Cabin Spotlight: Laurelwood Glen

Come and enjoy the real cabin feel of this modern mountain home. Laurelwood Glen is a property with the best of both worlds: in the seclusion of the woods, but only 15 minutes to Asheville! Laurelwood Glen is a wonderfully cozy all-wood log cabin, complete with log furniture made by the owner! The decor has a comfortable mountain feel, with amenities such as a 52" flat screen television, jacuzzi tub indoors, outdoor hot tub, fireplace, game table... too many things to list! Laurelwood Glen sleeps 10, so gather your family and friends for an unforgettable trip to the Appalachian Mountains!

Cabin Spotlight: Look down from the sky at Eagle's Crest

Eagle's Crest has it all: it sits so high on a mountain that you need 4x4 year round to reach the property, yet it is only 15 minutes from Asheville!! This beautiful newly built log home offers breathtaking views from it's wall of windows, yet leaves nothing to be desired indoors either. The tasteful yet cozy decor is easy to relax in, or you can spend your time surrounded by nature from one of the spacious decks. Sleeping eight, you can bring the whole family (including Fido, as this is one of our pet-friendly rentals) and have plenty of room to breathe. Join Carolina Mornings here in Asheville, NC for a time in the Appalachian Mountains that you won't forget!

Cabin Spotlight: Enjoy the Wildlife at Deer Run

A cozy little cabin in the mountains, Deer Run is perfect for a couple or small family (sleeps four) to relax and unwind. Surrounded by trees with a creek on the property, this is a perfect place to view wildlife (or the nearby farm animals!). If you are looking for a couple of homes near each other for a larger group, Deer Run sits right by Red Barn, providing a wonderful getaway for all! Give us a call here at Carolina Mornings to set up your trip now- this is the perfect time of year to beat the crowd and enjoy winter in the mountains!

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!!

Property Spotlight: Escape to This Eco- Friendly Chalet Near Asheville, NC the Blue Moon Lodge:

If you were ever wanting to visit Asheville and get a total feel of place, Blue Moon Lodge is the place to stay! Asheville is known for its eclectic, arts and crafts, eco- friendly approach to life, and Blue Moon Lodge is a shining example of what this approach is wrapped up into a house. Grab a group of friends and family- the Lodge sleeps 16, with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms- a perfect place for a celebration. The amenities are endless, and the decor is naturalistic yet artsy, beautiful and comfortable. From the organic mattresses to the wood salvaged or felled on site to the use of solar, the Lodge also is a shining example of how to create an incredible place to live while keeping the rest of the living world in mind. The seclusion of 14 acres, and the view from all of the balconies, reminds you constantly that you are visiting the beauty of western NC- come and visit soon!

Property Spotlight: Enjoy the river fun at Trout Rock near Asheville, NC

The East Fork Pigeon River is right outside your front door at Trout Rock in Cruso, NC. Relax to the sounds of nature, grab a pole and make a catch, sit and watch the evening... become one with the outdoors while staying in Trout Rock. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath home sleeps 4, with satellite t.v., a fireplace and a gas grill for those beautiful outdoor evenings. What's best, Trout Rock is one of our pet- friendly rentals, so bring along Fido because we all know your furry friend loves vacationing too!! If you are looking for a home base to explore the western North Carolina area, Trout Rock is an affordable, cozy home- away- from- home to set up camp.

Cabin Spotlight: Enjoy a real Asheville, NC mountain retreat at McGuffey's Ridge!

Ahhh, to relax in the mountains... McGuffey's Ridge has just what you need to feel at home and on vacation at the same time! Enjoy the views offered by this mountain top retreat from 3 decks; roast marshmallows outside on the firepit; or, just snuggle up together and share some chat with the family! Sleeping six, McGuffey's Ridge has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, satellite for the 42 inch flat screen television, and plenty of options close by for sight seeing! Located between the great eclectic town of Asheville and the scenic area of Chimney Rock, McGuffey's Ridge is the perfect spot for those wanting to "see" what western NC has to offer. This is a wonderful retreat for a group- a gathering of family, or old friends. Or, you can always just snuggle up with your sweetie for a romantic getaway...
Whatever you decide for a relaxing vacation in the mountains, McGuffey's Ridge can offer.

Cabin Spotlight: Fox Den

Fox Den is a cozy mountain retreat near Asheville, NC in the Wolf Ridge Ski Community. Comfortably sleeping six, this cabin also welcomes Fido (all of our pet friendly rentals) and has many great places for the whole family to take a hike in the mountains of North Carolina. Fox Den is also fully- equipped for a day indoors: a collection of DVD's, a professional dartboard, a full poker set, many board games, internet access... whatever your trip is destined for, Fox Den has the location and amenities to accomodate! What's best, Fox Den has great summer specials (all of our specials) for the travelers looking to save some money! Get in touch with us today to book a getaway!!

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!

Do you believe in ghosts? In ASHEVILLE?

In the spirit of Halloween, I decided to take a dive into the rich (and spooky) history of paranormal activity in Asheville, NC.
Now, grab a hold of your wits because things get scarier from here.
"The Pink Lady" is one of the most famous ghost stories around Asheville and located at the Grove Park Inn. Supposedly a young woman was pushed from a balcony and fell to her death, and now haunts room 545 at the inn. People to this day report seeing her or the lights turning on and off sporadically. I haven't ever seen her, but I've grown up hearing the story!
George W. Vanderbilt, owner of the Biltmore House is said to be seen at the mansion after his 1914 death from surgery complications. Workers say sometimes they hear laughter from the drain of the pool or footsteps on the second floor. If I were them, I would get out my Western NC map and get out of dodge!
Even better? If you stay at one of our rental homes, you can get one FREE adult admission to a REGULAR Asheville Historic Trolley Tour! After you take a scary tour, you will be sure to want to see the city in the day time!
There is MORE!? Did you know: When you stay at one of our luxurious North Carolina cabin rentals, you can purchase Biltmore tickets through US and get a second day FREE to tour the Estate?! You can try to see George W. Vanderbilt's ghost yourself! AND the tickets are valid for 2 consecutive days! If you don't see him the first day, try, try again! AND you can get a ticket upgrade to the Candle Light evening tour for only $12.

Just LAST YEAR, there was a supposed sighting of a ghost at Asheville High School! Spooky!
There are ghost tours ALL OVER Asheville, willing to take you around and show you where these paranormal spirits were once seen. One of our favorites?
The Asheville Historic Trolley Ghost Tours will give you a spook on your trip around Asheville. Again, more value here with a Carolina Mornings vacation rental: one free admission on Asheville Historic Trolley Tours (all part of of MDP pass). You even get an expert as your guide-- Joshua P. Warren (who has been seen all over TV on the Discovery Channel, Travel Channel, History Channel... and Sci-Fi!) As you sit on the trolley, you will be guided through the stories of the largest mass murder in Asheville history, phantoms of Church Street and the Civil War Battle of Asheville. Just reading about it gives me the chills!

Can you really go white-water rafting in October?

Are you a thrill seeker? Well don't think that adventure has to end just because it is getting a bit nippy outside!!
I was looking for something to do this weekend, and you are as surprised as I am when I found out that you can go rafting comfortably, even when the water is less than balmy! I thought that rafting was only saved for summer and that I had missed my chance to go down river on an exciting trip this year.
White-water rafting is a great opportunity to get in your thrills and chills...and there are so many options around Asheville! French Broad Rafting,  located in Hot Springs, NC. Not only do they offer amazing rafting for all skill levels...
AND don't worry about getting cold... they provide wetsuits, splash jackets, booties AND gloves to keep you thinking about the rapids, gorgeous foliage and wildlife up in the mountains of Asheville (and not how cold you are!)

If you stay at one of our Asheville mountain cabin rentals in/near Asheville, NC, you will get ONE FREE PASS for rafting every day of your stay! All you have to do is make the reservation! Once made you can raft every day of your stay for free!!! Savings of $94 for two days of rafting....or a savings of $47/day!!! What an incredible deal!
French Broad offers rafting 7 days a week through October ( you have one more week! Get on it!) These trips take you down the French Broad River on a course of your choice: a 9-mile trip with Class I-IV rapids (5-6 hours), or a 5-mile trip with Class I-III rapids (2-3 hours). Wet suits and splash gear will be provided... just remember your bathing suit underneath and wear layers to keep warm!
I'm convinced. Why should we waste this beautiful weather indoors? (We are going to have enough bone-chilling cold weather this winter!) Consider staying at one of our Asheville, NC cabins when you go white-water rafting on the French Broad River... and be sure to take advantage of our FREE adventures  than will be sure to give you the thrills you've been craving!

You'd Better Get Over Your Fear of Heights...QUICK!

The Best Way to View Asheville in the Fall? Hot Air Balloons!

Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the crisp, cool air, the comfort of apple cider and the beauty of the changing leaves. I go to great extremes to get good pictures of the colorful wonders falling to the ground. I'll spend agonizing moments trying to get the perfect picture of an orange, crinkly leaf landing softly on the ground.

BUT, I've just discovered a way to get even BETTER pictures: HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES!

Now, if you are looking to see the BEST views of Asheville, NC, consider taking a ride with Asheville Hot Air Balloons. If you are afraid of heights, keep reading. I'm going to try to convince you to get over your fears!

Just think. This once in a lifetime experience allows you to see the majestic views of the changing leaves all across the Blue Ridge Mountains, the town of Asheville from above and even get a glimpse of your mountain cabin from a different angle! You will get pictures that every Facebook friend of yours will ENVY!

What do you need to know about taking the plunge... I mean, FLIGHT: The flight path depends on the wind direction and depending on wind speed, the flight should last up to an hour. A general flight has enough room for 10 passengers.

So, I didn't quite convince you to go on a hot air balloon ride because flying is not quite your cup of tea? Gather your fear (and a picnic) and trek to the top of Mount Mitchell! Although you won't get the same effect of flying over the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will be on top of one!

Mount Mitchell is the HIGHEST POINT east of the Mississippi, reaching 6,684 feet and is about 20 miles north of Asheville, NC. Be sure to bring extra layers because the temperature is usually 10-30 (!) degrees cooler than in Asheville.

You ready to take flight? Take a trip this weekend and stay in some of the best mountain vacation rentals in Asheville. These NC mountain cabin rentals have picture-worthy views-- looks like your camera is going to get a good workout while you are here!

What dot on the Western, NC map would you like to see from a hot air balloon? Let Carolina Mornings know via our Facebook page or Twitter!

[photo credit: Asheville Hot Air Balloons!]

Grossed out by swine flu? Get out of the city and escape to the mountains!

The swine flu is a sickness to be legitimately concerned about, as the World Health Organization is raising the alert level. While there are confirmed cases in New York, Texas, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, Indiana, Kansas and Ohio and expected confirmations of cases in Maine and Illinois, North Carolina is NOT a part of this list at the present time.

Wash your hands and drive to Asheville and the NC mountains to spend some time away from the stress of swine flu. Relax in a downtown loft, mountain chalet, log cabin or beautiful vacation rental. Carolina Mornings is offering fantastic savings during the month of May, including a free $50 gift certificate, several Mother's Day specials, a variety of Owner specials, and our usual packages and Mountain Discovery Pass deals. Combine our offers for unbelievable savings!

Great Savings: Free Dinner on Carolina Mornings

Ok, Nothing is free. However the $50 gift certificate to award wining Zambra Tapas Restaurant is actually free when one books a reservation with Carolina Mornings. Now there are 2 conditions (always some fine print involved, but we will make this very simple): one must book a vacation rental from now until June 1st and this offer cannot be combined with other "specials".
That is it. Very Simple, Value Added Deal that we are offering to all. We want to reach out to our loyal guests new and old and let them know that Asheville's leading vacation rental company is offering a free night out on the town. And, get this: included in our reservations you get our complimentary free North Carolina Mountain Discovery Pass (MDP). This includes more free activities such as whitewater rafting, Asheville Trolly Tour, a round of golf, every day of your stay!!
Again what a Deal! Such Savings! So tell your friends and family to check us out! We really are trying to Simplify!