Asheville Attractions

Biltmore Estate

Celeste Lauren — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 16:57:43 -0400

The Biltmore Estate is a National Treasure. The Estate is best known for the Biltmore House, a French chateau style castle that covers 4 acres under one roof on 8,000 acres of land. The Biltmore House stands out as the largest privately owned home in the United States. It is a historic tourist destination with over 1 million visitors a year. The home is 175,000 square feet, 250 rooms, has 65 fireplaces, one indoor pool, a bowling alley, stunning medieval tapestries, and an immense library.

While the Biltmore House is a must-see, there are many fun things to do within the gates of Estate. You can spend a full day (or 2) exploring the beautiful gardens, hiking, biking, carriage rides, horseback riding and other outdoor adventures. Take a winery tour and enjoy fine dining in one of its many restaurants as well as shopping or live music in Antler Hill Village which stays open in the evenings.

If you plan to see the Biltmore house on your visit, we can have the tickets waiting for you in your chalet. Tickets are $50 each, a $9-$19 off the gate price and you can avoid standing in lines and just drive to the gate to begin your visit.

TIPS FOR VISITING BILTMORE ESTATE

1. Take your time exploring during your vacation at Biltmore. Plan to spend the day, or perhaps two.
2. Wear very comfortable walking shoes.
3. Arrive early to avoid crowds.
4. Saturdays are the busiest days. The most crowded days of the year are Saturdays in April, May, October, November, and December.
5. You will need a car since the drive to the Biltmore House from the entrance gate is three miles. It's another two miles to the Winery.
6. Bring your own picnic or stop by the Ice Cream Shop outside the Biltmore House to purchase a picnic to go. There are many great picnic spots on the Estate.
7. There are activities and restaurants open in the evening at Antler Hill Village. (Call 877-BILTMORE or visit online for seasonal hours). If you arrive on the estate after 4 p.m., your ticket can be validated for the next day at the Reception & Ticket Center.
8. The grounds of Biltmore Estate are great for walking your pets, but please make sure to keep them securely leashed at all times. Pets are not allowed inside Biltmore mansion or other estate buildings such as the winery, restaurants, and shops.
9. During busy times guests are assigned a reservation time to tour the Biltmore House.
10. Check the Biltmore Estate Web site for more information or call for current hours.

River Rafting

Celeste Lauren — Fri, 14 May 2010 16:21:25 -0400

Whitewater Rafting Guide

French Broad Rafting Expeditions

Whether its adventure and excitement of whitewater rafting or the ease and relaxation of a calm water trip, French Broad Rafting Expeditions has a wide range of trips for you, your family, or your group. Only 30 minutes from downtown Asheville, it's close proximity to the city makes it an ideal day trip adventure. Milder trips for the younger family members.

Huck Finn Rafting Adventures

Located in downtown Hot Springs NC; 40 minutes from Asheville
Open 6 days a week; March thru November
Family owned & operated, 800-303-7238

Doggie Attractions

Celeste Lauren — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 16:40:00 -0400

For our Guests with Dogs

We have created this page for our guests with four-legged family members who want to know how to create the best vacation they can for all members of the family. You will find places in Asheville who welcome your pet and also safe, friendly, and happy places to leave them when you are traveling somewhere where they may not be able to join you and they don't want to stay by themselves.

The Wandering Pooch

A travel guide and service directory for families with four-legged members.

Doggy daycares

All of these have been in the area awhile. The first one is closest to the chalets. I've not used them but they are all privately owned and have good reviews.

At Play with Sparky: http://www.atplaywithsparky.com/
Near Biltmore estate entrance and closest to the chalets.

Dog House Doggie Daycare: http://www.doghousedoggiedaycare.com/
down by river between Biltmore Estate & downtown.

You Work I Play: Brevard Rd http://www.ywipdogdaycare.com/
furthest from chalets.

Dog Parks

French Broad River Park - One of Asheville's most beautiful parks, it has a one acre fenced and wood chipped dog park for off-leash dogs. The Dog Park features a large fenced-in area made for exercising and socializing your pooch, separated for small and larger dogs. Water and poop bags provided. The park also features a vast area of open green space with old trees, a wildflower garden, a paved trail, a gazebo, picnic tables and grills, an observation deck, and a small playground. Located at Amboy Rd. and Riverview Dr. in west Asheville, not too far from Biltmore Estate. From the Biltmore Village area, take a left on Meadow Drive off of Biltmore Ave.

Azalea Dog Park Park in Asheville is part of a 155-acre park and has been developed as one of Asheville's top parks. The dog park features two fenced-in areas, one for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs, separated by a gate.

Poop bags are generally available, but you will need to bring your own water. The dog park adjoins a pond and a small grassy area with a few picnic tables, and there are a few hiking trails close by as well.

Directions: Use Exit 8 off of Route 240 and follow signs for the WNC Nature Center. The park is at 395 Azalea Road, a few miles past the WNC Nature Center. Continue on Azalea Road past all the soccer fields and the dog park will be on the left.

Hiking with you Pet:

Check out Pooch Paths:

Bent Creek Experimental Forest - Easily accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway and not far from I-26 it is a true natural gem. The forest is right off Brevard Road (Rt. 191) south of Asheville. It encompasses nearly 6,000 acres of forest and streams, is home to the North Carolina Arboretum, and includes the Lake Powhatan recreational area (swimming, fishing and camping).

Bent Creek is also as close as you can get to doggie heaven. And oh so close to town. There are miles and miles of trails appropriate for hiking and biking.

Dog Shopping

There are numerous shops that you can visit that provide pet treats and accessories.

Three Dog Bakery where you can buy great healthy treats for your pup. 828-252-1818

Waggers Dog Depot - They offer a delicious variety of homemade treats & chews, dog clothing, collars, leashes, holiday and birthday gifts. They also provide a Grooming Salon for dogs and cats and A state-of-the-art self serve wash for the do it yourselfer. A short drive north of downtown at 1020 Merrimon Ave. 828-271-4741

Blaze-N-Skyy Pet Boutique Specializing in a wide selection of designer collars and leashes, one-of-a-kind dog clothes, accessories, beds, holistic treats and unusual pet gifts. 828-253-2850

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

This list of restaurants have outdoor seating where you can usually take your pet, weather permitting.

Pet Friendly web page

http://www.romanticasheville.com/pet_friendly.htm

Asheville Guides

Celeste Lauren — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:46:35 -0500

Asheville Cabins

Discover Asheville, NC

A recent ad campaign touted "Asheville...anyway you like it." Asheville is a city as distinctive as the people who call it home. In recent years, it's been recognized for its splendors by dozens of magazines, Web sites and publications.

Fodors.com listed Asheville as One of the “21 Places We’re Going in 2011,” alongside destinations like Copenhagen, Tokyo and Nicaragua. (January 2011).

The city has been referred to as the "Paris of the South" and The New York Times calls it a "surprisingly cosmopolitan city." And, Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham and Atlanta are all within less than a 4-hour drive.

In December 2008, Yahoo! Real Estate named Asheville as one of the top 10 places to live in the nation. The city has also received multiple accolades for its local arts, outdoor adventures, cuisine, organic and vegetarian eats, educational opportunities and much more. You Tube video of GAMs Most Beautiful Place - The Top 10 Most Beautiful Places. Natural Geographic Adventure Magazine ranks Asheville the number one out of 10 cities for popular outdoor sports in the region.

Asheville Dining

The Asheville, NC area is know for its many restaurants and fine dining. You can scroll through our list of restaurants for location and phone numbers.

Attractions

Asheville has been named Best Mountain Destination, Best Southern Town and one of just a dozen Must See Destinations. There is much to do and see so take the time to plan ahead.

Biltmore Estate

Asheville Swiss Chalet guests can purchase your Biltmore tickets from us for $50 (less than the gate price) and have them waiting in your chalet when you arrive.

Doggie Attractions

Asheville is a pet-friendly city in many ways. This page has more information on where you can take your pet.

Fishing

TakeMeFishingNC
Ashevillenc.com
Ashevillenc.com

Golfing

This page includes a list of Asheville NC golf courses,
types of courses, location, contact information and pricing guide.

Gyms:

The Rush - http://www.therush247.com

The YMCA - http://www.ymcawnc.org

Hiking and Biking

The Mountain trails of Western North Carolina around Asheville are some of the most scenic for hiking and biking. There are many choices from gentle walks to strenuous exercise.

Horseback Riding

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides - Located just 30 minutes from Asheville, near Weaverville. Rated by one of our guests as "a 5 star experience so close to Asheville!"

Massage

Appalachian Spa - Therapeutic Massage & Mobile Onsite Day Spa Services. www.appalachianspa.com. Experience the Luxury of having a full-service spa in the calm and comfort of your own Home. We bring the spa to you-Tranquility At Your Door Step!

River Rafting

There are many river rafting companies to choose from in the mountain area from easy to more difficult.

General Information - Web sites

Each of the following guides and directories offer information for things to see and do, restaurants and lodging in Asheville and the surrounding areas.

Asheville Now - comprehensive informational guide to the City of Asheville and Western North Carolina. Depicts local color and vitality that make Asheville, North Carolina a destination spot for thousands of travelers.

Explore Asheville - What to do, where to eat, where to stay

Asheville Chamber of Commerce

Asheville.com

Ashevillenc.com

Ashevillenow.com

Romantic Asheville.com

Visitnc.com

Golfing

Celeste Lauren — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:27:16 -0400

Asheville NC - Local Golf-Course Listings

Following is a list of Asheville NC golf courses,
types of courses, location, contact information and pricing guide
(call for current charges). Private clubs are not included.

ASHEVILLE MUNICIPAL GC, public:
226 Fairway Drive, Asheville, 28805 828-298-1867
off of Swannanoa River Rd.
Par: 72
Green Fee: $25; juniors $10; carts
$16 per person for 18 holes; $8 for nine holes
Tee times required

CROWNE PLAZA HOTEL AND RESORTS GC:
One Resort Drive, Asheville, 253-5874
Par: 70
Green Fee: $34 cart, $17 walking,
nine holes $18 cart, $11 walk.
Senior rate Mon.-Fri $20, $12 for nine holes includes cart.
Junior (ages 10-16) cart rate $17, $11 for nine holes.
Twilight rate $22 until dark includes cart.
Tee times suggested

BROADMOOR:
public N.C. 280,
near Asheville Regional Airport, 687-8545
Par: 72
Green Fee: Weekdays $37, $20 for nine holes; weekend $43, $24 for nine holes;
frequent player pass $310 for 10 rounds weekday, $350 for 10 rounds anytime;
senior rate (Mon-Fri) $26, Cart Included

HIGH VISTA CC:
semi- private, 88 Country Club Road, Arden, 254-2947
Par 72
Green Fee: Mon-Fri $42, Sat-Sun $47, $30 after 3 p.m. every day;
seniors $30 daily
Tee times preferred

GROVE PARK INN, Resort:
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, 252-2711 or (800) 438-5800 Ext. 1012
Par: 70
Green Fee: 18 holes $149; nine holes $85, cart included.
After 2 p.m. daily, $85, $50 for nine holes
Tee Times Required

Hiking & Biking

Totsie Marine — Tue, 19 May 2009 08:09:37 -0400

The Mountain trails of Western North Carolina around Asheville are some of the most scenic for hiking and biking. There are many choices from gentle walks to strenuous exercise.

Bent Creek Hiking
Bent Creek Biking

Bent Creek includes trails for hikers and bikers of all levels. With its' close proximity to Asheville, it is popular to tourists and locals alike, yet remarkably uncrowded.

Chimney Rock Park

Enjoy hiking and spectacular views at this well-known tourist spot. The focal point is a 315 foot monolith towering 2,280 feet in the air with 75-mile views. The Last of the Mohicans, the 1992 epic romantic adventure, filmed part of the movie along the Cliff Trail, including the climactic fight scene at the top of Hickory Nut Falls, a 404-foot waterfall located in the park.

HikeWNC

This site is your on-line hiking guidebook for the Mountain region of North Carolina, containing all of the information you need to make your next trip complete. You can find specific hikes or just have fun browsing the pictures.

Mountain Biking in Western NC

This site is a complete guide to trail networks in Western
North Carolina.

Romantic Asheville.com

Top 40 Asheville Hikes & NC Mountain Hiking Trails. This web site has done the work for you, some good information on where and what to hike.

North Carolina Arboretum

The 434 acre site is one of the most beautiful natural settings where you can enjoy hiking trails, flowering gardens, and special exhibits. It borders the Bent Creek hiking & biking trails.

Urban Trail walking tour of Asheville

The Asheville Urban Trail is a 1.7 mile walking trail that takes you around Asheville telling the history through sculptures and other art works found at each station. Walking guides and maps are available for self-guided tours free of charge at Pack Place and the Asheville Area Arts Council.

Attractions

Totsie Marine — Tue, 19 May 2009 08:03:21 -0400

Asheville has been named Best Mountain Destination, Best Southern Town and one of just a dozen Must See Destinations. There is much to do and see so take the time to plan ahead.

Asheville Botanical Gardens

151 Weaver Blvd
Asheville, NC
828-252-5190
This ten acre area features native flora of NC in a natural setting. Gardens open daylight hours. Visitors Center open 9:30 am to 4 pm.

Asheville's Fun Depot

Awarded Top Family Entertainment Center in the World two years in a row, the Fun Depot is great for all children over 5. Features: multi-level laser tag, 18 hole indoor mini-golf, a 24-foot climbing wall, soft play area, batting cages, multi-level outdoor go-cart track, indoor go-kart track, bumper cars, and mini-bowling! Young or old there is something for kids of all ages.

Biltmore Estate

One of Asheville's main attractions, the Biltmore Estate is America's largest home which has magnificent gardens and an award-winning winery. They have numerous outdoor activities, great shopping, and delicious dining as well.

Blowing Rock

Blowing Rock is North Carolina's oldest travel attraction since 1933.

Chimney Rock Park

Food Lion Skate Park

Fun for the teen or young at heart in your family. The Food Lion SkatePark offers a safe, challenging, and attractive skate park facility for skateboarders of all ages.

The Health Adventure

Another great attraction to visit with your children while in Asheville. The Health Adventure is a health and science museum for children that opens up the wonders of the human body and the world around us.

Lake Powhatan

Located just minutes from Asheville, NC, in the Pisgah National Forest. Lake Powhatan Recreation Area is a beautiful campground on the banks of Lake Powhatan where you can picnic, hike and swim. It adjoins the Bent Creek hiking trails and is nearby the WNC Arboretum, Biltmore Estate and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Linville Caverns

Located deep inside Humpback Mountain is North Carolina's only caverns. Linville caverns remain active as mineral deposits continue to form the stalactites and stalagmites. Guided Tours are offered daily and on weekends in the winter months.

Mount Mitchell State Park

Ascending more than a mile high, it is the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains. During the summer months wildflowers are abundant and the forest is lush and green.

North Carolina Arboretum

The 434 acre site is one of the most beautiful natural settings with magnificent gardens that reflect the flora & fauna of the mountains. You can enjoy special exhibits in the visitor's center and miles of hiking trails. The Arboretum borders the Bent Creek hiking & biking trails.

Pisgah National Forest

828-257-4200
Much of Western North Carolina is covered by national forest, making it a hiker's paradise. Looking Glass Falls, The Cradle of Forestry, and Sliding Rock-a 60 ft natural waterslide are located along 276 in the forest. For maps or information on great places to hike, call the National Forest Service.

Sandy Bottom Trail Rides

Asheville's premier horseback riding destination.
Open Year-Round!

Western North Carolina Nature Center

The WNC Nature Center is a great adventure for the younger set. It is a living museum of plants and animals native to the Appalachian region. You can see animals in their natural habitat and there is even a petting area for children to see animals up close.

Western NC Waterfalls
NC Wise Owl

If you love waterfalls, western NC has some of the best and easiest to access. Here are a couple of sites that give information on waterfalls in the area.