Biltmore Estate opens new rooms

Photo from www.biltmore.com


Biltmore Estate will finish a three-year restoration and open a suite of four new bedrooms to the public on April 4, coinciding with the start of this year's Festival of Flowers (more on that tomorrow).

This suite includes the Louis XV Room which, according to the Biltmore Web site, is the heart of Biltmore. This is the room in which much of the Vanderbuilt family's daily lives were carried out, and where Cornelia Vanderbuilt Cecil's two sons were born.

The restoration was extensive, and according to a press release involved:

Piecing remnants of original wallpaper found underneath door moldings and drapery brackets to determine wallpaper patterns for the reproduction process;
Traveling to France to collaborate with fabric and wallpaper company designers to ensure the original fabrics were reproduced exactly;
Hours of cleaning and repairing the objects form George Vanderbilt’s collection;
Hand mixing of paints to match the original colors.

Some of the intent behind this restoration is to begin shifting the focus of guests' experience at Biltmore Estate towards family, guests, and daily life in the home.

Learn more about the restoration, watch videos, and see photos.

PUSH Asheville Fashion this Friday

Thanks to AskAsheville for the tip!
This Friday, March 27 (that's tomorrow for those who have trouble keeping up with the days of the week) is the first-ever PUSH Asheville Fashion show.

The show, organized by Sonia Lida K. Hendrix, will showcase 15 designers, 30 winter outfits, and 15 styles commonly seen around Asheville.

The goal is to bring attention to great local shopping opportunities in order to encourage spending in our Asheville community, therefore strengthening the local economy and helping our small businesses!

Primarily sponsored by AB Tech's business club (Phi Beta Lambda), this event will officially tie our local community college into the local arts and music culture. Other partners include Coma gun Music, Cinebarre, and Mutiny tattoo and piercing.


Details:
The Garage at Biltmore
Doors open at 9pm, show starts at 10pm
$10 tickets at the door
Ages 18+

Local boutiques:
Hip Replacements
Terra Diva
Fashionistas
Virtue
Frock
Union
Hunk
Honey Pot
Vintage Moon
Custom
Wink
Va Va Voom
Boga Global Fashion
All outfits under $120!!

Performances:
Asheville Dance Revolution
Ras Brohan of Krystal Kind
Jen & the Juice followed by
Plaza Real


Should be a really good time, come out and support Asheville's community businesses, art, fashion, and music!

Carolina Mornings Property Specials

Jump on these great owner specials before they change for Spring!

One night stays available at Ladybug and Red Barn for $150 and Dogwood Studio for $141!

Discounted seasonal rates at Hidden Pond, Autumn Delight, Black Bear Cabin, Red Wolf and Mountainside Getaway.

Complimentary firewood at Pie in the Sky and Bear Wallow Retreat.

CHOOSE your special at Hidden Pond, Biltmore Village Villas, Sunrise Cottage, Black Bear, Blue Ridge Getaway, Country Cabin Getaway, Red Wolf, and 4 Winds Lodge.
*Choices include area gift certificates, free Biltmore tickets, waived pet fees, gas cards, and discounted nightly rates.


Our biggest savings -

Get an extra night FREE at Slow Living Cottage and Fox Den.

Get extra nights for $11 at Asheville's Downtown Loft, the Biltmore Village Villas, Ladybug, Red Barn, Riverview Hideaway, TreeTops, Sunrise Cottage, Among the Clouds, Chestnut Cabin, Eagle's View, Riverside Romance, Trout Rock, Bear Wallow, Blue Sky Vista, A Mountain Escapade, Avalon Highland Chalet, Crystal Falls Chalet, Forest Hill, Pumpkin Patch, Wolf Laurel Cabin, Wolf Laurel View, Eagle's Crest, Blevins Beech House, Rivertime, and Dillsboro Mountain View!

NEW monthly rental!

Choirloft is a beautiful new Carolina Mornings property. It is convenient to town on Beaucatcher Mountain, and is being offered as a furnished monthly rental - something we have not offered much in the past (although negotiating longer-term rental rates for any of our properties is always an option).

This contemporary Asheville property has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. One bedroom has a queen sized bed, the other has a bunk bed. There is also a full-sized sleeper sofa for guests!To learn more, visit the property listing on our Web site.
Rates range from $1580-$2580 per month. Mid-month to mid-month rentals are accepted. This property is available beginning May 1st!

What makes for a great hike? Views and Wildflowers!

The Smoky Mountain Hiking Blog has a great post that provides basic information on North Carolina wildflowers and what time of year is best to see them (mid-April through mid-July, varying depending on what you want to see).















photo credit: Flickr, David Bryant's photostream

The post also provides a list of great hikes for viewing springtime wildflowers. I wish I could vouch for these hikes, or at least some of them, but I've actually never done a single one! I'm pretty glad to find a list of new (to me) hikes, so I plan on changing that myself this season. If you choose to go on one, post a comment or send an email and let's swap reviews!

This is also probably a good time to experience Smoky National Park, because there is a smaller projected number of visitors than usual. While I'm sure there will still be plenty of people nearby on your hike, the crowds probably won't be as bad in this very popular park this year.

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If you need a place to stay while you check out the wildflowers of Smoky Mountain National Park, Carolina Mornings has plenty of places to put you up. Give us a call or visit the web site! We look forward to speaking with you.

NEW nightly minimums at Carolina Mornings properties!

We have revamped our nightly minimums for the upcoming holidays and high season.*


Easter has just a two night minimum stay; and

July & August (Summer high season) now has a four night minimum stay!


We know people still want to travel. And we know our guests are trying to save where they can. We aim to provide ways to do this, and to offer the best bang for your buck!

As we always tell you, Asheville is a great affordable vacation destination, especially for those living in nearby areas. There are great inexpensive restaurants, plus plenty of free or inexpensive cultural and natural activities. Carolina Mornings is a great way to find the perfect place to rest your head while in the Asheville area, and provides the best deal for your money - far and away the area's hotels. Give us a call! We are looking forward to hearing from you.

*Most properties are following these nightly minimums. Exceptions are noted on individual property web listings.

Celebrate St Patricks Day with Carolina Mornings!

Starting today we are offering a brand new company special for 11 days only - so act quickly.

Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in the Mountains of North Carolina!

Carolina Mornings is adding a little green to your next stay!
Come celebrate Saint Patrick's Day in the Mountains of North Carolina.
All stays March 11, 2009 through March 22, 2009 will receive $10 off in addition to any property specials already posted.

*Only Valid for new reservations booked between March 11, 2009 and March 22, 2009.

Check out our properties then contact a Vacation Specialist to book your special Patty's Day celebration stay! 1-800-770-9055.

Stay tuned for what to do in Asheville during St Patrick's Day.

TWO new properties! Eagle's Crest & Wolf Laurel View

Eagle's Crest is located right between Asheville and Black Mountain, in Swannanoa. Aside from the great location, the property also has a stunning view.


This 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom house is beautifully appointed with cozy furniture and large beds (2 kings, 1 queen size). There are also 2 full sleeper sofas for extra guests, so Eagle's Crest will accommodate parties of 8.

See more, including the winter special and regular rates!


Wolf Laurel View is a brand new log cabin with great amenities and beautiful wood floors and other natural wood accents. This property also includes a hot tub to unwind and relax! There are 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths - perfect for couples or families!


It's located in Wolf Laurel community, with full access to Wolf Laurel Resort. Enjoy hiking the Appalachian Trail, using the community pool, or walking up to Big Bald Mountain for some of the best views in the area.
See more, including the winter special and regular rates!