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.
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)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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