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!