We have RVed in all the 48 states and thoroughly enjoyed our beautiful country. But we chose to make Western North Carolina our permanent residence when we retired. We are frequently asked by other RVers about North Carolina and many are surprised to learn about our western mountains. I decided to put together a quick travelogue so you can view samples of some of the many things that make our Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains so attractive. You’ll get a glimpse of Asheville in Buncombe County and the world famous Biltmore House and Gardens. Then it’s off to Maggie Valley in Haywood County, home of the Cataloochie Ski Resort, Soco Gardens Zoo and Ghost Town. You’ll get to check out Nantahala River Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest where those in the know go for the best in kayaking and Nantahala River rafting.

In Graham County, you can enjoy a scenic adventure along the famous Cherohala Skyway, then by Fontana Lake and Dam and, perhaps, a stop at the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. If you’ve brought your bikes, you can even explore the Tsali Trail which skirts the Fontana Reservoir.

A trip to Cherokee in Swain County will take you by the Cherokee Bear Zoo, the Cherokee Indian Museum, the Oconaluftee Indian Village and, if you enjoy gaming, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, all on the Cherokee Indian Reservation. In the summer, the Cherokees put on their famous Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama. If you have kids with you, they will probably enjoy tubing at the nearby Deep Creek Tubes.

Heading south from Cherokee, you’ll visit northern Jackson County, home of Western Carolina University, and the Great Smoky Mountain Railway.

Instead to taking the direct route to Franklin (US-441) you can enjoy a drive on the western and southern legs of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway which route you through some of the most beautiful parts of the Pisgah National Forest.

Passing through Lauada, you’ll then head southward along the Little Tennessee River to Franklin and US-64. Now, heading eastward to Highlands along the majestic Cullusaja Gorge, US-64 takes you by some more waterfalls and to the quaint town of Brevard in Transylvania County (and some more very nice restaurants).

A little east of Brevard you will encounter US-276 northbound which passes by Looking Glass Falls, Moore Cove Creek Falls, Sliding Rock Falls and Slick Rock Falls as it climbs up the mountain to the Blue Ridge Parkway. You could take a little side trip at the Fish Hatchery and see Cove Creek Falls and Daniel Ridge Falls.

Heading north on the Parkway you will see Mt. Pisgah (and another great restaurant with splendid views right from your table). The Parkway will take you back to Asheville but, instead, take the North Carolina Arboretum exit.

Fairly new to the area, the North Carolina Arboretum has as its primary mission the preservation and display of native flora. The Arboretum’s 426 acres feature a broad variety of gardens including a ‘Quilt Garden’ (like a giant bed quilt) which undergoes major seasonal re-designs. Though specializing in native plants, the Arboretum also has some very specialized gardens (e.g., a beautiful azalea garden with dozens of varieties and a large Bonsai garden).

When you exit the Arboretum, turn left, go to the stop light, turn right and then take the first left. At the next light turn left, again, and proceed down the hill to I-26. Turn right onto the eastbound on-ramp. Now you can tour Historic Hendersonville (exit 44) and its unique Main Street. From downtown Hendersonville, take 6th Avenue (it’s one-way heading east) which becomes Four Seasons Blvd. Here you’ll find a vast commercial strip including everything from fast-food eateries to the Blue Ridge Shopping Mall. Continuing east of Four Seasons, take the east-bound on-ramp of I-26 which will take you by Historic Saluda (exit 59) and, at exit 67, Columbus, county seat of Polk County – nationally famous horse country. If, at the end of the exit ramp (at the traffic circle), you head to the right you can visit Tryon, site of the famous annual Tryon Steeplechase.

Head back to the freeway but take the on-ramp to US-74 east. This will take you to Rutherford County and the tri-cities: Forest City, Spindale and Rutherfordton. Forest City is especially spectacular during the Christmas season.

US-221 northbound will take you to McDowell County and Marion. Nearby is Lake James, the site of most of the filming of the classic film, Last of the Mohicans. Continuing northbound on US-221 will take you to Linville Caverns and the mammoth Linville Falls – and back to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Head west on the Parkway to return to Asheville. On the way you will cross NC-80 (heading north on NC-80 will take you to the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area and the South Toe River. Continuing west on the Parkway will bring you to NC-128 which is the access road to Mt. Mitchell, tallest mountain in the eastern United States.

Breath-taking, isn’t it. It took only a few minutes to describe this tour; it would probably take a week to actually do it. While almost any time in the Spring, Summer or Autumn are fine for this tour, I recommend early October when the leaves are putting on their Autumn Show. Folks come here from all over the country to see the blaze of color. I am sure you would find a visit to Western North Carolina very worth while and the source of memories you can cherish for the rest of your life! (and I don’t work for the Chamber of Commerce)

by Bob Masters  originally published 2005 in WNC Tour Guide

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The 2nd annual Brushfire Halloween bash at French Broad Brewery ! Wear your costumes and come ready to party down with us. This show is EARLY, so you can still get your spook on later in the evening after rocking out with us. Bring your friends, siblings, grandparents… bring everyone! See you there!

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More Great Halloween Events In Asheville:

BlogAsheville: Spooky Halloween Weekend Roundup!

Arts 2 People, Asheville Brewing Company and The Feral Chihuahuas present an all Night Halloween Event!!! Bone Chilling Comedy from the Feral Chihuahuas, Spooky Burlesque and side show…

Halloween 2009 in Asheville

Halloween is just a week away, and Asheville is filled with spooky fun for all ages. Check out our Halloween events and activities: Only-in Asheville Halloween Fun.

Asheville Travel Blog: An Asheville Ghost Story

It’s too ghostly good to keep under wraps this Halloween Eve. (Made my skin crawl!) Check out paranormal activity at an Asheville-area high school. 

Asheville, NC, is a scary place this month! « Lovers’ Loop …

The Asheville Halloween Party will be Oct. 31 at the Haywood Park Hotel grand ballroom downtown. The event will feature Halloween stuff plus a local improvisational comedy group.

Technorati Tags: Asheville Events, asheville halloween 2009, brewery, halloween

Drove down to Wayneville NC for a week in the Smoky Mountains. We rented a cabin in the hills overlooking Maggie Valley which is about 45 minutes west of Ashville. Had quite a bit of rain but fortunately we had clear day for long ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The fall colors are coming out and were in full swing on the Blue Ridge Parkway some of which was over 6000 ft. Also took a ride over t
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Asheville is a beautiful and ideal mountain destination, a wonderful dream vacation. The jewel of western North Carolina,  Asheville is an in-demand travel destination because of its attractive accommodations, fantastic mountain views and fascinating outdoor activities. As such, finding a cheap hotel in Asheville can often be very challenging if you are like most folks these days looking to save money anyway that they can.

Asheville is a wonderful place with friendly people with warm hearts. Asheville is centrally located within North Carolina’s mountains and at the doorstep of the Great Smokey Mountains. It is situated along the eastern portion of the United States in such a manner that it is easily accessible within a full days drive from almost the entire eastern half of the United States. So, if you are looking to save money on your next get-a-way then all that’s left is finding a nice, clean and cheap hotel in Asheville.

There are only a few cheap hotels to choose from in Asheville. Know your destination before deciding on a hotel. Plan your activities ahead and estimate the costs. Be sure to have extra budget for unexpected miscellaneous things you will run into as you explore Asheville. Once you are settled on your itinerary, then begin looking at Asheville’s various accommodations, such as the different hotels and Asheville lodging options.

It is always advisable to spend a little more for a moderate room. The prices for these three-star accommodations range approximately from $80 US up to $120+ US dollars per night. For those who are going to Asheville for a honeymoon or wedding, there are romantic accommodations offered for a little more money. This area is famous for it’s diversity and you will find that Asheville NC hotels provide accommodations and rooms for every need.

Book early, especially if you plan to go to Asheville over the Christmas season to experience Christmas at the Biltmore Estate, or to see the snow covered mountains and enjoy a little skiing on our fresh powdered runs. Perhaps you want to experience the serenity of hiking a lonely trail in the forest during the winter, when most old timers around here say is the best time to explore.

Recently I have discovered one of the best hotels in Asheville. If you are truly looking for a cheap hotel in Asheville without sacrificing comfort and cleanliness, then Value Place Asheville is the only real choice. I found this hotel under quite by accident. It was listed under “extended stay Asheville” when doing a Google search. We were flexible in our times and were looking to stay at least a week maybe even longer depending on what we found. Value Place Asheville made our vacation plans all come together for us allowing for some extra fun money from our savings at this cheap hotel in Asheville. We enjoyed some extra nights out having a blast in Downtown Asheville.

These Asheville accommodations were not flashy or luxurious by any stretch of the imagination, but they were clean, new and had every comfort of home including a full kitchen, satellite TV and private in-room internet access, along with a comfortable bed. Asheville Value Place is a cheap hotel in Asheville, but you would not know it if you stayed here. Sure, you might not get turn down service or a mint on your pillow at night, but if you want to do most of what you can do at home, but while you are traveling in western North Carolina, then Value Place Asheville is the smart way to go.

Asheville is a beautiful and ideal mountain destination, a wonderful dream vacation. The jewel of western North Carolina, Asheville is an in-demand travel destination because of its attractive accommodations, fantastic mountain views and fascinating outdoor activities. As such, finding a cheap hotel in Asheville can often be very challenging if you are like most folks these days looking to save money anyway that they can.

Asheville is a wonderful place with friendly people with warm hearts. Asheville is centrally located within North Carolina’s mountains and at the doorstep of the Great Smokey Mountains. It is situated along the eastern portion of the United States in such a manner that it is easily accessible within a full days drive from almost the entire eastern half of the United States. So, if you are looking to save money on your next get-a-way then all that’s left is finding a nice, clean and cheap hotel in Asheville.

There are only a few cheap hotels to choose from in Asheville. Know your destination before deciding on a hotel. Plan your activities ahead and estimate the costs. Be sure to have extra budget for unexpected miscellaneous things you will run into as you explore Asheville. Once you are settled on your itinerary, then begin looking at Asheville’s various accommodations, such as the different hotels and Asheville lodging options.

It is always advisable to spend a little more for a moderate room. The prices for these three-star accommodations range approximately from $80 US up to $120+ US dollars per night. For those who are going to Asheville for a honeymoon or wedding, there are romantic accommodations offered for a little more money. This area is famous for it’s diversity and you will find that Asheville NC hotels provide accommodations and rooms for every need.

A Carolina Christmas from Biltmore Estate, with Kathy Mattea: Trailer from WDAVfm on Vimeo.

Book early, especially if you plan to go to Asheville over the Christmas season to experience Christmas at the Biltmore Estate, or to see the snow covered mountains and enjoy a little skiing on our fresh powdered runs. Perhaps you want to experience the serenity of hiking a lonely trail in the forest during the winter, when most old timers around here say is the best time to explore.

Recently I have discovered one of the best hotels in Asheville. If you are truly looking for a cheap hotel in Asheville without sacrificing comfort and cleanliness, then Value Place Asheville is the only real choice. I found this hotel under quite by accident. It was listed under “extended stay Asheville” when doing a Google search. We were flexible in our times and were looking to stay at least a week maybe even longer depending on what we found. Value Place Asheville made our vacation plans all come together for us allowing for some extra fun money from our savings at this cheap hotel in Asheville. We enjoyed some extra nights out having a blast in Downtown Asheville.

These Asheville accommodations were not flashy or luxurious by any stretch of the imagination, but they were clean, new and had every comfort of home including a full kitchen, satellite TV and private in-room internet access, along with a comfortable bed. Asheville Value Place is a cheap hotel in Asheville, but you would not know it if you stayed here. Sure, you might not get turn down service or a mint on your pillow at night, but if you want to do most of what you can do at home, but while you are traveling in western North Carolina, then Value Place Asheville is the smart way to go.

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Autumn is here and the first signs of color are beginning to surface. And, one of the best places to view the colors of the season change is Western North Carolina, and more specifically, Asheville. This southern city is close to popular leaf-viewing destinations such as the renowned Blue Ridge Parkway and one of the most visited parks in the country, Smoky Mountain National Park. It is also a short drive from several southern cities such as Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and Atlanta.

Since leaf season vacations are so popular, finding tips for planning the perfect Asheville vacation is important. For example, many travelers will find that visiting during the week is much better than a weekend.

Where to Stay During Your Asheville Mountain Vacation

The first item to consider is where to stay and when. The choice will depend on whether you are planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, or business retreat. Do not assume that you will find a room when you are in Asheville; hotels in Asheville experience their busiest time of year in the fall, so book ahead.

‘I planned a North Carolina mountain getaway last year,’ Janice Kennedy of Greensboro, NC said. ‘I started researching Asheville hotels about two weeks before I wanted to go and found that many were already booked. While we were able to find accommodations, they were not as nice as we would have liked. This year, I will plan a few months ahead of time to ensure a romantic mountain getaway with luxury amenities.’
Asheville is home to many luxury mountain getaways, family vacation rentals, and luxury condominium rentals. Many of these hotels and property management companies will offer travel concierge services to help you to best determine your personal travel needs.

Now, while getting away during the week may be a challenge for some, it may well be worth the effort. Many Asheville vacation rentals and luxury mountain getaways are less expensive during the week, and the crowds are much thinner. This will allow you more time to view the leaves and to explore fall harvest festivals; it will also leave you with more money in your pocket.

Explore the Leaves During Your Luxury Mountain Getaway

Taking a scenic drive, going for a mountain hike, exploring the many bike trails of Western North Carolina or jumping on horseback, are all viable options for leaf-viewing activities. In the early fall, the best scenic drives are at the highest elevations in the Asheville area such as Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain and Pisgah National Forest. In the mid-Fall, the fall color moves to new elevations and there are many colorful drives and day trips to areas such as Transylvania County, also known as ‘the land of the waterfalls,’ Hot Springs, Cherokee, and Maggie Valley. Late fall visitors will find the best splash of color in places like Kimberly Avenue in Asheville, the Hickory Nut Gap region, and the North Carolina Arboretum.

‘My family and I have visited Asheville several times to view the fall foliage. We have visited during the early and late part of the season,’ Mollie Page of Naples, FL, said. ‘I find that visiting at the beginning of the season, early October, and then towards the end, in say early November, are great times to escape the majority of leaf viewers and still have a wonderful Asheville mountain experience.’

Enjoy the Autumn Harvest in Asheville

In addition to scenic drives and hikes, this is also a wonderful time of year to experience the Asheville area’s commitment to agriculture and locally-grown produce with some autumn harvest adventures that include a trip to one or more of over farmers markets, dinner at a local restaurant that serves regional fare, a visit to Harvest Celebration at the Biltmore Estate where the Appalachian heritage is celebrated through craft demonstrations, storytelling, music, and dance. While there, a visit to the winery may be a nice way to break from the sightseeing activities.

Many hotels in Asheville will offer vacation planning tips and provide you with the best ways to enjoy your mountain/city travel vacation. So, remember to plan ahead and book your room or Asheville condominium before you go. The Asheville Chamber of Commerce is a good source for travel and tourism in Asheville and can act as your travel and experience concierge.

Author: Liisa Sullivan

Liisa Sullivan lives just outside of Asheville in Weaverville, NC and writes for luxury living and lifestyle magazines. Visit http://www.residencesatbiltmore.com/hospitality or email concierge@residencesatbiltmore.com for more information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Liisa_Sullivan

Technorati Tags: asheville hotels, best fall foilage, fall foilage peak, north carolina travel

Five Short Hikes Near Asheville, NC

The Asheville area is rich in tracts of undisturbed wilderness areas, national and state parks. It is also home to many beautiful North Carolina mountain homes. Visitors and North Carolina mountain homeowners seeking hiking recreation may be overwhelmed by the number of choices and also question the level of physical ability needed.

Here are some important hiking tips: bring enough drinking water and some warm clothing; wear hiking boots with grip; and pack rain gear in case of storms. In Western North Carolina, weather and temperature shift quickly and many of the trails near Asheville are rocky, and steep, so be prepared for some cardiovascular exercise.

Here are five short hikes that can be done in one to two hours. Expect more cardio exertion on the high country hikes (Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell, and Max Patch) and less on the river hiking (East Fork River and Hot Springs).

Craggy Gardens

The hike to Craggy Gardens is .7 miles and begins at milepost 364 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a short, steady, upward climb that takes about 20-30 minutes. In the spring, this grassy bald is filled with wildflowers and rhododendron. Once the summit has been reached, enjoy the 360-degree views of the Asheville area.

Mount Mitchell

Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 355. Mount Mitchell is the tallest mountain east of the Mississippi River and stands at 6,684 feet. To reach Mount Mitchell from the Asheville area, visitors are best advised to pass through Burnsville or Marion and access it through Route 80. Due to a roadway failure, the Blue Ridge Parkway is closed between Craggy Gardens and Mount Mitchell. While the new observation deck is underway, there is no access to the observation deck trail or short trail sections at the top. There is still plenty of parking on top of Mount Mitchell, and other short hikes to enjoy, most notably, the Camp Alice Trail. The Camp Alice Trail offers breathtaking views of the summit and a closer look at native flora and fauna, and is only 2.5 miles in length. Access Camp Alice by following the gravel road to the right of the park office to signs for the Commissary Trail.

Directions: From I-40, east of Asheville, take exit 86, NC 226 to Marion/Shelby. NC 226 merges with US 221 and US 7 1000 0 in Marion. Veer left on US 70. After about two miles, turn north on NC 80. Follow NC 80 north/northeast for 16 miles. Turn left onto the Blue Ridge Parkway. Follow the parkway to mile marker #355 and turn right onto NC 128, which leads to the park.

Max Patch

Called the crown jewel of the Appalachian Trail, Max Patch is a near 5,000 feet summit that offers 360-degree views of the Smokey Mountains, and portions of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Max Patch Bald is covered with high grass and wildflowers in early spring, though it is often cut and rolled as hay. It’s a short, but steep walk to the summit. Max Patch Bald is a great place to fly a kite, have a picnic, or enjoy the views of the surrounding area.

Directions: Take 40 West from Asheville, just past the Tennessee line and take the Harmon’s Den exit. Make an immediate right onto a dirt road. Follow signs all the way up the mountain to the Max Patch parking area

East Fork River

The East Fork takes its trail name from following the east fork of the Pigeon River. The East Fork River is a great short hike to a scenic waterfall and swimming hole. The hike into the first waterfall is level, with not much increase in elevation. Follow a meandering trail that stays close to the river most of the way. Hike about a mile, and at the fork in the trail, take the lower trail to the waterfall. Relax and enjoy the scenery.

Directions: Take the Blue Ridge Parkway South of Asheville, and travel over Mount Pisgah. After Mount Pisgah, look for Route 276. Make a left from the Parkway to the 276 junction and a right on 276. Travel down the steep hill to the first parking area on the left. The trail is not marked at the parking lot, but it is the East Fork River.

Hot Springs, in Madison County

Near the town of Hot Springs in Madison County, is a lovely short river hike, alongside one of the tributaries of the French Broad River. The mountain stream runs strong, but it is not a good area for swimming, although some ‘creek dipping’ is fun in warm weather. The trail is flat, a rarity in Western North Carolina. This is a great short trail that is not far from civilization and well traveled by people and dogs.

Directions: From Asheville, take 26 West to the second Weaverville exit, marked 25/70 ‘Marshall.’ Follow 25/70 for about 15 miles. Pass through the small town of Marshall and past several river rafting companies. Shortly after this, look for a green sign at an intersection, pointing to Hot Springs. At this intersection, notice the parking area to the left of the building. This is the parking area for the river trail. The trailhead is to the far left of the parking lot.

The Southern Appalachian and Smokey Mountains are some of the most breathtaking and scenic mountains in the U.S. Remember to prepare for quick changes in climate whether you are visiting or already own some Asheville North Carolina real estate.

By: Elizabeth Kirwin

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Elizabeth Kirwin is a travel and leisure writer who publishes articles on the Asheville and Western North Carolina area and other popular travel destinations in the United States. Her writing focuses on artistic, cultural, historical, and educational views of the areas she writes about. Visit www.whispernc.com or email info@whispernc.com for more information.

Western NC Waterfalls (Linville Falls)

CLICK HERE to watch video & to see more pictures of the Falls & the Caverns.

Scenic trips to see waterfalls, foliage in Western NC

Scenic trips to see waterfalls, foliage in ASHEVILLE, NC — Some of the prettiest places to see fall foliage in Western North Carolina also offer scenic views of waterfalls…

Wild Nature Photography by Juan A. Pons » Blog Archive

Over the past few weeks I have gotten a handful of requests to run a fall foliage & waterfall photo workshop in western North Carolina.

Western North Carolina: The Grotto – Waterfall Landscape

Western North Carolina … “This one is a beautiful waterfall in the Smoky Mountains. It takes a hike to see this one, but it sure is nice.

Fall Season in Asheville, NC and on the Blue Ridge Parkway

A short distance from the Parkway, further into Pisgah, reveals gorgeous streaming waterfalls which illuminate the fall foliage. The bright colors supply a wondrous backdrop…

Hikes & Waterfalls near Highlands & Cashiers « Asheville

The area around Cashiers and Highlands, North Carolina, is definitely an outdoor lover’s paradise, with many waterfalls and great hiking trails.

Technorati Tags: blue ridge mountains, famous waterfalls, nc waterfalls, north carolina hiking trails

According to our Facebook friend  Grandfather Mountain:

Fall color is the most exciting above 3,500 feet right now. Tourists and photographers were out in full force along the Blue Ridge Parkway on Tuesday to enjoy the view.

The famous curve of the Linn Cove Viaduct is surrounded by magical fall color right now. The reds, yellows and oranges are creeping down the mountainside.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

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October 10th and 17th 10am-4pm

Location : Pack Square, Downtown Asheville
Contact : Ashevilleartinthepark.com

From pottery to jewelry to sculpture and two-dimensional art, the market promises an array of creations from the planet’s very marrow, including glass, ceramics, woodworking, metalsmithing, and the fabric arts. Come on out to Asheville Art in the Park to connect with local artists.

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The Asheville Downtown Association is excited to announce its inaugural Oktoberfest on Saturday, October 10 from 1-5pm on Wall Street.

“Our Oktoberfest will mix Bavarian traditions with Asheville’s eclectic vibe,” says Adrian Vassallo, event organizer and ADA treasurer. He adds, “With Asheville’s recent recognition as ‘Beer City USA,’ the timing couldn’t be more perfect to celebrate our local beer scene. Plus, Wall Street is an ideal venue for this event with its old world feel and original cobblestones.”

The event will feature beer tastings from local breweries including Highland Brewing, Asheville Brewing Company, Pisgah Brewing, Green Man Brewery, and French Broad Brewing Company. Many brewers are featuring seasonal ales for Oktoberfest, and will be on hand to discuss their beers.

Also, Wall Street restaurants Cucina 24, Jack of the Wood, and The Market Place will be preparing authentic German food fare served with local mustard from the Lusty Monk.

Entertainment will cross the Bavarian-Asheville divide as well with the traditional from The Stratton Mountain Boys and the eclectic from Asheville’s own The Goodies. The Stratton Mountain Boys have brought the haunting sounds of four alphorns, happy yodeling songs, shoe slapping dances, and lively spirited Polka music to audiences across the U.S for more than 30 years. The Goodies are the epitome of Asheville’s funky and diverse music scene playing a gypsy-style eclectic hard rock and funk. Their live performances are known for being theatric and vaudevillian.

The entertainment doesn’t stop there. Festival-goers can participate in one or more of the many fun contests including yodeling, a costume contest, a stein race, and more. Prizes will be awarded.

Tickets are $25 and include beer samples and a commemorative Oktoberfest glass. Tickets are available now at ashevilledowntown.org. Space is limited, so purchase early.

Click here to purchase Oktoberfest tickets.

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Technorati Tags: asheville, beer, downtown, festival, food, oktoberfest, Wall Street