The Tabletop Inn is a board game themed bed and breakfast nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains that was created by owners (and board game designers!) Grace Kendall and Mike Belsole. Located just about an hour from the Asheville Airport, the Tabletop Inn combines the convenience of being near an airport and a city with small town charm. You can visit their website at https://www.tabletopinn.com/
According to Mike and Grace:
The Tabletop Inn is a unique getaway described by reviewers as “a board game lover’s paradise.” This boutique inn offers:
- Welcoming hosts who are published game designers
- A library of over 600 board games
- Uniquely decorated 2-bedroom suites
- Delicious homemade breakfast
- A breathtaking view of the mountains
The B&B opened in September of 2024, with the first guests being there during and in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Thankfully, the Inn did not sustain any damage and Grace and Mike were able to provide community support during a very difficult time. Mike and Grace are now taking the next step of celebrating the official grand opening of the Inn, complete with a ribbon cutting carried out with giant scissors, on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 1:30 – 6:00 pm at 340 Hillcrest Drive, Marion NC, 28752. The event is drop-in and will include puzzles, games, a scavenger hunt, and breakfast themed snacks. The event is free and open to people of all ages.
Mike had this to say about the Tabletop Inn:
We offer the classic bed and breakfast experience with a homemade breakfast and friendly hosts who live on site, so it’s a much more personal experience than you would get with an Airbnb.
Grace and Mike said they chose to theme their property around board games since they love playing and making games and both work in the tabletop industry. Their game Smug Owls won the 2024 Origins award for Best Party Game. (For the record, its my favorite game. There are now also 3 expansion packs you can purchase! You can purchase the game and/or expansion packs here).
The following review is based on my own personal experiences visiting The Tabletop Inn on multiple occasions:
Although I have never stayed at The Tabletop Inn as a paying guest, I have hung out and stayed there multiple times. Knowing Grace and Mike, I can imagine that they treat each guest as a beloved friend. The physical space feels cozy and homey. Mike is exceptional at explaining how to play games, making the best crepes I’ve ever had, and making everyone around feel at ease. Grace does an extraordinary job of making sure everyone around feels safe, happy, and included and is probably more thoughtful when it comes to interactions with others than anyone else I know. Mike and Grace both excel at interacting with and taking care of other people, which makes them perfect for the jobs of Innkeeper.
At The Tabletop Inn, I always feel like I’m in a warm and safe cocoon. Grace and Mike really listen when someone else speaks. They care deeply about other people. They are each thoughtful and tremendously kind. Grace and Mike are two of the very best people I know. They are both so kind, attentive, and loving in their friendships and I’m sure that bleeds into their interactions with guests as well. When you are at The Tabletop Inn, you feel like family. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere. It’s also surrounded by the very cool town of Marion, has many great hikes nearby, and has a ridiculously stunning view. You can walk to downtown Marion if you wish and Mike and Grace are very knowledgable about the area and all it has to offer.
The beds are comfy, the decor is awesome (each room is decorated thematically based on a board game), the breakfast is DELICIOUS, and everything is kept very clean!
Aside from all of that, it’s A BOARD GAME THEMED BED AND BREAKFAST! LESS THAN AN HOUR OUTSIDE OF ASHEVILLE!!! What are you waiting for? Book for yourself or for a group of friends today!
More reviews:
Guests have been raving about their experiences at the Tabletop Inn. “Every member of our group mentioned how they enjoyed the quirks of the inn and loved the variety of games, rooms and food better than a traditional hotel,” wrote one reviewer.
“Tabletop Inn is far from an ordinary bed & breakfast. It is a haven for board game enthusiasts, creative minds, and those looking for a relaxing getaway with a twist,” wrote Sarah Gazi, CEO of the Association of Lodging Professionals in Innovations Magazine.
For interviews, media requests, or additional information, you can reach Mike and Grace directly at stay@tabletopinn.com or 914-297-9048.
How Could I Fear Any Hurricane? 