Foodie Alert! Asheville Small Plate Crawl Features 25 Locally Owned Restaurants

Discover why Asheville has been called one of the 10 Most Surprisingly Vibrant Food Cities in America by Livability.com by taking part in Asheville's Small Plate Crawl. From February 26-28, 2013, chefs at 25 restaurants will be showing off their talent by serving $3 to $8 portions of their best gourmet cuisine. This is a great opportunity to get involved with Asheville's thriving local food movement - all of the restaurants are locally owned and many feature food from local farms.

Here's a step-by-step guide to making the most of Asheville's Small Plate Crawl:

1. Surprise family and friends with the announcement that a vacation is in order, Destination: Asheville, NC!

2. Call Carolina Mornings and speak with a Vacation Planner to reserve an Asheville cabin that will be perfectly suited to your group's needs.

3. Visit Asheville Independent Restaurant's Small Plate Crawl website to print the AIRpass, which you'll need to qualify for post-event prizes.

4. Spend Tuesday, February 26th through Thursday, February 28th participating in the Small Plate Crawl by eating at the following restaurants:

The Bier Garden, Biltmore Estate Bistro (shown at left) & Cedric's Tavern, Bistro 1896, The Blackbird, Chai Pani, Carmel's Kitchen & Bar, Creperie Bouchon, Curate, French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Karen Donatelli Cafe, Laughing Seed, The Lobster Trap, The Market Place, MG Road, Neo Cantina, Plant, Pomodoros (Arden location only), Sazerac, Strada Italiano, Tupelo Honey Cafe (both locations), Vincenzo's, Zambra, Sunny Point Cafe, Posana Cafe.

5. When your group is visiting any of the above establishments, feel free to share a small plate - if anyone in a group purchases a plate, everyone in the group gets their AIRpass validated.

6. Leave your AIRpass at the last restaurant you visit and it will be entered into the AIR raffle. Winners are notified by email.

7. Explore Asheville! The Small Plate Crawl gives participants an ideal reason to visit different parts of Asheville. The majority of the restaurants are located downtown, enough to dedicate an entire day or two to browsing art galleries and shopping the city's many boutique stores between small plates. Other restaurants, such as Sunny Point Cafe (West Asheville), Plant (North Asheville), and Pomodoros (South Asheville) are worth a short drive to get a taste of their fare.

8. Note that three of the participating restaurants are well situated for planning a Biltmore Estate day: Neo Cantina, which is in Biltmore Village, as well as Bistro and Cedric's Tavern, both of which are part of the Biltmore Estate grounds. When making arrangements for your vacation rental cabin with Carolina Mornings, ask your Vacation Planner about adding Biltmore Tickets to your reservation - you can even arrange to have the tickets waiting for you at your cabin when you arrive in Asheville!

9. After filling up on delectable food, retreat to your luxury rental home for some much deserved R&R. What could be a better treat than a long soak in a private hot tub at the end of the day? Then luxuriate in a good night's sleep before making the restaurant rounds again the next day! Staying at one of Carolina Mornings' North Carolina cabin rentals gives you a comfortable space where your whole group can stay under one roof. Make memories by the fireplace, shoot a game of pool, or just kick back and watch a funny movie together. Everyone will be asking if you can make the Small Plate Crawl a family tradition!

Featuring monthly specials, pet-friendly options, and discount vacation packages, Carolina Mornings is the premiere provider of Asheville mountain cabin rentals. Call Carolina Mornings today to reserve your North Carolina cabin rental!

Winery Tours, Woodland Walks & The Conservatory: Romance Awaits at Biltmore Estate this Winter

The Biltmore Estate during the winter season embodies romance at its finest. In addition to the forever fascinating tours of America's largest home, the estate offers a world-class winery and irresistibly lush greenery inside the garden conservatory. Carolina Mornings wants to hook you up with a romantic excursion at Biltmore Estate: surprise your Valentine with a winter getaway!

~ This February, Stay Two Nights and Get Your Third Night Free ~

Sip the Day Away at Antler Hill Winery
Partake in a tasting of Biltmore wine, compliments of the house. Explore the winery on a guided tour. Learn about the history of Biltmore's vineyards and the finer points of winemaking. Whether you prefer crisp whites, robust reds, refreshing rosés, or sparkling refreshment, you'll find your favorite flavor at the Antler Hill Winery. The experience begins with a walk through the historic underground cellars and ends in the Wine Shop, where you can stock up on gourmet goodies, hard-to-find wine accessories, and, of course, all of the Biltmore Wines. A guided visit of the Winery and complimentary wine tasting is included in estate admission.

A Brisk Walk Along Biltmore's Woodland Trails
Leave the modern world behind and take a walk into the wonderland that is Biltmore Estate's 8,000-acre property. The meticulously groomed trails offer perfect settings for romance. Frederick Law Olmsted, considered the father of American landscape architecture, spent years designing Biltmore’s grounds, and his genius is evident around every turn in the way he honored the indigenous beauty of the Blue Ridge forests. A waterfall cascades near a wooden bridge, stone ledges covered in green moss, bamboo and rhododendron hedges that stretch up the hillsides. Emerge from the trail at the Estate Terrace and take in an unbelievable view. Delight the senses with outdoor exploration!

Escape to a Warmer World inside the Conservatory
Filled with thousands of tropical plants, the Biltmore Conservatory is a welcome relief from mid-winter chill. A stroll through the conservatory with your loved one will take you back to a time of opulence and romance. This striking 7,500-square-foot structure was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt and houses an impressive horticultural display of species from around the world. February and March are peak months to catch the orchids in full bloom, plus there's towering palms, bromeliads, bulb flowers, and a cactus room full of prickly oddities. The conservatory's lower level invites you to dream of warmer days with A Gardener’s Place, where garden enthusiasts can stock up for spring with supplies and seeds.

Find Your Own Slice of Heaven in an Asheville Cabin
Through February 28th, Carolina Mornings has an unbeatable deal that will delight your Valentine: book a stay at any Carolina Mornings property and you'll get a third night completely free. Surprise your loved one this Valentine's Day with a private hot tub and a romantic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As the premiere provider of luxury cabins in Asheville, NC, Carolina Mornings has dozens of mountain vacation rentals in a variety of locations, all convenient to the Biltmore Estate. Discount vacation packages are available for guests: Check out our sweet specials and tickets!

~ This February, Stay Two Nights and Get Your Third Night Free ~

Call Carolina Mornings Today to Reserve Your North Carolina Cabin Rental!

Ski the Wolf this Winter in Asheville, NC

NEWS FLASH: Wolf Ridge Ski Resort Is Under New Management!
Carolina Mornings is excited to see what the future holds for the enjoyment of our guests as we move forward with this prosperous partnership!

Cold weather has hit the Blue Ridge Mountains and skiing conditions are perfect right now near Asheville, NC. Experience fresh-blown snow with blue skies above at Scenic Wolf Resort, a mountaintop luxury log cabin community with ski-in and ski-out access and upper lodge dining. Ski the Wolf just 30 miles north of scenic Asheville, NC!

Pristine Slopes at Wolf Ridge
Stay at Scenic Wolf Resort and you'll enjoy 22 ski runs for all levels, five ski lifts, and a Terrain Park. And the kids love tubing! Cabin rentals from Carolina Mornings come with a complimentary Mountain Discovery Pass, providing guests with one free ski lift ticket per day of their stay. Wolf Ridge also offers daily specials, such as Military Discounts and Women's Wednesday. The snow is blowing on the mountain, come hit the slopes!

The Asheville Cabins at Scenic Wolf Resort
Scenic Wolf Resort offers over forty luxurious log cabins lining the 4,300-foot elevation mountain ridge. All of the cabins are managed by Carolina Mornings, a highly-reputable vacation rental company based in nearby Asheville, NC. Guests enjoy awesome private amenities in the comfort of their cabin such as long-range views, hot tubs, gas fireplaces, cable TV, pool tables, and fully-equipped kitchens. Plus, the Mountaintop Grill at the Upper Lodge is open seven days each week for lunch and dinner, serving fresh, delicious meals to warm your bones!

Asheville is a Vacation Destination
The cabins at Scenic Wolf Resort are an easy interstate drive away from Asheville. This scenic mountain town is home to the world-famous Biltmore Estate - and Carolina Mornings sells discount estate tickets for the winter months! Asheville also has dozens of renowned independent restaurants and is known as Beer City USA for its lively population of microbreweries! Plenty of entertainment options are available, including theater, jazz and wine bars, and live music at the local venues. After a day navigating the slopes, Asheville welcomes you!

Make Your Reservations Today
The Vacation Planners at Carolina Mornings are ready to help you plan the winter vacation of a lifetime!

Stay & Save at ANY Carolina Mornings property thru February 28th:

$50 Off when you reserve 2 Nights!
$75 Off when you reserve 3 Nights!

Get 1 FREE Ski Lift Pass to Wolf Ridge Ski Area each night of your stay.

Reserve your Asheville cabin rental today - weekend spots are super popular, so don't delay!

Celebrate Mardi Gras in the Mountains: A Family Friendly Event in Asheville, NC

Banish the mid-winter blahs with Mardi Gras super sparkle and flair! On February 10, 2013, a lavish parade of costumed krewes will wind through the streets of downtown Asheville, NC to celebrate Mardi Gras, mountain-style. This family friendly event will feature entertainers, roller skaters, dancers, floats, and, of course, beads!

French Broads and Odd Fellows
This year's parade, themed "French Broads and Odd Fellows," will be lead by King Matt Intrnet Evanoff and Queen Sheila Ann Thibodeaux. Beginning at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 10th, Asheville Mardi Gras revives the ancient tradition celebrating before entering a time of atonement. The streets of downtown Asheville will be closed for this PG-rated parade. No nudity or public drunkenness are permitted, but political satire, oddball-ness, and populist art is encouraged.

Pre- and Post-Parade Parties
If you're downtown on the Saturday night before Mardi Gras Sunday, keep an eye out for the mobile decorating party. As if you'll be able to miss them! Bands, dancers, and circus performers will be out and about raising a little pre-parade ruckus. On Sunday night after the parade, The Queen’s Ball will rock Pack's Tavern, centrally located in Asheville's Pack Square. Snake Oil Medicine Show will perform their unique brand of live bluegrass-funk, perfect for shaking your frozen bones!

Join in the Revelry
If you feel so inclined to participate in the parade, form a krewe, pick a captain, and show off your stuff! Everyone is invited to get creative - groups such a church gatherings and community organizations are encouraged. Your krewe can put their imagination into overdrive with an art car or a homemade float. Imagine throwing out beads as you pass by the roaring crowds! Register to participate by visiting ashevillemardigras.org.

Support Asheville Arts
The Asheville Mardi Gras parade is presented by the Mystic Mountain Krewe, a non-profit, all-volunteer arts and culture organization that strives to promote community creativity. You can offer your support to the Mystic Mountain Krewe by becoming a member, which has numerous benefits, including free admission to the Cajun Cook-off and the Queen’s Ball, a invitation to the Mid-Summer Mardi Gras Member Picnic, and a handcrafted souvenir Mardi Gras pin. Three zany levels of membership are available - the top is a Golden Coconut!

Experience the Luxury of the Mountains
Keep the party rollin' at a Carolina Mornings cabin rental - dozens of pet-friendly Asheville cabins are available in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains! Spend a few days soaking in the extended views of winter, hit the slopes at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort (with a complimentary ski lift pass for every day of your stay), and enjoy the unique vibes of Asheville.

Contact a Carolina Mornings Vacation Planner today to plan your winter getaway!

Sweet Opportunities in Romantic Asheville this Valentine's Day

Romantic notions are natural to beautiful, peaceful places like Asheville, NC, an ideal destination for a Valentine's Day getaway. It's no wonder that Asheville has been featured as one of the Most Romantic Places in USA/Canada in the About.com Romantic Readers' Choice Awards; unique entertainment, dining, and shopping experiences are plentiful, and outdoor enthusiasts revel in the plethora of nearby activities. Here's a few terrific reasons to make Asheville your romantic destination this February.

Mountain Vistas
Sweep your loved one off their feet: nothing sets the mood like a long range view of the Blue Ridge Mountains at sunset. Show your special someone how much they mean to you by booking a luxury log cabin at Scenic Wolf Resort. Talk about a view! At 4,300 feet, the 40+ log cabins on top of the mountain offer private hot tubs and stone hearths, plus, if February weather turns cold, there's 72-acres of ski runs right outside your door!

Chocolate
You're in for a treat: Asheville is home to a handful of local chocolatiers who are making the delightful yummies your tummy desires. Chocolate Gems is turning homemade gelato into Asheville's obsession, serving new creative flavors everyday. The Chocolate Fetish serves amazing truffles, and the French Broad Chocolate Lounge will keep you coming back - the liquid truffle is positively addictive. Ask a Carolina Mornings Vacation Planner about our Chocolate Gems gift certificates!

Spa Treatment
Loosen up this Valentine's Day with a couple's massage at Relax and Rejuvinate. You'll both enjoy a luxurious Touch of Love Massage with aromatherapy and chocolate-covered strawberries. On request, the on-staff concierge at Carolina Mornings will make the appointment for you, all you have to do is show up and start relaxing!

Waterfalls
Something about the sound of falling water... Explore the thousands of forested acres surrounding Asheville with a tour of local waterfalls! No matter which way you head out, there's a gorgeous scene waiting for your discovery, and most are easy to access even in winter. Check out these cascading wonders: Sliding Rock (Pisgah National Forest), Hooker, Triple and High Falls (DuPont State Forest), Looking Glass Falls (near Brevard), Rainbow Falls (Nantahala National Forest), Linville Falls (just up the Blue Ridge Parkway), Hickory Nut Falls (Chimney Rock Park), and Bridal Veil Falls (Highlands).

Independent Restaurants
One of Asheville's greatest attractions is the seemingly endless supply of amazing restaurants! Asheville has a thriving independent restaurant scene with many establishments focusing on local farm-fresh ingredients, and specialized twists on traditional dishes. Carolina Mornings proudly supports Asheville Independent Restaurants (AIR), which just announced that Asheville has been recognized as a Green Dining Destination!

Local Music and Theater
After your most romantic day spent wining and dining, catch some entertainment! Asheville's annual Bluegrass First Class will be held at the Crowne Plaza Resort beginning on February 15th. And don't miss Dolly Parton on the Flat Rock Theater stage this Valentine's Day! The North Carolina Stage Company will be putting on a Broadway expose called "The Understudy," and Asheville Community Theater will be feeling frisky by performing "Bark!" Also check out the schedules at Diana Wortham Theater and the Cellular One Center, and peruse the local music guide in the Mountain Xpress. Asheville abounds with opportunities to dance the night away!

Asheville Cabins
Carolina Mornings is the premiere provider of luxury cabins in Asheville, NC, specializing in affordable vacation packages. Check out our sweet specials and discount tickets! Stay at one of our North Carolina cabin rentals at Scenic Wolf Resort, or retreat to a luxury cabin like Pie in the Sky; there's a wood stove full of complimentary firewood and a bubbly hot tub on the deck (shown at left). Now that sounds delightful!

Call one of our expert Vacation Planners today to book your Valentine's Day getaway with Carolina Mornings: Experience the Luxury of the Mountains!

Skiing Near Asheville at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort

Ski Season 2013 is off to a promising start with freezing nights and sunny days! Scenic Wolf Resort puts you at the top of the mountain in luxury log cabins with ski-in and ski-out access and upper lodge dining, all within 30 miles of beautiful Asheville, NC. Experience winter from the slopes - Ski Wolf Ridge!

Hit the Slopes at Wolf Ridge
They're blowing snow up at Wolf Ridge and the daily Ski Report reads that there's a 44-inch base depth ready for your adventure! Stay at Scenic Wolf Resort and you'll enjoy 22 ski runs for all levels, five ski lifts, and a Terrain Park. Plus there's tubing for the kids! Each cabin rental from Carolina Mornings comes with a complimentary Mountain Discovery Pass, giving you one free ski lift ticket per day of your stay. Wolf Ridge offers additional daily specials, such as Military Discounts and Women's Wednesday.

Scenic Wolf Resort's Asheville Cabins
Over forty luxurious log cabins line the ridge at Scenic Wolf Resort, which is managed by Carolina Mornings, a vacation rental company based in Asheville, NC. Each cabin, like Hibernation, pictured below, features incredible views, a private hot tub, gas fireplaces, cable TV, game tables, and a fully-equipped kitchen, plus convenient access to the ski lifts. The cabins at Scenic Wolf Resort are just north of Asheville, where you'll find a ton of independent restaurants, breweries, and entertainment options - skiing near Asheville gives you the best of both worlds!

Mountaintop Grill at the Upper Lodge
Doesn't a hot bowl of chili and a Juicy Lucy burger sound delicious? After a day of snowboarding or skiing, dine just steps from your cabin door at the Mountaintop Grill. Nothing completes a winter vacation like fried mushrooms and pulled pork enjoyed with friends and family while taking in a million-dollar mountain view. The grill, which is located in the Upper Lodge adjacent to the Scenic Wolf Resort cabins, is open seven days each week for lunch and dinner.

Make Your Reservations Today
The Vacation Planners at Carolina Mornings are ready to help you plan the winter vacation of a lifetime!

Stay & Save at ANY Carolina Mornings property thru February 28th:

$50 Off when you reserve 2 Nights!
$75 Off when you reserve 3 Nights!

Get 1 FREE Ski Lift Pass to Wolf Ridge Ski Area each night of your stay.

Call today to reserve an Asheville cabin rental - weekend spots are going fast, so don't delay!

Wet Your Whistle at Asheville, NC's Winter Warmer Beer Festival

Shake off the cold weather blues with the 6th Annual Asheville Winter Warmer Beer Festival. With over 30 microbreweries participating, a dozen of them Western North Carolina locals, your cup (a keeper souvenir) will overflow with plentiful libation. The event, which includes unlimited beer samples and catered snacks from 3 until 7 p.m., takes place on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Asheville's US Cellular Center.

Winter Warmer Local Line-up
Beer City USA does not disappoint when it comes to frothy flavor. All of your local favorites will be serving at the Winter Warmer festival, including Asheville Brewing Company, Pisgah Brewing, Highland Brewing, French Broad Brewing, Lexington Avenue Brewery, Thirsty Monk, and Oysterhouse Brewing. A few Asheville newcomers will also be in attendance, including Altamont Brewing and Wicked Weed Brewing, which just this past week celebrated their grand opening downtown.
Visiting from surrounding WNC towns are Southern Appalachian Brewing, Tipping Point Brewing, Frog Level, Oskar Blues, and Catawba Valley Brewing. Plus, Mountain Ale and Lager Tasters (MALT) Homebrew Club will be on hand to answer all of your home brewing questions. Asheville is also eagerly anticipating the opening of two new big time breweries in 2014, Sierra Nevada and New Belgium, both of which will be in attendance at the festival to give you a sample of what's to come.

The More the Merrier
Winter Warmer Beer Festival 2013's special guest breweries are Cigar City Brewing from Tampa, Florida, and Founders Brewing Company from Grand Rapids, Michigan, the town with which Asheville shares the Beer City USA title. Additional out-of-towners that fare from in-state include Olde Hickory Brewery, Foothills Brewing, Triangle Brewing Company, Duck Rabbit Brewery, Lonerider Brewing, Birdsong Brewing, Aviator Brewing, and Natty Greene's. Microbrews visiting from Georgia are Terrapin Brewery and SweetWater Brewing Company, serving from South Carolina roots will be Thomas Creek Brewery, Holy City Brewing, and RJ Rockers, and over the hills from Tennessee comes Yazoo Brewing. Finally, 7venth Sun Brewing hails from Florida.

Beer Enthusiasm Will Ensue
This year's Winter Warmer Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever before. The event is moving up a floor from past events to occupy the arena level of the former Asheville Civic Center. In addition to room for more vendors, there will also be more tickets available and increased space for mingling and drinking! This year's partner non-profit is the Western North Carolina Alliance (WNCA), an organization that supports the local environmental grassroots movement. Get your tickets soon - past years have all sold out quickly.

A Sweet Spot to Rest and Relax
Once you've decided which beers are your favorites, you'll want to grab a couple growlers and head to your North Carolina cabin rental. Carolina Mornings offers dozens of luxury cabins in Asheville, NC, many of them pet-friendly and offering panoramic mountain views. Warn up by the fire at a secluded wooded retreat like El Oso, shown here. As an added bonus, Carolina Mornings' guests receive a complimentary Mountain Discovery Pass, giving you free access to snow skiing, LaZoom city bus tours, and much more.

Call a Carolina Mornings Vacation Planner today to book your winter getaway!

Stretch Your Legs with A Handful of Winter Hikes Near Asheville, NC

Have the holidays got you feeling antsy? Bundle up and wear your wool socks for a jaunt through the snowy woods. Winter hikes have numerous advantages over summer hikes: the views are wide open, the trails are quiet and uncrowded, and most days the sun is shining. Here's a few trails that will lead you right to winter wonderland.

Waterfalls become works of art in the winter season. Parts of the falls freeze as though they are still flowing and icicles stretch to the water's surface. Looking Glass Falls and Moore Cove Falls are both near Brevard, NC, about an hour south of Asheville.

Looking Glass Falls in Pisgah National Forest
Easy accessibility makes Looking Glass Falls a good outing for the whole family. The 60-foot tall waterfall can be seen from the parking area or explored in depth with a walk down the stairs to the river. Looking Glass Falls is a six miles drive north from Brevard on US 276 (Forest Heritage Scenic Byway).

Moore Cove Falls in Pisgah National Forest
A 1.5 mile roundtrip hike makes for a beautiful wintery walk to Moore Cove Falls. This 50-foot waterfall is known for making fabulous frozen sculptures during cold spells. Just one mile north of Looking Glass Falls on US 276, Moore Cove Falls isn't marked by any road signs, but can be found by keeping an eye out for a small parking area just before a stone bridge. A wooden pedestrian bridge takes you to the trail; follow the yellow blazes to the waterfall.

If you're a Carolina Mornings guest who's staying at Scenic Wolf Resort, both Sams Gap and Roan Mountain are nearby Appalachian Trail hikes that will reward you with spectacular views.

Sams Gap, near Mars Hill, NC
A moderate two-mile hike south on the Appalachian Trail from Sam's Gap to High Rock offers a great mountain view. For a little more leg stretching and a 360 degree view, head north 6.5 miles on the AT to Big Bald Mountain at a 5,516-foot elevation.

Directions: From Asheville, head west on I-26 to Exit 3 and take a left on Highway 23A. If you're staying at Scenic Wolf Resort, go back to Highway 23A and drive north. Three miles north of the I-26 exit, and just before an I-26 overpass, there's a parking area on the left side of the road. To hike south to High Rock, walk under the overpass to the trailhead on the left side of the road; signs mark the trail. To hike north to Big Bald Mountain, cross the road from the parking area and you'll see a gate at the AT trail entrance.

Carver's Gap at Roan Mountain
Roan Mountain is frequently blanketed by snow in the winter, even when the cityscape is clear. An easy climb up the Appalachian Trail from the Carver's Gap parking area (open year-round) to Round Bald reveals gorgeous long range views of white, snow-capped mountains. Venture a little further to pass over Jane Bald and Grassy Ridge. It's a bit of a drive to reach Roan Mountain (about an hour and a half north of Asheville), but well worth the journey.

Directions: Take I-26 West toward Tennessee, exit for Highway 173/107 and stay on 173 to TN 37S/US 19E. Turn right on Tennessee State Road 143, following the signs for Roan Mountain State Park and proceed up the mountain to the Carver's Gap parking area. Cross the road to the AT and you're on your way.

Carolina Mornings, the Asheville area's premiere provider of luxury mountain cabins, would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our loyal readers. We invite you to experience a winter getaway in a North Carolina cabin rental.

Ski season is here and they're blowing snow up at Scenic Wolf Resort - get a free lift pass for every day of your stay with our complimentary Mountain Discovery Pass. Call a Carolina Mornings Vacation Planner today to book your Asheville cabin!

An Authentic Countryside Setting

For a vacation experience unlike any other, the luxurious accommodations of The Barn House at Horseshoe Farm will delight everyone in your party! Occupying the upper level of a high-end equestrian facility, the Barn House stretches from a great room at one end, past four spacious bedrooms, to a grand master suite with a private kitchenette at the other end. Take in gorgeous views of the horse farm, pond, and Blue Ridge Mountains beyond from the great room balcony. In the evening, cozy up by the massive stone fireplace before retiring to one of six king size beds.

Conveniently situated only seven miles from downtown Hendersonville, Horseshoe Farm provides guests with an easy drive to fine dining, art galleries, shopping, and entertainment. Nearby Lake Lure and Chimney Rock offer the opportunity to discover nature and relaxation in gorgeous Hickory Nut Gorge. Plus, Horseshoe Farm is pet-friendly! This Asheville vacation rental is located in Hendersonville and is approximately 30 minutes driving distance to downtown Asheville.

If your group requires more space, there are four additional properties available at Horseshoe Farm: Apple Cottage, Cowboy Cottage, Grannie's Cottage, and The Carolina. Expand your invitation list and rent two or more properties together.






Horseshoe Farm is the perfect location for events and large groups. Event facilities are available for rent on the premises, including a game room, dining center, and dance floor. Please call Carolina Mornings for more details.

The Five Most Romantic Ways to Celebrate New Year's in Asheville, North Carolina

Ring in the new year by planning a day that will delight your loved one! Here's a few ideas that will reignite the magic of love and set sparks flying:

1. Downtown Celebrations
Asheville comes alive on New Year's Eve! From The Orange Peel at one end of town to The Grey Eagle in the River Arts District, taking your loved one out on the town for the night promises to be a bundle of fun! Share a romantic dinner at one of Asheville's fabulous independent restaurants, many of which will be serving late night meals, then twirl your partner round with live music and champagne cheers!

2. Dance the Night Away
Celebrating in support of the pooches is a cause to applaud! The New Years Eve Masquerade Furball is a fundraiser for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, a no-kill shelter for homeless animals. The gala ball, featuring an open bar and silent auction, takes place downtown on Broadway Street and runs well past midnight. Puppy love is sure to follow!

3. Log Cabin Love

What could possibly be more romantic than a night spent together by the fireplace in a cozy log cabin? How about adding a gourmet home-cooked meal prepared in one of the fully equipped kitchens at a Carolina Mornings cabin in Asheville, NC. Snuggle up and cherish the last night of 2012 together, count the stars, then slip into slumber in the peaceful silence of the mountain countryside. Greet 2013 with a tremendous Blue Ridge Mountain view at Scenic Wolf Resort ~ the Mountain Majesty cabin (pictured here) even has a luxurious Master Suite with a Jacuzzi tub!

4. Unwind with a Massage
Set a relaxing tone for the new year by sharing the pleasure of massage with your loved one. A Touch of Love Couple's Massage at Relax and Rejuvinate of Asheville is the perfect way to show your partner how much you care about their wellbeing. Add chocolate-covered strawberries to enhance the sensational experience. The on-staff concierge at Carolina Mornings will gladly make reservations for you to accompany your stay at a luxury mountain vacation cabin.

5. Get Away to Brevard for a Brouhaha
Spend the last day of the year hiking together through Brevard's beautiful DuPont State Forest, the now famous site of the Hunger Games film, then wash away your worries at the Grand Opening of the Oskar Blues microbrewery with their New Year's Eve Hootenany. Or, skip the waterfalls and ride the party trolley from Asheville to Brevard - it returns downtown after midnight. Live mountain music and special release beers will make this a night to remember!

The Carolina Mornings Team wishes you and yours a Happy New Year! Thanks to all of our guests and friends for making our 15th Anniversary Year a huge success!

Call a Carolina Mornings' Vacation Planner to book your North Carolina cabin rental ~ availability for New Year's is going fast, Call Today!

Top Ten Festive Things to Do in Asheville this December

Discover the best of Asheville, North Carolina, this holiday season with a little help from your friends at Carolina Mornings. Here's a few helpful hints that will help you and yours make the most of time spent in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains.

1. Shop Local 'Til You Drop
Whether it's antiques, art, technology, or fashion that jingles your bells, Asheville, North Carolina, is home to hundreds of independent stores eager to help you find the perfect gifts. Take a stroll through downtown, inside the Grove Arcade (which is beautifully decorated for the holidays!), down West Asheville's Haywood Street, or through the River Arts District to get your dose of the warm and cozy local spirit.

2. LaZoom Special Holiday Tour
The big purple LaZoom bus is a moving Asheville landmark, cruising through downtown with full loads of laughing participants. The LaZoom crew will certainly help you get your holiday jollies on! Carolina Mornings wants to give you a hand in getting on the bus: the Mountain Discovery Pass, which comes complimentary with any vacation rental, includes one free LaZoom ticket per day of stay.

3. Look at All the Pretty Lights!
This holiday season, millions of tiny lights will be twinkling all around Asheville! To delight your eyes with visions of Christmas, take a drive through Montford, a walk around Biltmore Village, or a visit to Lake Julian Park's Festival of Lights.

4. Support Local Theater
Nothing like a little theater action, and maybe some mistletoe, to get you in the mood. The Ballet Conservatory of Asheville is putting on The Nutcracker, Asheville Community Theater performs The Santaland Diaries, and the Montford Park Players presents the classic A Christmas Carol. Pick up a copy of the Mountain Xpress for showtimes and ticket info.

5. Christmas at the Biltmore Estate
Witness the splendor of a Victorian Christmas at the Biltmore Estate. Enjoy a Candlelight Evening Tour where grandiose rooms come together with a cozy fire and passageways are lit by flickering candlelight. This is a family-friendly splendor not to be missed! Discount Biltmore Estate tickets and special deals such as the Romantic Biltmore Package are available through Carolina Mornings. Our on-staff concierge will even book your Candlelight Evening Tour reservations for you!

6. Buy Handmade Arts and Crafts
Say "I Love You" to that special someone with a handcrafted gift made by an Asheville artisan. You'll find plenty of arts and crafts to choose from at any one of the local holiday craft fairs taking place in Asheville this December. Check out the popular Holiday Bazaar at UNC-A, the Black Mountain Center for the Arts Holiday Market, or the Grow Down Home Market, all taking place right up until Christmas.

7. Discover Your Home Away from Home
After you load up the family and make your way to the Blue Ridge Mountains for the holidays, you'll need a comfortable spot to call home. Carolina Mornings, the area's premiere provider of vacation rental cabins in Asheville, NC, welcomes you to your very own mountain retreat. Call one of our professional Vacation Planners today to book your getaway in one of our luxury Asheville cabins - check out the huge selection offered by Carolina Mornings!

8. Sit Back, Relax, and Take in the Mountain Skyline
You work hard all year: now is your time to take it easy! What could be more relaxing than soaking in the sunshine while you gaze out at the rolling skyline surrounding Asheville. Claim a rocking chair on the deck of one of the cabins at Scenic Wolf Resort. The view from 4,300 feet is truly tremendous! Carolina Mornings also offers dozens of mountain vacation rentals all around the Asheville area, as well as numerous convenient, in-town locations.

9. Spend Quality Time with Your Family
During the hectic hustle and bustle, we sometimes overlook the most important part of holiday time: making memories with the ones you love. A Carolina Mornings mountain cabin provides you with many conveniences that will make your vacation a breeze, including a fully equipped kitchen, private amenities, fireside hearths, and plenty of space under one roof for everyone to gather together. Even the family dog is welcome: Carolina Mornings offers dozens of pet-friendly vacation cabins!

10. Plan a Spring Ski Trip
Just past the holidays comes another exciting time of year: ski season! Book your cabin now at Scenic Wolf Resort to be sure you get a prime weekend or week-long spot - reservations are pouring in already. The Mountain Discovery Pass, complimentary with any Carolina Mornings' vacation rental, includes one free ski lift ticket per day of your stay. Hit the slopes on Scenic Wolf Resorts' 22 runs covering 72 acres. Call Carolina Mornings today to secure your spring ski plans!

Sweet Treats and Global Rhythms Take Center Stage at the Asheville Chocolate and Arts Festival

Whether you're looking for indulgent holiday gifts or just looking to indulge, the Asheville Chocolate and Arts Festival will satisfy your cravings on December 8th, 2012. Taking place at the US Cellular Center from noon until 7:00 p.m., the event features world music, dance, arts, and pounds upon pounds of chocolate made by over a dozen local chocolatiers.

Chocolate, Chocolate, and So Much More
The cost of admission to the Asheville Chocolate and Arts Festival includes free chocolate samples, plus the opportunity to purchase sweet treats from local chocolatiers. The confectionary line-up includes all of your Asheville favorites, like the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, Raw Shakti, and True Confections Bakery, and a few new industry names too, such as Raw Herbal Chocolates and Silver Moon Chocolates. And, there's plenty of additional ways to get your chocolate fix: World's Best Carrot Cake makes a delightful baked good, Nourish & Flourish will be serving up chocolate chai tea, and Choffy presents a tasty beverage that is brewed from roasted cacao beans.

Celebrate Diversity through Music and Dance

Performers, musicians, and dancers will bring a world of culture to the stage at the Asheville Chocolate and Arts Festival. Featuring a bold range of sound and movement, including Tango, West African dance, bellydancing, Aztec dance, Reggae Afro-beat music, and Native Cherokee dance, the event has a worthy mission of bringing people together to celebrate diversity this holiday season. Kids will love Juan Holladay and the Secret B-Sides, and the whole family can get in the groove with Eternity Hip Hop Dance Troupe with Michael Hayes. Additional performances include Bollywood-style Indian dance by Gayatri, the Tried Stone Gospel Choir, and Middle Eastern Drumming by River Guerguerian. And, if you want the full experience, dance workshops will be offered throughout the day.

Shopping to Support Local Education
The international artisans market at the Asheville Chocolate and Arts Festival will feature plenty of gift buying opportunities, including handmade goods from local artisans, baskets and basket weaving demonstrations by Gullah artisans, Buddhist gifts and books from Urban Dharma, paintings by a Haitian artist from Atlanta, and clothing and accessories from Cooperativa Mujeres Tejedoras, a Guatemalan women’s cooperative. There will also be a live fashion show featuring stylish threads from local designers and independent shops, including Honeypot, Royal Peasantry, The Costume Shoppe, and Vintage Moon. Twenty-five percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Urban Arts Institute and Odyessy School to fund multicultural arts education for Asheville youth.

The Perfect Place to Stay in Asheville
Carolina Mornings, the area's premiere provider of mountain rental cabins in North Carolina, wants to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime. With dozens of luxury cabins in asheville NC to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for you and yours to relax and enjoy the mountain air! (Pictured: a winter wonderland at Bear Wallow.) Many of our asheville cabins are pet-friendly, and locations range from offering in-town convenience to spectacular mountaintop views. Call a Carolina Mornings Vacation Planner today to book your reservation!

An Asheville Holiday Event: Gingerbread Houses at the Grove Park Inn

The Grove Park Inn takes edible art out of the kitchen and to the extreme! Entries to the 20th Annual National Gingerbread House Competition bring plenty of holiday cheer in these sugar-and-spice (and everything nice!) creations. The gingerbread houses will be on display from November 20, 2012 through January 2, 2013, with public viewing open Sundays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. The winning entries will travel to New York City for an appearance on Good Morning America; this is your chance to see the imaginative architectural wonders in person.

Triumphs from Christmas Past
Last year's winner was an Old-Lady-Who-Lived-in-a-Shoe-style Victorian boot with three levels of indoor scenes and a weathervane on top. In 2010, the Grand Prize went to a cast of Christmas characters including Santa Claus, Rudolph, and Frosty. An ornate bird cage, a castle, and a carousel have also taken the Grand Prize spot in years past. What do they all have in common? Except for the base, all entries must be constructed entirely of edible materials.

A Jolly Sleigh-full of Prizes
Contestants from all over the country will bring their culinary gingerbread masterpieces to be judged by a professional panel of experts at The Grove Park Inn this holiday season. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the artistry of the entries, and by how many there are! Categories include Adult, Teen, Youth, Child, and new award of $1,000 will go to the competitor who traveled the farthest distance. Chosen from over 200 entries, the Grand Prize Winner will receive over $7,500 dollars in cash and prizes. All total, The National Gingerbread House Competition awards more than $12,000 in cash and prizes!

The Legendary Grove Park Inn Is an Asheville Landmark
Grove Park Inn has been hosting the The National Gingerbread House Competition for twenty years, and has stood as one of Asheville's treasured historical monuments for a century. The 2013 milestone 100-year anniversary of the resort's opening kicks off this holiday season, evident in the gorgeous decorations that adorn the grand lobby and giant fireplaces. A visit to the Grove Park Inn is a fine way to spend an afternoon during your holiday getaway in Asheville, North Carolina.

A Place to Call Home for the Holidays
This holiday season, Carolina Mornings wants to give you the gift of a home-away-from-home for spending time with your loved ones. The area's premiere provider of luxury mountain cabins, Carolina Mornings offers a delightful array of services that are designed to make your vacation perfect, including personalized concierge service, Christmas tree delivery and decoration, and discount packages for area attractions. Call a Carolina Mornings Vacation Planner today to reserve the mountain cabin of your dreams and make this a holiday that everyone will treasure!

Christmas Cheer at Biltmore Estate: Candlelight Memories and a Carolina Mornings Special

Christmastime at Biltmore Estate delights all the senses during the holiday season.

During the day, explore the expansive Biltmore Estate grounds, featuring gardens, specialty shops, the winery, and tremendous views, all accented by classic holiday decor.

In the evening, America's largest home lights up like a twinkling dream! Reserve your Candlelight Evening Tour, and see the Biltmore Estate come to life in a warm, romantic glow.

Feast your eyes on the 35-foot Christmas tree, glittering with festive ornaments and what looks like it must be a million lights.

Feel the warmth emanating from crackling fireplaces topped by magnificent mantles laden with evergreen and holly.

Hear the joy of holiday music as sounds of the grand organ fill the Banquet Hall.

Delight in the different vibrant color themes of each room, especially the bright reds and greens of the poinsettia-filled Conservatory.

Taste the spirit of Christmas with a fine vintage during a complimentary tour of Biltmore Estate's world-class winery.

Get your jolly on with good ol' Santa Claus, visiting on weekends at Antler Hill Village ~ Ho, ho, ho!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enjoy a all the splendor of Christmastime at Biltmore Estate with Carolina Mornings' November Special!

Two adult Biltmore Estate tickets and two Candlelight Evening upgrades are yours for free with any NEW rental reservation made for a stay during November 2012 (excluding stays that include November 22 - 24). For more details on this extraordinary special, call a Carolina Mornings' Vacation Planner today!

Carolina Mornings is the Asheville area's premiere provider of luxury vacation homes. Offering pet-friendly cabins with private amenities in a wide variety of mountain settings ~ check out these top-notch rental properties!