Indian Trail North Carolina Team Wins At National Gingerbread Contest

The annual National Gingerbread House Competition at the Omni Grove Park Inn brings large numbers of entries each year.  In its 30th year, the contest in Asheville had 219 entries this season.  And, stakes increased with more than $40,000 available in cash and prizes.  According to The Weekly, one of the entries came from the Indian Trail, North Carolina team of Michael and Julie Andreacola.  The duo submitted "National Museum of Gingerbread," winning the Most Innovative Structure award.  The category was one of six new ones added this year.  And, in keeping with tradition, the entries remain on display at The Omni Grove Park Inn until January 2.  Registered hotel guests and customers with dining reservations may view them on Fridays and Saturdays.  Others may view the display Mondays-Thursdays and Sundays after 6 p.m. except for holidays.

Plus, you can see a complete list of top winners here and learn more about the competition.  The contest is billed as the largest gingerbread house competition in America.  The number of entries this year was nearly twice last year's 120.  And, previous years offered prizes totaling $25,000.  Celebrity Chef Carla Hall, recognized from her work on Food Network, also took part in judging.  The competition requires entries to be completely edible, with at least 3/4 made of gingerbread.  According to Food & Wine, the judges evaluate appearance, originality/creativity and other criteria.  Other regional winners came from Raleigh, Cary, Montreat and Greenville, South Carolina.

It all began on a small scale in 1992 to celebrate the season.  The original builders had no plans to continue, but these days the competition gets nationwide attention.  And, that makes us proud that an Indian Trail, North Carolina team brought home some of that glory.

(picture above courtesy of Julie Huffman Wilson FB page)

Planning a trip to Asheville this year? Enjoy a trip to Asheville and experience some of the best views in North Carolina. Stuck between two great wonders, the Blue Ridge Mountains and the French Broad River. This beautiful city will give you and the family a great time enjoying tons of attractions.

Attractions of America released a list of 10 tourist attractions in Asheville, North Carolina. You'll love the parks, the mountain views, and the downtown fun. Visitors will get the chance to visit museums, exhibitions, and the largest estate there is to see in North Carolina. Sit back, relax, and grab that pen and paper. You will want to keep this list ready when you are planning your trip to Asheville. Check out the top 10 tourist attractions in Asheville for your next weekend getaway.

Visit the River Arts District which involves 22 old commercial and vintage structures to enjoy. Walk around the area to meet specialists and appreciate the works of the craftsmen producing pottery, painting, weaving, and more!

Enjoy workshops and shows at the Folk Art Center this summer to help highlight some of the artistic ways. They are highlighting crafting materials including: glass, fiber, and mud.

Enjoy some exercising or take a stroll through the Pisgah National Forest. There are miles of trails, waterfalls, ponds, and tons of nature to enjoy. This park is one of the principal national parks in the nation and when you are in Asheville it'll be your chance to visit.

Visit the center where the arts, education, and entertainment meet and connect together for the community. The Pack Place Education, Arts, and Science Center downtown complex includes The Asheville Art Museum, The Colburn Earth Science Museum, The Diana Wortham Theatre, The Health Adventure, and the  YMI Cultural Center.

Everyone loves a good trip Downtown. Visit Downtown Asheville and check out amazing sights of art, great food, local shops, and connect with the locals and other tourists on the streets.

This unique granite formation shoots up over 2,000 feet for tourists and locals to enjoy. Experience Chimney Rock State Park all from the top of the mountain via an elevator and capture this iconic moment. Nearby is Hickory Nut Falls Trail which will give you the chance to see the 404 ft. waterfall.

Switch up the views and visit the Asheville Urban Trail in Downtown. Downtown is a uniquely crafted urban trail with attractions to share the story of the city. There are 30 stops in total on a 1.7 mile path throughout the streets that will help you learn the rich history of Asheville.

Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to the North Carolina Arboretum. There are over 65 acres of gardens, plus an extra 10 miles of trails outside with even more views.

If you are planning a trip to Asheville, then the Biltmore Estate is one of the MUST SEE attractions while you are there. Over 8,000 acres to explore and experience during a visit. It is one of the biggest privately-owned mansions in the nation.

The #1 must visit attraction is the Appalachian Trail! Over 300 miles of trails reside within North Carolina and the best parts you get to experience in Asheville. Here you will have the chance to reach over 6,000 feet high views!