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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MOUNT PISGAH is only 15 miles from Asheville NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway standing at 5,721 feet! It is easily seen from many miles away by the identifying 339 foot TV tower perched at its peak which is the highest TV antenna east of the Mississippi at 6,023 feet above sea level. 
 
At the site of Mt Pisgah is a wonderful Restaurant with spectacular long range views and the food is excellent!  You can hike the 1.6 mile trail up to the peak for awesome views (moderate difficulty and steep toward the top). Do 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 in the early 1900’s. 
 
Enjoy 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. 

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White Water Rafting, Tubing & Kayaking!  Asheville NC is “#1 Vacation with a Splash” recommended by ABC’s Good Morning America & National Geographic Adventurer. 
With 6 rivers to choose from for water adventures, numerous rafting guides, rentals of kayaks, canoes & paddleboards, Western North Carolina is the place!  Calmer rides are found along the French Broad River and the busy Nantahala River (1.5 hours from Asheville) is well-known for its 8 mile dam-controlled river with 20 class II/III rapids and numerous outfitters. 
Other rivers include Pigeon River, Green River, Tuckasegee River & North Toe River. 
(Romantic Asheville photo)

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Hike AND Massage!  Ascend Adventure Wellness offers the unusual combination of enjoying a hike in the Pisgah National Forest followed by an outdoor massage and spa treatment!  Choose from an easy mile-long hike to a waterfall or a 6 mile mountain hike to a panoramic view….ending at the base camp set in the woods along a creek complete with massage table, therapist, tent and a private flush toilet. (Citizen Times Twitter photo) 
​(828) 747-9917
https://www.ascendadventurewellness.com/


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Hendersonville NC’s Urban Trail: OCHLAWAHA GREENWAY connects Jackson Park, Patton Park, Berkley Park, Sullivan Park, & William H. King Memorial Park.  
​Come walk, bring your dog or bike. It is a relatively flat paved trail and is handicap accessible. The Greenway is a 10-foot-wide asphalt path for cyclists and pedestrians. Benches, water fountains, and three bicycle Fix-It Stations are along the trail. The Audubon Society named the Greenway as a birding “hot spot.” Wildflowers, native trees & small mammals abound. (Photo from website)
http://www.friendsofoklawaha.org/Oklawaha/index.php

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Solve a mystery!  Holmes Educational Forest in Hendersonville NC on July 8, 2017 special event “Forest Habitat Mystery” allowing participants to follow signs of animals in the forest and solve a mystery.  This ¼ mile is from 10 AM to noon.
 
Open daily Mon – Sat. Easy short hikes on well-marked trails with exhibits and displays depicting ecology of a managed forest.  This 240 acre area in the Blue Ridge Mountains is a great treat for kids with the half mile walk of the Talking Trees Trail where pressing a button on a kiosk has a pre-recorded message about each tree. 
1299 Crab Creek Rd, Hendersonville, NC  (828) 692-0100
http://www.ncesf.org/hesf/home.htm
​
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Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest near Asheville, Brevard & Hendersonville, NC is Mother Nature’s waterslide! This summer favorite finds kids & adults sliding down the sloping 60 foot boulder to splash in an 8 foot deep pool (you must know how to swim!)

Memorial Day to Sept 4, 2017, life guards on duty & restrooms open 10 AM – 6 PM.  Cost is only $2 when staff are present.  Be forewarned the water will be cold and be sure to wear sturdy clothes & water shoes.  Children under 7 must slide with an adult. 
​Dogs must be leashed and cannot slide. (Romantic Asheville photo) 
​Hotline for high water closures: (828) 885-7625

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Perfect for hot summer days is ZEN TUBING in Asheville NC. Take a lazy & scenic river float trip on the French Broad River! Expect cushy-comfy tubes with backrest, no reservations except for groups of 15+, trips leave every 10 minutes between 10 AM – 3 PM for 2 to 4 hours of fun!  Open 7 Days through Sept 10.
Great for kids ages 4 & up!
Picnic & swim along the way. 
855-936-8823
Downtown: 608 Riverside Dr., Asheville, NC
South Asheville: 1648 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC
http://zentubing.com/

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ASHEVILLE TREETOPS ADVENTURE PARK where you can choose your adventure with intriguing outdoor activities for ages 4 to adults. (Yep! There is a special zipline for kids as young as 4!) Located in a beautiful tree preserve 5 minutes from downtown Asheville, NC.
Play in the trees with a huge variety of 50 unique climbing, swinging, walking, zipping and rappelling challenges.  Don’t forget obstacle courses and mountain biking on special trails.  Park rangers always present.
You can enjoy 5 different awesome adventures each designed for varying skill levels:

• AshevilleTreetops Adventure Park
• Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures
• KOLO Bike Park
• KidZip (America’s 1st zipline designed for kids under 10!)
• QuickJump

Reservations online or 877-247-5539 or  828-225-2921
1 Resort Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
http://www.ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com/

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River Tubing at Deep Creek in Smoky Mountain National Park is a perfect way to cool down in the summer!  Near Bryson City about 65 miles from Asheville, this is one of the most popular & beautiful river tubing places. Rent a tube from several businesses on Deep Creek Road just outside the park. The area is known for its streams, numerous hiking trails and waterfalls.  Take a day to explore all that is here!  (Romantic Asheville photo)
https://www.romanticasheville.com/deep_creek_great_smoky_mountains.htm

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Little Bearwallow Mountain new hiking trail in Hickory Nut Gorge area is only 10 miles from Hendersonville & 19 miles from Asheville NC near Chimney Rock. At the cost of $200,000 and 3 years of hard work, this 3 mile strenuous hike climbs 1800 feet in elevation to cliffs with panoramic views and a 100-foot waterfall.  It ends in a highland grassland atop Little Bearwallow Mountain, elevation 3,980 feet. 
 
It was painstakingly designed to be the utmost in sustainability to protect the land, using natural materials to last many generations. This area is home to rare plant communities and a big variety of wildflowers. In fact, more than 100 acres have been designated the Little Bearwallow Mountain Significant Natural Heritage Area for its biodiversity. (Romantic Asheville photo)
 
For more details: http://www.carolinamountain.org/hikingchallenge3/littlebearwallow

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Guided Waterfall “Tumblestone Tours” will take you to 3 spectacular waterfalls in the Blue Ridge Mountains, visit 2 protected forests with beautiful scenery and learn the rich history of the area.  The 4.5 to 5.5 hour excursion offers easy walks of about 3 miles.
​Snacks & drinks are included.  The tour group is small with only 2 to 8 people.  
Custom tours also available.
Starts at $64 per person
For reservations:  (828) 242-5563
www.TumblestoneTours.com
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PATTON PARK: SWIMMING, SPORTS, WALKING & AWESOME $360,000 SKATE PARK PLAZA!  Open year-round in the heart of historic Hendersonville, North Carolina, this park has 19 acres 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. There is a 20,000 SF SKATE PARK PLAZA 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 a mile north of downtown Hendersonville, NC off Asheville Highway (Hwy 25).  Turn onto Clairmont Drive at the light signal.
Park Information at 828-697-3084
https://www.visitnc.com/listing/patton-park-2

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ASHEVILLE HELICOPTERS TOURS offers a spectacular way to view the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, the Biltmore Estate and surrounding area!  Choose from a variety of guided tours from $99 to $225 per person.  The pilots will explain the local favorite attractions and history of the area. Experience the thrill of helicopter flying! (Romantic Asheville photo)
​Flights are about 20 to 30 minutes.  Only 3 passengers on a flight.  Bring your camera!

Departs from the Asheville Regional Airport
240 Wright Brothers Way, Fletcher, NC   (678) 870-3085
http://ashevillehelicopters.com

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Holmes Educational Forest (240 acres of trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains) is now open for the season! 
This Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 10 AM – noon, take a guided Spring Wildflower Hike.
This easy walk is less than a mile on a biodiverse north-facing slope. 
Bring along a lunch & enjoy a picnic afterwards!
 
Holmes Educational State Forest provides a living outdoor classroom where visitors of all ages can learn about the local natural forest environment since 1977. Whether you're looking for a strenuous hike, an educational stroll, a night under the stars, or just a picnic lunch with the kids, it’s here for you!  All services and facilities are free. (photo from dwhike.com)
 
Open Tuesday – Saturday; mid-March to late November.
1299 Crab Creek Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28739   828-692-0100
http://www.ncesf.org/hesf/home.htm

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Moore Cove Falls & Easy Hike in Pisgah National Forest, NC.
A relaxing walk perfect for families, kids & elderly (only the first 150 feet is moderate) ends at the 50 foot waterfalls (best after a rain).  Access is by a small parking area by a stone bridge on U.S. 276, a mile north from Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest.  A wooden pedestrian bridge takes you across the creek & it’s 3/4 mile to the falls (yellow blazes on trees mark the way).  Always be extremely careful of slippery wet rocks! Dogs allowed on a leash. (Romantic Asheville photo)

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TULIPS! Mid-March is time to skip through the magnificent Tulip Gardens at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC.  With the early warmer weather, the Biltmore’s Festival of Flowers begins early in mid-March with 50,000 tulips, 14,000 daffodils and 1,000 hyacinths.  As the season progresses, visit monthly to discover the ever changing sea of beautiful blooms through May 25!  (Romantic Asheville photo)
 
Discounted two-day passes available to my vacation rental guests.  All eleven homes are just a short drive away.
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Chimney Rock State Park guided hike is every Saturday in March from 11AM – 12:15PM!  This 1.5 mile hike is with a naturalist who will give you insights to this spectacular 400 acre park with astonishing 75 mile views, a 404 foot waterfall and outstanding hiking trails.
 
Chimney Rock Park has been the setting for such movies as “Firestarter,” “A Breed Apart” and “The Last of the Mohicans” with Daniel Day-Lewis - the famous fight scene at the end of the movie was filmed at the falls.  “Dirty Dancing” was filmed just down the road at Lake Lure.
 
Guided Hike Price is included in park admission! 
431 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC  (25 miles from Asheville and 18 miles from Hendersonville NC) 
To register or for more information: 800-277-9611. 
http://www.chimneyrockpark.com   

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HOOKER FALLS, one of a group of waterfalls found in DuPont State Forest, is one of the most well-loved falls due to its symmetrical single cascading beauty, easy access from the parking area and the large swimming hole below the falls. 
Located just outside Asheville between Hendersonville and Brevard, this 10,000 acre forest has over 80 miles of gorgeous trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. 
Admission is free. 
Photos & hiking information at www.AshevilleTrails.com 
www.dupontforest.com/
 
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Zip-N-Slip Snow Tubing Park in Mars Hill, NC (near Asheville) has lots of snow and is ready for family friendly fun with snow tubing runs and zipline!  Delightful to try the lighted slopes at night (open until 9 PM). Great hosts!  Warm up at the fireplace with hot chocolate! 
​Open Friday – Sunday;
$20/1 hour per person or $35/2 hours per person
I-26 - Exit 3 - Wolf Laurel Exit
10725 US Hwy 23 North, Mars Hill, NC  (828) 689-8444
http://zipnslip.com/
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FIRST DAY HIKES, offered by North Carolina state parks, are FREE GUIDED HIKES on January 1, 2017.  What a perfect way to begin fulfilling your New Year resolutions with exercise and reconnecting with nature!  (Romantic Asheville photo)
You might consider these parks for your hike:
Chimney Rock Park
Mt Mitchell State Park
Grandfather Mountain
 
See this website for details and times: 
www.ncparks.gov/north-carolina-first-day-hikes  

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Moonshine Mountain Snow Tubing Park in Hendersonville NC has tons of snow & all 3 lanes are open!  Open every day except Christmas, this is the best & steepest snow tubing with over 500 feet of fun for all ages.  This is one of the very few snow tubing parks that allow tubing “trains” where you hold hands and ankles to go down the slope as a group.  They make their own snow!
Tickets:  $25 per person for 2 hours.  Cash only.    
5865 Willow Road, Hendersonville, NC   (828) 696-0333
www.MoonshineMountain.com

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Asheville’s WNC Nature Center’s special “Behind-The-Scenes Tour”
Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 1:45 PM. 
This tour goes to “staff only” areas & is a great chance for an amazing up close view of the animals.  The Nature Center is home to over 60 native species of animals, all in their natural environments.  It is open 7 days a week all year.  (Romantic Asheville photo)
Call for reservation for this special tour. 
Tour Admission: Adults $30; under 16 youth $15. Please no young children for this tour. WNC Nature Center:  75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC  (828) 298-5600  
http://www.wncnaturecenter.com/
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