Moulin Rouge Gala on February 12, 2011 in Asheville, NC

Ah, it's Moulin Rouge again, during the month of Looooove! The 2nd Annual Moulin Rouge has an interesting, worldy feel with the River Guerguerian Project and a bellydance performance by Lisa Zahiya. Other local guests add topping to an already delicious (and romantic) evening. This is a wonderful idea for Valentine's Day in Asheville, NC. Carolina Mornings offers very beautiful and romantic getaways all times of the year.

10 Reasons Why Carolina Mornings is the Top Pick for Your NC Getaway!

1. We are a small office within Asheville, NC- a group of locals that love our town!

2. We offer over 90 properties for you to choose from; we can fill most any need.

3. We offer PET FRIENDLY rentals, so bring your furry friend!

4. We offer properties without a rooftop in site- total seclusion.

5. We offer properties within town limits, if you would prefer to be closer to an event.

6. We offer properties that are near other properties we manage, in case you need two or three different houses.

7. We offer properties for the romantic getaway, or properties complete with game rooms for the whole family.

8. We offer budget-friendly properties, or properties more upscale to suit your vacation.

9. We offer a FREE MOUNTAIN DISCOVERY PASS, giving one free ticker per night's stay to different events around the area.

10. We offer fully-equipped properties; just bring your food and personals and relax!

Music to End Mountaintop Removal in Asheville, NC

Appalachian Voices and Restoring Eden are throwing a party to end mountaintop removal this Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 7pm. The benefit concert is to be held at Pisgah Brewing Company, a local brewery with delicious organic beer. Asheville Loves Mountains (scroll down to see Asheville) hosts a list of performances, good beer and a wonderful chance to support the beauty of our area by contributing to the important issue of ending mountaintop removal.

Brundibar children's opera at Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville, NC

Bring the family and show our Asheville students support on January 29, 2011 at Diana Wortham Theatre for a performance of Brundibar. Performers were chosen through open auditions of local students for the cast of this children's opera, a story of the triumph of good over evil through the story of children overcoming a bully. The production is a celebration of the fifth anniversary of the Asheville Lyric Opera's Education Opera Project, and in addition to the full opera production there will also be poetry readings, the Asheville Ballet and string chamber performances by Krasa.

Last Minute Fun: Pilobolus Dance Theatre in Asheville, NC

Pilobolus Dance Theatre is at Diana Wortham Theatre for two nights only, tonight Friday, January 21, 2011 and tomorrow January 22, 2011. This nature-inspired "concert of contemporary dance" is a blend of expressing the possibilities of movement within the human body and the biological forces of nature. As it was explained in the Mountain Express, "...think acrobatic-yoga meets contemporary dance and contortionism;" I haven't had the experience to see the Theatre yet, but I can only imagine that it is one show not to be missed!

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival January 20-23, 2011

Now in it's 9th year, the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival is an event not to be missed. The self-titled "performing arts extravaganza" shares performance art of all sorts and has shows to appeal to any preference. This is the first year that the mission has been formed into words:

The Asheville Fringe Arts Festival provides artists with opportunities to explore the edges of their work, collaborate across genres and bring new and innovative performances to culturally adventurous audiences.

Check out the schedule here and some of the artists here, and then come out and see what Asheville performance art has to offer!

Last minute winter SNOW SPECIAL in Asheville, NC

So we have all heard about the copious amounts of snow falling in this region, and if you have never experience snow in the mountains... now is the time! Even if you have had this delightful experience, Asheville is a wonderful place to relax in the mountains while snow glistens around you. Carolina Mornings is making this idea more irresistible: for the rest of the month of January, STAY TWO NIGHTS AND GET THE THIRD NIGHT FREE!!! This offer is valid on most properties for all new reservations, so give us a call right now! Can't make it in January?? Check out our other specials running through the winter. Our mountain cabins are warmed and ready, fireplace roaring and hot tub bubbling!!

String Trio Time for Three in Asheville, NC on January 15, 2011

Asheville is known for seeing some good music, and this is no exception. This three piece string band covers many genres, from jazz to gypsy to classical to bluegrass. Plus, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium always proves to be a good show house.

Time for Three String Trio is playing at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on January 15, 2011 at 7:30pm.

Wee Naturalists at the NC Arboretum in Asheville

The North Carolina Arboretum is a great place for the whole family as well as a wonderful experience of Asheville's outdoors. Even better, the Arboretum offers programs for the youngest naturalists: the Wee Naturalist program is focused on ages 2 to 5, an age group that is often left out of arranged kids programs. The program is ongoing through the seasons (winter season classes are posted) and the next two are within January. The cost is a reasonable $6/ class, with adult admission and younger sibling admission free. Who knows, they'll probably teach both you and your wee one new stuff!

January 18, 2011: Lizards and Snakes

January 25, 2011: Terrific Turtles

Biltmore Estate discounts, from Carolina Mornings

Ah, the winter months here in North Carolina... the mountains have been covered with a fine layer of white, crisp, clean snow. It is a beautiful time of year in the Smokies, and Asheville has many great things to do when the temperatures get cold.

I believe the winter months are the best time to visit the Biltmore Estate, and I shall share with you why (shhh! This is a little secret of mine!). The land of Biltmore expresses winter divinely, as Biltmore has about 8000 acres. Each "genre," so to speak, of WNC nature is represented: rolling hills, forest, mountain, artfully decorated lawn area. To see the land bare of plant, void of leaf, enlivens the appreciation of wintertime internal months.

And then, the house itself has wonderful perks: it gets HOT in the summer inside! And, it isn't nearly as busy in the winter, which makes the individual experience all the better. It has a way cozier feel, because we are focused on our inside selves as well.

And then, the tickets are waaayyy cheaper in the winter months! Biltmore offers discounts, mainly if you order the tickets a bit in advance. We have tickets here at Carolina Mornings that can be added to any reservation for $37, good for 2 consecutive days!! And, youth tickets are FREE!! This is a great deal compared to the in-season prices of over $50 (Carolina Mornings does offer good deals at all other times too, but winter is best everywhere).

I say, after- holiday getaways are the best, and the prices this time of year cannot be beat! Click to see the property specials we offer this winter, too!

Winter with Carolina Mornings

Now that we've made it through the holidays and all of fun it entails, we can focus inwardly and get cozy within ourselves... or not! Whether you want a relaxing, quiet retreat or an after-holiday family excursion, Carolina Mornings has the property for you. We offer homes-away-from-home for almost any occasion, and what a great time to take advantage of our specials! Enjoy the serenity of the mountains in the quiet peace of winter, or stay closer to town to enjoy what this great town offers indoors. Personally, I love to go hiking this time of year- the colors and bareness help me reflect on seasonal shifts within myself while the brisk air brings clarity and cleansing. We do offer a Mountain Discovery Pass that gives FREE admission to local attractions. I also love to peruse the local art galleries and see the shows around town when the days are gray and cold. This is also a perfect time to enjoy the indoor splendor of the Biltmore Estate, which Carolina Mornings has tickets for $37, and youth get in for FREE through April 1, 2011!! So whatever your need, we are here to help; just give us a call!

Winter happenings 2011 in Asheville, NC

So the holidays are officially over, but there are still plenty of things to do in Asheville! If you are looking to get away from the daily grind, here are a few happenings around the town. Add these to the beauty of the mountains and the amazing outdoor adventures, the great local restaurants we have, the funky shopping experiences, and the relaxing and cozy vacation homes available through Carolina Mornings, and you really have no reason NOT to come to Asheville!

January 8, 2011: Hearts with Haiti Resurrection Dance Theater

January 15, 2011: Culinary Getaway Series at Grove Park Inn

January 18, 2011: Robert Plant & the Band of Joy

January 21 & 22, 2011: Pilobolus

January 23, 2011: Bill Cosby

Saturday, January 29, 2011: Donna the Buffalo