Much like a bottle of fine wine, the Beechwood Inn only seems to get better with age. Celebrating 100 years of true Southern hos- pitality in its hometown of Clayton, the Beechwood Inn proves that Southern charm is alive and well in the mountains of North Georgia. Whether watching butterflies dance in the flowered grounds while sipping wine, spinning an old favorite vinyl record in the music room, or meeting new friends during the nightly Wine 30 gathering in the cozy den, guests can’t shake the feeling that they have found a truly enchanting mountain getaway.
BE OUR GUEST
The Beechwood Inn is an esteemed Select Registry member, which is a respected collection of properties that offer outstanding accom- modations and one-of-kind experiences for their guests. The inn features seven guestrooms and suites in the main century-old build- ing as well as two additional cabins on the property. For the main house and cabins, only guests 12 and older may stay the night. Larger groups may enjoy the one-bedroom Blueberry Cabin (which includes a TV) or the three-bedroom Garden Cabin just a stone’s throw from the inn. The historic inn and its many rooms are as cozy as a fireplace in winter (There are 10 fireplaces in the inn, by the way), with earthy, calming tones, original wood floors, spacious gathering rooms and antiques that double as friendly conversation starters.
The new owners of Beechwood Inn, Eli Rodriguez and Marlon Castiblanco, not only been keeping the storied past of Beechwood Inn alive and well for the past three years, but they also nurture its continued success with their vivacious and gracious personalities. With their nest empty, since their two daughters went off to college, and decades of hospitality experience under Eli’s belt, the time was perfect to fulfill their dream of owning a charming bed and breakfast and turning guests into part of the ever-extending family at Beechwood Inn. And I speak from experience, as my husband and I met many “repeat guests” during our summer stay who were eager to share how much the Beechwood Inn has meant to them and their families throughout the years.
On our visit we stayed at the Lura Suite (see a virtual tour on North Georgia Living’s YouTube channel) which came complete with a cozy living room, wood stove, writing desk and a covered screened-in porch. Modern amenities such as a modern walk-in shower as well as Wi-Fi access in guest rooms and the grounds assure you are as connected to the outside world as you choose to be. But truth be told, our phones were left snuggly in our rooms, as we headed to one of our favorite places in the inn—the front porch, which overlooks its serene, landscaped yard and offers a peek at the distant mountains that surrounds Clayton’s downtown.
At 5:30 p.m. each evening, affectionately known as Wine-30, the popular wine mixer event invites guests to the parlor for a glass of champagne or a sip of their delicious own labeled Georgia wine and a tasty amuse-bouche before heading into downtown Clayton to dine at one of many delectable restaurants. Don’t be surprised if friends of Eli and Marlon also pop in just to say hello as well.
“We have been blessed to meet so many great people who have become our friends,” Marlon added. Eli confirmed, “My biggest surprise wasn’t having repeat guests because that’s the nature of the business, but we have guests returning like 3 to 4 times a year. And it’s not just a few couples, it’s a lot of people so we’re really blessed to have that many guests that want to come back and hang out.”
After enjoying a scrumptious dinner in downtown Clayton, just a stone’s throw from the inn, we happily returned to the comfort of our suite to find two tasty chocolates awaiting us, and for those wanting a nightcap, two bottles of wine are left in the room if you choose to enjoy.
Now, I will say, I’m a bit of a “Goldilocks” when it comes to beds, as an uncomfortable sleep can ruin anyone’s getaway, however, I must honestly exclaim I have never slipped into a more comfortable sheet set in all my life. They were so silky, we melted into bed like a warm stick of butter. I had to ask Eli her secret the next day. Apparently, they are lavish 600-thread cotton sheets that she can order for you if you would like for your own home. Yes, please!
After sleeping like a king and queen, we woke early and headed for fresh brewed coffee at 7:30 a.m., and breakfast from 8 to 9 a.m. We thoroughly savored the homemade soft cheese rolls, quiche muffin and Almond Croissant Casserole, which a neighboring repeat guest giddily told us is his favorite breakfast at the inn. We were glad not to miss it. Before your visit, be sure to inquire about any upcoming guest chef events, intimate wine paired dinners, sunny brunches and Wine-Snob tastings that are available to all guests and visitors to the inn. Love to cook? Ask Eli about the Private Chef Cooking classes that can be catered to you.
OUT AND ABOUT
With your visit to Beechwood Inn, you will discover there is much to see and do in the charming town of Clayton and its environs. “There’s just so much to do here,” Marlon said. “We have wonderful wineries, three lakes within 20 minutes from our property and several great restaurants in town, with even a couple of more opening soon. It’s just a lot to do for such a small town.”
Clayton has really grown in the past ten years, becoming a stylish mountain town with fun shopping, great restaurants and a festive downtown vibe to explore. Stores like Reeves Outdoor Center or Wander North Georgia are ideal places to pop in before heading out on your nearby hiking adventure. There are three lakes to enjoy, Lake Rabun, Lake Burton, and Black Rock Lake. And no one should miss the quick hike to the glorious Minnehaha Falls (See our video on North Georgia Living YouTube page.)
For a fabulous meal, why not enjoy a five-star meal at Fortify Kitchen + Bar or grab some sushi (yes, Clayton has sushi now!) at the new Rabun Social, a hotspot for crafted cocktails and Asian flavors. For enjoying the region’s libations, there are three 5-star wineries nearby–12 Spies Vineyards, Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Stonewall Creek Vineyards—as well as the award-winning bourbon and craft spirit distillery, Moonrise Distillery.
Some might mistakenly think Clayton’s gotten too big for its britches, but those who visit know better. The homespun, down-to-earth charm that draws visitors from all over is alive and well.
“There is a lot to do but it’s not pretentious,” Eli exclaimed. “The town is really laid back. Everybody that comes here can relax in the mountains and yet have great food.”
While the approaching fall is the most popular season to visit Beechwood Inn, Eli personally prefers the charms of spring when the flowers are in bloom and the mountains lush with life. Winter months may even see a dusting of snow creating a magical setting and summer season is always busy as a bee, for those looking for a little cooler weather in the mountains. But whenever you get the chance to visit, one thing is for sure. You’ll come to the Beechwood Inn as a guest and leave as family, dreaming of your next visit.
For more information, please call 706-782-5485 or visit beechwoodbnb.com.
