When the crushing winter months in the city (I'm from NY) had me feeling down, I took a long weekend jaunt to the beautiful Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, NC. I was happy with my decision from the moment I set foot upon its 85 acres of gorgeousness. I was warmly welcomed by Jordan and Rachel who ensured that my stay would be comfortable and relaxing, starting with a 90-minute massage in their state of the art spa, which was converted from an old horse stable. The space was warm and inviting, and my massage therapist Madeline was simply superb. The massage (which was easy to book in advance) was among the best I've ever had, incorporating aroma therapy and an exfoliating facial to boot! As a solo traveler, I had the privilege of staying in The Loft, one of the smaller residences (perfect for singles or a couple), which sits conveniently in the middle of the property. The accommodations were clean, the bed extremely comfortable (I took numerous naps), and the coffee maker and mini-fridge made for extra convenience. Just steps away on the main lawn sits a picnic area replete with comfy chairs, a fire pit, and stunning sunset views. As the weather was perfect, I made sure to enjoy sitting outside as much as possible with a glass of wine in hand. The property is an easy drive from various activities - I twice went running on the Oklawaha Greenway, enjoyed a lovely dinner at a new French restaurant (aptly named The French Broad after the local river) on Hendersonville's Main Street, and took a day trip to Asheville which is roughly 30 minutes away depending on traffic. Truthfully, though, I would have forgone Asheville altogether to spend more time with the farm's famed hens and a pregnant goat named Bobbie Marley (she was a hoot!). I could go on and on, but suffice it to say the Horse Shoe Farm is a perfect destination for travelers of all kinds, whether you're looking for an event/retreat space, or just looking to get away for a few days and find some peace of mind. Speaking of peace of mind, there is no better place than the Sanctuary to practice some morning yoga... Namaste and enjoy your stay!
