Grandfather Mountain got its’ name in part because the ridge line resembles an old man looking into the sky and also some of the rocks are over a billion years old.
One of his running scenes included the way up to Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina . Bobby and I had the chance to hike up there this past weekend. Breathtaking view, I tell you!
Many do not want to spend too much time, always there but In any case, a change of scenery and wanted to escape the stifling summer heat, we decided to examine the Grandfather Mountain
Brawny athletes, delicate dancers, noisy bagpipe band parades, rocking Celtic music and a spectacular highland setting makes this colorful celebration.
If you are thinking about coming to Asheville to enjoy all its splendor over Thanksgiving, then be sure to get your reservations in at any one of these marvelous restaurants that Explore Asheville.com has been so kind to put together. As you may be aware of already, Asheville has many hidden treasures within besides the mountainscape in all its glory. One is the plethora of wonderful foods and gustatory sensations that are found within these fine establishments. Once again, its great that you are thinking about coming to Asheville and before you come call around to some of these restaurants and reserve you seating now.
A long time resident of Asheville, NC, his seamless blending of musical genres and driving style brought a completion to the band’s sound that continues to characterize and define.
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 Read more…
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.
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).
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.”
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.
With the economy the way it is right now many of us have been tightening our belts, but cutting out that family vacation or annual trip to Asheville, North Carolina is simply out of the question. While it’s true things seem to have become more expensive, but we all still want to travel and have a great time. The trick to pulling this off is finding ways to get a cheap rate at an Asheville hotel with less money than we’d normally spend. What’s cool is that you can get cheap hotel rates for Asheville hotels and Asheville extended stay hotels as well as budget motels and inns for all sorts of accommadations and lodging in Asheville by booking online. Below you will find what what you need to know.
If saving money on your hotel stay in Asheville is what your after, then you must book online. However, you do not want to use one of the major sites like Priceline, Hotels.com, or even Expedia. Sure, these sites have fair hotel rates and you can find cheap hotel rates for an Asheville extended stay or an Asheville hotel, but they are not the best. What you don’t know is that they’re set up to give you the best discount only when you purchase a "package deal" including airfare as well as a rental car. When looking for the best Asheville hotel rate, or the best deal on an Asheville motel, or an Asheville extended stay and you just need a clean, comfortable and safe place to stay with all the comforts of home, then stay with me a second and I will share with you a secret that I have discovered.
While it is true that there are other sites that deal only with hotels that can help you get cheap hotel rates in Asheville without having to jump through any hoops, but you don’t really know what you are getting. Imagine bidding on an Asheville hotel or an Asheville extended stay and thinking you will be staying in a great place only to find out the place is a dump? What do you do then? Well, if you’ve experienced this like I have then you have two choices: either accept the place and demand a better rate on the spot claiming deceptive advertising, or take your chances trying to find another place taking the rest of the night if you are lucky! There is a better option for a great place to stay in Asheville. A place that is very comfortable, new, clean, and safe. The people are friendly and you can stay just a week or longer if you like. The secret I have found in Asheville is Value Place. There is no other hotel of extended stay in Asheville that even comes close in value. They have everything you need so you’ll have more money left over to spend on fun things to do in Asheville like going to the Biltmore Estate, or checking out the exciting things downtown Asheville has to offer.
There’s a reason people flock to Asheville in autumn: it’s beautiful. From late September into November, you can find pretty foliage somewhere in the area, depending on elevation.
. Bobby and I had the chance to hike up there this past weekend. Breathtaking view, I tell you!
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.
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With the economy the way it is right now many of us have been tightening our belts, but cutting out that family vacation or annual trip to Asheville, North Carolina is simply out of the question. While it’s true things seem to have become more expensive, but we all still want to travel and have a great time. The trick to pulling this off is finding ways to get a cheap rate at an 
