Video: WNC gingerbread houses on Good Morning America

Jason Sandford December 25, 2012

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Grove Park Inn photo of Ann Bailey’s winning nativity scene.

Check out two amazing WNC winners in the 20th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition & Display at the Grove Park Inn. Appearing on Good Morning America this morning were winning creations from WNC teen Carly Owens of Swannanoa, and the Grand Prize winner, a completely edible “ginger gel” nativity scene from Ann Bailey of Cary, NC.

Good Morning America video with chefs Rachel Willen and Mario Batali here.

Grove Park Inn link here.

Grove Park Inn photo of Carly Owens’ winning entry, inspired by the Muppet Christmas Carol movie.

Owens’ and Bailey’s gingerbread creations are on display at the GPI through Jan. 2. Viewing the houses is free, but in a controversial move, this year the GPI began charging $10 for parking.

From the GPI:

Community viewing days for the public wishing to view the National Gingerbread House Display are 7am-12 midnight, Monday-Thursday. Excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New year’s Day.

If you wish to view the display on any other day of the week, you must be an overnight guest of The Inn or have a confirmed Spa or Dining reservation.

New Parking Fee Structure:
Please note that beginning Nov. 19, there will be a new daily parking fee structure for all drive-on traffic. The fees are:
$10 – surface lot parking
$12 – covered, garage parking
$15 – valet parking

For more information, please call the Gingerbread Hotline at 800-438-0050, Ext. #1522.

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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6 Comments

Joan January 10, 2013

We tried to get in on the 30th of December and were turned away. Something about too many guests so they werent opening up the gingerbread display to the public. VERY disappointing after driving 2 hours from Knoxville.

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brigitte mueller December 27, 2012

We payed for parking to see thehe gingerbread houses. Fine with me, we were a group of six. But yesterday we went for dinner there and still had to pay a parking fee. Thats not right and a big minus. They need to change that :/. houses were great though

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Selene December 26, 2012

Very cool, and I’d love to go see them, but $10 to park? No thanks!

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1. Heather December 26, 2012
  
  We went this year and last, to support our children who entered (and placed)with their class. It was lovely both times. However, this year we opted NOT to view houses with a glass of wine or purchase Christmas gifts like we have in the past–due to the newly instituted parking fee.
  
  Reply
2. Hal December 27, 2012
  
  If you go midweek and park in the outdoor lot near the sports complex you don’t have to pay anything. I think with all the bluster over the parking fees they aren’t exactly working hard to enforce it unless you drive right past the front. Or sneak into a garage. We went and had a wonderful time. With the parking fee it really cuts down on the overcrowding and “riff raff” that clogged the place.
  
  Reply