Join us as we take a spooky journey through the Omni Grove Park Inn, a historic resort nestled in the Blue Mountains of North Carolina. This renowned establishment has welcomed a plethora of famous figures over its storied existence, from celebrities to US presidents. But be warned, after dark the inn is said to come alive with ghostly apparitions that will send shivers down your spine. Are you prepared to brave the hauntings and unravel the history of the Omni Grove Park Inn? From disembodied footsteps to chilling EVPs, this paranormal pit stop is sure to send chills down your spine.
History of the Omni Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th century. It all began with entrepreneur Edwin Wiley Grove, who opened a pharmacy in Paris, Tennessee in 1880. In 1885, he patented Grove’s Tasteless Chill Tonic, a blended elixir that included quinine to treat chills caused by malaria. Grove’s tonic became hugely popular and sold more bottles than Coca-Cola at the time.
In 1886, Grove established the Paris Medicine Company to produce and distribute his tonic on a larger scale. Asheville, North Carolina, with its climate and environment renowned for their health benefits, caught Grove’s attention during a visit in 1897. He decided to build a summer home in Asheville and eventually moved there permanently in 1910.
Inspired by the area’s beauty and potential, Grove purchased lands in 1910 to establish the Omni Grove Park Inn. Construction began in 1912 and the inn opened its doors on July 12, 1913. It quickly became a popular destination for celebrities, influential personalities, and even US presidents.
During World War II, the inn served various purposes. It was used as an internment center for government diplomats and as a rest and relaxation site for weary sailors returning from war. From 1944 to 1945, it functioned as an army redistribution station, providing soldiers with some well-deserved rest before they were assigned to their duties.
After the war, the inn underwent several expansions and modernizations. In 1955, it was acquired by Salmon’s Enterprises, leading to further expansion in 1958, 1963, and 2001. In 2012, Omni Hotels purchased the inn and officially renamed it the Omni Grove Park Inn. Today, it remains open to the public, offering a range of guest accommodations, an 18-hole golf course, various dining options, indoor and outdoor pools, and a 40,000 square foot subterranean spa.
Facilities at the Omni Grove Park Inn
The Omni Grove Park Inn offers a range of facilities to ensure a memorable experience for its guests. The accommodations are comfortable and luxurious, providing a perfect retreat after a day of exploring or relaxation. The inn also boasts an impressive 18-hole golf course for those who enjoy the sport.
When it comes to dining, guests have a variety of options to choose from. There are in-house restaurants and bars that offer delicious meals and refreshing drinks. From casual eateries to fine dining experiences, the Omni Grove Park Inn caters to different tastes and preferences.
For those seeking relaxation and recreation, the inn features both indoor and outdoor pools. Guests can take a dip and unwind in the serene surroundings. But perhaps one of the most enticing features is the 40,000 square foot subterranean spa. This modern spa offers a range of treatments and therapies designed to pamper and rejuvenate guests.
Ghost Stories and Local Legends
The Omni Grove Park Inn has a reputation for being haunted, with numerous ghost stories and local legends surrounding the property. Many past guests and staff members claim to have experienced paranormal phenomena during their time at the inn. Reports include disembodied footsteps, voices from empty rooms, and extreme hot and cold patches.
Several informal investigations have been conducted at the inn, revealing high levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF), chilling electronic voice phenomena (EVPs), and the capture of orbs and odd silhouettes in photographs and videos. People have also claimed to witness objects moving on their own and hearing strange knocking and scratching noises. Some have even reported the constant feeling of being watched, followed, or touched by unseen forces.
The most famous legend of the Grove Park Inn revolves around the Pink Lady. According to the story, a woman wearing a pink dress fell over a balcony and died from her injuries in the 1920s. Her restless spirit is said to have remained at the inn, manifesting as a pink mist or a full-fledged entity. While the Pink Lady is mostly friendly, she has been known to play pranks on the living, such as turning lights on or off, messing with air conditioners or heaters, and slamming doors. Some guests have even reported being tickled on their feet while they sleep.
Interestingly, the Pink Lady is said to have a fondness for children. There have been instances where parents turned to check on their children, only to find them playing with someone who seemed to be beyond the visible spectrum. This mysterious figure is always described as a woman wearing a pink dress. Some speculate that the Pink Lady’s former room may have been Room 545, as a significant number of encounters with her have been reported from this particular space.
Pink Lady Legend
The legend of the Pink Lady centers around a tragic death. Sometime in the 1920s, a woman staying at the Omni Grove Park Inn fell over a balcony and ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Her spirit, unable to find peace after the untimely demise, is said to have stayed behind at the inn.
Guests and staff at the inn have reported numerous manifestations and pranks attributed to the Pink Lady. She often appears as either a pink mist or a full-fledged entity. While she is generally friendly, she enjoys playing small pranks on the living. Turning lights on or off, messing with air conditioners or heaters, and slamming doors are just a few examples of the mischief she has been known to cause.
The Pink Lady’s fondness for children is another intriguing aspect of the legend. There have been instances where parents have witnessed their children playing with someone beyond their visible range. This presence is always described as a woman in a pink dress. Despite the cuteness of these encounters, they have an uncanny and unnerving quality to them.
While the Pink Lady legend has persisted through generations, some doubt its validity. A handful of individuals speculate that the paranormal activity at the Omni Grove Park Inn may have more concrete roots. Regardless, the legend of the Pink Lady continues to captivate visitors and adds to the inn’s mystique.
Zelda Fitzgerald Theory
Another theory regarding the haunting at the Omni Grove Park Inn revolves around the famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda. During the 1930s, F. Scott Fitzgerald stayed at the inn for two years while his wife received treatment at Asheville’s Highland Hospital.
The tragic fire that occurred on March 10, 1948, at Highland Hospital claimed the lives of Zelda Fitzgerald and eight other women. Some believe that the ghostly encounters at the Omni Grove Park Inn may actually be the spirit of Zelda seeking solace in a place filled with memories for her and her husband.
This theory suggests that the haunting at the inn may have a more tangible basis in reality. The emotional attachment that Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald had to the area, particularly during their challenging times, adds a captivating element to the ghostly legends associated with the inn.
Conclusion
The Omni Grove Park Inn is not just a historic resort but also a place shrouded in ghostly tales and local legends. Its rich history, from its roots as a result of Edwin Wiley Grove’s entrepreneurial spirit to its strategic role during World War II, adds to its allure.
With its range of facilities and amenities, the inn offers guests a luxurious and memorable experience. However, it is the stories of ghostly encounters, particularly those involving the Pink Lady, that have truly captured the imagination of visitors.
Whether these ghostly manifestations are the result of paranormal activity or have more tangible explanations, the Omni Grove Park Inn remains an intriguing destination for those who enjoy a bit of mystery with their luxury. So, if you’re ready to brave the history and hauntings, the Omni Grove Park Inn awaits your visit.