Oh the weather outside...

is DELIGHTFUL! April is known for showers, of course specifically to bring May flowers, and these past few days were a call for May to begin. All of the rain did bring out the buds, and this weekend will bring out the blossoms: we have a weekend forecast in the 70s and 80s. Mmmm... that will be followed by rain next week (April showers...), bringing more... May flowers!! Nothing is better than to relax in the Smoky Mountains during spring rain, vibrant, fog rolling through.

Come join us! Carolina Mornings has some great specials on WNC vacation rental cabins that help you say hello to Spring!

To market, to market in Asheville 2011

Spring is wonderful for so many reasons, one being the opening of all of our Farmer's Markets!! Each county houses their own, and Asheville has a good many in and of itself. Find local produce, baked goods, crafts, music, plants... all that we love in a tailgate market!

I've listed a few of the markets right around town, and here you can find all of the markets in our area.

Asheville City Market: in the heart of downtown Asheville, Saturdays

North Asheville Tailgate Market: on the UNCA campus, Saturdays

Greenlife Market: in the Greenlife/Whole Foods parking lot, Sundays

Co-op Market: next to the French Broad Food Co-op, Wednesdays

West Asheville Market: in West Asheville, Tuesdays

Weaverville, NC Art Safari May 7-8, 2011

In it's 10th year, the Weaverville Art Safari is a FREE event taking place May 7 & 8, 2011. The safari is a tour of artist studios in the Weaverville area, and this year is the biggest yet- there will be 46 artists available to share their work with the public throughout the weekend! Also, on Friday, May 6, there is a 10th anniversary preview party that is not to be missed! Enjoy the expedition!!

Carolina Mornings' Mountain Discovery Pass= FREE FUN!

Each time you reserve with Carolina Mornings you get FREE TICKETS to area attractions. Yep, you read correctly: we give you free tickets for your vacation getaway!!

The Carolina Mornings' Mountain Discovery Pass offers our guests one free ticket per night of stay (excluding date of departure) to the following great attractions:

Reems Creek Golf Club: Unwind with a relaxing round of golf at Reems Creek Golf Club, who’s fairways and greens were sculpted by Hawtree & Sons, a British firm that truly knows what Scottish golf is all about. Nestled in a lovely valley with the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains all around, Reems Creek Golf Club is a place that will linger in your mind. One tee time may be made each day—no more than 48 hours in advance. Proper golf attire is required. No personal coolers or beverages are allowed.Reservations are required. Available April thru October.

Ghost Hunters of Asheville: Ready for one of the best ghost tours you’ve ever taken? Choose from three haunted tours: The Downtown Interactive Tour, Haunted Montford Stroll, and the Ghost in the Graveyard Adventures. Asheville's only tour offering free access to ghost-hunting equipment on all tours and guarantee paranormal photographs. Our guides are experienced, engaging, and on the hunt for the supernatural. Come join us on our next tour! Guests receive one complimentary adult ticket per day.Reservations are required. Available Year Round.

French Broad Rafting: French Broad Rafting Expeditions is the closest whitewater rafting outfitter to Asheville, North Carolina (NC) USA. For a thrilling whitewater rafting experience on Western North Carolina’s most scenic and free flowing river, the French Broad River is one of the oldest and most playful whitewater rivers in Western North Carolina. Guests receive one complimentary adult fare for a 5 mile trip per day. Reservations are required. Available May 28th through October 31st.

Wolf Ridge Ski Resort (FREE lift ticket): When you ski or snowboard at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort you'll enjoy unmatched views, crisp mountain air, well-groomed slopes and new places to explore at Western North Carolina's top-rated ski slope. The top rated Snow Sports School provides lessons for beginners to intermediate in skiing, telemark skiing, and snowboarding. Wolf Ridge's instructors are trained to give you the highest quality instruction with your safety as a priority. There is something for everyone from beginner to expert at this family-oriented resort now with an expanded 82 acres of ski terrain. Available December through February.

WNC Herb Festival April 29- May 1, 2011

This year marks the 22nd Annual Asheville Herb Festival, and there will be over 55 herb businesses available for you. If you are an amateur herbalist or you hold a wealth of knowledge yourself, the Herb Festival is a great place to join other herbalists for purchasing, sharing, and exploring. According to the website, "Western North Carolina is a southeastern mecca for high-quality, often organically grown herbs, vegetables, and other produce. Conservation easements help farmers preserve existing farms and establish new ones, and many farms are dedicated to organic agriculture practices such as producing heirloom vegetables and range-fed livestock. Among the area’s many growers of herbs and other traditional plants, the Asheville Herb Festival has become an annual opportunity for old and new friends to show off their latest plants and products and share their knowledge."

Junior League of Asheville Spring Market April 29-May 1, 2011

As they claim, the Asheville Spring Market is a showcase of all things spring! The Market takes place April 29-May 1, 2011- come down to the WNC Ag Center for the Marketplace, three days of shopping focused on our wonderful local vendors and crafters (see a list of vendors here). Other events include a BBQ, Beer & Bluegrass Bash, EveryBuggy Brunch with a focus on the kids, and a race day; check out the schedule of events. This is the third year that the Junior League of Asheville has held the event, and the proceeds benefit the Asheville community; come on out and help support our folks!

French Broad River Festival 4.29-5.1

Now in it's 14th year, the French Broad River Festival is a favorite of the area. Taking place in Hot Springs, NC the weekend of April 29-May 1, 2011. Boasting such wonderful activities such a a river clean-up, a kid's village, a bike race and a raft race, there is more to this festival than just music. The music line-up is great also, so it's a win-win situation!! And if you aren't much of a camper, no worries- Carolina Mornings has many a cozy home rental in the area! Check out our site or give us a call: 877.770.9055.

Awesome new discounts and packages for CM guests!!!

Carolina Mornings is offering three new getaways that are AWESOME!!!

Zip and Zoom!

Take advantage of our wildest and most exhilarating package yet. Fly above the canopies of Asheville's beautiful mountains with Navitat Canopy Tours, a Zen-like but adrenaline-packed Zip Line experience you'll never forget. Bask in the breathtaking views of layering Blue Ridge Mountains as you zoom up to 35 mph from tree to tree, rain or shine. Add to this adventure a ride on LaZoom, Asheville's most iconic (and purple!) comedy tour bus. Quirky fun, entertaining guides and outlandish humor are the stars of these afternoon and evening tours. It's Asheville like you've never seen it before, a historical and hysterical tour even the locals love.

Eat, Drink and be Merry!

Get ready to eat AND laugh your way through Asheville one bite at a time with this all new package, the best way to start your vacation. These tours will give you the tools you need to navigate around town and find the tastiest cuisine Asheville has to offer. Enjoy Asheville Food Tours, a two and a half hour guided walking tour through the city's gastronomic hot spots in Asheville's historic Downtown or Biltmore Village. Discover the best restaurants in the area and taste a wide variety of delicious food, exotic local beers and wines, artisan breads, meats, cheeses, hand crafted chocolates and more - a mouthwatering experience of culinary majesty that is the pride and joy of the city. Plus, you can pick your favorite restaurants to enjoy after the tour with exclusive discounts. Add to this a ride onLaZoom, Asheville's most iconic (and purple!) comedy tour bus.

Sandy Bottoms Trail Rides The most authentic mountain excursion is only possible when horses are involved. Try something classic and exciting this vacation, and connect with nature in the purest of ways. With our all new partners in service, horseback riding is a year-round event. One of 60 Belgian horses will take you on an exciting escapade through secluded mountain trails where no evidence of humanity stains the pristine natural land. Or if you prefer, ride in a covered wagon or buggy for a grand pioneering adventure. A good old down-to-earth vibe keeps this family-owned establishment friendly and affordable. Don't be afraid to emulate your favorite cowboy or cowgirl when you stop by.

Special discounts for Carolina Morning guests are available!

Asheville Earth Day Festival April 16, 2011

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!

In Asheville, every day is Earth Day, but we celebrate with the rest of America officially in April (April 22 is the "official" date). Asheville offers a FREE Earth Day Festival every year, complete with awesome music, food, and great local brews. The event takes place on April 16, 2011, and the line-up this year features some great acts: Secret Agent 23 Skidoo (fun for the whole family); Toubab Krewe (a well-known favorite, local to Asheville); the Lee Boys (well known sacred steel ensemble), and more! This year marks the first year that the Earth Day festival will partner with The YMCA's Healthy Kid's Day, a day focused on improving the health of children throughout our nation. This makes yet another reason to load up the wagon, bring the family and boogie on down to Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville. See you there!

Family Spotlight: Runaway Circus & the Loose Caboose April 8-10, 2011

People circus' are my favorite, and a local, Asheville people circus tops the list! Runaway Circus & the Loose Caboose puts on a great show, and your family can experience it this weekend at Odyssey School. On April 8 & 9 check out the evening shows at 7pm; April 10 has an afternoon show at 2pm. Be wowed by fantastic feats of human strength and silliness!

Appalachian Trail Founder's Bridge Festival April 8-10, 2011

If you are in the area this weekend, come and celebrate the Appalachian Trail at the Founder's Bridge Festival, held at the Nantahala Outdoor Center just west of Asheville, NC. The festival celebrates the 2,179 mile trail that runs from Maine to Georgia, a large stretch running through North Carolina near Asheville. Celebrate with like-minded lovers of wilderness, hear presentations and live music, partake in the great sales they are offering at the center, even put your love for the AT to work by helping with trail maintenance Saturday morning! The AT is a beloved part of America's past, present and future, and here is a gathering in which to support the caretaking of it.

Why not make this the trip to Asheville you have been thinking of, and stay a bit longer after the celebrations?? Carolina Mornings offers many a vacation rental that are available for less than a week's stay- most only have a two night minimum! Check it out, and enjoy the path that leads you here.

April showers bring May flowers! What to do in Asheville, NC in springtime rain

Last week, it rained here every day. Every. single. day. It spurred me to review, and share, some things to do with the family while it is raining and raining.

-First off, if you are blessed with a warm spring rain, take your kids and get outside! Playing outside in the rain with (or without) your babes can be fun, invigorating and a great way to score some "my parents are cool" points. Go for a hike (keep it safe, of course), play outdoors at your vacation rental from Carolina Mornings, enjoy sightseeing when everyone else is indoors.

-Check out the Colburn Earth Science Museum in Pack Place downtown, or The Health Adventure also located there.

-Check out indoor rock climbing at Climb Max Climbing in downtown Asheville.

-Movies are always the answer in the rain. Maybe try one of our local theatres: the Fine Arts Theatre, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company, or The Carolina Cinema.

-We have so many art galleries throughout the area I can't list them all; do a search and check them out on a rainy day!!

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We say, "Use us! Please!!" (Carolina Mornings offers Concierge Services)

Okay, so you're busy booking your special vacation to Asheville, NC, and your list is overwhelming. Maybe you are coming here to celebrate a special day, or for a romantic getaway, or to get the kid's off of the computer... you will be so happy to get here, and so relaxed, but the process of planning is too much to bear...

Use us!! Carolina Mornings offers Concierge services for everything from event planning to grocery shopping to on-site spa services. We can make reservations for you, set up an in-house chef service, take care of your furry friend while you are away for a day... whatever you need help with, just ask!! We are happy to help. And, don't forget- we are here to help with the reservation process, every step of the way. Know what you want but no time to do the search? Give us a call and we will eliminate what doesn't work for you and provide you with a short list to choose from. Don't worry, we have your budget in mind as well- we have a great offering of property specials (not to mention our Mountain Discovery Pass, offering FREE TICKETS to area attractions for every night of stay!) for every time of the year.

Festival of Flowers at Biltmore Estate April 2- May 15, 2011

It's that time of year again, when the month of April brings the Biltmore Estate's Festival of Flowers. Beginning April 2 and continuing until May 15, 2011, you will first be awed by thousands of tulips, which lead into a display in May of irises, azaleas and peonies. The festival of Flowers at Biltmore is a beautiful display of American landscape design and is only one of the many beautiful things that the 8000 acre estate has to offer. If you have never been to Biltmore Estate, this is a wonderful time to visit!

And, when you make your reservation for an Asheville getaway with Carolina Mornings, take advantage of our discounted Biltmore tickets- $54 each, valid for 2 consecutive days! See the Biltmore House one of the days, and come back the next to peruse the gardens and grounds. 8000 acres is huuuuuge!!!!