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Asheville, North Carolina: where outdoorsy fun meets gourmet dining, couples enjoy romantic weekend getaways, and families flock for week-long, fun-filled vacations. If you are looking for a spring-time travel destination, chances are, Asheville is what you are looking for!
City of Asheville: Widely Recognized for Unique Vacation Offerings
Asheville is one of the country's most popular, up and coming destinations for vacationers as well as for people looking to relocate. In fact, Frommers listed Asheville as one of the top 12 world travel destinations for 2007. Asheville has also been recognized as a city with exceptional offerings by several publications including Outside Magazine ("Best Southern Town" 2007) and American Style Magazine (number five in the "Top 25 Arts Destinations"). VirtualTourist.com ranked Asheville among the "Top 10 Up-and-Coming Travel Destinations" for 2007, and the web site Relocate-America.com listed Asheville as number one on its list of the most popular places to live for 2007.
Visitors to this region quickly understand what the hype is all about. Asheville is so many things at the same time. It's a nature lover's paradise and a destination for the urban sophisticate. It offers stunning architectural wonders and a vibrant downtown scene of locally-owned shops, art galleries as well as a variety of excellent restaurants.
A self-guided tour, or one of the many professional tours offered, would make a nice first-day-in-Asheville activity to get a sense of the heart of the town. The Blue Ridge Mountains provide a perfect locale for the nature lover, whether your pleasure is camping, or something more laid-back, such as a drive along the famous scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. Looking for a real adventure? Enjoy an eight mile, four-hour guided canoe trip along the French Broad River this spring on April 1, 2008. Take in the wildlife and natural treasures of this ancient river as you paddle downstream.
Spring is the Time for your Asheville, North Carolina Vacation!
Why not plan your Asheville, NC vacation to coincide with the peek season for flora and fauna watching? Spring is brimming with activities and special events to make your stay even more memorable. There's no better time to visit the historic landmark of the Biltmore Estate, the country's largest private home built by George W. Vanderbilt, than during the Festival of Flowers. The festival features a breathtaking tulip display as well as local and exotic blooms. During the weekends, while the festival is in session, Biltmore's Winery joins the festival. Wine, music and children's activities are offered. The festival runs from April 5 through May 18.
There are some notable Easter events to attend if you are planning to be in Asheville for the holiday. The kids are sure to enjoy the Grovewood Easter Egg Hunt on March 22. It caters to children from ages two to nine and will include egg decorating, a special visit from the Easter Bunny, and a marionette demonstration by a master woodworker. For a truly unforgettable Easter experience, attend the 53rd Annual Easter Sunrise Service at Chimney Rock Park. The service is nondenominational and will feature scripture and song with a special performance by the park's featured dulcimer player. Bring a flashlight as the gates open at 5:30a.m. for the 7:00a.m. service. Watch the sun rise with a view of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge, and enjoy the park for as long as you'd like for the rest of the day.
Asheville abounds with musicians, and Easter weekend offers live venue options that are sure to please. For live jazz on Friday, March 21st, check out Origins and Done for the Evening at the Grove Arcade's March "Jazz After 5 Series". This free concert series features local musicians and fare from local restaurants. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. If a more classical sound is what you are looking for, you will not want to miss the Aviv String Quartet on March 26 at 8:00 p.m. This ensemble has performed at Carnegie Hall and at all major venues in Israel.
A Flexible Asheville North Carolina Hotel
If you are looking for an Asheville hotel or rental, you may want to consider The Residences at Biltmore. More like a comfy "home away from home", suites at the hotel offer a full kitchen and spacious sitting area. 24 hour concierge service can help you arrange any events or excursions for your North Carolina vacation getaway! And, it's only steps away from the gates of Biltmore Estate and downtown adventure.
