Tips for Vacation Home Seekers!!

The people at Smarter Travel put together a great write-up called "Tips for Securing A Perfect Vacation Rental in 2011." The article discusses the vacation rental industry and what you, the customer, can do to ensure the best vacation ever! Here are some of the tips and secrets they shared about securing a vacation home, mixed in with my own experience in business here at Carolina Mornings.

For first time renters:

-Be sure you understand how the property is managed (either by a management company, or cared for by the homeowner). This will help you understand how you deal with any "issues" that may arise for you during your stay.

-Be sure you understand the rental contract! If there is no contract, be sure you understand how everyone is protected in your exchange (without a written contract, you may end up not having a vacation rental and losing money!!)

-Be sure you understand how the payment is processed and handled.

-Be sure you understand how transfers, refunds and cancellations are handled before you secure your rental!!

-Be ready for pre-departure steps; when dealing with a whole house rather than just one room, there is usually a few things required before you leave to make the job faster for the cleaning crew(like throwing in a load of laundry and stripping the bed).

"The benefits of renting from a company you can trust with your family, your credit card, and your invaluable vacation time can't be understated," says Geoff Ballotti, president of a fellow rental company. It is true- dealing with a company that has BBB credentials and has been in business for years usually will prove a better transaction than dealing with an individual that you are completely unaware of.

For all renters:

-Be sure you know the nightly minimum. No longer do most places require a full week's visit, but most places do have nightly minimums which fluctuate throughout the seasons.

-Be a smart traveler and aware of what you are looking for. If you know that you usually prefer an upper-end vacation, do not secure a rental that is rustic!!

-Know the area you are visiting. If you are coming from the beach, realize that driving in the mountains is much different.

-Be sure you are ready for your destination at the time you have scheduled; many destinations have "seasons" of heavier tourist traffic than others. Educate yourself on where it is you want to go and be ready for the experience.

Being able to affordably rent a whole house rather than just a room is priceless. Above all, take the personal responsibility to educate yourself and ensure that your safety and comfort (no one else has the same comfort level as you!) are cared for. This is your vacation, and you can be sure you have set the mood to have a great one!

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!

Memorial Day weekend in Asheville, NC- it's not too late!!

Why not take this long weekend to rest and relax at a retreat in Asheville, NC?? A great mountain town with plenty to do and see Appalachian- style, Asheville is known for it's arts and crafts, local food, microbrews (Beer City USA!!), and great outdoor activities. What's better, Carolina Mornings offers a Mountain Discovery Pass for local attractions, free with each night of your stay! Tours, rafting, golf, just to name a few!!
We still have some properties available for the weekend, but hurry- they're filling up fast! Here are a couple of options that were open at the time of writing:
Among the Clouds Getaway: Beautiful cabin in Candler, minutes from Asheville, that sleeps eight.
Annie's Hideaway: For the smaller group, Annie's sleeps three and is located in Leicester.
Bear Wallow Retreat: Sits in Fairview at an elevation of 4000 ft (hint: incredible mountain views!); sleeps six.
Sunset Haven: Sleeping six, Sunset Haven sits in Swannanoa near Warren Wilson College.

















Check our website and give us a call for more options available last- minute here in Asheville, a great place for a weekend (or weeklong!) retreat!!

Property Spotlight: Get Away to the Downtown Loft in Asheville, NC

This week's featured property listings are for our city dwellers: all three are getaways right in the town of Asheville. To start, we have Asheville's Downtown Loft, right in the heart of downtown Asheville. This loft is wisely separated into separate sleeping areas for sleeping a total of 6, while keeping the open atmosphere of studio space. You can enjoy cooking meals from your fully- equipped kitchen, or walk right up the street to any number of incredible locally- owned restaurants. Don't forget that Asheville was named Beer City USA in 2009!! We have soooo many great breweries in town, and most of our local restaurants support these breweries, bringing their brew to you while dining wherever your heart desires! Quaint enough for you and your honey, or enough space for the family, Asheville's Downtown Loft shares a great experience. And, it's one of our pet friendly rentals here at Carolina Mornings, so be sure to bring along your furry friend!
Until May 26, if you stay at Asheville's Downtown Loft for 2+ nights, you get your third night for only $75! We are also sharing discounted rates for all of 2010!! We have many specials to share, and with all of our rentals we give FREE TICKETS TO AREA ATTRACTIONS!

Asheville's Arts & Crafts Antique Show and Conference

Every year since 1988, hundreds flock to the Arts and Crafts Antique Show and Conference at The Grove Park Inn. Not only do they love the exhibitors and spokespeople, they love the feeling of GPI, as it is representational of the tradition. In a day and age where most everything is built with the ideas of the least amount of money and the least amount of time, it is a breath of fresh air to surround yourself with artistic beauty and craftsmanship and take a break from all things, well, cheap. The Arts and Crafts Movement is said to have its roots in a search for authentic art for the 19th century. The Industrial Revolution had taken over artisan and craftmanship, and many people were searching for "life" within their homes- within the building and furnishing of the place they held so dear. The conference this year is held next weekend, Feb. 19-21, and of course is a great place for the whole family.
What's more, you can start by enjoying a craftsman- style getaway in a vacation rental from Carolina Mornings. Our homes are beautiful: some cabins, some lofts/ condos, some large homes, some homes that have local and environmentally- friendly materials... contact us to find exactly what you are looking for! We have many winter specials to choose from, and for the time away from the conference, we have great freebies to help you enjoy our mountain community. And, as always, the town of Asheville is a treat not to be missed!!

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate in Asheville, NC

Okay, so I thought I was finished with the Valentine's series, and technically I am. There is a delicious subject I have been wanting to write about for awhile now, and what better time to do it than love-your-honey weekend?? Asheville is chock full of chocolate, delicious in every form available. Imagine yourself relaxing into a heavenly couple's massage, then soaking in a hot tub surrounded by snow-capped mountains, sipping on a wonderful wine, eating a heavenly truffle of milk chocolate and raspberries...mmm...
Here are a few options to check out while you are skipping around town or relaxing in your Carolina Mornings vacation rental (in a pretty little take- home box or container, of course!)

-The Chocolate Fetish: In business since 1986, the Foley family has built a name for itself over the years that can still be heard in the streets of Asheville as tourists hunt it down. Plenty of gift offerings to take to a cozy spot and enjoy.
-The French Broad Chocolate Lounge: So everyone has their own opinion, but the chocolate I have eaten from the Chocolate Lounge is consistently the best thing I have ever eaten (and I am a foodie)!! In 2008, the Rattigans opened this chocolate lover's paradise and they have been going strong ever since. I believe that they produce the best chocolate in the world... not to mention the best brownies I've ever had!! Then there's the fact that they offer local beer, great wine, and a super- cozy space to hang out in. And on top of it all, they use as many local, fair trade, farm direct and organic ingredients as possible, which fits right into my belief system and Asheville style.
-Ultimate Ice Cream's Dark Chocolate Ice Cream: Okay, not quite a box of chocolates, but this local company has done chocolate ice cream up the right way! Not sure how they do it, but it's dark, it's chocolate, it's ice cream... it's delicious!! (They have a storefront on Tunnel Rd. and sell around town, including at The Chocolate Lounge).
-Greenlife Grocery: A great place to pick up tons and tons of chocolate. They sell prepackaged bars from everywhere (all organic and fair trade of course), as well as packages of local truffles and such, locally- made brownies, chocolate ice cream...

This is not the complete list of chocolate availability in Asheville, but it's a start and it's what to get if you are a visitor and want a local's experience! There are also chocolate shops in Black Mountain, Waynesville, Weaverville- it seems the Asheville area is a chocolate lovers paradise! When you stay with us in your mountain getaway, be sure to have some chocolate on hand to share with your honey (and remember that chocolate is a great gift for any time of year or occasion!!)

My Fatal Valentine Mystery Dinner Theatre

Apparently Asheville has had a mystery theatre in town since 1993, the Nightshade Mystery Theatre. This group has been performing all around town at many venues; they do not have a static venue in which they perform. The Renaissance Asheville Hotel has gathered them together for a performance of "My Fatal Valentine," a play about romance writers and the awards they could win (remember it is a mystery theatre...). The showings are Feb. 12, Feb. 13, and Feb. 20, 2010. With your ticket you will receive a delicious three-course dinner and a spot in the fun of dinner theatre; as their website exclaims,
Our zany characters add to the fun as actors create scenes amongst the tables during the meal. After the inevitable crime, each table becomes a detective agency and works together to bring the villain to justice, just in time for coffee and dessert.

Come and visit Asheville, NC and stay in a beautiful mountain retreat with Carolina Mornings (remember, we have great WINTER SPECIALS!). Get yourself dolled up for dinner and the "thee-a-t-eeh," then head back to your cozy cabin and relax in the hot tub, or in front of a roaring fire. Then, take advantage of the FREEBIES that Carolina Mornings offers you with each night of your stay. Sounds like a great long weekend!!

Happy Valentine's Day!! Part I

Well, almost. But if you're good, I mean really good, you have already begun thinking about what you want to do for your special someone. I will give you the best idea: a romantic getaway to Asheville, NC!! There really are very few things that could top this. And with a few additions, you can encompass all of your Valentine's Day treats into an unforgettable weekend!! So we'll start with Part I of our love-your-honey weekend suggestions...
The first thing you have to think about is where to stay in Asheville... well think no more!! Carolina Mornings has so many beautiful, cozy and romantic getaways that your only problem will be choosing which one. Suggestion: try one of our WINTER SPECIALS! Then you can add more to your weekend with the money you save (and this is only my first idea- not to mention the other FREEBIES that Carolina Mornings provides you with!). There are so many properties that have a plethora of amenities and great specials for this slower time of year (man oh man, a snow-capped mountain view is pretty hard to beat!). Carolina Mornings has gone a step beyond as well: check out our packages such as the Romantic Candle Light Dinner Package or A Touch of Love. These can be added to any stay for a nominal fee, and your honey will be soooo impressed that you thought of such things!! Stop at the store to stock the kitchen, close the door, and don't leave until you have to go... spend your time relaxing together, watching the life in the mountains amble along, soaking in the hot tub...
Check back for Part II of our love-your-honey weekend suggestions!

Super Bowl commercial: HomeAway in Asheville, NC!

HomeAway


As vacations go, I am one that can attest to the best ideas for a family when considering lodging: vacation home rentals!! And Carolina Mornings has the best selection of such properties in the Asheville, NC area. Vacation homes are a fast-growing sector of travel, and this can be seen on the upcoming ad arena for Super Bowl XLIV: HomeAway, "the world's most trusted vacation rental website," will be featuring an ad during this coveted commercial spectacular. What is great for us here in Asheville is that Carolina Mornings is a customer of the HomeAway service, with over 50 of our properties being listed on HomeAway!! Check it out! Our collection of cozy and beautiful vacation homes help provide a getaway experience that you will not forget. Most of these homes have spectacular mountain views, hot tubs, and amenities such as state-of-the-art entertainment centers and game rooms. Carolina Mornings also offers a plethora of specials, from WINTER property SPECIALS to PACKAGE DISCOUNTS to FREE GOLF AND SKIING with the Mountain Discovery Pass (or, if you visit in the spring or summer, there are other great specials too)! When seeking to have a full retreat from the everyday, nestle in to a Carolina Mornings home here in western North Carolina!!

A Prairie Home Companion in Asheville, NC

In 1974, Garrison Keillor hosted a live radio program for the first time to an audience of 12 people. At the time a graduate looking to do something fun, Keillor had no idea what he was creating. Now an author of some 11 books and much poetry, Keillor stuck to the program as it grew to heights he wasn't originally expecting. "Today, A Prairie Home Companion is heard by more than 4 million listeners each week on some 590 public radio stations..." according to the website. For the first time ever on Thursday, February 4, A Prairie Home Companion sends signal to select theaters across the US for a special Thursday night showing. One such theater is here in Asheville! The Carolina Asheville will be hosting the live showing of this well-loved program at 8pm, and as always it is fun for the whole family. This is a very rare treat; normally one would have to travel to the show's home in Minnesota, (or a guest location if the show was traveling itself) but this Thursday you get a chance to experience the show on the big screen! Why not make a long weekend out of this special occasion and bring the family to an Asheville getaway? This is the perfect time of year- Carolina Mornings offers many WINTER SPECIALS as well as FREEBIES to round out your weekend vacation. Once you see the show, return to the coziness of your mountain retreat and relax by the fire. Plan the rest of your weekend to rest, or take advantage of this great town, as well as the skiing and golfing that Carolina Mornings provides free tickets to! Load up the family (and yes, you can bring the dog!) and enjoy yourself, here in the mountains of WNC!

Watch the Super Bowl XLIV in Asheville, NC!!

Here's a great idea: why not get together with your Super Bowl buddies and take a Super Bowl vacation??! Visit Asheville, NC and make the trip a long weekend; there are so many things to see and do, and then you can relax in a property of your choice for Super Bowl XLIV! Each rental is a complete home, with a refrigerator (for beer), an oven (to keep you wings warm after take-out), at least one bathroom (guys, beer, the Super Bowl, need I say more??), and many places to crash out after a long night of whooping and hollering... how can it get any better than this?? Many of the properties have state-of-the-art Saints vs. Colts viewing technology, and some even have half-time game rooms!! Oh yeah! AND, the fact that Carolina Mornings has awesome WINTER SPECIALS that cut you a deal on a Super Bowl getaway!! Split it with the dudes and run away for the weekend- how many times do you have a reason to do this??
Then there are the FREEBIES offered by Carolina Mornings, to help with your pre and post- game adventures: this time of year with the Mountain Discovery Pass you get one free ticket for each night's stay to Wolf Ridge Ski Resort and Reem's Creek Golf Club!! Then there are the sights and events of Asheville, a hoppin' town with many a beer to drink (we were voted Beer City USA, if you didn't hear...) Get your group together and enjoy a much-needed, and well- deserved, man weekend, and enjoy the pleasures of a home-away-from-home, complete with all you need!

Dinner Theatre in Asheville, NC

Apparently Asheville has had a mystery theatre in town since 1993, the Nightshade Mystery Theatre. This group has been performing all around town at many venues; they do not have a static venue in which they perform. The Renaissance Asheville Hotel has gathered them together for a performance of "Curtains at the Speakeasy," a play about the end of Prohibition and the party of a crime boss' daughter. The performance actually started this past weekend, but will offer another showing on Saturday, January 30. This is the first play in a series at the Renaissance, and I will be letting you know as time goes on what else the Theatre will be offering. With your ticket you will receive a delicious three-course dinner and a spot in the fun of dinner theatre; as their website exclaims,
Our zany characters add to the fun as actors create scenes amongst the tables during the meal. After the inevitable crime, each table becomes a detective agency and works together to bring the villain to justice, just in time for coffee and dessert.

Come and visit Asheville, NC and stay in a beautiful mountain retreat with Carolina Mornings (remember, we have great WINTER SPECIALS!). Get yourself dolled up for dinner and the "thee-a-t-eeh," then head back to your cozy cabin and relax in the hot tub, or in front of a roaring fire. Then, take advantage of the FREEBIES that Carolina Mornings offers you with each night of your stay. Sounds like a great long weekend!!

Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, together, in Asheville, NC!!

Known as two of the world's most talented fiddle players, Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy will be playing at the Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville, NC for the first time together. Both musicians have played in Asheville before but never together, although they are married. This is a great show that would be fun for the whole family: some great fiddlin', singin' and dancin', music that gets you movin' in your seat!!
What's even more fun is that Leahy comes from a whole family of musicians from Canada, known simply as "Leahy." There are eight of them, all contributing so much to each performance, all contributing to their success as a family of musicians. They offer a music camp for people of all ages and have made a huge name for themselves as being awesome musicians- those you would want to learn from.
Natalie MacMaster is also from Canada, also an artist that you want to learn from (she does do guest instructing at some music camps). She has her own band, but it seems that whenever her and her husband can get together to go wild with their fiddles they will.
This show sounds like a blast, and you have 2 nights to choose from (or, go to both!)! They are coming to Asheville on February 1 and 2, 2010, a Monday and Tuesday, so check out the winter specials at Carolina Mornings, load up the family in the car and come experience to fun of fiddlin', and of Asheville! Remember that you also get some great freebies with Carolina Mornings, so you are bound to have an exciting time!

Donna the Buffalo in Asheville, NC

Here is one fun show, great for the whole family (if you get a chance to see them at a venue that isn't 18+)! Donna the Buffalo, as the website states, plays "...eclectic and often socially conscious music [that] has it's base in traditional mountain music and is infused with elements of Cajun/ zydeco, rock, folk, reggae, and country," and will be sharing such music with fans in Asheville, NC on Thursday, Jan. 28 at 9:00pm at The Orange Peel. If you are not part of "the herd," (what apparent fans of DTB call themselves) you may soon be! Their music is upbeat, fun, shake-your-booty kind of music- the kind of music we all should be listening to these days!!
If you are looking for a great deal of fun in a great town, well here it is. And, if you are looking for a great place to stay (why not a long weekend??) check out our winter specials at Carolina Mornings. Enjoy a dinner in your well-equipped kitchen (or enjoy one of the many awesome restaurants in Asheville!), release some stress at a great show, then follow- up with a weekend full of RE-LAX-ATION!! Soak in the hot tub, load up the fireplace, read a good book... Don't forget that Carolina Mornings offers a couple of winter fun freebies with our Mountain Discovery Pass; here is your whole weekend planned out for you!!

The Downtown Market in Asheville, NC

Today is another day for exploring the indoor spaces of Asheville, NC, so I thought I'd share one of my favorite new places: The Downtown Market, located in the heart of downtown Asheville on S. French Broad St. (click on the link where you can also watch their commercial). Calling themselves a "bazaar community," the Market is an eclectic blend of food and wares- whether they be re-sale items or crafts made by the vendors. Two major businesses are also within the market- Amazing Savings discount grocer, and, my favorite coffee shop in town, hifi coffee cafe (website coming soon). The market had their ribbon- cutting ceremony on January 8th, 2010, so the business is relatively new and on it's way to exploding. Open Friday thru Sunday from 10am-5pm (*NOTE: hifi coffee cafe is open 7 days a week, at 7am!*), you can start your adventure with a cup of delicious warmth, whatever your preferred drink may be. hifi serves farm-direct, fair trade organic coffee (as close to local as you can get with a cuppa joe!); many options of espresso/ coffee drinks; and other delicious, non-coffee drinks for those of us who enjoy a good cup of chai or homemade hot chocolate, not to mention some yummy treats to go with your liquid warmth. Sit back and relax, listening to the live music playing there every weekend-Asheville is known for it's local musicians (The Downtown Market keeps an updated list of who is playing). then, peruse the vendors of the market; new ones are joining in the fun every week! I have been visiting the Market almost every weekend, and these are the wares I have seen: antique items, handmade jewelry, herbal remedies and bodycare, organic baby clothing, books, toys, etc. etc. And, now that we are in the winter months, farmer's from the closed-for-the-season outdoor markets are heading indoors, making it a great place to pick up local food products as well as discount groceries from Amazing Savings.
Winter is a great time to visit Asheville and take advantage of Carolina Morning's winter specials
(don't forget about the Mountain Discovery Pass freebies you get with your stay as well!!!). Choose a beautiful mountain retreat, explore the great town of Asheville, then cozy up by the fireplace (or better yet, the hot tub!) in your home away from home. You will not regret the break you know you need!!

Part IV: Tour the infamous Lake Lure from Dirty Dancing!

So for the wintertime, Carolina Mornings offers tickets to two local area attractions for each night's stay: a free lift ticket per night's stay, and a free round of golf per night's stay. The Mountain Discovery Pass changes seasonally, and now is a great time to start planning for the spring...
One of the journeys that Carolina Morning's Mountain Discovery Pass takes you on for FREE is a tour of Lake Lure. You may have been wondering for so many years just exactly where that beautiful scenery was on the well-known film Dirty Dancing... it's Lake Lure!! National Geographic called Lake Lure "one of the most beautiful man made lakes in the world," and when you take this tour you can see why! Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Lure offers beauty and fun! Upon warm weather, there is the use of a beach, a water park, a marina (complete with paddle boat/ kayak rentals) a couple of restaurants, a spa,and of course, the Inn made famous by Dirty Dancing. Come springtime, the trees and flowers will be in bloom surrounding the Lake, making the mountain scenery come alive! I have yet to visit Lake Lure, but upon writing this blog I see that it is a must for me and the family! I believe that it is a must for you and yours as well! Start planning your Asheville getaway today and let Carolina Mornings help provide a beautiful vacation rental with a few extra perks!!

Staying in (or getting out!) for the cold in Asheville, NC: Part I

Now that the holidays are over, we all need a vacation, I'm sure!! One where we can sit and relax by a fire, cook a meal with the family, and get out only when we want to, only to do fun things. My suggestion is to bring yourself, and your family, to Asheville, NC and hole up in a mountain vacation rental!! You decide when you want to relax in your beautiful home away from home and when you want to take advantage of what the Asheville area has to offer.
Staying with Carolina Mornings is a great way to live this life you are dreaming of, if only for a week or so. Rejuvenate in the beautiful and quaint cabin of your choice for as long as you need, and then enjoy some great WNC wintertime events for FREE!! This is perfect for the after-the-holidays crunch that all of our wallets are feeling...
For every night of your stay in an Asheville vacation rental, you get complimentary tickets to two different area attractions for the winter, and they change seasonally!! How can you beat that?? And then there's the fun in town to make time for...
Stay tuned: in the next few writings, I will uncover the freebie fun and venues. So start bouncing the idea back and forth in your head: when are you going to run away for the much deserved start-the-new-decade-off-right vaca??

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

So here we are into the last week of 2009... what do you still have on your list to do?? If a trip is in order (either on your list, or a trip to get away from your list!), why not ring in 2010 while staying in one of our Asheville, NC vacation cabins?? What a fun and cozy place to be!!
If you are one that prefers to stay in, I say cuddle up next to a warm fire with the dog at your feet, the family playing games, and a big meal of black-eyed peas and collard greens!! Staying with Carolina Mornings gives space for all of this and more: pet- friendly rentals, fully equipped kitchens, game rooms, fire places, mountains, hiking... Or if you want to get out, you'll have this cozy space awaiting you after the ball drops!
Here is the first list of the haps for around the town, if you are one who likes to get out and practice some dance moves (maybe after taking a lesson mentioned in the last blog??).

-As mentioned in an earlier blog, you could ring in the New Year with some super-fun swing dancing!! You can either join the dance camp, or just show up at The Crowne Plaza on Dec. 31 for a night of Big Band Swing.
-The Diamond Ball is a black tie event held this year at Doubletree Hotel, and you could support a local non-profit while enjoying the party!
-Party at The Orange Peel with Toubab Krewe and boogie the night away with this local favorite. The New Year's shows at the Orange Peel have always come complete with a complimentary glass of champagne when the ball drops.
-Bluegrass fans join together at possibly my favorite venue in town, The Grey Eagle, for a night with Larry Keel and Natural Bridge. This evening sounds like a high-energy, low-key event in a cozy space.

Check back in a day or two for other events going on as we wind up 2009...

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!

It's SNOW in Asheville, NC! Where's the sled??

Today we woke up to SNOW!!! It started as a slushy mix but has moved into beautiful big, white snow flakes, the kind that blankets the ground and beckons you to run and play in it. Schools are closed, roads are coated, the town is quite (well, as quiet as can be for this time of year!). What is one of the best things to do in the snow?? Why, SLEDDING, of course!! If you come and stay with Carolina Mornings in one of our Asheville vacation cabins and get to experience the beauty of this snow, here are some suggestions of where to play...
-When deciding on which of Carolina Morning's properties you would like to visit, maybe think of the possibility of snow and which would be ideal for sledding. Eagle's View, Eagle's Perch, Bear Wallow and McGuffey's Ridge are a few options that have hills (not for the faint of heart! You have to climb back up after the fun ride down!) If these properties aren't what you are looking for, give us a call and we can suggest another!
-When you are visiting in-town and have loaded up the sled for a side-ride in your day, check out the hill at Montford Park (located near the end of Montford Ave.) Nice and easy for the whole family.
-If you want to fit sledding in with another event (remember a change of clothes!), bring the kid's to visit the WNC Nature Center and check out the hills around there. There is a neighborhood right near, so pay attention to where those-in-the-know are headed!
-My last suggestion would be to head to Grove Park Inn for the Gingerbread exhibit (mentioned in an earlier blog) and check out the park at the bottom of the hill (Macon Ave.) This is also a great hill for the whole family.