NORTHERN SPY APPLE
The Northern Spy Suite, once Captain Perry’s sleeping quarters, is now the coziest and most budget-friendly room in the manor. The suite offers charming views: seasonal glimpses of Town Mountain from the front windows and a look over the south lawn, where a future Pétanque court will be situated. Designed for comfort and practicality, the suite features dedicated climate control, a petite modern writing desk paired with a professor’s reading chair, a ceiling fan, and the renowned king-size Duxiana 6006 bed. The artwork adorning the suite consists of vibrant vintage food and cocktail menus from the 1930s to 1950s, adding a nostalgic touch to the space.
The suite’s name pays homage to the Northern Spy apple, a variety with a rich history and cultural significance. Locals in Bloomfield and Rochester, New York, claim the apple was named after the hero of The Northern Spy, a dime store novel circulated anonymously among radical abolitionists around 1830. According to Conrad D. Gemmer’s writings on the Out on a Limb Apples website, the story features a hero who establishes a network of safe houses for escaped slaves traveling to Canada. Masquerading as a slave catcher, he secretly aids slaves in their escape but tragically dies in an imagined prelude to the Civil War, thirty years before the actual conflict.
The Northern Spy apple itself was discovered near Bloomfield, New York, around 1800, but it wasn’t successfully cultivated for commercial production until about 1830 due to early challenges in propagation. A bronze plaque in Bloomfield marks the site of the original tree. Today, the Northern Spy ranks as the fifteenth most popular apple variety in the U.S., valued for its tart, tangy flavor and excellent storage qualities.
This apple variety was celebrated with its own U.S. Postal Service stamp in 2013, bearing the playful slogan, “Spies are for Pies.” Its tangy taste makes it a top choice for baking, especially in pies and desserts, where its flavor shines. While not as popular for eating fresh, its late-season harvest and long shelf life make it a reliable option for cider, juice, and culinary creations. The Northern Spy Suite, much like its namesake, offers a blend of historical charm and practicality, making it a delightful retreat for guests.
Tom Collins's Stories
Asheville has been called many things—weirdest, happiest, quirkiest place in America, Santa Fe of the East, New Age Capital of the World, Paris of the South, Beer City USA, Most Haunted, Sky City and others. It has many secrets, mysteries, and legends—some factual, some alleged, some exaggerated and some just plain lies.
