Asheville NC Vacation

We had a major snow in Asheville, NC, starting Friday, December 18, 2009, which blanketed this beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain area in gorgeous white, shimmery snow!  We had guests in all of our Asheville Vacation Homes (vacation rental cabins, chalets, cottages) that week, and the surprise white Christmas snow was an added bonus to their trips.  I was able to get to the Biltmore Estate to take some pictures of their magnificent property.  The Biltmore staff was out early and had cleared the way to the Biltmore House.  It was spectacular!

The Biltmore Estate House just after a Decembr snow fall - www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

The Candlelight Night Time Tours are still going on at The Biltmore House through January 2, 2010.  It is indeed spectacular and well worth your visit.  Our guests often comment that “the Biltmore Estate was even more than we expected.”  And that is also what they also say when they stay at our Asheville Vacation Homes cabins, cottages and chalets, as pictures can’t quite portray the actual luxury, comfort, and total vacation feel of our homes as experienced in person. 

You are invited to spend your mountain vacation in Western North Carolina with at one of our vacation rental cabins where we promise to pamper you with wonderful amenities.  We also are authorized Biltmore Estate ticket agents and have discount tickets good for two full consecutive days for less than the cost of the one day ticket gate price!  Call us at 828-274-9777 or email at joyah@aol.com  For details see our website: www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

 

The main gate into the Biltmore House compound was intriguingly decorated with snow, elegant and mysterious at the same time. Photo by Robert Bowles of www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

Why rent your cabin from an agency when you can receive personal care and service from your vacation rental’s owners!  We are Stephanie Joy Johnson and Robert Bowles, local residents of Asheville NC and owners of Asheville Vacation Homes.  We are in love with this absolutely beautiful mountain town nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and it is our pleasure to share this exquisite area with you. 

For years we have professionally restored and decorated homes.  We now bring this talent to our personally owned vacation rental cabins, chalets, cottages and homes.  We have chosen lush locations….rich forests, private lakes, panoramic mountain views…as ideal settings for our charming vacation rentals filled with delightful amenities and attention to detail.  All homes are only minutes to town, are exquisitely furnished and with all our special touches, it feels like a warm, inviting home rather than a vacation rental house.  Enjoy hot tubs, massage chairs, gas log fireplaces, top quality king and queen beds with luxurious bedding, high speed wireless Internet, quality kitchens, tastefully furnished, pet and child friendly.  We offer discounted Biltmore Estate tickets.  Visit our website for full details and photos of each home:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

Call us today to book your week’s vacation:  828-274-9777 or email us at joyah@aol.com

Enjoy year round awesome 50 mile panoramic views from the View Chalet in Asheville NC. This luxury home has 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2400 SF and sleeps up to 11 guests. www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

White Stone Lake Manor has its own private wild life lake. This 4000 SF home features 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, living room, family room, media room, 2 kitchens & dining rooms, kids play room, multiple decks and sleeps up to 20 guests. www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com

In the business of pleasing vacationers for many years, the owners of www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com have established their luxury vacation rental homes in Asheville, Fletcher, Arden and Hendersonville, NC to be the best choice in what vacationers are looking for.  Located in beautiful settings, each home is thoughtfully and elegantly furnished with every comfort in mind:  Hot Tubs; Massage Chairs; Jetted Bath Tubs; King and Queen Beds with absolute top quality mattresses and sumptuous bedding; Gas Log Fireplaces; High Speed Wireless Internet; Pet Friendly; Child & Baby Friendly with playrooms, outdoor playgrounds, cribs, high chairs & strollers….are some of what you can expect in these lovely homes.  Chose a vacation rental cabin with 50 mile views or with its own private lake or nestled at the edge of a forest. 

To see a listing of the homes with photos, pricing and availability calendars:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com or call at 828-274-9777 or email at joyah@aol.com 

The Secluded Rose Cottage sleeps 9 guests and is a charming mountain home!

Always curious to see what our Rose Cottage guests might have for them, our neighbor's horses visit across the fence for their apple or carrot treats!

Yes, it’s the BILTMORE WINERY located on the Biltmore Estate in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Western North Carolina.  Your entry ticket to the world-famous Biltmore Estate includes much more than just a tour of the George W. Vanderbilt’s spectacular 250-room home (the largest in the U.S.), it also is the passport to visit the incredible grounds, restaurants, outdoor activities….and the Biltmore Winery. 

Ginny begins her self-guided tour at the beautiful Biltmore Winery building designed by the Biltmore Estate architect, Richard Morris Hunt, originally used as the Biltmore Dairy

Sheltered in the mountain valley of the French Broad River, the 94 acre vineyard is in a perfect climate for grape cultivation producing award-winning wines including Chardonnay, Riesling, Viognier, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot.  The hand-picked grapes produce an annual harvest averaging 250 tons of grapes. 

Ginny gazes at the long row of Wine Vats. The sign on each vat reads: "Bottling Termenter and storage. Capacity 3190 gallons. 17.6 gallons/inch"

1971 saw the first plantings of grapes by George W. Vanderbilt’s grandson, William A. V. Cecil, who felt this would be a natural extension of the self-sustaining economy of the Biltmore Estate.  Indeed, this has proven to be a huge success with the ever-expanding vineyard and a 90,000 square foot wine-producing and bottling facility opened in 1985.  This beautiful facility, converted from the dairy barn with underground tunnels with perfect temperatures for wine making, was designed by the Biltmore’s architect, Richard Morris Hunt. 

Experience it for yourself on your self-guided tour of the winery operation that ends in the Tasting Room where you can sample (and purchase!) the wide range of award-winning Biltmore Wines now available.  For a full listing of the wine offerings, the many awards and details on the winery, visit their website at: http://www.biltmore.com/our_wine/

Ginny views the Wine Cellar. During the days of the Biltmore Dairy, this was a service area. The 8 tunnels were used to dispose of waste from the milking rooms. It is an ideal place with natural temperatures of 54 degrees to 60 degrees, for aging and storing sparkling wines.

If you need discount tickets to the Biltmore Estate good for TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS, feel free to contact us at 828-274-9777 or joyah@aol.com or http://www.ashevillevacationhomes.com/BILTMOREESTATETICKETS.html

While visiting in the area, you are invited to stay at our romantic & luxurious vacation rentals:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com 

Ginny is entralled with the multitude of wine barrels!

Ginny "hangs out" admiring the dusty bottles of vintage wines on the other side of the locked gates.

At the end of the tour, Ginny finds herself in a huge tasting room and is invited to sample the wide variety of wines made here.

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

Open year-round in the heart of historic Hendersonville, North Carolina is the public PATTON PARK offering 19 acres of recreational activities including an OLYMPIC-SIZE SWIMMING POOL with a kids pool (open from Memorial Day through Labor Day), tennis courts, basketball courts, racquetball courts, baseball fields, picnic areas, restrooms, kids’ playground and nature trails.  In 2008, the city of Hendersonville spent $300,000 in refurbishing the pool & surrounding area, the showers and restrooms.

At the cost of $360,000, the latest addition to Patton Park due to open in April 2009 is a 20,000 SF SKATE PARK PLAZA.  It is styled to look like a downtown plaza with landscaping, trees, planter boxes, but with curbs, stairs and rails made for skateboarding and in-line skating. 

Patton Park is a public park with no membership required.  Pool fees are reasonable.  It is located about a mile north of downtown Hendersonville just off Asheville Highway (Hwy 25).  Turn onto Clairmont Drive at the light signal by the First Citizens Bank (1700 Asheville Highway).  

Phone Park Information at 828-697-3084

YOU ARE INVITED TO STAY WITH US!  Patton Park is a half mile from our romantic woodlands Story Book Cottage (sleeps 4) and less than 2 miles from our 4000 SF, 5 Bedroom, 4 Bathroom, White Stone Lake Manor (sleeps 20) with its own private lake.  It’s about 4 miles from our secluded Rose Cottage (sleeps 9).  There is a wealth of things to do and see in Hendersonville NC!  We would love for you to stay with us while you explore this lovely mountain town.  All our homes are in scenic settings, with hot tubs, massage chairs, quality furnishings, central heat/air, gas log fireplaces, complete kitchens and so much more! We are authorized Biltmore Estate ticket distributor and will provide you with discounted tickets good for 2 consecutive days instead of just the one day ticket purchased at a higher price!  See our website at www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com or call us at 828-274-9777.

Ginny takes a break on her winter hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway overlooking the French Broad River in Asheville NC. During the summer months the scenery will be lush and wildlife abundant!

The stunningly beautiful FRENCH BROAD RIVER flows through the heart of Asheville, North Carolina as well as the picturesque Biltmore Estate.  You can see why this free-flowing wide river attracted the establishment of such a unique mountain city on its banks.  Today it provides fabulous recreation including fishing (small mouth bass & catfish), rafting, kayaking, canoeing or just the pleasure of watching the amazing river as it flows by.  It is only one of two rivers that flows toward the north in the U.S. and is the third oldest river in the world.  Beginning at Rosman NC, it flows 210 miles northwest through the Appalachian Mountains into the Tennessee River, then into the Mississippi River and on to the Gulf of Mexico.  Take a gentle ride or experience a rapids raft adventure down the French Broad River for an experience of a life time.

RECREATION ON THE RIVER: 

• Check out the local in town Asheville Outdoor Center for a gentle French Broad River trip by canoe, raft or kayak.  It’s a great way for kids and families to experience the natural beauty, wildlife and history of this mountain area. You can even see the Biltmore Estate grounds as you float through its property.  The Asheville Outdoor Center now has added mining for fossils, minerals and precious stones along the river as part of your mountain experience.  You can call them at 800-849-1970 or 828-232-1970 or go their website for more details: www.paddlewithus.com.
• For a white water rafting adventure on the French Broad River and only 24 miles out of Asheville, check out the French Broad Rafting Expeditions with various river tours from 9 miles to 5 miles and from class I to class IV rapids.  It promises to be a memorable adventure!  They are open 7 days a week from March through October. Their number is 800-570-7238 and their website is:  www.frenchbroadrafting.com/whitewater.htm.
• If you are visiting The Biltmore Estate, for a fee additional to entrance admission price, you can enjoy their French Broad River float trips by raft or kayak either with a guide or on your own.  Available April through October.  See below on how to buy your DISCOUNTED Biltmore Estate entry tickets.

WHERE TO STAY:  You are invited to stay at our luxurious Asheville vacation rental cabins, cottages and chalets while in the area.  Visit our website at www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com for your choice of a quality home with all the amenities to pamper you….hot tubs, massage chairs, king beds & sumptuous bedding, beautiful settings, high speed wireless Internet, gas log fireplaces and so much more!  Call us at 828-274-9777 for your reservation.

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

Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the scenic 469 mile long BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY winds through the spectacularly beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains (part of the Appalachian Mountain chain).  Starting at the Shenandoah National Park, Virginia and ending in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge Parkway runs directly through the mountain city of Asheville NC.  Be sure to stay in or near Asheville (www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com) to explore the wonders of this amazing Blue Ridge Parkway National Park.  Throughout the length of the Parkway, you’ll find many pull out areas and marked hiking trails.  Visit the many waterfalls, visitor centers, picnic areas, panoramic vista overlooks, Mount Mitchell, Mount Pisgah, the Pisgah National Forest, Folk Art Center, and so much more! 

While in the Asheville area, we suggest exploring from Mile Post (MP) 350 to 412 (Smaller numbers are to the north and larger numbers head south):

• MP 350:  MOUNT MITCHELL (about 30 minutes north of Asheville) the highest point East of the Mississippi at 6684 feet and the Mount Mitchell State Park with nature trails, museum, campground, restaurant and awesome views from the look out tower and restaurant.
• MP 364:  CRAGGY DOME view with an elevation of 5640′ and the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center (MP 364.6)  During June and July you’ll witness the awesome blooms of the rhododendron, mountain laurel, azaleas and other wildflowers.
• MP 382:  FOLK ART CENTER VISITOR CENTER  More than just a visitor center, this is one of our favorite places to shop for unique gifts by the Southern Highlands Handicraft Guild!  The beautiful building houses wonderful exhibits, artwork, jewelry and crafts for sale. Also housed are a library and auditorium for informative presentations, and of course, visitor information.  
• MP 407: MOUNT PISGAH (about 30 miles south of Asheville) at 5721.’  Once a part of the Biltmore Estate, there is a winding trail from off the Pisgah parking lot that leads to the top with fabulous vistas.  There is also a motel and quality restaurant with floor to ceiling picture windows with out-of-the-world views!   
• MP 412:  View of COLD MOUNTAIN  at 4542’ made famous by the best-seller book and movie with the same name. 

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY DETAILS SUMMARY:

• Length of Road:  469.1 miles Virginia to North Carolina
• Speed Limit: 45 MPH unless posted slower
• No Entrance Fee – This is a FREE park
• Winter Months:  The road is not maintained during the winter so winter conditions may force some closures.  Note: through the city of Asheville, the Parkway is usually open except during snow or ice conditions. 
• Construction:  Begun during the Depression in 1935 as a public works, the Parkway was completed in 1987 at Grand Father Mountain.
• Websites: 

Great for Mile Post Views:  http://www.virtualblueridge.com/

Blue Ridge Parkway Association:  http://www.blueridgeparkway.org/ 

National Park Service:  http://www.nps.gov/blri/

We invite you to visit stay at one of our luxury vacation rental cabins, cottages, chalets or homes in the Asheville and Hendersonville NC locations:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  or call us at 828-274-9777 to make your reservations. 

BILTMORE HOUSE TICKETS:  Buy your DISCOUNTED Biltmore Estate 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!  Even if you don’t stay with us, we can still sell you the tickets!  http://www.ashevillevacationhomes.com/BILTMOREESTATETICKETS.html

Ginny enters the Blue Ridge Parkway ready for her hike on the Mountain-To-SeaTrail.

 

Pull out at any of the number of turn-outs along the Blue Ridge Parkway for magnificent panoramic views!

LEAF FESTIVAL:  LAKE EDEN ARTS FESTIVAL at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, North Carolina (Just a few miles from Asheville)

• Dates:  SPRING: May 7 – 10, 2009 and FALL: October 15 – 18, 2009
• Address:  377 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711
• Phone:  828-686-8742
• Website:  www.LakeEdenArtsFestival.org
• Online Ticket Purchases:  www.theleaf.com/tickets
• Email LEAF Customer Service at:  info@theLEAF.com

Come participate in this mountain celebration of family, community and life!  The LEAF (Lake Eden Arts Festival, “a non-profit organization established to build community and enrich lives through the Arts”) weekend gala has something special for everyone of all ages: folk arts, handcrafts, healing and culinary arts, poetry, music and dancing, camping, hiking, swimming and so much more.  There is a special kids’ play zone, art market, petting zoo, costumes, face painting, games and more.  There’s even a “Mommy and Me Baby Tent.” Come play, learn and share!  Go to their website to see the list of this year’s stellar performers.  (No pets allowed.) Camp onsite or stay at local area vacation rental cabins & homes: www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com 

Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance!  This popular mountain event is always sold out!  Per day on site there will be about 5500 people.  Choose from a variety of day or weekend passes (see their ticket webpage for all your prices, options and deadlines).  They always need volunteers (about 500!) and you can trade your time toward ticket purchases. 

While you are in town, plan to visit the world famous, American’s largest home, the Biltmore Estate!  Purchase DISCOUNTED BITLMORE HOUSE TICKETS for less than the gate price and enjoy a pass for 2 consecutive days instead of just one!  Buy these tickets from http://www.ashevillevacationhomes.com/BILTMOREESTATETICKETS.html   or call 828-274-9777.

What a delight to find the newly opened Picasso’s Café in the heart of Hendersonville’s Historic Main Street shopping district!  As best stated on their website:  “Picasso’s patisserie & coffee bar offers a variety of delicious made-from-scratch European pastries, whole or by the slice, to enjoy with our wonderful gourmet coffees, espresso, lattes and cappuccino, all in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by beautiful European art and music that soothes the soul.”  Not only that, their luncheon menu has a tasty selection of sandwiches, paninis (Italian grilled sandwiches), quiches, salads and soups you’re sure to enjoy.  Try the tuna sandwich made with albacore tuna, artichoke & kalamata olive Tapenade, lettuce, tomato & mayo served on kalamata rosemary bread!  If you are out and about early (they open at 8 AM), stop by for your breakfast coffee and pastries.

We felt like we were eating in a small Italian café with the charming tables and chairs (each a little different), and the gorgeous hand-painted Italian style oil paintings in beautiful carved frames–for sale if you see one you must take home!  The amiable owner was present to help with our selection and make sure we were pleased with our meal.  As long as you are there, be sure to wander through the other half of the store which is a wonderful boutique filled with unique treasures. 

·        Address:  240 North Main Street, Hendersonville NC 28792

·        Phone:  828-694-0907

·        Website:  www.picassospatisserie.com

·        Hours:  8 AM – 4:30 PM Monday – Saturday  (Lunch starts at 11 AM)

This cafe is recommended to our guests at our Asheville & Hendersonville Vacation Rental Cabins, Cottages & Homes:  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com  828-274-9777

Biltmore Estate Tickets available at a DISCOUNT and are good for 2 consecutive days instead of just 1 day!  828-274-9777  www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com 

Ginny is just about to be seated at one of the chaming tables and is entralled with all the gorgeous handpainted oil paintings on the wall.

Ginny discovers the newly opened Picasso's cafe in the charming downtown historic Hendersonville Main Street Shopping District.