Teen Category – First Prize

Enjoy viewing the entries of the National Gingerbread House Competition at the Historic Grove Park Inn in Asheville NC this Holiday season. 2011 marks the 19th year for this delightful annual contest.  Viewing is from November 16, 2011 to January 1 2012 throughout the halls and lobbies of the Grove Park Inn and is free to visitors and resort guests alike.  Community days are Sunday through Thursday and Resort Guests may view the display at anytime.  The gingerbread display and amazing holiday decorations throughout the halls and grand lobby are sure to get you in the mood for the Christmas Season!

Sunday afternoons from 1-3 pm, current and past winners share their stories; and allow the opportunity to meet and mingle with the Gingerbread “superstars.”

Additionally, there are “Stories of Gingerbread” guided tours.  The hour-long tours are Wednesday through Sunday at 9 am and 3 pm now through January 1 2012.  Tours are $12 each adult, $6 each child 12 and younger.  Advance reservations are required and may be made by calling 800 438 5800.

Some fun facts about the competition!  There are four age level categories to enter:  Adult (18 years old and older), Teen (13 – 17 years old), Youth (9 – 12 years old) and child (5-8 years old).  While there are many gingerbread houses to view, there are also all sorts of other whimsical gingerbread creations that are truly amazing in creativity and detail.  A professional panel judges the entries and the judging is based on overall appearance, originality/creativity, difficulty, precision and consistency of theme.  The entries must be constructed entirely of edible materials (except for the base).  Size may not exceed 2 feet long by 2 feet wide by 2 feet tall.  More than $12,000 in cash prizes are awarded and the grand prize winner received a $3000 cash prize and a 2 night Club Floor stay for 2 at the Grove Park Inn (so get your plans  entry ready for next year!!).

And if you’re looking for lodging nearby (other than at the Grove Park Inn), consider an Asheville Bed and Breakfast, Asheville Cabin or Asheville Vacation Rental.  We’d love to host you during your holiday stay in Asheville, NC and can help you with your holiday plans & reservations!  So much to do this season here in Asheville NC and Western North Carolina.

Keep scrolling down for to view more Gingerbread entry pictures!  I like the children entries the most.

The Historic Grove Park Inn – view of the back side from the newer Sammon Wing

Not of Gingerbread!  But a fun scale model of the Grove Park Inn found in one of the hallways.