ASHEVILLE, NC

Aaah . . . Asheville.
The scenic mountain city with spectacular sunset views.
www.exploreasheville.com

Although the mighty pull of heavy-weight Biltmore Estate may entice you to spend an entire day on her grounds, there are equally rewarding experiences to be had in Asheville minus the hefty cost.

Either way, do drive to the Biltmore Visitor Center to view the short, free video; if that doesn’t satisfy your desire to wander the cavernous halls and rooms of one of America’s most remarkable mansions, then at least let your credit card do a few warm-up stretches before putting it through the paces. And make sure you’ve set aside a full day for your visit. If you’re going to pay the hefty entrance fee, you may as well take advantage of all the Biltmore Estate offers.

www.biltmore.com

 

 

GROVE PARK INN

 

This mountain retreat was built from the vision of one man, Edwin Wiley Grove.

A successful pharmacist in the late 1800s, he capitalized on his own concoction: tasteless quinine. The tonic, used to treat and prevent malaria, became an instant hit. At the turn of the century, Mr. Grove, now a self-made millionaire, spent his summers in a sleepy little mountain village called Asheville. High above the little town, he enjoyed a modest cottage nestled in the restful woods and often wandered the shady paths that scaled the western-facing slope of Sunset Mountain.

 

It was about this place that he wrote, “After a long mountain walk one evening, at the sunset hour, … I sat down here to rest, and while almost entranced by the panorama of these encircling mountains and a restful outlook upon green fields, the dream of an old-time inn came to me—an inn whose exterior, and interior as well, should present a home-like and wholesome simplicity, whose hospitable doors should ever be open wide, inviting the traveler to rest awhile, shut in from the busy world outside.” (Edwin Grove, 1913)

The historic resort boasts the best view in the city, and it doesn’t disappoint. With a gorgeous view of downtown Asheville and hazy distant mountains, enjoy the “Lite Fare” menu on the SUNSET TERRACE.

Split the fried green tomato sandwich (with pimento cheese; it doesn’t get more southern than this) with your traveling companion and sip the signature drink, a “Sunset Martini”. Or splurge on dinner at this award-winning restaurant with its priceless setting; just be sure to make reservations and check the time of sunset ahead of time.

Whether you choose to stay at Grove Park Inn or dine at Sunset Terrace, you will join the ranks of those who have found sanctuary in this charming Blue Ridge resort.

The inn boasts an impressive guest list ranging from celebrities to world-leaders and other historic figures. As you wander its hallowed halls, keep an eye out… you never know who you might see!

www.groveparkinn.com

Rates from $199

#800-438-5800

 

Sunset Terrace #800-438-5800

 

INN & AROUND ASHEVILLE

 

Downtown Asheville, appropriately perched on a ridge, is a charming ring of buildings encircling the Vance Monument at Pack Square. More than two centuries old, this downtown hub provides plenty of art galleries, shops and outdoor cafes to enjoy on an evening out in Asheville.

www.romanticasheville.com

www.packplace.org

 

Pack Place:  the city’s art and culture complex, conveniently located just off the square. Check out their upcoming events online.

Botanical Gardens at Asheville:  Take a Hike! Enjoy the spectacular foliage of the Southern Appalachian Mountains area.

www.ashevillebotanicalgardens.org

 

Navitat Canopy Adventures:  zip-line tours through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains provide ample opportunities to view the scenery and glimpses of wildlife from a bird’s eye view (just outside of Asheville). www.navitat.com

 

Highland Waterfall Tour:  take a day or two to explore and hike the lush, hidden pathways and waterfalls deep in the Blue Ridge hills. Just 25 miles from Asheville, the dramatic Hickory Nut Falls (highlighted in movie The Last of the Mohicans) is located in Chimney Rock Park which proudly boasts the “best of North Carolina mountains in one place.

www.romanticasheville.com/waterfalls

 

Crooked Oak Inn: hit the sack at this Asheville gem, located near the downtown. Get to know the innkeepers online at their website; their personality and love for inn-keeping jumps off the page and guarantees a fun, interactive stay.

www.crookedoakmountaininn.com

Rates from $160, #828-252-9219

 

ASHEVILLE EATERIES

* Sunny Point Café:  Best place for breakfast! With a garden full of vegetables and herbs grown right outside, you’ll enjoy the fresh, hearty dishes. Add a little spice to your day by ordering the huevos rancheros. www.sunnypointcafe.com

 

* Asheville Pizza Brewing Company:  Although you will find plenty of places to dine in and around Pack Square, APBC offers one unbeatable eating experience. For a meal that captures the essence of Asheville, start off with an order of their King Kong Wings and the Jedi Jalapeño Poppers. Complete the meal with a large, gourmet Biltmore pizza and a Greek Salad on the side. Located just north of downtown near the base of Lookout Mountain, the pizza company offers a dine-in theater experience while you enjoy your meal.  www.ashevillebrewing.com

 

*  Tupelo Honey Café:  Conveniently located downtown, you’ll find a menu full of satisfying comfort food entrees, but expect to be surprised. The café prides itself on serving “new South flavors” and, using local produce, they’ve taken a little artistic liberty with traditional southern staples. www.tupelohoneycafe.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Along the Way in NC

Fuel up on healthy snacks at

 

 PIEDMONT TRIAD FARMERS MARKET

 

Exit 208, west of Greensboro. (www.ncagr.gov/markets/facilities/markets/triad/)

Kids driving you bonkers?
Get out of the car at CELEBRATION STATION!!!

Let out some of the energy in the huge game room and fuel up on pizza and other snack bar treats. Batting cages, bumper boats, go-carts, miniature golf and more!
Take exit 212, on the west side of Greensboro. (www.celebrationstation.com) #336-316-0606

After Winston-Salem, NC, the terrain along I-40 grows increasingly rocky as rolling hills herald the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy the first scenic views of smoky ridges at Morgantown.

The Appalachian vistas become even more breathtaking as you approach Marion, with the Pisgah National Forest directly to the north.

This book is laid out as if one were traveling from East to West, like the early explorers would have. As you take in the magnificent views before you, imagine their reactions as they embraced and articulated the beauty and wonder they saw for the first time. They must have struggled to find words to describe this yet “undiscovered” land; pioneers and settlers would follow, equally amazed at what they saw along the westward road. “Harsh and glorious ...;” “Raw, mesmerizing …” The views are just as marvelous today, enriched by the communities and culture created over the centuries.

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AS YOU TRAVEL ALONG I-40, YOU WILL OCCASSIONALLY SEE SIGNS COMMEMORATING THE "EISENHOWER INTERSTATE SYSTEM." THE PLAN TO BUILD THIS REMARKABLE NETWORK OF ROADS WON POPULARITY AFTER U.S. AUTOMOBILE MANUFACTURERS AND PRESIDENT DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER LOBBIED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NATIONWIDE HIGHWAY SYSTEM. THE FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAY ACT OF 1956 AUTHORIZED THE 35-YEAR PROJECT, COSTING ABOUT $425 BILLION.

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Keep an eye out for "Old Fort", visible from I-40 (about 25 miles east of Asheville, at exit 72). Built by the colonial militia before 1776, the fort once served as the western outpost of the early U.S. It's a great place to stop for a picnic and explore the historic buildings. (www.romanticasheville.com/old_fort.htm)

As you approach Asheville from the east, be sure to stop at the:

Asheville Folk Art Center

(www.southernhighlandguild.org)

(Exit 55, to the Blue Ridge Parkway, then follow signs)

This amazing facility is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild and showcases traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. The Guild, with deep roots in the Southern Arts& Crafts movement, has helped craftspeople in the Appalachian region to display and sell their wares since the Great Depression.

 

CHAPEL HILL, NC

A short drive from Durham is a much smaller college town, one well worth a visit. Franklin Street is the main artery through Chapel Hill, and choices for eating are ripe for the picking. The Carolina Brewery, situated towards the west end of Franklin, is the Triangle’s (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) oldest brewery and a superb opportunity to enjoy some of North Carolina’s home-grown beers. (www.visitchapelhill.org)

While enjoying the promenade activity from a sidewalk table, I recommend an order of beer-batter onion rings to go with the Beer Sampler, which allows you to try six of the brewery’s most popular beers. A pint of Copperline brew (rich, carmelized flavor and color) pairs well with an order of nachos or one of the brewery’s award-winning burgers. (www.carolinabrewery.com)

 

THE INN AT BINGHAM SCHOOL

 

www.chapel-hill-inn.com

 

Rates from $150, #919-563-5583

The original structure of this fabulous inn dates back to 1790. More recently, in the 1800s, the property housed a school for boys operated by the Bingham family, followed by a dairy farm much later. While the variety of uses has resulted in several additions and renovations over the centuries, the result is magical. Swing in the hammocks under white lights, the sounds of crickets and a lone barn owl will carry you off…
fireflies in June light up the night.

In the coolness of the morning, birdsongs fill the air. Take a walk along the shady, wooded paths at the back of the property or enjoy a cup of the Bingham special house blend while sitting in the hand-crafted Adirondack chairs shaded by a wisteria-covered pergola.

 

Before continuing on your journey, wander through the foyer filled with artifacts, letters and interesting memorabilia of the Bingham School. It is a fascinating presentation of the area’s educational tradition and philosophy. Consider the Bingham School philosophy, “Bingham is an unmatched demonstration of the spirit which uses all good things that are new, yet holds to all that is best in the past.” The inn does just that; feel the history, unwind with modern amenities and celebrate the culmination of the two.

LOOKING FOR ADVENTURE:

North Carolina is filled with high-adventure activities and outdoor entertainment.

From white-water rafting to zip-lines and canopy tours,

you won't want to miss the fun NC has in store for you!

Hold on to your hats and head on out. Nature calls!!!

Durham, NC

Nestled up to a peaceful, park-like corner of Duke University campus, the King’s Daughters Inn is a restful respite from the road.

Possibly the most elegant and luxurious inn you will ever stay in, the KDI is a charming mix of cool, contemporary decor and historic stature.

Luxuriant linens, lavish decor and quiet sitting rooms provide the perfect place to unwind after a day of traveling. This large inn showcases contemporary lines while still maintaining a restful, cozy feel. Think modern spa meets southern mansion.

The transformation from elderly women’s home to B&B was masterfully performed by young renovation enthusiasts Deanna & Colin Crossman (both graduates of Duke University), who have long shared a passion for the historic homes in Trinity Park. Their youthful, exuberant passion for restoration and a successful business strategy have won the inn a multitude of awards.

Take advantage of the inn’s sitting room—the perfect spot for an evening chat with friends, or a game of cards at one of the intimate tables. A sunny sitting room at the end of the main hall provides a place to lounge, do some afternoon reading, or enjoy your morning coffee. Spa-inspired comfort and modern amenities give the inn a fresh feel, but you will find plenty of the timeless accents you would expect to find in a southern inn.

(The owners’ story:    While working on their master’s degrees at Duke, Deanna and Colin found themselves living across the street from one another. Both were renovating historic homes, and the ensuing love affair produced a marriage, which in turn produced a partnership to renovate and run the King’s Daughters Inn.)

www.thekingsdaughtersinn.com

 

Rates from $190, #877-534-8534

 

 

After checking in, you’ll want to stretch your legs.

A short walk to Brightleaf Square provides several excellent dinner options in the restored Watts & Yuille tobacco warehouses. Completed in 1904 as part of an aggressive building campaign by the American Tobacco Company, the warehouses were used for storing, aging and fermenting tobacco. In its day, this booming tobacco company, built by the Duke family during the late 1800s, controlled 90 percent of the worldwide cigarette business.

www.historicbrightleaf.com

After dinner, tool around the area on the inn's complimentary Flying Pigeon bicycles; it's a great way to explore the Trinity Park neighborhood and adjacent Duke Campus. Finally, relax in the parlor with a nightcap of your choice.

Breakfast at the inn begins with a lavish display of self-serve fresh fruit, scones and other appetizers, followed by a made-to-order entrée ranging from eggs to waffles, as you like. Southern flavor permeates with sides of cheese grits and decadent peach preserves.

Deanna's made-to-order breakfasts are based on her mother's tried-and-true recipes; try the house blend of toasted oatmeal over yogurt! You'll feel as pampered as Miss Daisy, just short of a chauffeur to accompany you on your roadtrip!

 

After enjoying a full breakfast, walk the shady Trinity Park neighborhood behind the inn and admire the handsome examples of turn-of-the-century architecture, ranging from craftsman bungalow to neo-classic.

 

Dente molding and wide porches grace the front of the stately, well-maintained homes that once housed Duke’s fine faculty families.

Though the Craftsman details will certainly impress you, be sure to take note of the oak canopy overhead. The shade you enjoy today was provided by a 1930s Works Progress Administration planting project.

www.durham-nc.com

The city of Durham was founded in the 1850s, flourishing as a tobacco and textile town.

It's red brick buildings sprawl along the North Carolina railroad tracks that still traverse the city's center.

Though the downtown suffered a long period of decline, visitors today will enjoy the clean, modern historic center of this southern town. With the youthful energy of Duke University nearby, Durham’s downtown is celebrating a new start with swanky markets, restaurants and cafes inhabiting its architecturally stunning old brick factories and warehouses. Brightleaf Square and the Peabody Place shopping district (take a quick stroll through Morgan Imports) are only a short walk from the KDI.

www.morganimports.com

 

From there, it’s only a couple of steps to Parker & Otis --an eclectic urban market with a sharp nod to the industrial heritage that shaped downtown Durham. The market place sports an inspired use of old steam-piping and boiler fixtures.

The fresh, colorful marketplace inside showcases local wares and imported goods from a sprawling children’s section to an international wine selection, soaps, pottery and gourmet goodies.

 

Great music, book-signing events and live music every Friday (6-8pm) set the mood; regardless of when you come, you'll enjoy getting lost in here.

Spend hours exploring the fun selection of goods; take a break to eat the turkey club and one of the fresh salad sides, or just enjoy a cup of coffee with a healthy serving of ambiance.

www.parkerandotis.com

 

Walking along Main Street, you will find that Durham’s downtown is alive and well—a beautiful blend of modern high-rise and reclaimed brick buildings.

 

Grab a Chai Tea, frapped (or other specialty coffee) at the happenin’ hotspot Beyú Caffé. Come back for the evening jazz if it fits your schedule.  www.beyucaffe.com

 

A short walk down Corcorani Street will lead you to the American Tobacco Campus, a fabulous renovation and repurposing of century-old tobacco warehouses.

www.americantobaccohistoricdistrict.com

 

At anytime, catch the free “Bull City Connector” bus and enjoy the downtown route which loops back around to Duke Campus.  

www.bullcityconnector.org

 

 

SARAH P. DUKE GARDENS
 

(on the West Campus of Duke University)
 

The gardens, 55 acres of well landscaped and maintained flower beds, terraces and lawns, provide the perfect setting for a picnic.

Walk the paths and enjoy fountains, bridges, pergolas and a wide variety of flowers and plants.


Experience a special part of Duke family history and a grand celebration of nature.
 

www.hr.duke.edu/dukegardens

 

 

While in Wilmington

Cape Fear Riverwalk:

Start your visit with a walk along Wilmington’s historic Riverwalk District. A short walk from the inn, the Cape Fear Riverwalk (about a mile long, runs from bridge to bridge along the scenic downtown) will take you along the river, with breathtaking views of the natural setting Wilmington boasts.

www.capefearcoast.com

(Wilmington's Riverwalk, as seen from either end.
Above Right:  walk from Hoge-Wood House Inn to the riverwalk and continue along until you reach the end,
below, directly across from the USS North Carolina)

An evening stroll provides plenty of options for dining, and lanterns keep the boardwalk well lit into the night. Stores and restaurants line the walk and boats and cruise ships line the dock, ready to take you out for a water adventure!

www.wilmingtondowntown.com

USS NORTH CAROLINA:

After dinner, enjoy a coffee or cigar while watching the sun set behind the USS North Carolina, just across the river. The impressive battleship earned 15 stars during WWII.         

View of the USS NC at sunset:

The USS NC is well worth a tour; you’ll feel like you’ve experienced life on the ship after spending a couple of hours viewing the many levels and quarters aboard this mighty war craft. www.battleshipnc.com

 



 

WILMINGTON WATER TOURS:    The Black Water Adventure tour will introduce you to the fascinating history of Wilmington’s waterways. From its plantations to blockade runners and battleships, you will love every minute of this water ride!   www.wilmingtonwatertours.com

 

 

WILMINGTON TROLLEY TOUR:  A 45-minute narrated tour will introduce you to the sites of Wilmington. Slightly more costly, but all the more fun, is a horse-drawn trolley tour! Whether by trolley, boat or bike, opportunities to see Wilmington and its historic downtown and waterways abound!  www.wilmingtontrolley.com, www.horsedrawntours.com

FOR FOOD:  

 
Dock St. Oyster Bar:    this seafood spot sports a fun, casual island feel. The eclectic, bold color and Caribbean/Key West inspired style flavor the laid-back, vacation destination eatery.

Butcher brown paper casually adorns the colorful, hand-painted tables; themed chairs inspire with titles like Rock Star, About to be arrested, Jock, On Fire; which will you be? Doug Campbell, a local artist, graced the walls with colorful, Caribbean murals.

Start your meal with a plate of Oyster Rockefeller (or shrimp if you prefer) and a "BIKINI-tini".

Best known for their Steam Platters, you’ll want to partake of the heaping portions of oysters, crab legs, and shrimp, oh my!

www.dockstreetoysterbar.net

Circa 1922: great atmosphere for gathering with friends to sample a variety of drinks and tapas.  www.circa1922.com

The Copper Penny:  for lively crowds, head to this local pub.  www.copperpennync.com

The Cigar Exchange:   enjoy a cigar while strolling along the riverfront boardwalk (at the intersection of Front & Market, the core of Wilmington's downtown).  www.thecigarexchange.com

Port City Java:   you'll find it along Front Street. Get your coffee to go and enjoy on a riverside bench with views of the river traffic at sunset.   www.portcityjava.com

The Pilot House:   eat out on the deck and enjoy the views. Their Carolina Bisque is teaming with shrimp and scallops swimming in a creamy, sherry-infused stock. The Fried Green Tomato and Goat Cheese Salad is so creatively Southern, you’ll feel like a Confederate for sure!   www.pilothouserest.com

 

Before leaving Wilmington, be sure to mingle with co-travelers over a breakfast of Larry’s special pecan waffles and a bowl of seasonal fruit at the Hoge-Wood House. Kuna coffee and island music set the mood and give a shout out to Larry’s Samoan heritage.

OTHER WILMINGTON SITES:  

Chandler's Wharf: upscale shopping in a cool warehouse setting. www.chandlerswharfshops.com

Screen Gems Studios tours:   see where the movie-screen magic happens!   www.euescreengems.com

 

 Leaving Wilmington, the interstate is bordered by a tight greenbelt of tall pines and underbrush, broken only by colorful splotches of carefully planted wildflowers and daylilies.

Watch for the sign that states:

      "Begin I-40 West"

               and shortly after,

                   "Barstow, CA 2554"




Along the interstate, tall pines and palmetto spikes cover the sandy forest floor. As you reflect on your time in Wilmington, imagine how the early settlers bravely crept into the dense flora. While the coast was beautiful and inviting, moving inland was a challenge even for an experienced explorer.

As I-40 snakes through the southland, winding its way northwest from the Atlantic coast, embrace the journey ahead seasoned with scenic views, spicy adventures and unique inns peppering the path.

 

Keep an eye out for ROSE HILL  & Duplin Wine Cellars

 

--home of the world's largest frying pan

(you know you're in the south now!)

 

DUPLIN WINE CELLARS:   Exit 380

for free wine production tours and tastings.

Ready for lunch? Enjoy a bistro-style meal and wine-tasting in the courtyard.

Try a glass of “Carolina Red” or “Magnolia” and savor the sweet flavors of the South. www.duplinwinery.com