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!!

Springtime is in the air in Asheville, NC!

So the winter has been any icy and snowy mix, giving us more of this frozen precipitation than the area has seen in a very long time. This is great for many things: snow- capped mountain views; skiing at Wolf Ridge (and Carolina Mornings gives a free lift ticket to the resort in the winter, as well as other freebies, with every night of stay!!); sledding around town; sitting by a fireplace in a cozy mountain retreat; relaxing in a hot tub with snow falling around you; ice climbing; snow hiking... there really is a lot to do in and out of the snow during a wintertime visit to Asheville.
This weekend, however, we are experiencing beautiful blue skies and temperatures warm enough to galavant around in only one layer of clothing!!! This glimpse of spring reminds me how close we are, and how much fun there is to be had in warmer weather! So I have a few ideas to share...
1. Take advantage of our winter specials; most end March 31, and there are some really great deals!
2. Remember that we love your four-legged friends!! Many of our properties are pet- friendly, and the Asheville mountains have soooo many trails for you and your furry companion to play together!
3. Go ahead and plan your springtime getaway and be sure to get the vacation retreat that you want! The sooner you reserve, the more choices you have. And your furry friend would love to play with you in Asheville's springtime outdoors!!
4. There is always soooo much going on in the Asheville area come springtime!! I post on some events, and if you need some fun time sometime soon, look into what goes on here.
5. You can have a getaway and save money!!!! Staying in one of Carolina Mornings' properties provides you with a whole house, which can be shared with others (you can split the cost!!); a fully- equipped kitchen, so you can prepare meals and not spend so much on eating out; a pet- friendly retreat, so you don't have to pay a petsitter; many free and really fun outdoorsy things to do...

Come and enjoy the last of our winter fun and specials, or start planning your trip for the upcoming spring! The last thing you will ever do is regret a visit and stay in Asheville!!

Amazing New Packages For Carolina Mornings' Guests!

2010 will be the year of positive change for travelers staying at Carolina Mornings' vacation rentals. Why you ask? Well let me share some wonderful changes that will be coming down the mountains and settling in our office. 

Updated MDP
Our MDP (Mountain Discovery Pass) is free with every reservation. Each reservation receives passes for all available activities each night of their stay.  We started this awesome and exclusive  value added amenity about about 18 months ago.  Now with feedback from  our guests we needed to offer year round activities. For now, we needed to say good bye to Lake Lure Cruises. On the flip side, we were lucky the stars were aligned and we found Ghost Hunters of Asheville! They offer a myriad of incredible yet revealing tours throughout Asheville with rave reviews! Stay tuned......

New Packages  and Additional Tours -TBA

Ring in the New Year in Asheville, NC!! PART II

Looking for a New Year getaway? Come and stay with us in an Asheville, NC mountain cabin to ring in 2010, and check out the local scene!! We have already covered a few New Year's 2010 happenings, and here are a few more:
-If you have an in, and know the people you should know, then maybe you could get tickets to the sold out show at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium: The Avett Brothers on New Year's Eve!! This is the biggest event happening in Asheville, and if you are a fan and really want to go, surely you can make it happen!
-A local favorite, Woody Wood and Hollywood Red, will be playing at Jack of the Wood, a favorite local pub that serves their signature Green Man Brewing beer (brewed down the street at Dirty Jack's). This pub has a cozy ambiance and great food, so you could make it an evening-into-night affair!
-Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band is also a local fave, and this year they will party at Emerald Lounge on Dec. 30 & Dec. 31, 2009. If you're into doing some booty shakin', this may just be the place for you! You can always check them out on the 30th and hear something else that Asheville has to offer on the 31st... just an option...
-If you are looking for something to do with the family and feel like getting out, check out the Conscious New Year's Eve Party in Black Mountain at Camp Rockmont. Although the gathering seems to be focused indoors, Camp Rockmont is a beautiful place for retreats and music (this is where the bi-annual Lake Eden Arts Festival is held)

So many options for the new decade here in Asheville, so load up the family and head to your home away from home in one of our Asheville vacation cabins (even Fido can stay with you at many of Carolina Mornings' properties!).

Dancin' in the Streets of Asheville, NC

Well, maybe you start the night out dancing in a club or a pub, but you may end up dancing in the streets after all of the fun you had!! You could try to dance your way back to your Asheville vacation rental...
Having said that, here is where to go for whatever dancing may suit your fancy. Pretty much any night of the week is covered, and some of the evenings offer lessons if you feel so inclined.
Mondays at The Grey Eagle: Contra dancing
Tuesdays at Eleven on Grove: Swing dancing and Tango dancing
Wednesdays at Eleven on Grove: Zydeco dancing
Wednesdays at Broadways: 80's night
Thursdays at Warren Wilson College: Contra dancing
Thursdays at Mela Indian Restaurant:Bellydancing
Fridays at Eleven on Grove: Salsa and Mambo dancing

Saturdays and Sundays are dance parties all over town; find some great music (Asheville has plenty to offer!) and try out your moves!! Or, spend a cozy night in at your vacation cabin and practice what you learned at a lesson that week!

Learning to dance in Asheville, NC... New Year's Resolution??

Amongst the many other things that Asheville has to offer is a thriving dance scene. On most any given night, there are great venues for dancing: the town has a couple of different contra dances, an 80's night for rockin' out, salsa dances, ballroom dancing, etc etc. One event that isn't offered throughout the year is the Lindy Focus Swing Dance Camp. This camp is in its eighth year and running, and if you're looking for a new hobby, this sounds awesome!! It is offered from December 27, 2009 until January 1st, 2010, and you can join the whole week or just for a day. What a super fun way to ring in the New Year 2010- dancing the new jig you just had a blast learning!! Not only does the camp focus on the fun of learning (or bettering) swing dance, you can take a class, or get your hair all done up, in vintage hair design. You can also take one of their fashion craft classes. A trip to Asheville and a swing dance camp... sounds like the perfect Goodbye to 2009 (not to mention an incredible gift...)! If you are joining us in Asheville, NC and staying in one of our Asheville vacation cabin rentals, why not take a day (or a couple) and join the fun of swing dance??! You can then go back to your home away from home and cut loose with all of your new moves!

Santa Claus in Asheville, NC??

'Tis the season, and if you are staying in one of our Asheville, NC vacation rentals during this holiday season (hurry- Carolina Mornings has great specials!!) you must get your photo taken with Santa!! This year you can do the traditional and visit Santa at the Asheville Mall anywhere from 10am- 9pm M-Sa or 12-6 on Su, and while you are there be sure to visit the Memorial Trees Garden. If you are feeling non-traditional, or are like me and detest any kind of mall visit, you have other opportunities to have a sit down with Father Christmas. Grove Park Inn offers pictures with Santa on Saturdays from 10am-12pm (only one Saturday left!!), and while you are there you can visit the National Gingerbread Competition I talked of in an earlier blog. Or, head downtown on Saturday morning and visit with Santa in Pritchard Park. Santa visits Pritchard Park from 10am-11am (this is the last Saturday for his visit here as well), and you can head from your photo shot with Santa to do some last-minute shopping where it is best. Whatever you may need to do, you have opportunities, so be sure to find time for pictures with Mr. Claus!!

Where the lights are brightest in Asheville, NC

While staying in one of our Asheville vacation rentals this holiday season, might I suggest some scenic viewing for a festive spirit? Although our mountains are mostly bare during the month of December, our town has many spectacular things to see! One great thing to do on a chilly night is to visit our holiday light displays. Our historic neighborhoods, such as Montford, Biltmore and Kenilworth, offer my favorite displays because you get to see the lights embellishing beautiful and historic homes. You can peruse these neighborhoods free of charge, and find yourself viewing and understanding the charm of this mountain town. As mentioned in a previous blog there is also Biltmore House (you can get 2 free tickets when staying with Carolina Mornings!), where you can both tour the gigantic house and enjoy their display of lights throughout the property. Not far from Biltmore is Lake Julian, known in these parts for their 9th annual display of lights that are bright. You can tour the park for $5 a carload. If you are feeling really festive and want to see more of western NC, you can travel the 2 hours to Christmas Town USA in McAdenville, NC. This is their 54th year of holiday brights, and although I have yet to go, it seems a wonderful display. Besides driving, you are also encouraged to walk through Christmas Town; actually, the only way to enjoy the decorated bridge up close is on foot.
So start off with some eggnog and hot cider back at your holiday getaway, then head off to see displays of the night.

5 reasons to come to Asheville, NC in the winter:Reason #3 The Big Crafty

I love crafts! I love all kinds of crafts, from hand-knitting to felting to jewelry-making to bookworks to artistically-created clothing. I love to craft myself, and I love to see what the creativity and talents are of other artists (after all, we are all artists when we let ourselves be!). And if you are like me, we tend to find ourselves with a list of too many things to make and not enough time to make them all. For this, amongst many other things, I LOVE The Big Crafty, a gathering twice a year of local artists and craftspeople selling their wares. Not much of a secret, but I'll tell you anyway: it is a great place for purchasing holiday gifts!! The final fair of 2009 is held on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 12p-6p at Pack Place in downtown Asheville, NC. There is a raffle (which I won last year:) and, because it is a free event, you can put more money towards beautiful and fun pieces. Don't forget to buy something nice for yourself! Not only is the bounty affordable and the fair free, there is yet another way to save money: the three times I have gone, they also had FREE DELICIOUS BEER! Brewed in Black Mountain (30 minutes from Asheville), Pisgah Brewing Company is my favorite local brew by far, and one of my top three beers of all time. And at The Big Crafty, they are giving it to me!!!! I'd have to say, this event is actually one of my top three favorite events that takes place in western NC.
So come and stay with us at one of our Asheville vacation rentals for a pre-holiday getaway. Enjoy a fun shopping excursion while you are here; besides The Big Crafty, Asheville is known for its shopping.

5 Reasons to come to Asheville in the winter: Reason #2- The NC Arboretum

Asheville, NC hosts a variety of events for the family throughout the year, even when the leaves have gone and the need for a fire in the fireplace creeps in. This is a great time to come and stay with Carolina Mornings at one of our beautifully appointed Asheville vacation rentals and use our fireplace!! We are constantly offering one of a kind specials & amazing savings  for you to get a chance to use our vacation cabins, and Asheville is chock  full of  events geared for families of all shapes and sizes! 
During the months of November and December, the North Carolina Arboretum hosts a showing of Winter Solstice and holiday plants helping us get in the mood for the season. The showcase includes ideas on how these plants are associated with the holidays, and gives you ideas on how to bring the holidays into your home (why not start with your NC vacation rental?). The showing opens on November 14 and runs until January 3, and at the same time the Arboretum has another exhibit on display that really excites me: American Folk Art Houses and Structures. These small houses and structures represent great artistry from the turn of the century- the 20th century- all in miniature. I have so much fun exploring such tiny dwellings as the Gingerbread House exhibits I mentioned last week (see post Nov. 3) and these small but beautifully crafted buildings are on display at the Arboretum! Bring the kids and be sure to set up your Asheville getaway with Carolina Mornings  to enjoy these holiday events.

Candle Light tour @ Biltmore Estate Is Ready To Light UP!

Ok, Halloween is over and on Nov 6, Biltmore Estate, in our fair city of Asheville, NC will be starting the Candle Light Tours. Subtext: Christmas at Biltmore is right around the corner. Crates of poinsettias, lights, and other Christmas-like decorations will be adorned throughout the private estate.  Must reserve your tickets in advance for the evening tour, but you can also just do the day tour and use your ticket for 2 days! This makes your visit far more enjoyable to stretch your touring throughout 2 visits. Wanna stay close by, but don't want to stay at your ubiquitous hotel? Stay at Carolina Mornings'
Biltmore Village Condo situated in the Biltmore Village, directly across from the entrance of the Estate. Very convenient and a lovely condo if I do say so myself. Would love to live there full time....

5 Reasons to Come 2 AVL in the Winter: Reason #1 Gingerbread & Asheville- Where People Win Prizes 4 Playing With Their Food!!

Now that the autumn leaves are off the trees and the air is nippy, one may think that Asheville is no longer a destination for family travel. However, this is far from the truth! Asheville begs to have families with and without children come and play. It is that time of year again- time to cozy up for the cold and prepare yourself for a fun-filled holiday season. Why not bring the whole family including your 4 legged furry member to our pet friendly Asheville, NC vacation rentals and enjoy your holidays in the mountains? Asheville has so much to offer this time of year to enjoy with your family!
Reason #1:
One of my very favorites is the National Gingerbread House Competition and Display held every year at the Grove Park Inn. From Nov. 18, 2009 -Jan. 3, 2010 take a gander at this free public display Mon- Thur any time of the day. This is a national competition, so there are entries from around the US. Grove Park now offers guided tours of the gingerbread exhibit, which amongst other things gives you a little knowledge on the gingerbread artists. I am amazed at what people can do with gingerbread and candy-it is truly phenomenal! If you will be visiting western NC earlier than this, don't worry- there are earlier gingerbread displays! Beginning Nov. 7 and running every Saturday through January 2 (5pm) is the Asheville Legendary Inns Gingerbread Tour. You will enjoy a tour from Gray Line Trolleys to "four of Asheville's historic Legendary Inns," visiting exhibits based on "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." If you aren't going to be visiting Asheville for the holidays but know someone who is, this makes a wonderful gift (why not buy a Carolina Mornings Gift Certificate and give a gift of experience)! So, grab the kids (and the dog), reserve a mountain cabin in Asheville, NC and enjoy the holidays on us! And while your at it, leave the dog curled up in the cabin and show the kids when it's okay to play with their food!

Michael Jackson is alive in Asheville!

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

You read it correctly. Michael Jackson is alive in Asheville, NC. Now before you go and call all the tabloids, maybe you should mosey on over to four spots on the Western NC Map that are playing the film devoted to Michael's last moments, "This is It."

The film documents MJ's rehearsal's during his scheduled concert series "This Is It," with on stage and behind the scenes footage. The film is only set to be out for a two-week run in theaters, so you'd better act quick!

In Asheville, the film is playing at the Biltmore Grande, Carolina Asheville, Cinebarre and Carmike. And, get this... for a total of 24 times A DAY! So if you get bored of looking at all the beautiful colors of the trees (HARDLY), you are a fan of MJ, or you are just interested the film, you should certainly check it out!

Want creative ways to get ready for the film? Why not have a moondance contest across the hardwood floors of one of our Asheville Cabin Rentals? OR create your own sequined glove. OR create your own "Thriller" video by decorating your NC mountain cabin.

So, Carolina Mornings wants to know your opinion of the movie! Let us know via twitter or facebook!

On a chilly night while vacationing in Asheville, NC...

Why not take the kids and see a movie? Here are a few of the theaters in the area and what they are playing at this time. If you are staying at one of our Asheville vacation rentals, this could be the answer to a relaxing evening with the family. And no worries- Carolina Mornings offers many pet-friendly vacation rentals where you can leave Fido in while you are having a night out!

Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company: By far one of my top favorite places to see a movie! For your time visiting Asheville, while with (or if you happen to be without!) the kids, you must check out this brew and view! No matter what you are seeing, the pizza and beer while watching a movie for $3pp is pretty great. There is also a pretty decent games room.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

The Carolina Theater: This theater is new to Asheville, and I have yet to visit, unfortunately. I have heard great things.

Where the Wild Things Are

Toy Story 1 & 2 Double Feature 3D

Cinnebarre: A theater in a shopping center that serves food and drinks.

Where the Wild Things Are

Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15: Also a newer theater, located in a new shopping center.

Where the Wild Things Are

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Toy Story 1 & 2 Double Feature 3D

Check out our Free local paper for showtimes once you get acquainted in one of our Asheville vacation rentals. Or, check out the link to the current schedule:
Mountain Express movie showtimes

Asheville, NC: a shopping paradise, but where do I purchase stuff for the kids??

Image by So Sylvie via Flickr

We all like to bring at least one souvenir home with us when we travel and if you are like me, I love shopping for my children and friends' children. Grandma loves to gather goodies for her clan when she is vacationing as well. While staying in one of our Asheville vacation rentals, visitors are always enamored with the cute boutiques and funky shops that this quaint town has to offer, most of them locally owned. Many people don't know where to buy special gifts and treasures, for the young ones in the family.

While traversing downtown Asheville, NC, check out Earth Guild for those that are artsy and crafty. The Woolworth Walk offers fun, local artwork that your kids can take home and display as souvenirs. A book could be perfect for your child when you want to relax in our vacation cabins. Visit Malaprop's Bookstore, or their used store, Downtown Books and News.

One of my favorites is Nest Organics for natural and beautiful infant-to-small child purchases, featuring quality organic clothing and non-toxic wooden toys. Cosmic Vision is a non-profit storefront carrying gifts from around the world. Or Cornerstone Minerals, where children can pick from a variety of beautiful rocks and crystals. Mast General Store offers a children's section of both clothing and toys, some of which can be quite nostalgic for adults wandering through (beware: there is also a huge candy section that can also be quite nostalgic!). Lastly, there is Enviro Depot, the only store downtown dedicated soley to children's toys. Enjoy the uniqueness of downtown Asheville!

Top 10 FREE Things to do in Asheville THIS WEEKEND

Image by ~libby via Flickr

Just because the economy is down doesn’t mean your weekend should be also!

1. Explore UNC-Asheville or Warren Wilson College! UNC-Asheville, which has more than 3,600 students, is located near the heart of the Asheville community. Explore the changing foliage on campus, the vibrant student life or venture just off-campus to the beautiful botanical gardens. Warren Wilson College is located in the Swannanoa Valley- ten miles east of Asheville. The College has more than 900 students, and the campus features hiking trails throughout.

2. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway! Even if the weatherman is calling for a bit of rain this weekend, the Blue Ridge Parkway will be sure to brighten your day! Take out that Western NC map and drive along the breathtaking views, making sure to stop at the many drive-offs to take perfect pictures! 2010 marks the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway!

3. Parade of Homes: The annual showcase of beautiful Asheville cabins, homes and gardens comes to town Oct. 10-11 and 17-18 noon until 5pm. See the some of the nicest luxury cabins in North Carolina!

4. Art in the Park: For three Saturdays in October, artists from the area and the region come together in Pack Square Park, bringing a buzz of creativity and excitement to the area! Oct. 10 and 17th are the final two Saturdays! You don’t want to miss this!

5. Friday Night Drum Circle- This 8-year tradition of local citizens dancing and playing music is a perfect way to spend a Friday evening. Bring your own percussion instrument or just enjoy the music and buzz.

6. Browse the unique stores and sites in Downtown Asheville: This is the tried-and-true standout for locals and tourists alike. With more than 200 shops, restaurants, galleries, etc., everyone will have a good time from morning to night!

7. Asheville City Market: This producer-only market is located at S. Charlotte St. in the Public Works Building lot. Come every Saturday through Dec. 19 from 8am-1pm for fresh local produce! Save money, support our local economy by cooking at your favorite mountain cabin!

8. The Botanical Gardens at Asheville: These gardens may be the most beautiful in the area. The 10-acre preserve is just off the UNC-Asheville campus and features native plants from the Southern Appalachian area.

9. Asheville Urban Trail: Don’t just limit your idea to hiking as getting away climbing mountains near your cabin in Asheville or sprawling wildlife. Take a different approach on the Asheville Urban Trail! This 1.7 waking tour throughout downtown Asheville provides a glimpse of history and culture during this 30-stop hike.

10. The North Carolina Arboretum: Located on more than 430 acres of natural beauty, the NC Arboretum features cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking/biking trails and indoor and outdoor exhibits for all to enjoy. Get out there in on of those beautiful North Carolina mornings and if you are daring, take the “A Glide Through Nature” Segway Tour!

What are you doing FREE this weekend?

Carolina Mornings wants to know!

Southern Highlands Craft Fair Is Around The Corner

Image by zen via Flickr

62nd Annual Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands
Thursday, October 15th, 2009 - Sunday, October 18th, 2009

And, better than this is Carolina Mornings is giving away free tickets to this awesome event! Yes, the catch is you need to be a guest at one of our mountain vacation rentals. A small price to pay to get to see over 200 local artisans, craft demos and live music at this well known event!
Where else can you see original and local artists and art in one beautiful location! Very good energy abound. For more info on this event check out:
http://www.southernhighlandguild.org/

Ok So Asheville Did Not Make The List, BUT......

FlipKey Announces the Best Vacation Spots to Take the Family This Fall

Ok, I am not surprised Asheville did not make the list of the most Family Friendly Vacation Spot. We do not have the bells and whistles geared for kids. We cannot swim with the dolphins or become one with the mice residents of Disney World, or go to an overpriced doll store where folks pay real money to get the doll's hair styled and buy outfits to match their doll's.

However we do have many kid and family friendly attractions that other towns do not, nor could they replicate, even if they wanted to.
Asheville boasts many cool attractions only to mention a few:
Gorgeous Smoky Mountain ranges to explore
Family white water rafting
The Biltmore Estate
Kid and dog friendly restaurants
Lake Lure boat cruises
Unto These Hills- the outdoor drama that chronicles the history of the Cherokee Indians
AND, this year marks the 75 th Birthday of one of America's greatest achievements: The Blue Ridge Parkway! The 469-mile scenic byway connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

This is only a handful of amazing things to do in Asheville with or without kids. Being in the Hospitality business for the last 13 years, here in Asheville, there is definitely a void in families coming to town in tow with their kids. I am not sure why, but I am hoping others will start noticing the jewels we can share with our fellow youngins. Perhaps FlipKey will take a look at the not so flashy yet family friendly town of Asheville and consider it one of the top contenders for a kid friendly destination.

Southern Living's Best of the South Readers Choice!

Southern Living: Announced their “Best of the South Readers’ Choice Awards” and readers of the magazine recognized these Asheville favorites:

• Best Breakfast or Brunch Restaurant – Moose Café (Placed #9 out of 10)
• Southern Favorite Restaurants – Moose Café (Placed #10 out of 10)
• Best Splurge Restaurants – The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (Placed #3 out of 10)
• Best Scenic View – Grandfather Mountain (Placed #2 out of 10) and Chimney Rock Park (Placed #3 out of 10)
• Best Public Gardens – Biltmore Gardens (Placed #3 out of 10)
• Best Southern City – Asheville (Placed #8 out of 10)
• Best Hotel – The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa (Placed #1 out of 10) and the Inn on Biltmore Estate (Placed #8 out of 10)(January 2009)

Ten Trips On A Tank Of Gas

http://www.forbes.com/2009/08/03/day-trips-driving-lifestyle-travel-road-trips.html

Check this article from Forbes:

Origin: Charlotte, N.C.

Destination: Asheville, N.C.

Located 130 miles from Charlotte in Asheville is the Biltmore House, a 250-room country retreat built between 1888 and 1895 by George Washington Vanderbilt II. Great for a day's visit or weekend getaway, the estate includes a winery, acres of beautiful gardens, and various inns and cottages. Summer evening concerts will be held on the South Terrace until the end of this month.

An alternative getaway is to Chapel Hill, rock capital of the Carolinas, 142 miles from Charlotte.