We are filled with joy because today we get to visit some of our very favorite places at our favorite time of year for one of our favorite things. No, it’s not raindrops on roses or whiskers on kittens – although Asheville Community Theatre is doing “The Sound of Music” this holiday season – folks, it’s Gingerbread Season!

Yep, Gingerbread Season. For years now many people have been able to make a holiday tradition of attending the Omni Grove Park Inn’s National Gingerbread House Competition. This year, over 45 participants are bringing their creations to over 20 local businesses – here at the historic hotel and around Asheville. And they’re calling it The Gingerbread Trail of Giving.

For over three decades, Gingerbread has brought joy, artistry, and wonder to all who gather to experience it. And this year you can witness all of that as you support some of my favorite local businesses right here in my home town – as you soak up that holiday spirit and contribute to Western North Carolina’s comeback story.

We’re starting things out – where else – at a toy store! And not just any toy store. Curio is downtown Asheville’s toy destination for the young and young at heart. It’s owned by Orlando and Tiffany Hernandez, and it’s filled with fun and frivolity.

Just around the corner the beautiful boutique clothing store Union plays host to another gingerbread masterpiece that you can check out on the trail – and stock up on some fantastic finery for you and your loved ones.

Several more Ingles Open Road favorites feature on the trail as well. There’s the S&W – Asheville’s favorite food hall full of amazing eats. Highland Brewing – Asheville’s original craft brewery where you can not only get great beer, but some super swag as well. And our next stop that has made its annual transformation into a Christmas wonderland: The Grove Arcade.

Friends, despite what you may have heard, Asheville and Western North Carolina are open for business – and it’s beautiful. They need you to come and experience the joy of the season alongside them. And on the Gingerbread Trail of Giving, you can do just that.