Worth the Drive: The Horse Shoe Farm

When you check into The Horse Shoe Farm in Hendersonville, N.C., you’ll be given a folded piece of paper, about the size of a business card. As you open it, you’ll see an invitation to The Ponder Wander. This is an illustrated encouragement to take a meditative, self-guided exploration of the farm’s 85 acres, with four intentional stops: the banks of the French Broad River (water), the Silo Meditation Tower (air), the Labyrinth (earth) and the Silo Fire (fire).

The Ponder Wander may be the first sign The Horse Shoe Farm isn’t like other resorts, but it’s not the last. The idea is that The Horse Shoe Farm is a place where things slow down. This isn’t glamping. You’ll have the finest of sheets, towels and A/C. You have plenty of bars of cell service and strong WiFi, should you decide to be connected. But you probably won’t want to.

When you book time at The Horse Shoe Farm, you’d be wise to treat the property like the sanctuary it offers, with its direct access to nature and gentle encouragement to disconnect. The Horse Shoe Farm doesn’t offer the kind of luxury that includes a pool boy and a cabana. But if you want a clean, quiet pool with views of Mount Pisgah — complete with a cold plunge, a hot tub, steam rooms, spas and spots to sip cocktails — this is the place.

What’s nearby

Asheville, N.C., with its breweries and galleries and historic homes, is about a 30-minute drive from The Horse Shoe Farm. There’s more than enough on the farm to keep you occupied and focused. But if you want to leave, you won’t be bored exploring Asheville (and Asheville would appreciate your tourism dollars post Hurricane Helene).

What to do

Make sure to book a massage appointment. A real-equestrian-stable-turned-spa might not sound relaxing — or even sanitary. But like everything else at The Horse Shoe Farm, it works. Each former horse stall is now a treatment room, and old watering troughs serve as planters. The common areas include a light-filled, high-ceiling respite where you can lounge after your treatments. 

Beyond the spa, there’s a swimming pool with a hot tub and cold plunge, activities like yoga and pickleball, a “farmhouse” stock of board games, books and art supplies, and acres to walk or hike. All that is in addition to The Ponder Wander, which should not be missed. Walking up the spiral staircase of the Silo Meditation Tower is a particular highlight. Take time to read the messages others have left on the walls. If you can, look out from the silo at sunset or sunrise. 

Where to eat

The Silo Cookhouse serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with many dishes made from produce grown in the farm’s garden and other ingredients sourced hyperlocally. The chefs offer dishes with Southern roots and global influences. If you want to venture to Asheville, Plant is one of the country’s most inventive vegan restaurants.

How to get a good night’s sleep

There are many kinds of accommodations, but the two- or three-bedroom Pond Cottages, with giant murals by Bolivia-born artist David Banegas, are idyllic. They’re outfitted with every modern need (full kitchens, giant bathrooms, plenty of closet space), but don’t feel out of place in a farm setting. You can sit in a rocker and take in the views. Or close the shades and get some shut-eye in complete darkness.