Lake Julian in Asheville NC: Baby Geese are back!
 
Each year at the luxury Julian Lake Lodge vacation rental home, momma goose and her babies make their flotilla journey in from of my water front Julian Lake Lodge.  We have an abundance of wildlife wander through the yard including magnificent deer, white squirrels and wild turkeys. 
 
You are invited to stay at this delightful 5 star rated 5 bedroom, 3200 SF home for your family vacation.  This peaceful setting is right in town close to all amenities!  
 
Call for a reservation to be spoiled:  231-557-8284 (Darlene)

Biltmore House Tulips!
 
Spring is a fabulous time to visit the awesome gardens at the Biltmore House.  This week I wandered through the colorful tulip gardens.  To come in a few weeks, the azaleas lining all the walkways will be blazing in full bloom.  Whatever time of year you choose to visit, there is an ever changing flower and foliage show.
 
While visiting the Biltmore House and their gardens, I welcome you to stay at one of my eleven area luxury vacation rental homes.  My guests can purchase discounted tickets which I will have in the home for your arrival. 
 
Call for your vacation rental reservation:l 828-274-9777.

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The Omni Grove Park SPA in Asheville NC is a totally unique experience where you’ll feel that you’ve entered another world.  Built into the side of a mountain, you can choose to be pampered with a long menu of spa treatments.  You can soak in mineral pools including a therapeutic waterfall pool and even do laps in a magical pool with 6,500 fiber-optic stars overhead and underwater music and lights. 
​Be prepared to reserve many months in advance for your visit. (Romantic Asheville photo)

290 Macon Avenue, Asheville NC  (800) 438-5800
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/spa

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Come laugh at Asheville Community Theatre’s presentation of the entertaining musical “Working 9 to 5” this weekend!  You may remember the storyline from the move where “three female employees team up to dream up ways they could rid themselves of their horrible chauvinistic boss. These ladies live out their wildest fantasy to give him the boot and, while he is out of commission, take control of the company. There’s nothing these ladies can’t do!”
 
Friday, March 02, 2018:  7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Saturday, March 03, 2018 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Sunday, March 04, 2018 2:30 pm - 5:00 pm
 
35 E Walnut St, Asheville, NC  (828) 254-1320
http://ashevilletheatre.org/events/9-to-5-the-musical/
 
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Grovewood Village & Gallery, hidden behind the famous Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC, is a magical 11 acre campus of art and history. This is a “must visit” place to explore when you are in town!  The Grovewood Gallery with works from over 400 artists, 8 working artist studios, an amazing sculpture garden with acres of trails, fascinating museums and the yummy Golden Fleece Restaurant.  (Romantic Asheville photo)
FREE Admission;  Open 7 days, year round
111 Grovewood Road, Asheville NC  (828) 253-7651
www.grovewood.com/

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Biltmore’s “Fashions from Titanic the Movie” is now on display throughout the Mansion until May 13, 2018. 

​Included in the price of admission, you can experience the glamour of 45 dazzling Titanic film costumes of this elegant era of the Vanderbilts.  In fact, George & Edith Vanderbilt had tickets for the maiden voyage of the Titanic but decided last minute to leave a week earlier on the sister ship Olympic.  Now is your chance to come see why this film earned 11 Oscars including Best Costume Design.  (Romantic Asheville photo)
 
Discounted two-day Biltmore tickets are available to guests of Asheville Vacation Homes

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“A Vanderbilt Christmas in Asheville NC”

​There’s still time to experience the Biltmore House in its Christmas finery on display through January 7, 2018!  With thousands of lights, fantastically decorated trees, miles of garlands and live music, you can celebrate the holiday season exploring this 250 room mansion in style!  (Romantic Asheville photo of the Banquet Hall)
 
Guests of www.AshevilleVacationHomes.com may purchase discounted daytime tickets good for two consecutive days!
 
www.Biltmore.com

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WINTER LIGHTS 2017 at the NC Arboretum is an awesome display of 500,000 LED lights! Stroll through their famous gardens of spectacular displays with a backdrop of holiday music. Weekends enjoy a delicious buffet dinner at the Arboretum’s Savory Thyme Café buffet (reservations required). Romantic Asheville photo.
Must buy tickets in advance!
Winter Lights Tickets $18; children $12. 
Open nightly from 6 to 10PM through Dec 31, 2017.
 
The North Carolina Arboretum is located next to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance ramp at Milepost 393. From I-26, take Exit 33 and follow NC 191 South for two miles to the entrance on right.
 
www.ncarboretum.org/exhibits-events/winter-lights/

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Lake Julian Festival of Lights!  Through December 23, 2017 from 6-9 PM.
Enjoy 1000’s of lights as you drive through the 16th annual Christmas light show’s 50 animated and stationary light displays. (Romantic Asheville photo)
Location:  Julian Lake Park: 406 Overlook Road Extension in South Asheville off Long Shoals Road near Biltmore Park. 
$10 per passenger vehicle and $20/large vans motor coach & buses. 20% of the proceeds will be donated to Buncombe County Special Olympics.
Save on advance tickets ordered online:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lake-julian-festival-of-lights-tickets-38118264756

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Sweet!  Gingerbread House 25th Annual National Competition 2017 displayed at the Omni Grove Park Inn with amazing creative entries made entirely of edible materials (except for the base).  Judged on 1) Overall Appearance; 2) Originaligy & Creativity; 3) Difficulty; 4) Precision; 5) Consistence of Theme.  At least 75% must be gingerbread.
 
General public viewing is November 26, 2017 to January 4, 2018.  Exhibit is free to view, however, parking fee is $20 (half goes to local non-profits).  Pictured is the 2016 Grand Prize winner. (Romantic Asheville photo)  While at the Inn be sure to make reservations at one of the awesome restaurants.
 
290 Macon Ave, Asheville NC  (800) 438-5800

https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/asheville-grove-park/things-to-do/upcoming-events/national-gingerbread-competition
 
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Flat Rock Playhouse Live Theater Mainstage presents “Christmas Spectacular” music & dance with holiday favorites ranging from traditional carols to country Christmas classics. This festive show is for the WHOLE family! (Romantic Asheville photo)
 
Beginning in 1940 with a few summer performances, it is now designated “The State Theatre of NC."  The FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE throughout the year offers a delightful variety of musicals, dramas, comedies and classics with wide appeal.  Considered one of the “Top Ten Theaters in the Country,” the Flat Rock Playhouse offers quality professional entertainment rarely found so far from Broadway. 
 
Nov 25 – Dec 22, 2017; Seats from $15 to $50
2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC  (828-693-0731)
www.flatrockplayhouse.org

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“Tis the Season” Holiday Fair 2017 with over 200 vendors at the WNC AG Center
Holiday shopping event with fabulous art, crafts, gifts home décor and tasty holiday food and NC wines.  Get a jump start and shop NOW for all those wonderful one-of-a-kind holiday gifts!  (Website photo)
Friday, Nov 17:  11 am – 6 pm
Saturday, Nov 18: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday, Nov 19: 11 am – 5 pm
 
Adults $4; Children under 12 are free; FREE PARKING
WNC AG Center 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher NC (Davis Event Building; Gate #5)
 
https://www.wncholidayfair.net/

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“HOLIDAY MAGIC” is the theme of the annual downtown Asheville Parade on Saturday, Nov 18, 2017. An annual event for more than 70 years, this 90 minutes parade has 100 entries including marching bands, dance & cheer squads and delightful holiday floats!  (Romantic Asheville photo from 2016) 

Be sure to come plenty early for best viewing along the 1 mile route.  Parade begins at 11 AM. It travels up Biltmore Avenue from Charlotte Street toward Pack Square (the performance area), turns left on Patton Avenue and ends on French Broad Street. 
​
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Downtown Asheville’s WINTER LIGHTS extravaganza partners again with the NC Arboretum for a creative holiday light display in the heart of downtown’s Pack Square with even more pizazz than last year!  The theme “Holiday Magic” inspires downtown businesses to decorate their windows competing for prizes (winners announced Dec 6.)
Romantic Asheville photo.
 
Be on hand for the lighting ceremony at 6 PM on Saturday, Nov 18 and enjoy free hot chocolate from the French Broad Chocolate Lounge!  

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‘Tis the Holiday Season celebrated in grand style at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC.  The mansion boasts a thousand poinsettias, miles of garland, 55 fabulous decorated trees and the famous annual 35 foot live Fraser fir tree in the Banquet Hall.  This year’s theme is “A Vanderbilt Christmas.”  Enjoy live music as you tour this 250 room estate dressed in its very best holiday finery on display through January 7, 2018!  (Romantic Asheville photo of the 55 foot Norway Spruce Tree with 45,000 lights!) 
www.Biltmore.com
 
Discounted two-consecutive day tickets available for vacation rental guests staying at www.AshevilleVacationHomes
​
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RIVER ARTS DISTRICT STUDIO STROLL:  November 11-12, 2017, 10 AM-5 PM.
This is the best time to find almost all of the resident artists at work in their studios and see the artistic process first hand.  Talk to the artists, see live demonstrations and join in hands-on workshops.  You’ll find in the 25 historic industrial buildings along the French Broad River over 200 diverse artists:  painting, sculpting, glass blowing, ceramics, jewelry, fiber arts, woodworking & more!  Free trolleys run throughout the mile long district during this event.  Remember you can shop here year round! 
 
At 5 PM on Saturday, enjoy the After Party hosted by Cotton Mill Studios (122 Riverside Drive) with live music and DJs, food trucks and circus performers. (Romantic Asheville photo)
http://www.riverartsdistrict.com/
 
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One of the many delights in historic Hendersonville Main Street is DANCING BEAR TOYS. 
​You and your kids will be thrilled with the variety of fascinating toys, stuffed animals and everything to entertain kids.  The staff promises: “We work hard to bring you the best, the weirdest, and the most unique toys on the market. We have hundreds of demos available and we’re always ready to play with you!” (Romantic Asheville photo)
 
418 North Main Street, Hendersonville, NC   (828) 693-4500
www.DancingBearToys.com  

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This family-owned CANTINA Restaurant is in Asheville’s historic Biltmore Village just outside the gates of the Biltmore Estate.  Enjoy all your favorite Mexican dishes with a unique Asheville twist.  Creative homemade daily with tasty fresh local ingredients are quesadillas, burritos, many gluten free and vegetarian choices will delight your mouth!  Eat inside, enjoy the bar with over 50 Tequila choices or relax on the patio. (scrumptious photo from their website)  Open 7 Days.

10 Biltmore Plaza, Asheville NC  (828) 505-7682
www.cantinabiltmore.com

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“Spa At Biltmore Village” near the historic Biltmore Estate is a luxurious day spa for women and men that goes beyond expectations.  “Our amenities set us apart – we offer lots of extras including a luxurious robe and slippers for each spa service. Curl up in our relaxation area while you sip on a complimentary beverage. Included with most of our treatments are aromatic foot soaks, warm neck wraps, hot towels and lots of other extras.” (Photo from their website)
Open 7 days!  Reservations: (828) 277-2639
18 Brook Street Suite 104, Asheville, NC
www.spaatbiltmorevillage.com

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CORNER KITCHEN in the historic Biltmore Village, Asheville NC is in a homey 122 year old Victorian Cottage with farm-to-table American fare serving local wine, beer and specialty cocktails. Enjoy the relaxed setting and vintage décor.  Dining in the small rooms or on the covered patio, you’ll appreciate the fine food and excellent service. Best place for breakfast!  Consistent 5 star reviews!  (Romantic Asheville photo)
3 Boston Way, Asheville, NC  (828) 274-2439 (just across from the entrance to the Biltmore Estate)
www.TheCornerKitchen.com

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