Happy New Year 2011 in Asheville, NC!

Looking for a way to ring in the New Year 2011 while visiting Asheville, NC?? Here is a list of a few haps around town:

Lindy Focus: Dance, dance, dance the night away to Big Band Swing at Crowne Plaza Resort!

Clutch: Hard rockers at The Orange Peel.

Reigning Sound: Alt-country at The Grey Eagle.


Or, just eat some dinner at one of our many delicious local eateries, enjoy the sights of town, and play it by ear! Check out the breweries, the bars, the nightlife... it's a wonderful place to ring in the New Year!

What to do in all of this snow??!

Okay, so the sun is warming the town enough to get around. That means, it's time to get out and play! Besides sledding (just look to your left or right- we live in the mountains so I'm sure there is a sled-able hill within sight!), tubing, skiing and snowboarding are all great possibilities to get out and enjoy the fluffy white.

What's best, when you make a reservation at one of Carolina Mornings' properties, you get ONE FREE SKI LIFT TICKET per night of stay to Wolf Laurel Ski Resort (this is the closest ski area to Asheville) with our Mountain Discovery Pass. The Resort is saying that they have 19-22 inches of snow right now, with it still falling!!

Okay, so I must revisit the last blog: it is still snowing here in Asheville, NC!! And although my street was cleared by the plow 4 times on Christmas Day, we are now officially "snowed in." I must say, there is nowhere I'd rather be snowed in than surrounded by the beauty of the mountains! To see the peaks and curves in the far-off distance, quiet and glowing in a soft, white bright... nothing less than breathtaking!
It may not be the best time to head here (I really am unsure what road conditions are throughout the region), however if you are here, sit back, relax, enjoy the spectacular scenery. If you are coming this way, be careful, and know that once you get here it is worth it!! Carolina Mornings has cabins available throughout the rest of the winter season, so give us a call to check it out!

SNOOOOOW in Asheville, NC

Wow, there is so much beautiful snow here in the mountains of western NC! It started yesterday around 730am and has been pretty constant until just recently- what a beautiful White Christmas! And although I have yet encountered the need to drive, I am so thankful to the city for ensuring safe roadways- on my little in-town street, they plowed at least 4 times yesterday and once today. There aren't too many folks out, though, and it has that hushed wintery day feel in the air (along with a pretty stellar nip!)

If you are visiting, I must say that this is a fantastic snow. Get out in it and enjoy the crisp mountain air!!

Asheville for the Holidays- where to eat on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Many people are high- tailing it to the mountains for this wonderful winter season and Christmas holiday. So, what if you are visiting and reeeeeally don't feel like cooking?? Here are a few of our local restaurants that can accommodate you and yours for the Christmas holidays:

Christmas Eve:

Really, almost anywhere is open for Christmas Eve. Some places focus on a lunch menu and some are open for dinner as well. Here is a partial list of what is available (I of course am listing my faves!)

Sunny Point- Mmmm, breakfast all day... and their other meals are delicious too!

Nine Mile- Caribbean-inspired deliciousness!

The Corner Kitchen- Down home, with upscale flair

Marco's Pizza- Can we say fresh sauce, fresh mozzarella?!

French Broad Chocolate Lounge- It takes a special person to eat only chocolate for dinner... makes a great dessert, too!

Christmas Day:

A little tougher, although still some options. Especially if you go to one of the Inns/ Hotels in the area that have restaurants- they will surely be open!

Horizons and the Sunset Terrace- both within the Grove Park Inn, you could also enjoy the Gingerbread House exhibit while there!

Bier Garden- Sooo many good beers on tap, and food too!

Or, just grab some grab-n-go from Greenlife or Earth Fare on Christmas Eve and warm it in the oven for Christmas Day (surely, even if all you wanted for Christmas was to not have to cook, this isn't too much...)

Whatever you choose, enjoy! And have a Merry Christmas!!

Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular for 2 more nights in Asheville, NC

Okay, so maybe you haven't heard of the Bernstein Family, but they are having a full- family reunion here in Asheville after 2 years of being MIA. And, their performances are a great way to celebrate the holidays with your family when most other performances are sadly over. Another plus is that the performance takes place at The Magnetic Field, a wonderful new venture in the River Arts District. The Magnetic Field is a theatre house seating up to 64 that offers stupendous local foods and beverages. Sounds like it's not to be missed!

We are in a gifting mood here in Asheville, NC!

Check out Carolina Mornings for that gift you haven't been able to find! Give someone the gift of experience- give them a gift certificate to an unforgettable getaway in Asheville, NC!

Don't forget that every reservation recieves a FREE MOUNTAIN DISCOVERY PASS. This pass gives FREE ADMISSION to local area attractions for guests visiting our beautiful town.

Also, take advantage of our last minute holiday specials through 1/3/2011:

-Stay three nights and get the 4th for 50% off!!

-Stay three nights and get 1 FREE Biltmore ticket

These specials cannot be combined with other specials, and cannot be used for pre-existing reservations. Call us at 800.770.9055 with the code HOL 12/10

The Santaland Diaries at Asheville Community Theatre 2010

Oh how we love David Sedaris, growing up here in NC! And, we loooove The Santaland Diaries! And, we love that we get the opportunity to experience the show each year. The Asheville Community Theatre has show times for December 16-19, 2010: Thursday through Saturday at 730pm, Sunday at 230pm. Ho- hum...

Happy Holidays to you- gifts from Carolina Mornings!

Come enjoy the Appalachian Mountains in the snow! Bring the family and stay near Asheville, NC with Carolina Mornings for the holiday season, and take advantage of our gift- giving mood! We are offering Biltmore Estate packages that are unrivaled:

Traditional Biltmore Package: 2 days admission at Biltmore! You can tour the beauty of the Estate, including the new Antler Village, for two consecutive days. In addition, you get to experience Biltmore House in it's best holiday splendor: classically decorated in the glow of candlelight. Enjoy the special discounted rate of $69/ person (savings of $10 each)

Grand Biltmore Package: with the Grand package, add a $50 gift certificate to the Biltmore's Deerpark Restaurant. Enjoy the Grand Package for $104/ person (savings of $25 each)

Check out Carolina Mornings on the web! Give us a call to take advantage of these gifts 800.770.9055 with code BILT10.

Christmas in the Mountains!!

What better time than to bring your family to the mountains for Christmas this year!! Gaze out upon snow- laden ground, knowing you needn't go anywhere; meditate on beauty of the curvy mountain terrain while breathing in the crisp air; spend Christmas snowed in (but not really- we can always get you out)!!!

We have just lowered our minimum stay to 3 night's for the holiday season in all remaining properties. Bring the family (bring Fido too!), and enjoy a Christmas present from us: one free ski lift ticket per night's stay!! Check out our Mountain Discovery Pass, a gift that we give all year long!

A few of the remaining properties are:

Riverside Romance (pet-friendly)

Amethyst Creek Cottage (perfect for a romantic Christmas!)

Landmark Cabin (pet-friendly and romantic!)

Slow Living (romantic)

Creekside Chalet (family friendly)

Mountainside Getaway (family friendly)

Black Bear Cabin (pet and family friendly)

Check out Carolina Mornings for all available properties, and spend your holidays relaxing in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains with your loved ones!

What else is going on besides the Christmas Jam in Asheville, NC??

Yeah, yeah, this is the weekend of the 22nd Annual Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, and of course it is sold out by now! Wanna know what else you can look forward to?

-Asheville Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Diana Wortham Theatre. There are four time slots to choose from over the weekend, Friday Dec. 10- Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010.

-Christabel and the Jons share their new holiday album on Thursday, December 9, 2010 at The Grey Eagle. This band is fantastic, and although they aren't technically from here, their music crosses the NC/ TN line and they visit often.

-Montford Park Players presents A Christmas Carol Friday, Dec. 10- Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010 at The Masonic Temple Theatre.

A few ideas for ya!!

Lake Julian Festival of Lights Dec. 3-19, 2010

Running through December 19, 2010 from 6-9pm is the annual Lake Julian Festival of Lights. Enjoy the holiday spirit in the crisp mountain air on foot, or stay warm and cozy as you drive through the park. 20% of the proceeds benefit the Buncombe County Special Olympics. Happy Holidays!!

Downtown Asheville's JingleFest December 5, 2010

Asheville is having it's first JingleFest this Sunday, December 5, 2010 starting at 3pm. Gather in Pack Square Park to enjoy caroling, dancing, a snowball throwing contest, and... Santa! The festivities continue as the night approaches in the Century Room of Pack's Tavern, where drinks can be purchased, music played and more games and contests. This is the first year of the JingleFest, so we'll all just have to see what it involves!!

The Carolina Chocolate Drops, a local fave!

If you are looking for a warm way to enjoy the Asheville vibe, come check out the Carolina Chocolate Drops next Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 8pm. This group of musicians celebrates old time Appalachia in a classic way, complete with kazoos, milk jugs, and wonderful old- time lyrics. Check them out at The Orange Peel next Thursday for a mountain treat!

If you missed the autumn celebration in the mountains of Asheville, NC...

...and you'd like to celebrate Father Winter with us near a warm fire, we have many properties available for your celebration! Each season brings its own beauty to the mountains, and winter is no exception: snow- capped, tranquil, giving you reason to relax near a fire and quiet down...

Slow Living Cottage: Perfect for 2, this naturally classy retreat nestles you right into the woodland area, near the French Broad River. Bring your sweetie, cozy up in the hot tub, enjoy the mountain air!

~Winter Special~

Book THREE nights and get your FOURTH night for ONLY $11.
Valid for new reservations booked after November 15, 2010, for stays November 20, 2010 - April 20, 2011; INCLUDING ALL holidays.
Please call a Vacation Specialist to take advantage of these amazing savings, as the prices are not reflected in our online reservation system.

**Click here to go directly to all of our specials**

High Rock Mountain: This cabin is awesome for a family gathering, with incredible views. Sleeps 7, with a 4 twin bed kid's room! And you can bring Scruffy! Available most of December (as of this writing, that is;)!!

**4x4 REQUIRED!!**

Great Escape: One of our more luxury rentals, sleeping 12, with an incredible view of Asheville. The warmth of the inside is highlighted by the beautiful fireplace; the private pool is great in the summer...

We offer many great properties for whatever you may need- come and enjoy the seasons in the Appalachian Mountains!!

Carolina Mornings

(800) 770- 9055

www.carolinamornings.com

It's Crafty time again!!

This is the peak of the year, supposedly shopping at it's best. I refuse t go out into the mess, and cringe at the idea of even going to the grocery. I will, however, jump for shopping joy as of next weekend: its time again for the holiday version of The Big Crafty!! The big Crafty takes place twice a year here in Asheville, NC, and it's the best place to get your one-of-a-kind gifting items! A lovely blend of local artists and craftsfolk come together to sell their wares in Pack Place, and the event is FREE (leaving tons of money to spend as gifts- and I say it's a must to buy at least one gift for yourself!!) Oh, and did I mention free beer?!?!

Check it out December 5 from 12-5pm in downtown Asheville. This is one the top five ways to get a taste of town!!

It's Gingerbread season again...

Oh how I love the holidays! Not only the gathering of loved ones, the feasting, the giving and receiving, the crisp morning air... I also love the activities that we come up with to keep ourselves occupied indoors. One such activity is gingerbread house building, and I absolutely love to peruse the amazing creations of these builders at the National Gingerbread House Competition & Display at The Grove Park Inn here in Asheville, NC. I am enamored with how people are able to create such awesome displays with limited ingredients. I also love walking around the Inn during holiday season and feeling the warmth of the people as well as the massive fireplaces! To top it all off, the display is FREE to the public for viewing Monday thru Thursday from November 17, 2010- January 2, 2011. If you find yourself here in Asheville surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachians, do get over and enjoy a leisurely stroll- lots of eye candy!!

Blue Ridge Parkway: One of Asheville's Treasures

Blue Ridge Parkway

Living in Asheville, a small city, we are so fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful national treasures. We have the  beauty of the natural mountains, acclaimed writers, historic architectural buildings and the largest private home in America.  But for me, the Blue Ridge Parkway is indubitably a prize to honor and respect.   This year, the BRP celebrates 75 year birthday. This gives all of us the opportunity to honor and celebrate one of our country's gem.  Of course the Blue Ridge Parkway has been touted in a myriad of travel publications highlighting fall foliage tours including:  Travel and Leisure  "America's Best Fall Color Drives", Budget Travel adds the BRP to one of "5 Fall Foliage Drives" and Southern Living  features "Secret Spots of the Blue Ridge Parkway".  With with deep gratitude to President Roosevelt for initiating this gift to North Carolina, I hope that all generations will revere this structure as I do and continue to celebrate it's splendor throughout the years.

Asheville's October Buena Vistas In Orange

Image by Carolina Mornings via FlickrOctober is a popular month to come and visit Asheville and her beautiful countryside. This week the leaves popped with color and the vibrant colors will be increasing for the next few weeks.  My favorite colors are the orange leaves. After 45 plus years of witnessing autumn, I am still dazzled by the gorgeous fall rainbows, particularly the orange hues. Granted, orange is my favorite color and seeing the orange weaving in and out of the mountain tops leaves me breathless.  Don't get me wrong, I am not your tree hugging, earthly granola gal. I am just crazily moved by Asheville's natural beauty.
I do feel fortunate and  hope others derive a fraction of the  pleasure I experience, while being surrounded by our Blue Ridge Mountains in the Autumn.

Do Not Feed The Bears

Black Bear Sightings In Asheville, NC

Why are there so many bear sighting now? One of the reasons is the population of black bears, once almost absent, has increased dramatically in the past 30-40 years. Due to restrictions in hunting, we have saved the bear population. Yahoo!
 Although it saddens me to see a bear meandering through the urban streets of Asheville. Bears and concrete do not mix. I am glad to know of their strong comeback but also want to live harmonously with these 200-600 lbs beasts.
They often roam around homes and vacation rental cabins.  Recently we have had many  guests and second home owners sharing photos of bears lumbering about their property. Exciting to some, and scary to others. 
 For our vacationers, here are some tips to keep bears at a distance and have a safe journey during your Asheville getaway:

1. Clean your grill thoroughly!!!!
2. Clean your picnic table, patio tables and all other outdoor areas. Make sure no food residues are left for the bears'  olfactory feats of smell.
3. Do not store your garbage outside until you are ready to check out!
4. Do not leave pet food out!
5. When driving at night in bear country,  slow down and use high beams.  Keep alert for movement on the sides of the road.  
6. If you are outdoors and see a bear, do not run. Make noise, stand tall and walk backwards towards safety.
7. Read up on the National Park's advice.

AP Takes Notes On Asheville, NC

Touring the Blue Ridge Parkway During October's Leaf Season

How wonderful to find the Associate Press take note of our abundance of Western North Carolina fall beauty and celebration in the mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Citing Asheville's extensive celebrations from Octoberfest, LEAF and bluegrass music, why would anyone want to miss these events? Couple the events with  sunshine, colorful mountains sprayed with gold, red and orange leaves, one can understand why the month of October is special in Asheville. Check out the 365 Things To Do In Asheville for ongoing daily activities. The biggest problem visitors will have is deciding what to do in Asheville. So I say " extend your stay", because when you return to your desk, your home or day job, you will be refreshed from the experience of the Asheville mountains.

Perfect Fall Getaways Without Leaving Your Cabin

Enjoy Asheville Simply!

Granted, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway oohing and ahhing the mountains' beautiful blended colors of orange, red and yellow  against the backdrop of our Carolina blue skies is an experience to be had by all.

However, there is amazing beauty to be had at our vacation rental cabins. Imagine smelling the crisp air, listening to the song of birds and sitting on your private deck or soaking in your hot tub while surrounded by mountain beauty. This is
 just a quick snapshot of what it would be like renting a vacation home in the mountains of Asheville, NC! Sounds romantic too!  There is something to be said about just hanging out, relaxing and staying away from the masses of leaf peepers, when you can experience the richness of autumn in your private vacation cabin rental.  Romance made simple!

Carolina Mornings: Discover Asheville: Falling Minimum Night Stays For October

Carolina Mornings: Discover Asheville: Falling Minimum Night Stays For October

Falling Minimum Night Stays For October

Image by Carolina Mornings via FlickrAsheville, NC becomes the southern mecca for gorgeous fall foliage sights taken along the Blue Ridge Parkway and at Carolina Mornings, on your front deck! Our vacation rentals are poised for breathtaking mountain sunrises while you sip your morning coffee or your own private afternoon happy hour.
In an effort to kick off the 2010 fall leaf season, we are lowering our 3 night minimum stay to a  2 night stay at any of our Asheville area vacation cabin rentals! This 2 night minimum is only for the first weekend in October. October 1st and 2nd. 
You will need to call our office and book your reservation with a phone call, as the online system will not respond to this request!
Experience The Luxury Of  The Mountains!!

Organicfest in Asheville, NC on September 11, 2010

Asheville, NC is known for its progressive tendencies, and celebrating Organicfest is no exception. A great celebration for the family, Organicfest has moved back to its original home in Pack Square Park downtown. Come and explore local music, good organic eats and fun with vendors and support everything organic!

Property Spotlight: Escape to This Eco- Friendly Chalet Near Asheville, NC the Blue Moon Lodge:

If you were ever wanting to visit Asheville and get a total feel of place, Blue Moon Lodge is the place to stay! Asheville is known for its eclectic, arts and crafts, eco- friendly approach to life, and Blue Moon Lodge is a shining example of what this approach is wrapped up into a house. Grab a group of friends and family- the Lodge sleeps 16, with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms- a perfect place for a celebration. The amenities are endless, and the decor is naturalistic yet artsy, beautiful and comfortable. From the organic mattresses to the wood salvaged or felled on site to the use of solar, the Lodge also is a shining example of how to create an incredible place to live while keeping the rest of the living world in mind. The seclusion of 14 acres, and the view from all of the balconies, reminds you constantly that you are visiting the beauty of western NC- come and visit soon!

NC Mountain State Fair near Asheville, NC September 10-19

It's the time of year for the fair here in western NC! The NC Mountain State Fair is visiting the WNC Ag Center September 10- 19, 2010, and it's sure to be chock full of fair deliciousness and fun! Grab the kids (children under 5 are free!) and skip to the fair for fun that can only be had at the fair!

Cabin Spotlight: Bring your honey and make it home at Little Knotty Pine Place near Asheville, NC

Retreat just 20 minutes out of town when you visit Asheville in Little Knottty Pine Place. Have a night out, peruse the galleries and shops, and have a very short drive back to your home away from home, where you can relax and enjoy the mountain views and mountain air from the 300 sq. ft screened- in porch, soak in the hot tub, or connect with friends with Wifi access. Little Knotty Pine Place is a great home base for two on the trip to the western North Carolina area. You can also travel southwest to Chimney Rock and Lake Lure, or head towards the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic drive with plenty of places to hike. Whatever you fancy, Little Knotty Pine Place is a comfortable base to kick your feet up after a long day.

Carolina Mornings: Discover Asheville: LAAFF in Asheville, September 5, 2010

Carolina Mornings: Discover Asheville: LAAFF in Asheville, September 5, 2010

Support in the Mountains for Hurricane Earl Evacuees

Here in the mountains of Asheville, we are safe from the ravaging winds of Mr. Earl. As it was declared that all visitors evacuate off the coast of NC, we at Carolina Mornings are offering folks several options at a discount rate.  These Labor Day Specials are usually reserved for our Newsletter subscribers, but we are making this public and offering it to all Earl evacuees.
So come on up and enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountains, Biltmore Estate and so many amazing restaurants to choose from and your Labor Day weekend will be better than ever!

Clips of Faith Beer & Film Tour comes to Asheville, NC on September 10

New Belgium Brewing from CO has done it again!! Not only are they on the leading edge of sustainability, not only do they make a really good beer, they also have a knack for creating fun events to share with us common folk! The Clips of Faith Beer & Film Tour will be crossing the country with, well, lots of good hand made beers and hand made films. Coming to the Pack Square Park in Asheville on September 10, this event is sure to please! On top of it all, the funds are being dispersed to Asheville on Bikes and the Asheville Downtown Association.
Come get yer drink on with some tasty beverages, watch some good flicks and support our grand town!!

LAAFF in Asheville, September 5, 2010

Oh, the fun of LAFF-ter is in the air! Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival is sure to be the best yet as the fest has only gotten bigger and better with the years that pass. Featuring such beloved Asheville groups as Unifire FireDancers, the Asheville Horns, & Asheville Vaudeville (to name just a few), mixed with all the wonderful local Lexington Avenue artists, the fest is a tasty treat of what Asheville is about!! Come and see what the locals love about Asheville!!

Cabin Spotlight: Get Away From it All at Blue Ridge Getaway near Asheville, NC

Blue Ridge Getaway is one of those places that just have it all: bring the whole family, including Fido (yes, this is a pet- friendly rental!), and be comfy in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath cabin that sleeps 8; relax in the hot tub on a deck surrounded by trees; cozy up to the fireplace on a chilly night; watch your favorite show on cable t.v., or pop in a DVD; keep up with your business with high speed internet access... all this, and located only 25 minutes from Asheville to boot!! Blue Ridge Getaway is truly a getaway with all of the comforts of home!

SE Women's Herbal Conference 10/1-10/3 near Asheville, NC

Ahhhh, wise women unite!! The Southeast Women's Herbal Conference is being held again this year at Lake Eden in Black Mountain, NC during the weekend of October 1- October 3, 2010. A weekend gathering of wonderfully wise women, the Conference is, as the website states, " A weekend for women to learn, connect, and deepen into the Wise Woman Tradition: simple living, earth-based healing, and local plants." Began in 2005, the conference is growing strong (over 600 participants now), and if you are a woman interested in the ways of the Earth and how you fit in, this is the place for you!

Cabin Spotlight: Be awed by the views at Wolf Laurel View near Asheville, NC

Ahhh, to bring the family on a mountain getaway that has it all... a cozy, well- appointed cabin; a hot tub on deck with gorgeous views; hiking, including the Appalachian Trail, nearby; a community that has a pool, a playground, a fishing pond, skiing... what more could you ask for?? Wolf Laurel View is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath cabin in The Preserve at Wolf Laurel, giving your gathering access to everything The Preserve has to offer. And while you are stowed away in a cabin in the Appalachian Mountains, why not have all of the amenities of home? Wolf Laurel View offers Wifi internet, cable t.v., a hot tub, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen... and you can bring along your four- legged friend!! Wolf Laurel View is one of our pet- friendly rentals, so bring along the whole family!

All- Girl Getaway Package in Asheville, NC

Oh, the fun of running away for a couple of days with your ladies!! Now Carolina Mornings can help you make the planning quite a bit easier- we offer our All- Girl Getaway Package for your stay in one of our properties around Asheville, NC! This package has so much to offer we have received phone calls asking if guests can add it to their stay in a hotel!! (Sorry, this is an exclusive Carolina Mornings package!)

The package includes the following:

-2 tickets to the Biltmore Estate, valid for 2 consecutive days (upgrade to the Candlelight Tour for only $12/ ticket!!)
-2 massages at Relax & Rejuvenate
-$80 gift certificate to The Corner Kitchen, a wonderful restaurant located in Biltmore Village
-$80 gift certificate to Bellagio: Art to Wear in Biltmore Village
-Free studio fees at Fired Up for everyone in your party
-10% off your order at Chelseas Tea Room

Add to any reservation with Carolina Mornings for great time on the town with your ladies!!
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Property Spotlight: Enjoy the river fun at Trout Rock near Asheville, NC

The East Fork Pigeon River is right outside your front door at Trout Rock in Cruso, NC. Relax to the sounds of nature, grab a pole and make a catch, sit and watch the evening... become one with the outdoors while staying in Trout Rock. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home sleeps 4, with satellite t.v., a fireplace and a gas grill for those beautiful outdoor evenings. What's best, Trout Rock is one of our pet- friendly rentals, so bring along Fido because we all know your furry friend loves vacationing too!! If you are looking for a home base to explore the western North Carolina area, Trout Rock is an affordable, cozy home- away- from- home to set up camp.

The Southern Energy & Environment Expo in Asheville, NC this weekend

This is the 10th year of the Southern Energy and Environment Expo held at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher, NC, about 20 minutes from Asheville. There is a plethora of great going- green topics this year, including such presentations as green building tax incentives, intro to permaculture, rainwater collecting and many more. Asheville is a hub for those trying to be more gentle with our planet while getting all googly- eyed and excited with the science to help lead us there. If you've ever wondered about anything having to do with being more sustainable, then this is the place to be (hint: there is a $1 off coupon for an adult admission on the website).

Property Spotlight: Enjoy the gem of Amethyst Creek Cottage near Asheville, NC

Amethyst Creek Cottage is truly a gem, being an eco- friendly Deltec home nestled in the woods of Fairview, NC (only 20 minutes from Asheville). This cottage offers peace and tranquility for 1 or 2, making it a wonderful artists retreat or writer's paradise. Amethyst Creek Cottage features modern decor, a jacuzzi tub, Wifi internet access, cable t.v. and an MP3 dock, not to mention the beauty of nature surrounding you from all sides of the house! Fairview is east of Asheville, halfway to Chimney Rock, making it a great hub to explore what WNC has to offer. And don't forget all of the fun of staying with Carolina Mornings- your FREE Mountain Discovery Pass awaits you, with FREE tickets to local area attractions!

Leicester Studio Tour near Asheville, NC August 21 & 22

This coming weekend marks the 5th Annual Leicester Studio Tour, on August 21 & 22 from 10am- 6pm. Leicester, located about 15+ minutes north- west of Asheville, is beautiful country that is home to many of the area's well- known artists and craft folk. Jones Pottery is one of the studios on the tour, as is Friendswood Brooms, and Olga Dorenko (to name a few of my personal favorites). Come and find your own favorites and visit them all while takeing a drive through the beautiful WNC mountains!

Cabin Spotlight: Relax in a new cabin at Pike's Peak 11 near Asheville, NC

Located just 15 minutes from the happening town of Asheville, Pike's Peak 11 is one of the four cabins currently offered by Deerborne Cottages in Weaverville, NC. Sleeping 4, number 11 has 2 bedrooms with all the amenities that you could need: cable television in both the main room and queen bedroom, a gas fireplace, wireless internet, and a hot tub out back to soak your stress away! This is a perfect place for a small family visiting to explore Asheville, for a romantic getaway, or a business retreat. You will find yourself able to relax in solitude at Pike's Peak 11.

Shakespeare in the Park in Asheville, NC

Our local Shakespeare troupe, The Montford Park Players, will be presenting us with Troilus and Cressida, a story of the Trojan War, now through August 22. Having said that, a little information about Shakespeare in the Park: it's outdoors, in the Hazel Robinson Ampitheatre in Montford, and the shows are at 730pm every Friday- Sunday evenings. Oh yeah- and they are FREE!! Bring a picnic, normally bring the family (although this showing is rated PG-13, but the next should be family- friendly). The outdoor shows run through October, and it seems that the Players have set something up for their wintertime shows in other genres as well. Come experience what the locals enjoy with Shakespeare in the Park in Asheville, NC!