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| Asheville, North Carolina, is a year-round vacation destination, rated by Frommer's as one of a dozen top places to visit in the world. As you make plans for your upcoming stay in the Asheville area, Carolina Mornings can help provide information and advice on area activities. Our on-staff concierge had access to perks that Carolina Mornings offers to make yours a dream vacation in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. |
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DOWNTOWN |
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A walking tour around downtown Asheville is a good introduction to the city's eclectic vibe, great for people watching, local shopping, and viewing the remarkable Art Deco architecture and sculpture installations. Downtown Asheville is home to dozens of exciting art galleries, which are scattered around the main thoroughfares. Lexington Avenue has a wide assortment of stores and restaurants, including vintage shops and a surprisingly large antique mall that is great for leisurely browsing. The Grove Arcade, located on Battery Park Avenue, is a beautiful indoor shopping area with a fascinating history and numerous high-end shops. Just around the corner from the Grove Arcade is Wall Street, a quaint cobblestone street that is perfect for a romantic stroll. Haywood Street is home to many shops as well, notably Woolworth Walk, a showcase for local artists and craftspersons housed in the old Woolworths drugstore building. Also on Haywood Street is the Asheville Civic Center, where entertainment events often take place at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, such as concerts and theater productions. Just past the Civic Center is the Basilica of Saint Lawrence, an architecturally stunning chapel with a breathtaking rose garden. Pack Square, in the heart of downtown Asheville, is recognizable by the Vance Monument, the large obelisk that serves as Asheville's monument to tolerance. Pack Place features the Asheville Art Museum, the Colburn Earth Science Museum, and the Diana Wortham Theater, home to the annual Mainstage Series of music, theater, and dance performances. Recently renovated Pack Square Park has an expansive lawn for picnicking and socializing, a stage for entertainment events, and several interactive water fountains. Nearby Bistro 1896 is an Asheville favorite for their outdoor patio seating, scrumptious dishes, and delicious cheesecake. The LaZoom Comedy Tour is an entertaining bus tour offering a hilarious and informative way to explore downtown Asheville and the River Arts District. If you enjoy ghost stories, LaZoom also offers an evening Haunted Comedy Tour exploring the spooky side of Asheville. The 90-minute long family-friendly tours typically start at 2, 4, and 6 pm. Carolina Mornings offers discounted tickets, at $20 per person, and booking services. |
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RIVER ARTS DISTRICT |
| Asheville's thriving art scene is centered in the River Arts District, just southwest of downtown and accessible off of Patton Avenue. Many of the studios around the River Arts District are open to the public for walk-in business, which is a unique way to see artists at work, ask them questions about their craftsmanship, and directly support the local economy. |
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WEST ASHEVILLE |
| West Asheville's main thoroughfare is Haywood Road (Exit 2 off of Interstate 240), which offers numerous restaurants and interesting shops. West Asheville is known for being a hip, artsy community and is host to many independent businesses and craft shops that offer classes and activities. During the warm months, the weekly West Asheville Farmer's Market is a great way to meet local farmers and bakers. |
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SOUTH ASHEVILLE |
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The 8,000-acre Biltmore Estate is South Asheville's most well known attraction, boasting the grand 250-room Biltmore mansion, expansive gardens, and the Biltmore winery. Check out Carolina Mornings' specials to learn more about the Biltmore Bed and Breakfast Package and the Biltmore All-Girl Getaway Package. Just outside the main gates of Biltmore Estate is the historic Biltmore Village, home to dozens of boutiques and galleries. There are several great dining options in Biltmore Village, notably the renowned Corner Kitchen, offering Southern dishes with an urban twist. Further south in Asheville is the Biltmore Town Square, a lively urban center accessed off of I-26 East, which offers a fifteen-cinema movie complex, and an easily navigable array of stores and boutiques. |
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BEER CITY USA |
| Asheville has been voted Beer City USA for three years running! Asheville is home to a dozen independent microbreweries, most offering limited edition brews at their own bars. In the downtown area alone, there's six breweries, plus two beer specialty stores, and a few beer-centric bars that have dozens of local brews on tap. On the outskirts of Asheville, there are several more breweries, and a couple offer regular outdoor entertainment, weather permitting. These are great places to take your dog and enjoy some local flavor. |
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YEAR-ROUND VACATION DESTINATION |
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Asheville enjoys a wide variety of entertainment options for all seasons. In spring, summer, and fall, a trip to the North Carolina mountains wouldn't be complete without a drive on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. A fun idea for a family activity is a visit to Navitat Canopy Adventures, where you can take in the mountain scenery from a zip line! In winter, a short trip to Wolf Ridge Ski Resort gives ski and snowboard enthusiasts an adventurous day outdoors; ski lift passes are included in the Mountain Discovery Pass that comes with each Carolina Mornings vacation rental. The Mountain Discovery Pass also provides opportunities to enjoy a French Broad Rafting Expedition and the Reems Creek Golf Club. More information about Asheville attractions and events can be found on Carolina Mornings' blog, which is updated weekly with exciting Asheville activities. The Carolina Mornings Team hopes you have a wonderful stay in Asheville! |