Property Spotlight: Enjoy a romantic getaway at Ekho Cottage!

Ekho Cottage is a sweet little getaway for 2 near Asheville, NC. This cottage is perfect for the couple that wants to be close but just far enough away- you are only minutes from Asheville and the surrounding sites that the area has to offer, such as the Biltmore Estate, and this cottage is a perfect home base. Ekho Cottage is a relaxing retreat where you can get away from it all and melt into the hot tub under the stars next to a small fire in the chiminea. Cuddle up on the couch while your honey makes you dinner and pop in a movie for two. When you are looking for a great place to relax and reconnect with someone, Ekho Cottage provides a comfortable space to remember and connect.

The 38th Annual Biltmore Village Art and Craft Fair August 7 & 8 in Asheville, NC

Now in it's 38th year, the Biltmore Village Arts and Craft Fair takes place this year on August 7th and 8th. Held on the grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls right in Biltmore Village, the gathering will display works from over 118 artists from 17 different states, with 35 of the artists from western NC. If you haven't visited Biltmore Village, this would be a perfect time to do so- peruse the town and peruse the art exhibits in one afternoon!! Or make a weekend out of it- enjoy the sites of the Biltmore Estate one afternoon and stroll through the Village and Fair the next. Carolina Mornings has vacation homes close to Biltmore Village, and we also sell Biltmore tickets for $5 off what they are sold for at the gate! Check out why everyone loves Biltmore, and Asheville, NC!

Cabin Spotlight: Enjoy the mountains in Old Mountain Cabin

Old Mountain Cabin is a Hendersonville, NC mountain gem! Cuddle with your honey in front of the fireplace or watch a satellite movie. Send the kids to the game room where they can play pool or enjoy a game of foosball or air hockey. Relax on the deck and enjoy the trees, or settle into the hot tub for a night under the stars. If you feel as if you want to see the area, head into Hendersonville (15 minutes away) or Asheville (35 minutes away) for a day on the town, or enjoy a myriad of possibilities for day hikes in the area. Whatever you prefer, you have great choices and options at Old Mountain Cabin!

Viewing Asheville, NC from above

What could be prettier than viewing the mountains from above? On your next trip to Asheville, take a hot air balloon ride over the Blue Ridge Mountains! I was surprised to find out that we actually have two separate companies offering a trip through the air in the area: R.O. Franks Aviation Company and Asheville Hot Air Balloons. A unique surprise or gift idea, a hot air balloon ride can excite and delight those of all ages. Gather your family and call for a ride!

Mountain Dance & Folk Festival in Asheville, NC Aug 5-7

Most old- timers know the name Bascom Lamar Lunsford as the man who re- introduced Appalachia. He also began the Mountain Dance & Folk Festival here in Asheville, NC in 1928. This year marks the 83rd anniversary of the festival, and there really is no better way to connect with the Appalachian roots of Asheville! Held on August 5-7, this gathering of musicians, cloggers, dancer and balladeers join together "along about sundown" (also known as 7pm) at the Diana Wortham Theatre in Pack Place. This is a great gathering to share with the family- start the night off with dinner & sightseeing downtown, then head on over to the festival! You will be amazed and delighted by how deep our roots still run!

Cabin Spotlight: Enjoy a real Asheville, NC mountain retreat at McGuffey's Ridge!

Ahhh, to relax in the mountains... McGuffey's Ridge has just what you need to feel at home and on vacation at the same time! Enjoy the views offered by this mountain top retreat from 3 decks; roast marshmallows outside on the firepit; or, just snuggle up together and share some chat with the family! Sleeping six, McGuffey's Ridge has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, satellite for the 42 inch flat screen television, and plenty of options close by for sight seeing! Located between the great eclectic town of Asheville and the scenic area of Chimney Rock, McGuffey's Ridge is the perfect spot for those wanting to "see" what western NC has to offer. This is a wonderful retreat for a group- a gathering of family, or old friends. Or, you can always just snuggle up with your sweetie for a romantic getaway...
Whatever you decide for a relaxing vacation in the mountains, McGuffey's Ridge can offer.

Events in Waynesville, NC, near Asheville

Waynesville is a quaint little town about 45 minutes west of Asheville. Each of the towns that surround Asheville have their own life, of course, and Waynesville is no exception. Here are a few of the goings on in Waynesville, NC:
-On Saturday, July 31 from 10a- 5p, Waynesville hosts an International Festival Day that corresponds with my earlier post about Folkmoot USA.
-The first Friday of the month is Art After Dark in Waynesville, a self- guided tour and demonstrations of the local artists in the area. The dates are: August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3.
-August 6 marks the last Mountain Street Dance of the year.

There are more happenings throughout the rest of the year; check out the listing here.

Fun near Asheville in Hendersonville, NC through August

Hendersonville, NC is one of the quaint little towns surrounding Asheville, NC. Each of these towns have their own happenings, and depending on where you are staying, you may want to check them out!

On Monday nights from 7pm- 9pm, Hendersonville offers Street Dances. For 90 years now, people gather in town for mountain heritage music and dancing. Bring your dancing shoes!!

On Fridays from 7pm-9pm through August 20, enjoy Music on Main Street. Hendersonville offers a diverse blend of music for this event, so check out the line- up (scroll to bottom of page).

Don't forget all of the outdoor activities there are here in the mountains! Check out the Henderson County Parks, or adventure into the well- known DuPont State Forest (the southern end of the park is accessible through Flat Rock, NC). Enjoy yourself with what the Hendersonville area has to offer!

Visit Folkmoot USA around Asheville, NC July 22-August 1

In 1984, Folkmoot USA had it's first festival here in western North Carolina. Meaning "meeting of the people," Folkmoot is a gathering of folk groups and festival performers from around the world. Each year, people from all over the world come to these beautiful mountains to share in the festivities; the festival requires that each year a whole new group of performers be invited. A few of the countries to perform this year are France, Switzerland, Latvia, & Portugal, throughout the western North Carolina region (click here for the schedule and venues). Steeped in Appalachian tradition, the Asheville area is the perfect place to celebrate folk cultures around the world.

Property Spotlight: Stay for a month in the old world feel of CasaBella!

The Montford Historic District is a well- known, beautiful neighborhood right on the edge of downtown Asheville. The homes here are mostly historic, and CasaBella was built to depict the bungalow style of the 1920's. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, with a loft for extra space. The decor of this home is cozy and sophisticated, comfortable and stylish, with two porches and a beautiful yard to relax in. CasaBella is a monthly rental, offered as a longer- term home for those needing to put up their feet and stay awhile. This home is also one of our eco- friendly homes, with a whole- house water filter, radiant floor heating, and energy star- rated construction materials. Come and see what it's like to be a resident of one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Asheville!

Firefly Gathering July 22-25 near Asheville, NC

Asheville is known to be an eclectic town, and we are proud to offer and eclectic array of events that most anyone could find something to enjoy. Coming up next weekend is the Firefly Gathering, a gathering meant for the human in all of us. Offering a vast selection of classes and workshops on how to live independently, this gathering covers such subjects as bow making, brewing, scouting and camouflage, tanning, fire building and more and more. Firefly Gathering is a family event- there is something for everyone (even a kid's schedule) here, and a great experience for children to see that people are still interested and living on their own terms, as well as an experience for them to learn how to be more self- sufficient. Gather for the whole weekend, or just partake in a day pass. Whatever your choice, you are sure to be fascinated and enlightened!

Get on yer bike in Asheville, NC

Thought I'd do a quick shout out to the bike lanes popping up all over Asheville- yay!!! When you come into our beautiful town for a visit, feel confident to bring your bikes, and a helmet of course. Also let this be a reminder for your visit that we are a bicycle and pedestrian- friendly town- PLEASE remember to watch for us while you are driving- in bike lanes, on the sides of roads that lack bike lanes, and at pedestrian crossings!!!! And, pedestrians, let's remember the rules of the crosswalk- the little white man tells you when you can go- please don't walk in front of cars who have the right-of-way!! Thanks!!!

Property Spotlight: Enjoy the music at Banjo Branch!

Kick your shoes off and come inside to Banjo Branch Hideaway! A cozy home-away-from-home, Banjo Branch has 3 bedrooms and sleeps eight, making it a great family spot. Situated in Mars Hill, the views from Banjo Branch are phenomenal, yet you are only 30 minutes outside of Asheville, a wonderfully quaint and eclectic town known for it's dining, arts, outdoors activities and shopping. Get away from it all and relax at Banjo Branch- enjoy a game of ping pong, or watch a movie on the satellite television with the family. Whatever is on your agenda, you will feel right at home at Banjo Branch Hideaway!

Quick bites with international flair in Asheville, NC

One of the things that Asheville is known for is our food- most of it is fresh, local and incredibly delicious. Because of this, most of it requires us to sit and relax for awhile, enjoying company while the food is made from scratch. Lately, though, some newer restaurants are popping up downtown that are meant to be just as fresh, but quick.
Chai Pani has been in Asheville for around a year now, and I have to say that I absolutely love their food! Indian street food, or chaat, is served up quick and delicious at Chai Pani, and they still source as much as possible from our local farmers.
Bouchon Street Food is now open! Bouchon is our local restaurant serving French food, and they just opened a little street food booth beside where the restaurant sits. I haven't been there yet, but am excited to check it out.
Roman's has been around since 2008 serving a healthy equivalent of fast food, using fresh and local ingredients (a Hickory Nut Gap beef burger...mmm....). THey just recently relocated to downtown Asheville.
The Green Sage has been opened for a few years now, but I wanted to throw a shout out. They tout themselves as the greenest restaurant in Asheville, what with solar production and a waterless urinal (click here to check out all they have to share about their practices). Besides that, they offer quick and affordable "fast" food, for both breakfast and lunch, vegans, veggies and meat eaters.

I know that there are some I've missed, but I think your covered for awhile on where to get fast, healthy, delicious food. Bon Appetit!!

Cabin Spotlight: Enjoy the view at Alpine Valley View near Asheville, NC

Located in the southern Appalachian uplands, Alpine Valley View is a beautiful cabin with picturesque views. The five acres of rolling hills offers peace and serenity for your getaway, and the two bedroom cabin offers a wonderful space to share with the family. You will be surrounded with the warmth of wood in every room, and if you are still chilly you can cozy up to the fireplace while watching a movie on the flat screen television. Jump into the car and head into Asheville for a day in town- only 25 minutes away. Or, strap on your boots and go in the opposite direction for some hiking and relaxing in Hot Springs. Whatever you prefer, Alpine Valley View will be a wonderful home away from home, giving you a comfortable and beautiful mountain retreat.

The Big Crafty in Asheville, NC on July 11

Yayyyyy! Here it is again: The Big Crafty!! Twice a year for the last couple years, artists and crafty folk take over Pack Place and offer their wares to the public. It is an incredible gathering of great arts and crafts, and if you haven't been and find your self in Asheville, you must go!! There is no better way to get a glimpse of the Asheville arts scene than to enjoy perusing the festivities.

Property Spotlight: Escape to the Great Escape in Asheville, NC

Grab your friends and family and escape to the Great Escape here in Asheville, NC! Sleeping 12, you can have a large gathering here, but with five bedrooms you still have enough room to relax and enjoy some alone time. The open floor plan of the home lets you flow freely between rooms and among a group without feeling enclosed or crowded. Close to Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway, you can get out and about around this beautiful area, or view the beauty from the home! The Great Escape offers amazing mountain views and wildlife sightings from within the house, or step out onto the large deck and enjoy the views from the private swimming pool! If you are planning a trip to the Asheville area, look no further for a place to stay than the Great Escape!

Shindig on the Green in Asheville, NC

"Along about sundown" on most Saturdays in July and August, locals get together for Shindig on the Green. Each of the gatherings host stage shows and jam sessions, have plenty of room for listeners and watchers, offer food and treats, and pretty much just throw a great party right in downtown Asheville. Celebrating and sharing Appalachian music, dance, and storytelling, 2010 is the 44th year for Shindig, and it is finally moving back to where it started- this year Shindig will return to what is now Pack Square Park (the old City County Plaza). This is a great time for the whole family, and if you are interested in Appalachian culture, you can submerge yourself in it!
The dates for Shindig on the Green are:

July 10, 17,31
August 14, 21, 28
September 4

Highland Games at Grandfather Mtn near Asheville, NC July 8-11

This year marks the 55th year of the Highland Games and Gathering O' Scottish Clans at Grandfather Mountain near Asheville, NC. Featuring events like sheepherding, a mountain footrace, the Grizzly Bike Race, wrestling, Celtic music and dance, the weekend is a good look into Scottish heritage and fun. If you are of Scottish decent, this festival cannot be missed! You must bring the kids and find your clan!!

Carolina Mountain Ribfest July 9-11

Put your bibs on and come on in!! For the fourth year, the Carolina Mountain Ribfest will be held at the WNC Agricultural Fairgrounds July 9 through July 11. Barbecue chefs nationwide gather here to share their delicious barbecue treats, as well as tasty side dishes and desserts. Besides lots of fabulous food, you will also find music, carnival rides, an arts and crafts show, and more! Grab the family and bibs for each of you and head on over to the Ag Center for a tasty good time!