Asheville fall color update & the White House perfect Christmas tree

With all of our new properties, I haven't had much time to give you the scoop on what's happening in Western NC.

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Yesterday was the Fall Color Guy's weekly update on Fall Leaf Color. Here's the report:

In higher elevations the leaves have peaked and is starting to crawl down the North Carolina mountains. In elevations lower than 4,000 feet, the leaves are just starting to peak. It is still a wonderful time to pack the car and head to the North Carolina mountains for some hiking, fishing, biking or just relax while sipping some hot coco and take in the view. Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or enjoy the history of NC mountain culture. Grab the camera, load up the family and come catch the fall hues and cooler weather!

There is a longer update for the week of October 19, as well as local reports from individuals in each county, which of course includes the city of Asheville.

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Biltmore Estate is in their fall season now until November 1. From Ashley, our Biltmore Partnership Coordinator:

Guests will find every kind of fall beauty they could hope for at Biltmore... fall gardens bursting with thousands of colorful mums, pastoral and mountain views, vibrant colored forests, and rolling countryside.

The photo up top is a current picture of their fall season walled garden, full of pink mums.

At Carolina Mornings, we have Biltmore tickets available to add to any reservation. They are $49 per adult, $25 per kid 10-16 until the end of October (prices go up in November for the winter holiday season). Our tickets are also good for two consecutive days.

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In other news, the White House found their perfect Christmas in Western North Carolina again this year. That makes 3 times in 4 years, according to this Citizen-Times article.

An at least 18 1/2-foot-tall Fraser fir from River Ridge Farms of Crumpler [Ashe County, NC] will spend the holidays in the Blue Room of the White House, the N.C. Department of Agriculture says.

The National Christmas Tree Association reported on Tuesday that the tree was selected.

The Blue Room Christmas Tree was handpicked by Director of the Executive Residence and White House Chief Usher Stephen Rochon, Superintendent of Grounds Dale Haney and White House Chief Floral Designer Nancy Clarke on Oct 21, 2008. The tree will be cut in late November and sent to Washington, D.C.

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Of the things Western North Carolina does really well, Christmas trees are near the top of the list. Which reminds me of a wonderful book I loved as a kid, and I'll leave you with this -- if you've got youngsters in your family, and you celebrate the Christmas holiday, you might want to investigate The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree (oh, and grown ups beware: I tear up now just thinking about it)!