The Breathtaking Landmark In North Carolina You Must Visit This Year

Stay in a breathtaking, historic home at the Valle Crucis Conference Center in Banner Elk, North Carolina. It is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina with a long, interesting history. It started when a New York botanist went through the valley in 1840. Moved by its remoteness and natural beauty, on the way home he stopped in Raleigh to speak about the exquisite loveliness with Bishop Levi Silliman Ives, overseer of the Diocese of North Carolina. A couple of years later, Bishop Ives traveled to this area, met people, and held services there. He promised to "send them, the moment it should be in my power, a Missionary, who should teach them the rudiments of knowledge and preach to them the word of God." According to legend, the bishop saw the image of a St. Andrew’s Cross in the valley and named it Valle Crucis, Latin for Vale of the Cross. During the next few years, he bought about 2,000 acres.

And it is easy to see why. Located on more than 450 acres of mountain woodland and lush farming valley, the Valle Crucis Conference Center is the most beautiful place on earth.

The property features late 19th-century/early 20th-century buildings, most of which are on the National Historic Register.

The magnificent Auchmuty Hall was completed in 1911 and has 20 mission-style bedrooms and 52 beds.

The Inn also features a spacious living area and a large, stone fireplace.

Check out this long porch with rockers overlooking the breathtaking valley.

The 1920s Farm House has a cozy bungalow feel in this breathtaking, historic home.

It has five bedrooms with 16 beds.

The Mission House, one of the oldest buildings on campus, was constructed in 1896 as a stopping point for missionaries.

Its ample space of nine bedrooms and 27 beds offers a living room with a fireplace and a nice-sized kitchen.

In total, the Conference Center accommodates groups of five to 150. Open year-round the rates include three meals a day from a full-service buffet or catered on-campus events.

Johnson Hall, named after the fifth Bishop of Western North Carolina, Robert H. Johnson, has two floors available, each with one large meeting area.

Other unique buildings include the Chapel of St. Anthony, equipped with prayer and song materials.

The picturesque St John's Episcopal Church sits nearby.

The Apple Barn, built in 1911, was a dairy barn. Today it's a charming venue for celebrations, weddings, and seminars.

The peaceful orange glow of the sunset tucks you in for a restful sleep.

Make reservations today at the Valle Crucis Conference Center in Banner Elk. Spend the night in a breathtaking historic home and wander about the gardens for a peaceful retreat. And while you're there, visit the alpacas, llamas, and goats at Apple Hill Farm.