Chinquapin Inn
The Chinquapin Inn is in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Depending on the season, the Inn's backyard is the perfect stage for spring wildflowers, summer fireflies and fall leaf color. The whistles from nearby trains can be heard from the valley below. The Inn has been in operation for three decades and is run by Bill and Sue Ford. Bill is a former teacher whose family has lived in the area for generations. His grandmother, Adeline Willis, joined Miss Lucy as the first Penland Weaver, a partnership that led to the formation of Penland School of Crafts in 1929. Sue finds joy in tending the gardens around the Inn, collecting antiques and cooking creatively. Both look forward to the company of guests and to sharing their home and this beautiful mountain crafts community.
B&B Basics
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Breakfast is included in the cost of lodging and is made from scratch each morning. We are happy to accomodate dietary restrictions with advance notice of your needs.
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Wireless Internet access is available in all guest rooms and common areas.
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There is no minimum or maximum stay.
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Well behaved children are welcome.
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Pets? Let's talk about the temperment of your pet!
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All rooms, common areas, and grounds are nonsmoking.
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Check In - 4:30pm / Check Out - 11 am. Special arrangements can be made in advance.
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Payment can be made by check or cash. We cannot accept credit cards.
Penland School of Crafts
The school is an easy five minute walk from the Inn's front door. Penland School offers classes in many disciplines ranging in length from one to eight weeks and attracts craftsmen, artists and hobbyists with a mission of education and helping people live creative lives. Steeped in the tradition of craft, the school grew out of a cottage industry of local craftswomen and men. The school attracts students from around the world. Guided tours of the school are available for visitors to the area. The Penland Gallery showcases work of current and former Penland instructors, students and residents and is also within walking distance from the Inn.
Surrounding Area
This slice of Western North Carolina offers a rural tranquility within 15 minutes of the small towns Spruce Pine and Bakersville and 1 hour from the cities of Asheville and Boone. Our area is perfect for those who wish to be in close proximity to hiking & walking trails, swimming holes, tubing, kayacking, biking and outdoor activities for all skill levels. Many artists and craftsmen who have come to Penland to study have settled here and opened studios in the area where they show and sell their wares. The Penland Coffee House offers sandwiches, coffee, tea and sweet snacks within walking distance. We are happy to provide guidance/recommendation for what to do/see/eat/drink while you are here!