Our Top 3 Favorite Picnic Spots
Oh, yes - it's officially picnic season! The song birds are all atwitter, the grass is lush and green, the breeze is warm, and the trees overhead filter the sunlight in the most perfect way. In Asheville, one of the most beautiful small cities in the country, there are endless choices for the "perfect picnic spot" - find a corner at the end of a field, a small patch of grass near a stream, a rock on top of a mountain at the end of that hike that you've been meaning to go on - the options are many and varied. For those traveling to the area and unsure where to start, we've highlighted three of our favorite picnic spots within Asheville city limits - read on to choose your destination!
Botanical GardensThe Botanical Gardens in Downtown Asheville are a beloved area treasure. Stepping through the gates is like entering a whole new world - one separate from the roads with busy cars, the pavement sidewalks, the hustle and bustle of town life. Native Southern Appalachian plants reign supreme in this oasis, hiking trails wind around the perimeter, expanses of lush green grass form the center, and a babbling stream courses its way through the heart of it all. Bring lunch, a blanket, a soccer ball, a book, and spend your afternoon in this treasure trove of beauty!
Carrier ParkCarrier Park, located in the River Arts District, contains a plethora of resources for spring and summer fun. A gorgeous playground, a tangle of trails, a track for the runners or racers among us, and trim, lush grass for lounging are just a few of the popular draws of this park. We like to make a full afternoon of Carrier Park - there is so much to do that it's honestly difficult to spend less than a few hours exploring the grounds and reveling in the steady stream of people coming to play their favorite sport or read their favorite book. Best of all? This is a super dog friendly location, so bring your four legged best friend and have fun!
Pack's SquarePack's Square, situated right in the heart of Downtown Asheville, seems like an obvious choice for a picnic locale - and maybe it is, but that doesn't make it any less perfect of a spot to whittle away some afternoon hours. There is a constant stream of locals and visitors alike passing through the square, making it the perfect spot to people-watch, the grass is manicured and kept clean, buskers serenade you as you relax under the sun, and in the summer, it turns into Splash Park - a much loved "water park" for little ones. We recommend heading there in the late morning, when the city is still quiet and springtime sun is just starting to warm up!
Stay LocalStaying local is always the key to fully enjoying the Asheville area. There is so much to see, so much to do, that it cannot be fully explored in just an afternoon. Carolina Mornings has dozens of vacation rentals in and around the area, each one as beautiful as the next. For your own home-away-from-home, check out Wildflower Cottage. With 3 bedrooms, a pet friendly policy, a fire pit, and a private hot tub, your vacation will be one to go down in the books! Best of all, Wildflower Cottage is conveniently located just 30 minutes from minutes from Downtown Asheville!
To begin planning your springtime vacation in the mountains, contact Carolina Mornings at 877-902-9441. A professional Vacation Planner will help line up your vacation rental accommodations, Biltmore Estate ticket, and outdoor adventures such as ziplining and whitewater rafting (included with every Carolina Mornings Rental!)