Facets of a Gem: The Hidden Crystal and Restaurant

Known as America's Emerald Capitol because of the town's gem mines, Hiddenite in Alexander County is home to The Hidden Crystal Inn and Restaurant. Founded as a bed and breakfast, this four-acre estate now features 16 bedrooms and suites plus a private restaurant, convention center, bungalow with a sunroom and Jacuzzi, manicured garden, lap pool and a quaint walking trail.

The buildings that make up The Hidden Crystal include a Manor House with eight bedrooms and suites, the Crystal Cottage with five bedrooms, conference room, and living room, a Spa Cottage with three suites, a living room and kitchenette, and a private restaurant used for weddings, business retreats, inn guests, receptions and private parties.

Eileen Sharpe, founder of the Inn, converted what was once a private home into a charming retreat for out-of-towners seeking a transient home-away-from-home. Mrs. Sharpe's inspiration, said her daughter and inn manager Lynn Hill, came from those who sought accommodations in the county while visiting Appalachian State University. Mrs. Sharpe answered that need. She also turned the old Lucas estate into The Lucas Mansion and Hiddenite Center.

Hill moved to the area in 1994 and added the conference building and food services in hopes of attracting more weddings among those interested in relaxing and enjoying mountainous surroundings. With help from her son, Jamie Hill, and sister, Shirley Sharpe, Hill began to create a horticulturist's dream in a Southern estate setting. In addition, visitors find constant reminders of the county's gem history around every corner. Even the bedrooms bear gem names: tourmaline, rose quartz, sapphire and mica among others.

Since June 1989, the inn has played host to more than 300 weddings and receptions as well as bridal brunches and get-togethers with family and friends. The Hidden Crystal offers wedding packages from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on number of guests and wedding options. Hill serves as the wedding coordinator and eagerly assists couples in creating a day or evening they will always remember fondly.
"Most of our fall weddings are done on the front porch because of the multiple-trunk sugar maple and magnolia trees that create a beautiful ambiance," Hill said. "In the spring and summer, weddings are held in the gazebo garden." With all corners covered, Hill says that in the event of rain, weddings are performed in front of the fireplace inside the Manor House.

From the restaurant, vines of various fruits drape archways to guard walks to the inn. Inside an English garden, designed by Shirley Sharpe, a bride would look exquisite near the white painted, wooden gazebo; this one is modeled after the gazebo at the Reynolda Gardens in Winston-Salem. A backdrop formed by the season's best flowers creates the perfect photo opportunity for a newly married couple or merging families.

Bradley and Julia High of Iredell County held their wedding reception at the Hidden Crystal last fall. Accompanied by clear skies, charm and hospitality, the inn and restaurant played host to over 150 guests who enjoyed a band, two buffet tables and two wedding cakes.

"Ms. Hill helped me out a lot by guiding me through organizing my reception," said Julia. "I would definitely recommend The Hidden Crystal to my friends and family to be the host for their events".

Many guests and members of the High wedding party stayed in the inn and enjoyed the elegant country atmosphere. The serene layout of the estate creates a feeling of being in a deep, wooded forest - even though furniture retail stores, a museum and gem mines are just a short drive away.

In addition to weddings, receptions and rehearsal dinners, The Hidden Crystal Inn and Restaurant is the perfect setting for business retreats, family reunions or a weekend getaway. Even wedding guests can stay on the grounds and feel as if they are home. For more information, contact Lynn Hill by calling 828-632-0063.

by Suzanne T. Jackson