for the season on SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2026

"Learn to relax. Your body is precious as it houses your mind and spirit. Inner peace begins with a relaxed body". Norman Vincent Peele

"In a world full of chaos, seek places of peace, where your mind and body can relax, reflect, and recharge" Kaye Rogers

Our Personal Perspective on Rest

Lainey and I can relate to the need for rest! For the past few years, we have experienced physical fatigue and emotional strain for a number of reasons including the loss of Lainey's dad and the need to make some decisions about the future of Hemlock Inn. We knew we need to follow the example our of guests and escape for just a while to breathe and reflect. Fortunately, we have dear friends who offered us their house on the coast for a couple of weeks. It was just what we needed. We returned home refreshed and with a new, energized perspective. We also made three important decisions:

-First, we affirmed our desire to remain Innkeepers of Hemlock Inn for the foreseeable future. It is what we love to do. It is what we want to continue to do.

-Secondly, we recognized the need for us to take care of each other.

-Lastly, we want to spend more quality time with our family; our three sons, their wives, and our 8 wonderful grandchildren.

So, we remain committed to the mission and operation of Hemlock Inn because we believe in the authentic, simple values and peaceful setting of this special place, AND because we love our guests/friends, and the joy you add to our lives.

But, we are also committed to carving our time for each other and our family. The means we may occasionally curtain some days of operation during quieter times of the season. But, if any of you wish to visit during some of those times, please don't hesitate to call us and we will do our best to work something out for you.

The House at Hemlock Inn

The House is our former residence we are adding as an additional rental option for our guests.

The House has two floors, four bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Two of the bedrooms have a king bed and two have a queen bed. There is additional apace adjoining the master bedroom that has 2 cribs (one portable) and a car bed, compliments of our youngest son. There is an open living room, dining room area, den, full kitchen, and laundry room. There are large multiple decks and a patio with a back yard. It is private, yet easily accessible.

The most appealing feature of the House is the mountain view. It is spactacular.

This is the perfect spot for 4 couples (8 adults) and families. It rents for $1200 per night for up to 8 people (which is similar to renting four individual rooms) .

Make your Reservation Now!

Call (828) 488-2885 or go to hemlockinn.com and use our online reservation system.

We always look forward to seeing you and hope you will be coming our way this season.

Lainey and Mort White

OPENING DAY IS SUNDAY, APRIL 26

02/03/2026

President’s Day/ Valentine’s Day

HEMLOCK INN WILL BE OPEN WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11 THROUGH MONDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 16.

The extreme cold and snow is finally easing and if you are suffering from “cabin fever”, we still have a few rooms available. Remember breakfast and dinner are included in your daily rate!

We’re still having some issues with our telephone service. So if your having trouble reaching us, call my personal cell phone number…828/ 736-3488

Also, don’t forget our “Early Reservation Incentive “ . Make your reservation before March 31 for three nights or more and get a complimentary dinner for your first night

Looking forward to seeing you whenever you can come.

Mort

01/13/2026

Early Winter Update from Hemlock Inn

Hello everyone, Lainey and I hope all of you had a wonderful and blessed holiday season.
We are already planning for 2026. Here are some quick updates we wanted you to know now.

President’s Day/Valentine’s Day Getaway

Hemlock Inn will be open for President’s Day/ Valentine’s Day extended weekend
Wednesday morning, February 11 through Monday morning; February 16. Our homecooked family style breakfast and dinner each day, including Sunday night dinner, are included in your daily rate.

We still have rooms available. Call (828) 488-2885 now to reserve your room or make your reservation online.

Opening day is Sunday, April 26, 2026
We are accepting reservations now for our new season.

Early Reservation Incentive

We are offering an “early reservation incentive” for guests who make new 2026 reservations between January 1 and March 31. Here are the details:

-Call (828) 488-2885 or go online through our website, hemlockinn.com, before March 31 and make a reservation of at least three nights for any date this year. Your reservation must be confirmed with a $250 deposit

-Receive complimentary dinner(s) on the first night of your stay.

-If you already have a confirmed reservation for at least three nights this season,
you can still quality for the complimentary dinner simply by adding an additional
deposit of $250 to your reservation.

-If you already have a confirmed reservation with a deposit for less than three nights, you can also qualify by extending your reservation


Special Events and Gatherings
We love doing special events and gatherings at Hemlock Inn. There is still time to reserve space for you to visit the Smokies and Hemlock Inn this year.
Family reunions – These are especially welcome and happy times for our families. There are so many activities in our mountains for families to share and our family style meals make it easy for everyone. Whether you are a family of 5 or 55, we’d love to help set this up for you
Group Gatherings – We also welcome gatherings of all sizes and types. Reunions with Friends, Sunday School and Church Retreats, Class reunions, we love them all and invite you to come and enjoy your time with each other.
Weddings – These are so special and we enjoy hosting them. If you are looking for a unique outdoor wedding in the mountains, consider Hemlock Inn. We provide mountain views, welcoming atmosphere and wonderful homecooked wedding and rehearsal dinners.

Always More
There is more to share, including the addition of our house to our room inventory. We will give more information and pictures on that soon. For now, we’ll just give you the basics. The house has two floors, 4 bedrooms with private bathroom, large living room/dining room, full kitchen and laundry and has magnificent views. It is perfect for 4 couples or a large family. Intrigued? More information and pictures soon. It is available to reserve now.

Hope your winter is wonderful. We look forward to seeing some of you in February and many of you this year. As always, we will strive to make your stay a joyful and memorable experience.

Lainey and Mort White

12/18/2025

Christmas Letter

Christmas is the most special time of the year. Well, that is the most expected and used statement everyone quotes. But it is true. There is no time like Christmas.

Like many of you, I was raised in a Christian home and was taught the real meaning of Christmas. It is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ, the savior of the world. I understood that from as early as I can remember. But as a child, I also experienced the expectation of Christmas morning with presents under the tree. It was undoubtedly a high point of the year.

As I grew into adolescence, young adulthood, and maturity (ok, maybe not so much maturity; I’m still working on that), my excitement about Christmas was still strong, but tempered to some degree. I no longer listened for reindeer hooves on the roof, no longer had trouble sleeping Christmas night, but was still excited about Christmas morning. After all, my parents and wife still were able to have some surprises under the tree.

Parenthood brought in a whole new level of anticipation. The glee and joy I always enjoyed at Christmas was now what my children were experiencing. And I loved it! Parenting brought a whole new level of understanding and love to my life. The most important thing to me, next to my wife, was my kids. I wanted their Christmas to be great. I would do anything for them. Which make me wonder, “Isn’t that what Christ feels for me?.” I am His child and he wants the best for me, no matter how “naughty” I am. That’s what makes His birth a time for celebration. He came to earth for us…

For me, there are four stages of life relating to Christmas

Stage 1 – As a Child, I am looking forward to Christmas and Santa at home with my parents and family
Stage 2 – As a Parent, I have become Santa in my own home with my own family
Stage 3 –As a Grandparent, I am Santa on steroids at my home and/or homes of my family
Stage 4 – I am a Child again, a child of God, at my eternal home with Christ

Christmas is the most special time of the year! Yep, no matter what stage of life we are in. It’s joyful, magical, and sacred.

Have a very Merry Christmas!
Mort

12/06/2025

Christmas time at Hemlock Inn. Family inn in Bryson City, NC, home of the Polar Express.

Blessings to all this season of celebration and holiness.