Asheville NC Vacation

The SOUTHERN TEE Public Golf Course is a fun 18 hole, par 3 course that is good for the golfing ego with wide fairways and approach shots that are fairly easy. The back 9 is considered an “Executive Course” with longer shots (although called a par 3, some are really par 4). The course rating is 70.0 with a slope rating of 113 with 2573 yards of golfing.  Play a quick round of golf or just practice at the driving range or putting green. 

Located in Fletcher NC in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, the Southern Tee Golf Course built in 2001 is mid-way between Asheville and Hendersonville near Asheville Vacation Homes’ rental chalets and cottages.  From Hendersonville Road, turn at the light signal at Howard Gap Road and it is less than a mile on the left (just past Fletcher Community Park). 

Ø  Address:  111 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher NC  28732

Ø  Phone:  828-687-7273

Ø  Prices:  $22 to ride and $15 to walk

Ø  Open:  Monday through Friday and Sunday  (closed Saturdays)

Ø  Hours:  9 AM - Dusk  (may open at 8:30 AM later in the season)

Ø  Website:  The course does not have a website

Reviewed by Stephanie Joy Johnson of www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com for luxury Asheville and Hendersonville vacation rental cabins, cottages, chalets and homes.  We are authorized Biltmore Estate ticket distributors. Buy your discounted BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS from us…save money, no waiting in line and tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one at their higher price one day price!

Email:  Joyah@aol.com

Phone:  828-274-9777

Website:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

Ginny is ready to savor her order of delicious Pad Thai....she loves the subtle peanut flavor of the Pad Thai sauce. The next time you are in Downtown Historic Hendersonville, be sure to stop by the Thai Spice Restaurant and Bar for an upscale environment and delicious food!

Ginny & I arrived just before closing at lunch time and had the Thai Spice Restaurant all to ourselves. We felt quite sophisticated in the upscale atmosphere and love the Thai food at the Thai Spice Restaurant & Bar!

For fabulous Thai food with gorgeous presentation in an upscale atmosphere, we highly recommend Thai Spice Restaurant where the food is from the freshest ingredients with only natural herbs and spices….and no MSG.  Our most recent visit was just at the closing of their lunch time, so we had the place to ourselves.  The service was gracious and food was very tasty.  Ginny and I shared their Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, bean sprouts, scallions and ground peanut in delicious Pad Thai sauce).  See their website for a complete listing of their huge menu selection. 

Ø  Address:  220 South King Street, Hendersonville NC

Ø  Phone:  828-693-7323

Ø  Directions:  At the south end of Historic Downtown Hendersonville Main Street.  Just one block east of Main Street at the corner of E Barnwell St and S King Street. 

Ø  Hours:  Open 7 Days/Week:  11:30 AM – 3 PM and 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM

Ø  Website:  www.ThaiSpiceNC.com

Reviewed by Stephanie Joy Johnson of Asheville’s luxury vacation cabins, chalets, cottages and homes:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  YOU DESERVE TO BE SPOILED and you will be outrageously spoiled at our vacation rental homes by our awesome amenities!!! Buy your discounted BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS from us…save money, no waiting in line and tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one!  828-274-9777  Email: Joyah@aol.com

The BROADMOOR GOLF LINKS golf course is situated in the picturesque French Broad Valley River Basin of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It is a certified Audubon Society golf course with an award winning 18-hole Par 72 golf course known for its bent grass greens, practice facility and clubhouse.  Designed by Karl Litten in 1993, the course is flat with no houses and no out of bounds and is strikingly beautiful with the many ponds, streams, views and abundant wildlife. 

This upscale golf course looks very exclusive but it is open to the public and at very reasonable rates.  Book their gorgeous clubhouse with large dining area, grill room, bar and meeting rooms for weddings, family gatherings, seminars, etc.  Please see their website for full course details. 

Ø  ADDRESS:  101 French Broad Lane, Fletcher NC  28732  

Ø  DIRECTIONS:  Just off Interstate 26 Exit 40 near the Asheville Airport and the WNC Agricultural center. 

Ø  PHONE:  828-687-1500  or toll free:  1-866-578-5847

Ø  GOLF COURSE WEBSITE:  http://www.broadmoorlinks.com

Ø  THE ORCHARDS WEBSITE:  www.theorchardatbroadmoor.com

Reviewed by Stephanie Joy Johnson of Asheville Vacation Luxury Rental Homes.  Stay at our Joy Chalet and our Dream Chalet just 1 mile away!  See our website at www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com   Buy your discounted BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS from us…save money, no waiting in line and tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one!  828-274-9777  Email: Joyah@aol.com

Experience what prospecting may have been like in the 1800’s. The whole family will have a fun (and educational) time prospecting for gems prominently found in the mountains of North Carolina….rubies, emeralds, sapphires, quartz crystals, citrine, amethyst, garnets and more!  Only 5 minutes from downtown Hendersonville and about 30 minutes from Asheville NC, you’ll find the ELIJAH MOUNTAIN GEM MINE.  The flumes are covered to provide protection from the rain or hot sun.  Choose the size bucket and type of gems you wish to mine for….prices range from $9 for 1 gallon of dirt all the way up to $125 for a family size “whopper” 15 gallons worth of dirt….not just ordinary dirt, but dirt that holds the promise of gems!  Their website claims that valuable gems are found every day.  Visit the 3000 SF antique and collectable shop.  Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy eating by the creek. 

Website:  www.elijahmountain.com

Location: 2120 Brevard Road, Hendersonville, NC 28739
Directions: 

     From downtown Hendersonville: go West on Highway 64 about 2.5 miles.

     From Asheville: I-26 E to Exit 49B. Go 5 miles on Hwy 64 West. 

     Mine is on the left.  Look for signs

Hours:  11 AM to 4 PM Daily

Phone:  828-693-3123

Where to stay:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  has delightful cottages and large homes in Hendersonville and nearby Fletcher. 

Reviewed by Stephanie Joy Johnson of Asheville’s luxury vacation cabins, chalets, cottages and homes:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  YOU DESERVE TO BE SPOILED and you will be outrageously spoiled at our vacation rental homes by our awesome amenities!!!

Buy your discounted BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS from us…save money, no waiting in line and tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one!  828-274-9777  Email: Joyah@aol.com

Home of 750 juried members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Folk Art Center, located on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost #382, is an amazing place to shop for a diverse selection of awesome one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, see live demonstrations & explore the incredible 3 galleries.  The offerings are always changing with a wide variety of art from basketry, jewelry, pottery, quilts, hand-woven clothing, glass work, paintings, wood carving, printmaking, metal sculpting and so much more!  If you want to bring home a souvenir from Asheville, this is the place to shop! 

The buildings are shared by the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Blue Ridge Parkway Information Center and the Eastern National Bookstore.

For more information, contact the Southern Highland Craft Guild

Ø  Phone:  828-298-7928

Ø  Email:  shcg@buncombe.main.nc.us

Ø  Website:  www.southernhighlandguild.org

Ø  Directions:  From any of the Asheville entrances to the Blue Ridge Parkway head north to Milepost #382 (Near the junction of US 70)

Ø  Address:  Folk Art Center, 382 Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville NC  28805

Ø  Open:  Daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Ø  Hours: Jan – March: 9 AM – 5 PM, April – Dec 9 AM – 6 PM

Ø  Admission:  FREE

While visiting our Blue Ridge Parkway and Asheville areas, you are invited to stay at one of our deliciously luxurious vacation rental homes complete with hot tub, massage chairs, king beds with sumptuous bedding, delightful surroundings and so much more!  BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS:  We are authorized Biltmore Estate ticket distributors.  Buy your DISCOUNTED Biltmore tickets from us to save on gate entry price, avoid waiting in ticket lines, tickets upgradeable to season passes, free wine tasting tickets  and best of all, tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one day at their higher one day price!  Contact us at 828-274-9777 or email us at Joyah@aol.com or see our website at www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  

In the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, you’ll find MOUNT PISGAH standing at 5,721 feet.  It is easily accessed from the Blue Ridge Parkway (milepost 407) about 15 miles southwest of Asheville NC.  Mt. Pisgah is easily spotted from many miles away by the identifying 339 foot TV tower perched at its peak.  In fact, it is the highest TV antenna east of the Mississippi at 6,023 feet above sea level.

At the site of Mt Pisgah is an Inn, Gift Shop & the fabulous Pisgah Inn Restaurant with floor to ceiling windows offering spectacular long range views and the food served is excellent!  You can hike the 1.6 mile trail up to the peak for awesome views (moderate difficulty and steep toward the top) and we would suggest NOT hiking during a lightning storm!  At the Mt. Pisgah parking area you’ll also find the Buck Spring Trail leading to the historic exhibit of the stone remains of the George Vanderbilt Hunting Lodge which was quite popular with his Biltmore Estate guests. 

We highly recommend taking a leisurely drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway from Asheville.  Pull off at the various look-outs along the way to enjoy the awesome views and maybe take a stroll along one of the many hiking trails, then head on to the Mt. Pisgah Restaurant to indulge in a delicious meal or dessert.

Reviewed by Stephanie Joy Johnson of Asheville’s luxury vacation cabins, chalets, cottages and homes:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  YOU DESERVE TO BE SPOILED and you will be outrageously spoiled at our vacation rental homes by our awesome amenities!!! Buy your discounted BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS from us…save money, no waiting in line and tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one!  828-274-9777  Email: Joyah@aol.com

Stately & Elegant McDonalds in Biltmore Village, Asheville NC just outside the Biltmore Estate entrance is a unique experience with a player grand piano, fireplaces & elegant surroundings!

There's real gold leaf in these golden arches! A unique & unexpected McDonalds is a delightful experience!

If you’re in the mood for fast food but would like to eat in a beautiful building in an extraordinary setting, you’ve got to experience the McDonalds (#1661) in Biltmore Village just outside the entrance to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC.  They even were featured on the Travel Channel a few years back.  Who would expect to find a player grand piano, elegant fireplaces, marble tile, vaulted exquisite ceilings, modern art or a waterfall in a McDonalds???  Even the golden arches are of real gold leaf! Regardless of what the service and food may or may not be, it’s worth the visit to experience such an elegant and unique McDonalds!  Coming soon will be their McCafe.  

Ø  Location:  35 Hendersonville Road, Asheville NC  28803

Ø  Phone:  828-274-2308

Photos by Robert Arthur Bowles of www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

While visiting our Asheville area, you are invited to stay at one of our deliciously luxurious vacation rental homes complete with hot tubs, massage chairs, king beds with sumptuous bedding, delightful surroundings and so much more! 

BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS:  We are authorized Biltmore Estate ticket distributors.  Buy your DISCOUNTED Biltmore tickets from us to save on gate entry price, avoid waiting in ticket lines, tickets upgradeable to season passes, free wine tasting tickets  and best of all, tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one day at their higher one day price! 

Contact us at 828-274-9777 or email us at Joyah@aol.com or see our website at www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  

Awesome panoramic views from Mount Mitchell

A beautifully scenic 50 minute drive northeast from Asheville NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway will take you to the 1855 acre MOUNT MITCHELL NC STATE PARK, which at 6684 feet is the highest point east of the Mississippi!  Once there, stroll around the 1385 SF visitor exhibit area full of interesting information on the unique flora and fauna found at this altitude. Take the short hike (1/4 mile) to see breath-taking vistas from the Observation Deck lookout.  Explore the variety of nature paths and hiking trails….the highest hiking trails in North Carolina.

Since you are a bit far from civilization, be reassured that there is a pleasant restaurant on the grounds where you can enjoy a meal while you watch the awesome views from the huge picture windows.  Remember to bring a jacket since even during the summer it can be chilly at this altitude.

Ø  Admission:  is FREE and open year round (except Christmas). 

Ø  Hours:  Park opens at 8 AM year round and closes at 6 PM Nov – Feb, 7 PM March & October, 8 PM April & September, and 9 PM May – August.  Be aware that with winter snow conditions, the Blue Ridge Parkway is often closed and you’ll need to call the park to check which roads are open.

Ø  Phone:  828-675-4611.

Ø  Website:  http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/momi/main.php

Ø  Email:  mount.mitchell@ncmail.net

Reviewed by Stephanie Joy Johnson of Asheville’s luxury vacation cabins, chalets, cottages and homes:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  YOU DESERVE TO BE SPOILED and you will be outrageously spoiled at our vacation rental homes by our awesome amenities!!! Buy your discounted BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS from us…save money, no waiting in line and tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one!  828-274-9777  Email: Joyah@aol.com

Need some exciting entertainment for kids & family all under one roof?  The aptly named FUN DEPOT in Asheville NC has a diverse variety of enjoyable activities:  Indoor & Outdoor Go-Carts, Multi-Level Laser Tag, Bumper Cars, Mini Bowling, Climbing Wall, Arcade, Soft Play Area, Indoor Mini-Golf, Batting Cages, Party Rooms & More!  Fun on any day, the Fun Depot is a particularly great idea to keep your kids happy on those wet & rainy days.  Their website suggests, for the price of a movie ticket, you can “BE THE ACTION” in your own life’s adventure!  This is definitely a favorite of our vacation rental guests staying at our nearby vacation homes!

Fun Depot Website:  www.ashevillesfundepot.com

Fun Depot Toll Free #:  866-303-4FUN  

Reviewed by Stephanie Joy Johnson of Asheville’s luxury vacation cabins, chalets, cottages and homes:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  YOU DESERVE TO BE SPOILED and you will be outrageously spoiled at our vacation rental homes by our awesome amenities!!! We are child friendly!  Buy your discounted BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS from us…save money, no waiting in line and tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one!  828-274-9777  Email: Joyah@aol.com

Founded in 1952 and officially designated “The State Theatre of NC” in 1961, the FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE is host to 90,000 patrons annually. The delightful variety of musicals, dramas, comedies and classics has wide appeal to the entire family.  Considered one of the “Top Ten Theaters in the Country,” the Flat Rock Playhouse offers quality professional entertainment rarely found so far from Broadway.  You will be thoroughly entertained by the live theater, open mid-April through mid-December, presenting matinee and evening performances, Wednesday through Sunday.  See their website for a schedule of performances:  www.flatrockplayhouse.org

Not only is the Flat Rock Playhouse a fabulous place to enjoy live theater, it is an educational venue as well.  Youtheater works with local youth from pre-K to adult for performing arts workshops and classes as well as summer camps.  Apprentice Theater is for those aspiring to expand into a career in professional theater.

Location:  2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC 28731

Phone:  828-693-0731

Directions:  From Interstate 26 take exit 53:  from I-26 east, turn right onto Upward Road OR from I-26 west, turn left onto Upward Road. At intersection with light (176/Spartanburg Hwy) continue straight. Upward Road turns into Highland Lake Road. Road dead-ends at Hwy 225/Greenville Hwy & turn left.  Go .5 mile to Theater on the right.  (Look for Flat Rock Playhouse signs along the way.)

Flat Rock Playhouse Website:  www.flatrockplayhouse.org

Note:  Also plan to see the nearby Carl Sandburg’s Home National Historic Site while in the area.  You are invited to stay at one of our Hendersonville NC vacation rental homes just 10 minutes away:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com.  We are authorized Biltmore Estate ticket distributors. Buy your discounted BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS from us…save money, no waiting in line and tickets are good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS instead of just one at their higher price one day price!  Email:  Joyah@aol.com  Asheville Vacation Homes:  828-274-9777