FREE Admission; Open 7 days, year round
111 Grovewood Road, Asheville NC (828) 253-7651
www.grovewood.com/
See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places to Explore & SHOP
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/ See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places to Explore & SHOP ‘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 See CATEGORIES on right of this page for BILTMORE ESTATE Biltmore Estate’s “Tour the West Range!” Tour only offered in September!
Fall is a perfect time to experience the spectacular colors that transform these Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina! What better time to take advantage of the special Biltmore tour of the estate’s beautiful west side for a fascinating look at past and present forestry, agricultural, and sustainability initiatives. Meet your motorcoach at the shuttle stop in Antler Hill Village for a memorable and enlightening experience. (Biltmore Estate photo) Asheville Vacation Homes vacation rental guests may purchase discounted Biltmore Estate entrance tickets good for two consecutive days. The special tour is $25 per person. Call for reserved tickets: 800-211-9803 Saturdays & Sundays in September: 11AM, 1PM, 3:30PM See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places to Explore; Biltmore Estate Historic downtown Hendersonville is the second largest downtown in western North Carolina (Asheville is first) with many things to do, see and taste. The beautiful quaint Main Street winds around planter boxes and lush landscaping. With more than 100 unique shops and 20 wonderful restaurants, it is a delight to explore with a big variety of locally-owned high quality stores and galleries. And see their famous painted bears! Stay in one of our nearby vacation rental homes! (Romantic Asheville photo)
www.VisitHendersonvilleNC.com See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more Places to Explore Antler Hill Village and Farm on the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC is a reason you may need to spend several days at the Estate. Here you can tour & taste wines at the famous Biltmore winery. Visit the fascinating Vanderbilt exhibit “The Legacy”, shop, arrange Outdoor Adventures and enjoy meals at Cedric's Tavern or Bistro Restaurant. And don't forget the Creamery for ice cream! All attractions at Antler Hill Village are included in admission to the estate. (Romantic Asheville photo)
Guests of Asheville Vacation Homes may purchase discounted tickets and I will have them at your vacation rental home so you don't have to wait in long ticket lines! See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more BILTMORE ESTATE Asheville’s WNC NATURE CENTER is a 42 acre Native Wildlife Natural Sanctuary that is a fun, educational adventure for kids of all ages! See 60+ species of animals including cougars, bobcats, wolves, foxes, bears, deer, raccoons, snakes, snapping turtles, otters, birds, fish and other many others native to our Appalachian mountain region. It’s beautiful to wander the hilly terrain nature paths to see all the animals in their spacious natural habitat enclosures (not cages!). Kids love the petting zoo! Go often to see the ever changing seasonal special exhibits. Open every day except major holidays: 10 AM to 5 PM. 75 Gashes Creek Rd, Asheville, NC (828) 298-5600 http://www.wncnaturecenter.com/ See CATEGORIES on Right of this page for more KIDS! and Places to Explore Attention cat lovers!
Opened in April 2017 near Dillsboro NC is The American Museum of the House Cat with two rooms packed with over 10,000 cat related curiosities, including many rare and fascinating antiques including a 600 BC bronze of the feline goddess Bastet. This is the collection of Dr. Harold Sims and proceeds fund his no-kill cat shelter/adoption center. Be sure to visit this quirky roadside stop when vacationing in NC! (Photo by Romantic Asheville) Admission: $5/person; $2/children under 12. Tues – Sat 10-5; Sunday 12-5 Located in the historic Savannah School 4 miles south of Dillsboro on US HWY 441: 4704 US Highway 441, Sylva NC. Phone: 828-293-0892. http://www.catman2.org/the-american-museum-of-the-house-cat.html See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places to Explore SPACE DAY! At Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI)! This annual event is an all-day open house that attracts hundreds of visitors. In addition to all the regular attractions at PARI, during Space Day the research and educational programs are highlighted at locations throughout the campus, with PARI staff, students and volunteers on hand to demonstrate and explain. You also love the beautiful hiking trails and awesome views!
This one-time NASA facility on 200 acres with 30 buildings with 100,000+ square feet is now a nonprofit research center with hands-on displays & exhibits including a state-of-the-art Research Building. “PARI’s mission is to promote science and excite the imagination, to become a place where researchers can try unconventional ideas, where pure research combines with practical application, and where people can begin their education and be inspired to continue.” Saturday, May 6, 2017: 10 AM – 4 PM PARI is located in the Pisgah Forest about 30 miles southwest of Asheville, NC. 1 PARI Drive, Rosman, NC (828) 862-5554 http://www.pari.edu/ See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more Places to Explore Now is the time to visit Biltmore’s massive 20-acre Azalea Gardens for the most spectacular & varied collection of native azaleas in the country! Wander the beautiful paths of thousands of colorful blooms. As the season progresses, visit the Biltmore grounds often to experience “Biltmore Blooms.” (Romantic Asheville photo)
Through July 4, 2017 also visit the Biltmore House for the “Designed for Drama” fabulous movie costumes on display. Discounted 2-Day Passes are available for guests of AshevilleVacationHomes.com See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places to Explore & Biltmore Estate Spring is the time to see the baby goats at the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC.
Now a national historic site, this is where Pulitzer Prize winner Carl Sandburg (1878 – 1967), American poet, author, lecturer, spent the final 22 years of his life. Today it is FREE to hike the trails in this beautiful 246 acre working farm. Visit the barn where Mrs. Sandburg raised her prize winning goats & visit the new babies. For a small fee, you can tour his home “Connemara” built in 1838 (plan on spending several hours at the home). Open daily 9 AM – 5 PM 1928 Little River Road near Hendersonville in Flat Rock, North Carolina. http://www.nps.gov/carl/index.htm See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places to Explore 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 See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Outdoor Adventures The Trolley Company in Hendersonville NC is recommended by our vacation rental guests as a fun & informative way to experience our area’s historic areas, wineries, special tours of your choice. The historic “Duchess” trolley finished in golden oak, brass & etched glass is a unique way to explore Asheville, Hendersonville and Greenville. Groups can even design their own tour itinerary. Also choose from vans, buses, limos & carriages. (website photo of their trolley in front of the Biltmore House, Asheville, North Carolina)
(828) 606-8606 www.thetrolleycompany.com See our Vacation Rental CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places to Explore Addison Farms Vineyard’s Weekly Wine Tastings! This awesome 4 generation family-owned vineyard on 55 acres is just outside of Asheville NC. The winery and tasting room are open Fridays & Saturdays 12-5PM and Sundays 1-5PM. Tastings are only $8 and you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch on their porch with views of the vines and mountains. Current varieties include: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Petit Verdot, and Petit Manseng. Note this is also a beautiful wedding and event venue with catering for up to 100 guests.
4005 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester, NC (828) 581-9463 www.addisonfarms.net See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places to Explore Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) hosts “Howl at the Planets” on Friday, October 28, 2016 from 8 – 10 PM. With no moon lighting the night sky you will scan for five planets, the largest asteroid and more! Reservations are required.
The cost is $15/person. Ages 10 & under are free. Register & pay online. This one-time NASA facility on 200 acres with 30 buildings with 100,000+ square feet is now a nonprofit research center with hands-on displays & exhibits including a state-of-the-art Research Building. “PARI’s mission is to promote science and excite the imagination, to become a place where researchers can try unconventional ideas, where pure research combines with practical application, and where people can begin their education and be inspired to continue.” Open Monday thru Saturday 9 - 4: Enjoy beautiful hiking trails & awesome views! PARI is located in the Pisgah Forest about 30 miles southwest of Asheville, NC. 1 PARI Drive, Rosman, NC (828) 862-5554 http://www.pari.edu/ See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Outdoor Adventures Ghost Hunters of Asheville Tours….if you dare!
Experience Asheville’s only interactive ghost tour (about 90 minutes). Hear real ghost stories from experienced guides. These walking tours of Asheville feature authenticated stories of the spirits that wander this city. This is Asheville’s only ghost tour offering free access to ghost-hunting equipment with paranormal photos guaranteed! (Photo of ghost at Inn on Montford, Asheville, NC) Regular Ghost Tours: Adults ($20) • Youth, 6-15 ($13) • Children 6 and under (free) Ghosts & Grapes: Adults Only ($65) for a special 2.5 hour ramble to 4 popular wine spots that includes special wine tastings & haunted lore. (828) 779-4868 www.ghosthuntersofasheville.com/ See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places To Explore GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN is a perfect place to see brilliant leaf colors! It is one of the highest peaks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, about 70 miles from Asheville NC, and offers fabulous views, awesome alpine hikes, a wildlife habitat including bears, cougars, otters, deer and don’t forget the famous Mile High Swinging Bridge (Romantic Asheville photo).
The mountain attractions are operated by a non-profit foundation and one ticket price ($20 adults) includes everything: The backcountry of Grandfather is now a North Carolina State Park. Guests purchase tickets at the foot of the mountain and drive their own vehicles through the park, stopping along the way to enjoy a variety of activities. Take an “ALL COLOR GUIDED WALK” (included with entry) on October 15, 16, 22, 23 to visit locations around the mountain showcasing spectacular fall colors. Learn more about the trees & habitat from the knowledgeable guide. (828) 733-4337 or 1-800-468-7325 http://www.grandfather.com/ See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Outdoor Adventures The rain we’ve received the past few days makes visiting DuPont State Forest’s waterfalls a perfect time to visit!
On October 9, 2016 the 12 mile “TOUR DE FALLS” shuttle bus will take visitors to High Falls, Triple Falls, Bridal Veil Falls and Lake Julia. Shuttles will run every 30 minutes from 9:30 AM until 2:30 PM. Take short hikes to enjoy the beauty of the falls and lake. Volunteers on each shuttle & at the four stops provide information about the history of the forest and the work now being done to preserve and protect it. (Romantic Asheville photo of High Falls) Sponsored by Friends of DuPont Forest, Hendersonville, NC. 828-877-6527 See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Outdoor Adventures NC Arboretum LEGO “Nature Connects” Exhibit is shown through October 23, 2016. Displayed throughout the gardens are 14 large-scale sculptures of LEGO nature art using more than 370,000 pieces created by Sean Kenney, the award-winning artist named as the first LEGO certified professional. Be inspired to create your own designs! Kids will love this! (Romantic Asheville photo)
http://www.ncarboretum.org/event/nature-connects-art-with-lego-bricks-by-sean-kenney/2016-09-13/ See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more Places To Explore Asheville Farm to Table Tours are fun, informative, tasty and a great way to spend a day! Take a casual stroll through 3 local farms, meet local farmers & see where your food comes from. Tour takes about 5 -6 hours including a special meal prepared with fresh ingredients from the farms you visited. The tour van will accommodate a group of 12 including your guide. Children are welcome!
(828) 606-9553 http://www.ashevillefarmtotabletours.com/ See CATEGORIES on right of page for more Outdoor Adventures & Places to Explore Historic Johnson Farm in Hendersonville NC is a heritage education museum. Walk the beautiful nature trails, tour the 1876 farm house, visit the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists and more! There are picnic tables, animals & 10 historic structures on 15 acres of forest, fields & streams. It is on the National Register of Historic Places & designated a North Carolina Cultural Treasure. (Romantic Asheville photo)
Tour times & days vary. 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville NC (828) 891-6585 www.historicjohnsonfarm.org See CATEGORIES on right of the page for more Places to Explore Colburn Earth Science Museum in downtown Asheville, NC is rich in earth treasures of stunning gems & minerals! Kids love the fun hands-on educational exhibits. Check out the exhibits: Fossils of the Deep, the Hall of Minerals, the Grove Stone Earth Center, History of Mining in North Carolina, Gemstone Gallery, and the Climate, Weather and YOU!
(Romantic Asheville photo) Tuesday – Saturday 10AM-5PM; Sundays 1-5PM Adults $6.50; Military & Children 6-16 $5.50; Children 5 & under are FREE 2 S Pack Square, Asheville, NC (828) 254-7162 www.colburnmuseum.org See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more KIDS and Places to Explore Moving Sidewalk Tours of Asheville, NC!
Roll through downtown in style on a Sewgay i2! Tours 7 days a week! Allow 2 to 2.5 hours which include 30 minutes of training (riders ages 14 & up). It’s a fun way to see a great deal of our town in a short time with a tour guide. With a maximum of 4 riders, it is best to reserve your spot well in advance! Check their website for full details. (Groupon photo) Meet at the Asheville Visitor Information Center for 10AM, 1PM & 5PM tours! 36 Montford Ave., Asheville NC 828-776-8687 http://movingsidewalktours.com/ See CATEGORIES on right of page for more Outdoor Adventures & Places to Explore Historic Silvermont Mansion in downtown Brevard NC is now an 8 acre county park with a 33 room Colonial Revival mansion on the National Register of Historic Places. You are invited to wander the mile trail past ancient native trees, a woodland garden, a Learning Garden of vegetables, and a rain garden. You can picnic, play tennis & basketball. The mansion built in 1916 offers classes on the first floor and be sure to explore the second floor museum. (Brevard is just a short drive from Asheville & Hendersonville).
364 E Main St, Brevard, NC 828-884-3166 https://silvermont.org/visit/ See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places To Explore Lake Lure Flowering Bridge is a feast for the eyes & senses! This historic bridge, originally part of US Hwy 64/74A/NC9 built in 1925, was closed in 2011 to make way for a new bridge. The local community came together and created magnificent gardens full of whimsey & sculpture on this 155 foot bridge over the river in Hickory Nut Gorge. From here you can see the famous Chimney Rock and the river that flows into Lake Lure.
FREE! Park at the Lake Lure Welcome Center, 2932 Memorial Hwy or at a small parking area on the Chimney Rock side. (Photo: Romantic Asheville) http://lakelurefloweringbridge.org/ See CATEGORIES of right of the page for more Outdoor Adventures & Places to Explore Biltmore Estate’s Guided Hikes on Thursday through Sunday mornings for a $10 fee you may take your choice of 2 guided hikes:
* Trail Blazer at 8 AM for a fast-paced hike on dirt terrain in wooded areas, avoiding the heat * River Stroll at 10 AM for a relaxed-pace hike to the Lagoon on partially-paved roads. The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is so much more than the magnificent 250 room mansion! Spend several days here to experience the amazing grounds, winery, conservatory, Antler Hill Village, the Legacy building and many specialized outdoor activities such as horseback riding, skeet shooting, Segway tours & more! www.Biltmore.com Discounted two-day tickets may be purchased by our guests! See CATEGORIES on right of this page for more Places to Explore |
AuthorStephanie Joy Johnson, owner and hostess for Asheville Vacation Homes! I love sharing what I know about this amazing place in the Blue Ridge Mountains where I live! CATEGORIES
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